New solar-powered purse lights up dark purses

• Oct. 13, 2005--- A new solar-powered handbag absorbs sunlight by day and then lights up at night to aid in searches for keys or wallets buried in its otherwise dark depths.
• Called the Sun Trap, the bag was invented by London-based Brunel University student Rosanna Kilfedder, who found her inspiration from the way her friends often located items in the dark recesses of their pocketbooks.
• "I noticed people using their cell phone as a torch to find things in their handbags," said Kilfedder.
• Kilfedder constructed a prototype bag by sewing a flexible solar cell into the outside of the bag.
• The cell collects solar energy and stores it in a battery sewn into the base of the bag.
• The battery powers a paper-thin panel that makes up the lining of the bag.
• When activated, the panel glows blue, similar to the illumination that comes from mobile phone screens.
• When the bag is unzipped, the light automatically comes on and stays on for 15 seconds, after which it shuts off to conserve power.
• Because both the solar cell and the light panel can be any size, Kilfedder is able to design bags in a variety of sizes and styles.
• "The product addresses a common problem, especially in a poorly-lit environment.
• It may even have a safety aspect by helping a lone female find her car keys more quickly," said Doug Houliston, manager at Livingston, Scotland-based ED Technology Support Center.
• The Sun Trap recently won a entrepreneurial competition held at Brunel University and Kilfedder is currently applying for patent on her invention.
• According to Kilfedder, a few companies have already expressed interest in the product and she hopes to have it on the market within a year.