Handbag shape retainer

Abstract

A shape retainer is provided for use with a bag, the shape retainer having a pillow having a form that provides structural support for maintaining a predetermined shape, and a stuffing that is provided inside the form. The shape retainer further includes an outer casing made of a fabric material, the outer casing having an interior space with pockets to hold a desiccant and sachet, and an opening through which the pillow may be inserted into or removed from the interior space, the outer casing surrounding the pillow. The shape retainer is inserted through an opening of the bag into an interior cavity of the bag, the shape retainer positioned inside the cavity to provide support to the walls of the bag.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An assembly, comprising:
 a bag having a plurality of walls that define an interior cavity, and an opening that provides access to the cavity; and   a shape retainer for use with the bag, comprising:
 a pillow having a form that provides structural support for defining a predetermined shape, and a stuffing that is provided inside the form; and 
 an outer casing made of a fabric material, the outer casing having an interior space, and an opening through which the pillow may be inserted into or removed from the interior space, the outer casing surrounding the pillow; 
   wherein the shape retainer is inserted through the opening of the bag into the cavity, the shape retainer positioned inside the cavity to provide support to the walls of the bag.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further including a zipper that closes the opening of the outer casing. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the outer casing further includes a handle. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the outer casing further includes a label provided on the handle. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the outer casing further includes a label. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the filling is a polyester fiberfill. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the form is made of polyester batting. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the form is constructed of polyester batting which has been cut from the same pattern as the casing, the batting comprising a top piece that defines a front panel and a rear panel, and a lower piece that defines a bottom panel, and two side panels that extend from opposite sides of the bottom panel. 
     
     
         9 . An assembly, comprising:
 a bag having a plurality of walls that define an interior cavity, and an opening that provides access to the cavity; and   a shape retainer for use with the bag, comprising:
 a pillow having a form that provides structural support for defining a predetermined shape, and a polyester stuffing that is provided inside the form, the form made of a polyester batting; and 
 an outer casing made of a fabric material, the outer casing having an interior space which includes interior pockets, and an opening through which the pillow can be inserted into or removed from the interior space, and a zipper that closes the opening of the outer casing, the outer casing surrounding the form, and further including a handle and a label, the shape retainer further including a desiccant and sachet retained inside the interior pockets; 
   wherein the shape retainer is inserted through the opening of the bag into the cavity, the shape retainer positioned inside the cavity to provide support to the walls of the bag.   
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the label is provided on the handle. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the form is constructed of polyester batting which has been cut from the same pattern as the casing, the batting comprising a top piece that defines a front panel and a rear panel, and a lower piece that defines a bottom panel, and two side panels that extend from opposite sides of the bottom panel. 
     
     
         12 . A method of storing a bag, comprising:
 a. providing a bag having a plurality of walls that define an interior cavity, and an opening that provides access to the cavity; and   b. providing a shape retainer for use with the bag, comprising:
 a pillow having a form that provides structural support for maintaining a predetermined shape, and a stuffing that is provided inside the form; and 
 an outer casing made of a fabric material, the outer casing having an interior space, and an opening, the outer casing surrounding the pillow; 
   c. inserting the pillow into the interior space of the outer casing;   d. inserting the shape retainer through the opening of the bag into the cavity; and   e. positioning the shape retainer inside the cavity to provide support to the walls of the bag.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further including the step of providing a desiccant and sachet inside pockets that are formed in the outer casing.