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. "I had seen them struggling."

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.

Additionally, the battery can be used to charge portable electronic devices, including mobile phones.

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.