The solar-powered handbag that keeps your phone charged

London, Aug 6 : Besides carrying your make-up kit, pen, notepad and other accessories, the newly invented Power Purse can charge your mobile phone and other electronic gadgets - while you're on the move.

The brainchild of Joe Hynek, a mechanical engineering student, the revolutionary 'it bag' is covered in solar panels.

The clutch uses solar panels to harness the sun's rays, and convert them into electricity.

The power is transmitted to a USB port inside, allowing women to charge their electronic gadgets while on the move.

Hynek designed the bag during a competition at Iowa State University in the US and it has been well received by eco-conscious followers of fashion.

"It begins working every time the user steps outside. People are very excited because it expresses ecological and environmental themes in addition to the function provided of charging your phone and iPod," Telegraph quoted Joe, as saying.

The black rectangular bag is patterned with laminated solar panels made of photovoltaic cells.

Power is channelled to a circuit linked to two batteries concealed in the lining of the bag, and to a USB port.

The bags needs two hours of full sunlight to charge a mobile phone battery, and can power most other small devices including cameras, BlackBerrys and personal organisers.

Hynek, said the Power Purse can also be charged from a sunny windowsill and is resilient to scratches and punctures.

A fully-charged battery can last for up to a month.

The handbag, priced at 150pounds, is due to go on sale online by the end of this year.

ANI