Multi-purpose handle encasement accessory

Abstract

The present invention provides a device and method for protecting the handle of a handbag comprising an approximately rectangular piece of fabric having a top face and a bottom, face and a left side and a right side and a closure for joining the left side to the right side. It also provides a device and method for protecting the handle of a handbag comprising an approximately rectangular piece of fabric having a top face and a bottom face wherein said fabric is adapted to be coiled around the handle of the handbag and ends adapted to be tied around the handle of the handbag.

1 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A device for protecting the handle of a handbag comprising:
 an approximately rectangular piece of material with a rectangular midsection and trapezoidal flared ends having a top face and a bottom face and a left side and a right side, said left and right sides opposing each other, and having a top edge at a first flared end, and a bottom edge at a second flared end, said top and bottom edges opposing each other and having a common width, and said midsection is located between said first and second flared ends; and   means for joining the left side to the right side; said means for joining extending along the entire length of said left side and said right side, including the entire length of said flared ends.   
     
     
         29 . A device as claimed in  claim 28  wherein said top face and said bottom face are of different types of material and wherein said top face is made of a softer material than the material of the bottom face. 
     
     
         30 . A device as claimed in  claim 28  wherein:
 said left side having a first portion extending along said first flared end from said bottom edge to said midsection at a first angle to said bottom edge and at a second angle to said midsection, a second portion extending along said midsection, and a third portion extending from said midsection along said second flared end to said top edge at said first angle to said top edge and at said second angle to said midsection, 
 said right side having a first portion extending along said first flared end from said bottom edge to said midsection at said first angle to said bottom edge and at said second angle to said midsection, a second portion extending along said midsection, and a third portion extending from said midsection along said second flared end to said top edge at said first angle to said top edge and at said second angle to said midsection. 
 
     
     
         31 . A device as claimed in  claim 30  wherein:
 said means for joining extends substantially continuously along substantially all of said first, second, and third portions of said left side and said first, second, and third portions of said right side. 
 
     
     
         32 . A device as claimed in  claim 30  wherein:
 said second portion of said left side is approximately parallel to said second portion of said right side. 
 
     
     
         33 . A device as claimed in  claim 30  further comprising a second piece of material near the zipper wherein said second piece of material lies between the means for joining and the handle when the device is closed around the handle of the handbag. 
     
     
         34 . A device for protecting the handle of a handbag comprising:
 an approximately rectangular piece of material with a rectangular midsection and trapezoidal flared ends having a top face and a bottom face and a left side and a right side, said left and right sides opposing each other and having a common width, and having a top edge at a first flared end, and a bottom edge at a second flared end, said top and bottom edges opposing each other, and said midsection is located between said first and second flared ends; and   a closure for joining the left side to the right side; said closure extending along the entire length of said left side and said right side, including the entire length of said flared ends.   
     
     
         35 . A device as claimed in  claim 32  wherein said closure is formed of Velcro. 
     
     
         36 . A device as claimed in  claim 32  wherein said closure is formed of snaps. 
     
     
         37 . A device as claimed in  claim 32  wherein said closure is formed of one or more magnets. 
     
     
         38 . A method for protecting a handle of a handbag comprising the steps of:
 providing an approximately rectangular piece of material with a rectangular midsection and trapezoidal flared ends having a top face and a bottom face and a left side and a right side, said left and right sides opposing each other and having a common width, and having a top edge at a first flared end, and a bottom edge at a second flared end, said top and bottom edges opposing each other, said midsection is located between said first and second flared ends, and having a closure for joining the left side to the right side, said closure extending along the entire length of said left side and said right side, including the entire length of said flared ends;   enclosing the handle with said material piece such that the bottom surface makes contact with the handle and the top surface faces away from the handle; and   connecting said closure to join said left and right sides of said material piece.   
     
     
         39 . A method as claimed in  claim 38  wherein said material piece further comprises a second piece of material near said closure wherein said second piece of material lies between said closure and the handle when the device is closed around the handle of the handbag. 
     
     
         40 . A method as claimed in  claim 38  wherein said closure is a zipper, and said connecting includes zipping said left and right sides together. 
     
     
         41 . A method as claimed in  claim 38  wherein said closure is formed of Velcro, and said connecting includes engaging the Velcro on said left and right sides together. 
     
     
         42 . A method as claimed in  claim 38  wherein said closure is formed of snaps, and said connecting includes snapping said left and right sides together. 
     
     
         43 . A method as claimed in  claim 38  wherein said closure is formed of one or more magnets, and said connecting includes magnetically joining said left and right sides together.