Protective cover for use with handbags and a method for its use

Abstract

A protective cover for handbags and like objects is provided, which comprises a portable and self-contained storage pouch. The protective cover can be attached to the exterior of a handbag by various mechanisms and can comprise one or more carrying straps. The protective cover can be made from a durable, water resistant and germ resistant material capable of preventing dirt, moisture and harsh chemicals from reaching the handbag. This protective cover can also prevent germ contamination of the handbag or other surfaces by removing it from the handbag and washing it after use.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A protective cover comprising:
 a bag having an inner surface and an outer surface;   the bag having at least one opening capable of accepting a handbag or like item; and   the bag having a connecting mechanism allowing it to be secured to the handbag or like item;   wherein the bag also comprises a storage pouch capable of containing the bag and connecting mechanism.   
     
     
         2 . The protective cover recited in  claim 1 , wherein the bag is comprised of a water resistant or waterproof material. 
     
     
         3 . The protective cover recited in  claim 1 , wherein the bag is comprised of a germ resistant material. 
     
     
         4 . The protective cover recited in  claim 1 , wherein the opening comprises an elastic cinching device. 
     
     
         5 . The protective cover recited in  claim 1 , wherein the opening comprises a drawstring. 
     
     
         6 . The protective cover recited in  claim 1 , wherein the connecting mechanism comprises one or more grommets, wherein the grommet can be connected to the handbag or other object to be protected via a chain, rope or similar connecting device known in the art. 
     
     
         7 . The protective cover recited in  claim 1 , wherein the bag also comprises one or more carrying straps connected to the bag in one or more places. 
     
     
         8 . The protective cover recited in  claim 1 , wherein the storage pouch also comprises a zipper capable of containing the bag and connecting mechanism within the storage pouch. 
     
     
         9 . The protective cover recited in  claim 1 , wherein the storage pouch also comprises a drawstring capable of containing the bag and connecting mechanism within the storage pouch. 
     
     
         10 . The protective cover recited in  claim 1 , wherein the storage pouch is capable of being connected to the handbag or like item to be protected. 
     
     
         11 . The protective cover recited in  claim 1 , wherein the bag also comprises a carrying chain connected to the bag in one or more places. 
     
     
         12 . A method for protecting a handbag or like object, the method comprising the use of a protective cover comprising:
 a bag having an inner surface and an outer surface;   the bag having at least one opening capable of accepting a handbag or like item;   the bag having a connecting mechanism allowing it to be secured to the handbag or like item;   wherein the protective cover is stored within a storage pouch when the protective cover is not in use;   wherein the protective cover can prevent damage to or contamination of the handbag or like object by covering the outer surface of said handbag or like object with the bag, wherein the inner surface of the bag is in contact with the outer surface of the handbag or like object and the bag is attached to the handbag.   
     
     
         13 . The method for protecting a handbag or like object recited in  claim 12 , wherein the protective cover is removed from the handbag and washed after use. 
     
     
         14 . The method for protecting a handbag or like object recited in  claim 12 , wherein the storage pouch is carried within or attached to the handbag when the protective cover is not in use.