U.S. patent application number 13/232524 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-26 for versatile bag having removable art panels.
Invention is credited to Michael Moore.
Application Number | 20120097495 13/232524 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45972021 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120097495 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moore; Michael |
April 26, 2012 |
Versatile Bag Having Removable Art Panels
Abstract
A versatile bag including: a bag, one or more removable and
optionally reversible art panels, and one or more devices for
attaching the one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels to the outside of the bag is provided. A method of
decorating the bag is also provided.
Inventors: |
Moore; Michael; (Bainbridge
Island, WA) |
Family ID: |
45972021 |
Appl. No.: |
13/232524 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61387338 |
Oct 26, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
190/18A ;
112/475.08; 150/105; 190/110; 190/115; 190/119; 190/124; 224/257;
383/110; 383/117; 383/25; 383/40; 383/42; 383/64; 383/68 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/18.A ;
383/110; 190/124; 224/257; 383/117; 150/105; 383/25; 190/115;
383/64; 383/68; 383/42; 383/40; 190/119; 190/110; 112/475.08 |
International
Class: |
A45C 13/08 20060101
A45C013/08; A45C 5/03 20060101 A45C005/03; A45F 3/14 20060101
A45F003/14; B65D 30/04 20060101 B65D030/04; A45C 5/14 20060101
A45C005/14; A45C 3/08 20060101 A45C003/08; B65D 33/06 20060101
B65D033/06; A45C 13/30 20060101 A45C013/30; B65D 33/16 20060101
B65D033/16; B65D 30/22 20060101 B65D030/22; A45C 13/10 20060101
A45C013/10; A45C 13/00 20060101 A45C013/00; A45C 13/12 20060101
A45C013/12; A45C 3/02 20060101 A45C003/02; D05B 97/00 20060101
D05B097/00; D05B 13/00 20060101 D05B013/00; B65D 81/38 20060101
B65D081/38 |
Claims
1. A versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels comprising: a bag having an inside and an
outside; and one or more devices for attaching the one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels to the outside of
the bag, wherein the bag comprises a school organizer binder, a day
pack, an insulated lunch cooler, a brief case, a satchel, a
messenger bag, a duffel bag, a diaper bag, a suitcase, a wheeled
luggage bag, a computer briefcase, a woman's clutch, a sling bag,
or a combination thereof.
2. The versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels of claim 1, further comprising a handle.
3. The versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels of claim 1, wherein the one or more removable
and optionally reversible art panels are each independently
reversible.
4. The versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels of claim 3, wherein each independently
reversible art panel comprises a first side that can be decorated,
a second side that can be decorated, or a combination thereof.
5. The versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels of claim 1, wherein the one or more removable
and optionally reversible art panels each independently comprise a
fabric material that can be decorated by hand, by a machine, or a
combination thereof.
6. The versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels of claim 5, wherein the decorated by hand
comprises drawing, painting, marking, sewing, embroidering,
silk-screen printing, pad printing, or a combination thereof.
7. The versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels of claim 5, wherein the decorated by a
machine comprises sewing, embroidering, silk-screen printing,
halftone printing, letterpress, offset-printing, silk-screen
printing, pad printing, thermal transfer printing, ink jetprinting,
or a combination thereof.
8. The versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels of claim 5, wherein the fabric material
comprises leather, vinyl, acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, nylon,
rayon, spandex, silks, wool, or combinations thereof.
9. The versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels of claim 1, wherein the one or more devices
each independently comprise one or more zippers, one or more snaps,
one or more Velcro fastening members, one or more spring clamps, or
a combination thereof.
10. The versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels of claim 1, wherein the one or more removable
and optionally reversible art panels form a storage compartment
when attached to the versatile bag having one or more removable and
optionally reversible art panels.
11. A versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels comprising: a bag having an inside and an
outside; and one or more devices for attaching the one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels to the outside of
the bag, wherein the one or more devices each independently
comprise one or more zippers, one or more snaps, one or more Velcro
fastening members, one or more spring clamps, or a combination
thereof, wherein the bag comprises a school organizer binder, a day
pack, an insulated lunch cooler, a brief case, a satchel, a
messenger bag, a duffel bag, a diaper bag, a suitcase, a wheeled
luggage bag, a computer briefcase, a woman's clutch, a sling bag,
or a combination thereof, wherein the one or more removable and
optionally reversible art panels are each independently reversible,
wherein the one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels each independently comprise a fabric material that can be
decorated by hand, by a machine, or a combination thereof.
12. The versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels of claim 11, wherein each independently
reversible art panel comprises a first side that can be decorated,
a second side that can be decorated, or a combination thereof.
13. The versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels of claim 11, wherein the fabric material
comprises leather, vinyl, acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, nylon,
rayon, spandex, silks, wool, or combinations thereof.
14. The versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels of claim 11, wherein the decorated by hand
comprises drawing, painting, marking, sewing, embroidering,
silk-screen printing, pad printing, or a combination thereof.
15. The versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels of claim 11, wherein the decorated by a
machine comprises sewing, embroidering, silk-screen printing,
halftone printing, letterpress, offset-printing, silk-screen
printing, pad printing, thermal transfer printing, ink jetprinting,
or a combination thereof.
16. The versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels of claim 11, wherein the one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels form a storage
compartment when attached to the bag.
17. A versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels comprising: a bag having an inside and an
outside; one or more devices for attaching the one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels to the outside of
the bag, wherein the one or more devices each independently
comprise one or more zippers, one or more snaps, one or more Velcro
fastening members, one or more spring clamps, or a combination
thereof, wherein the bag comprises a school organizer binder, a day
pack, an insulated lunch cooler, a brief case, a satchel, a
messenger bag, a duffel bag, a diaper bag, a suitcase, a wheeled
luggage bag, a computer briefcase, a woman's clutch, a sling bag,
or a combination thereof, wherein the one or more removable and
optionally reversible art panels are each independently reversible,
wherein the one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels each independently comprise a fabric material that can be
decorated by hand, by a machine, or a combination thereof, wherein
each independently reversible art panel comprises a first side that
can be decorated, a second side that can be decorated, or a
combination thereof, wherein the decorated by hand comprises
drawing, painting, marking, sewing, embroidering, silk-screen
printing, pad printing, or a combination thereof, wherein the
decorated by a machine comprises sewing, embroidering, silk-screen
printing, halftone printing, letterpress, offset-printing,
silk-screen printing, pad printing, thermal transfer printing, ink
jetprinting, or a combination thereof; and wherein the one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels form a storage
compartment when attached to the bag.
18. The versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels of claim 17, wherein the fabric material
comprises leather, vinyl, acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, nylon,
rayon, spandex, silks, wool, or combinations thereof.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/387,338, filed 26 Oct. 2010, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Bags to be sold in pre-designed styles and colors. Consumers
have been able to choose the style, color, and fashion of the bag,
but have been constrained by the ideas and designs of the
manufacturers.
[0003] What is needed is a bag that can be easily and inexpensively
customized according to consumer's wishes, but can still be mass
produced in large quantities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The versatile bag, as described herein, provides the
consumer with the ability to easily customize their mass-produced
bag by virtue of a removable and optionally reversible art panel.
This art panel may be removed by the consumer and decorated
according to the consumer's desire and relatively inexpensively
replaced as desired by the consumer, to allow the consumer to
refresh the look of their bag, without having to replace the entire
bag, thereby benefitting the consumer with an ability to update a
bag rather than replace a bag. The decorating may be done by the
consumer, by an after-market service, or a combination thereof.
[0005] The consumer may decorate the removable and optionally
reversible art panel by easily removing the art panel and
decorating the panel by hand by drawing, painting, marking, sewing,
embroidering, silk-screen printing, pad printing, or a combination
thereof.
[0006] The consumer may also decorate the panel by using an
after-market service. For, example, the consumer may log onto a
commercial website and select a template specific for their bag.
With that template, the consumer may upload pictures or other
designs, choose from existing designs, commission an artist to make
a custom design, or a combination thereof. The consumer may
decorate the removable and optionally reversible art panel at home
using a machine, such as an ink jet printer, or print out a
pattern. That pattern can be painted, sewn on, or embroidered by
the consumer at home. The consumer may also commission the
after-market service to customize their removable and optionally
reversible art panel using a commercial machine. The commercial
machine may use sewing, embroidering, silk-screen printing,
halftone printing, letterpress printing, offset-printing,
silk-screen printing, pad printing, thermal transfer printing, ink
jetprinting, or a combination thereof to customize the removable
and optionally reversible art panel. The bag can be sold with a
panel or the panel can be bought online through the after-market
service.
[0007] The versatile bag, as described herein, provides retailers
the ability to sell bags that will appeal to a wider consumer
audience of potential customers with a lower amount of inventory.
Currently, retailers have to take the risk on picking and stocking
inventory that they think the consumer will buy. Although this risk
will always be present, the versatile bag, as described herein,
allows the retailer to offer something for everyone.
[0008] The present invention provides a versatile bag having one or
more removable and optionally reversible art panels including: a
bag having an inside and an outside; and one or more devices for
attaching the one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels to the outside of the bag, wherein the bag includes a school
organizer binder, a day pack, an insulated lunch cooler, a brief
case, a satchel, a messenger bag, a duffel bag, a diaper bag, a
suitcase, a wheeled luggage bag, a computer briefcase, a woman's
clutch, a sling bag, or a combination thereof.
[0009] In one embodiment, the versatile bag having one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panel further includes a
handle. In one embodiment, the one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels are each independently reversible. In one
embodiment, each independently reversible art panel includes a
first side that can be decorated, a second side that can be
decorated, or a combination thereof.
[0010] In one embodiment, the one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels each independently include a fabric material
that can be decorated by hand, by a machine, or a combination
thereof. In one embodiment, the decorated by hand includes drawing,
painting, marking, sewing, embroidering, silk-screen printing, pad
printing, or a combination thereof.
[0011] In one embodiment, the decorated by a machine includes
sewing, embroidering, silk-screen printing, halftone printing,
letterpress, offset-printing, silk-screen printing, pad printing,
thermal transfer printing, ink-jet printing, or a combination
thereof.
[0012] In one embodiment, the fabric material includes leather,
vinyl, acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex,
silks, wool, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the one or
more devices each independently include one or more zippers, one or
more snaps, one or more Velcro fastening members, one or more
spring clamps, or a combination thereof.
[0013] In one embodiment, the one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels form a storage compartment when attached to
the versatile bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels.
[0014] The present invention provides a versatile bag having one or
more removable and optionally reversible art panels including; a
bag having an inside and an outside; one or more devices for
attaching the one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels to the outside of the bag, wherein the one or more devices
each independently include one or more zippers, one or more snaps,
one or more Velcro fastening members, one or more spring clamps, or
a combination thereof, wherein the bag includes a school organizer
binder, a day pack, an insulated lunch cooler, a brief case, a
satchel, a messenger bag, a duffel bag, a diaper bag, a suitcase, a
wheeled luggage bag, a computer briefcase, a woman's clutch, a
sling bag, or a combination thereof, wherein the one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels are each
independently reversible, wherein the one or more removable and
optionally reversible art panels each independently include a
fabric material that can be decorated by hand, by a machine, or a
combination thereof.
[0015] The present invention provides a versatile bag having one or
more removable and optionally reversible art panels including: a
bag having an inside and an outside; one or more devices for
attaching the one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels to the outside of the bag, wherein the one or more devices
each independently include one or more zippers, one or more snaps,
one or more Velcro fastening members, one or more spring clamps, or
a combination thereof, wherein the bag includes a school organizer
binder, a day pack, an insulated lunch cooler, a brief case, a
satchel, a messenger bag, a duffel bag, a diaper bag, a suitcase, a
wheeled luggage bag, a computer briefcase, a woman's clutch, a
sling bag, or a combination thereof, wherein the one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels are each
independently reversible, wherein the one or more removable and
optionally reversible art panels each independently include a
fabric material that can be decorated by hand, by a machine, or a
combination thereof, wherein each independently reversible art
panel includes a first side that can be decorated, a second side
that can be decorated, or a combination thereof, wherein the
decorated by hand includes drawing, painting, marking, sewing,
embroidering, silk-screen printing, pad printing, or a combination
thereof, wherein the decorated by a machine includes sewing,
embroidering, silk-screen printing, halftone printing, letterpress,
offset-printing, silk-screen printing, pad printing, thermal
transfer printing, ink jetprinting, or a combination thereof;
wherein the one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels form a storage compartment when attached to the bag.
[0016] The present invention provides a versatile bag having one or
more removable and optionally reversible art panels. The versatile
bag having one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels includes: a bag having an inside and an outside; and one or
more devices for attaching the one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels to the outside of the bag.
[0017] In one embodiment, the versatile bag having one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels further includes a
handle. In one embodiment, the bag includes a school organizer
binder, a day pack, an insulated lunch cooler, a brief case, a
satchel, a messenger bag, a duffel bag, a diaper bag, a suitcase, a
wheeled luggage bag, a computer briefcase, a woman's clutch, a
sling bag, or a combination thereof.
[0018] In another embodiment, the bag includes a school organizer
binder. In yet another embodiment, the bag includes a day pack.
[0019] In one embodiment, the bag includes an insulated lunch
cooler. In another embodiment, the bag includes a brief case. In
yet another embodiment, the bag includes a satchel. In one
embodiment, the bag includes a messenger bag. In yet another
embodiment, the bag includes a duffel bag.
[0020] In one embodiment, the bag includes a diaper bag. In another
embodiment, the bag includes a suitcase. In yet another embodiment,
the one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels are
each independently reversible.
[0021] In one embodiment, each independently reversible art panel
includes a first side that can be decorated, a second side that can
be decorated, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the
one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels each
independently comprise a fabric material that can be decorated by
hand, by a machine, or a combination thereof. In yet another
embodiment, the one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels each independently comprise a fabric material that can be
decorated by hand.
[0022] In one embodiment, the decorated by hand includes drawing,
painting, marking, sewing, embroidering, silk-screen printing, pad
printing, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the one
or more removable and optionally reversible art panels each
independently comprise a fabric material that can be decorated by a
machine. In yet another embodiment, the decorated by a machine
includes sewing, embroidering, silk-screen printing, halftone
printing, letterpress, offset-printing, silk-screen printing, pad
printing, thermal transfer printing, ink-jet printing, or a
combination thereof.
[0023] In one embodiment, the fabric material includes a surface
medium suitable for accepting ink, paint, embroidery, or a
combination thereof. In another embodiment, the fabric material
includes leather, vinyl, acrylic, cotton, Lycra, polyester, nylon,
rayon, spandex, silks, wool, or combinations thereof. In yet
another embodiment, the fabric material includes a woven fabric, a
knitted fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or a combination thereof.
[0024] In one embodiment, the one or more devices each
independently comprise one or more zippers, one or more snaps, one
or more Velcro fastening members, one or more spring clamps, or a
combination thereof. In another embodiment, the one or more devices
each independently comprise one or more zippers. In yet another
embodiment, the one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels form a storage compartment when attached to the bag.
[0025] The present invention provides a method of decorating a bag
having one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels.
The method includes: providing a bag having one or more removable
and optionally reversible art panels including: a bag having an
inside and an outside; and one or more devices for attaching the
one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels to the
outside of the bag, wherein the bag includes a school organizer
binder, a day pack, an insulated lunch cooler, a brief case, a
satchel, a messenger bag, a duffel bag, a diaper bag, a suitcase, a
wheeled luggage bag, a computer briefcase, a woman's clutch, a
sling bag, or a combination thereof; removing the one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels from the bag using
the one or more devices; decorating the one or more removable and
optionally reversible art panels; and releasably attaching the
decorated one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels to the one or more devices on the outside of the bag.
[0026] The present invention provides a portfolio including: a case
having a front section and a rear section that are brought together
to form a closed case; one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels each independently shaped to cover the front
section, the rear section, or the combination thereof; and one or
more devices for attaching the one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels to the front section, the rear section, or
the combination thereof.
[0027] The present invention provides a duffel bag including: a bag
having an inside and an outside; one or more removable and
optionally reversible art panels; and one or more devices for
attaching the one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels to the outside of the bag.
[0028] The present invention provides a school organizer binder
including: a school organizer binder having an inside and an
outside; one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels; and one or more devices for attaching the one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels to the outside of
the school organizer binder.
[0029] The present invention provides an insulated lunch cooler
including: an insulated lunch cooler having an inside and an
outside; one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels; and one or more devices for attaching the one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels to the outside of
the insulated lunch cooler.
[0030] The present invention provides a satchel including: a
satchel having an inside and an outside; one or more removable and
optionally reversible art panels; and one or more devices for
attaching the one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels to the outside of the satchel.
[0031] The present invention provides a daypack including: a
daypack having an inside and an outside; one or more removable and
optionally reversible art panels; and one or more devices for
attaching the one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels to the outside of the daypack.
[0032] The present invention provides a diaper bag including: a
diaper bag having an inside and an outside; one or more removable
and optionally reversible art panels; and one or more devices for
attaching the one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels to the outside of the diaper bag.
[0033] The present invention provides a bike messenger bag
including: a bike messenger bag having an inside and an outside;
one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels; and one
or more devices for attaching the one or more removable and
optionally reversible art panels to the outside of the bike
messenger bag.
[0034] The present invention also provides a wheeled luggage bag
including: a wheeled luggage bag having an inside and an outside;
one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels; and one
or more devices for attaching the one or more removable and
optionally reversible art panels to the outside of the wheeled
luggage bag.
[0035] The present invention also provides a computer briefcase bag
including: a computer briefcase bag having an inside and an
outside; one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels; and one or more devices for attaching the one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels to the outside of
the computer briefcase bag.
[0036] The present invention also provides a woman's clutch bag
including: a woman's clutch bag having an inside and an outside;
one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels; and one
or more devices for attaching the one or more removable and
optionally reversible art panels to the outside of the woman's
clutch bag.
[0037] The present invention also provides a sling bag including: a
sling bag having an inside and an outside; one or more removable
and optionally reversible art panels; and one or more devices for
attaching the one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels to the outside of the sling bag.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] Embodiments of the invention may be best understood by
referring to the following description and accompanying drawings,
which illustrate such embodiments. In the drawings:
[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels.
[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels.
[0044] FIG. 6 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels.
[0045] FIG. 7 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels.
[0046] FIG. 8 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels.
[0047] FIG. 9 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels.
[0048] FIG. 10 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels.
[0049] FIG. 11 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels.
[0050] FIG. 12 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels.
[0051] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary method
of decorating a bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels.
[0052] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Like numbers used
in the figures refer to like components, steps, and the like.
However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to
a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the
component in another figure labeled with the same number.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0053] The versatile bag, as described herein, provides the
consumer with the ability to easily customize their mass-produced
bag by virtue of a removable and optionally reversible art panel.
This Art Panel may be removed by the consumer and decorated
according to the consumer's desire and relatively inexpensively
replaced as desired by the consumer, to allow the consumer to
refresh the look of their bag, without having to replace the entire
bag, thereby benefitting the consumer with an ability to update a
bag rather than replace a bag. The decorating may be done by the
consumer, by an after-market service, or a combination thereof.
[0054] The consumer may decorate the removable and optionally
reversible art panel by easily removing the art panel and
decorating the panel by hand by drawing, painting, marking, sewing,
embroidering, silk-screen printing, pad printing, or a combination
thereof.
[0055] The consumer may also decorate the panel by using an
after-market service. For, example, the consumer may log onto a
commercial website and select a template specific for their bag.
With that template, the consumer may upload pictures or other
designs, choose from existing designs, commission an artist to make
a custom design, or a combination thereof. The consumer may
decorate the removable and optionally reversible art panel at home
using a machine, such as an ink jet printer, or print out a
pattern. That pattern can be painted, sewn on, or embroidered by
the consumer at home. The consumer may also commission the
after-market service to customize their removable and optionally
reversible art panel using a commercial machine. The commercial
machine may use sewing, embroidering, silk-screen printing,
halftone printing, letterpress printing, offset-printing,
silk-screen printing, pad printing, thermal transfer printing, ink
jetprinting, or a combination thereof to customize the removable
and optionally reversible art panel. The bag can be sold with a
panel or the panel can be bought online through the after-market
service.
[0056] The versatile bag, as described herein, provides retailers
the ability to sell bags that will appeal to a wider consumer
audience of potential customers with a lower amount of inventory.
Currently, retailers have to take the risk on picking and stocking
inventory that they think the consumer will buy. Although this risk
will always be present, the versatile bag, as described herein,
allows the retailer to offer something for everyone by virtue of
allowing the consumer to decorate the "blank slate" bag
themselves.
[0057] The following detailed description includes references to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed
description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These
embodiments, which are also referred to herein as "examples," are
described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to
practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other
embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may
be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken
in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is
defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0058] Before the present invention is described in such detail,
however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited
to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary.
Various changes may be made to the invention described and
equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true
spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications
may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition
of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s),
spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications
are intended to be within the scope of the claims made herein.
[0059] Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of
the recited events which is logically possible, as well as the
recited order of events. Furthermore, where a range of values is
provided, it is understood that every intervening value, between
the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or
intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the
invention. Also, it is contemplated that any optional feature of
the inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed
independently, or in combination with any one or more of the
features described herein.
[0060] The referenced items are provided solely for their
disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application.
Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present
invention is not entitled to antedate such material by virtue of
prior invention.
[0061] Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented
in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in
the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to
their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific
dictionaries, for example, Webster's Third New International
Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., Springfield, Mass., 1993, and The
American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Houghton
Mifflin, Boston Mass., 1981.
[0062] The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be
illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their
ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include
the following explanations.
[0063] As used herein, the term "about" refers to a variation of 10
percent of the value specified; for example about 50 percent
carries a variation from 45 to 55 percent.
[0064] As used herein, the term "and/or" refers to any one of the
items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which
this term is associated.
[0065] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to
exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended
to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology
as "solely," "only," and the like in connection with the recitation
of claim elements, or use of a "negative" limitation.
[0066] As used herein, the term "art panel" refers to any panel
that can be decorated.
[0067] As used herein, the term "bag" refers to a container made of
paper, cloth, mesh, metal, plastic or other flexible material.
Typically, the bag is closed on all sides except for one or more
openings that may be closed. A bag may include a school organizer
binder, a day pack, an insulated lunch cooler, a brief case, a
satchel, a messenger bag, a duffel bag, a diaper bag, a suitcase, a
wheeled luggage bag, a portfolio, a brief case, a computer
briefcase, a woman's clutch, a sling bag, and the like, or a
combination thereof. However, a bag, as defined herein, does not
include a golf bag.
[0068] As used herein, the term "coupled" means the joining of two
members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be
stationary in nature or movable in nature and/or such joining may
allow for the flow of fluids, electricity, electrical signals, or
other types of signals or communication between two members. Such
joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and
any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a
single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the
two members and any additional intermediate members being attached
to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or
alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.
[0069] As used herein, the terms "include," "for example," "such
as," and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to
limit the present invention.
[0070] As used herein, the terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer
to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits,
under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be
preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the
recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that
other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude
other embodiments from the scope of the invention.
[0071] As used herein, the terms "front," "back," "rear," "upper,"
"lower," "right," and "left" in this description are merely used to
identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS,
with "front," "back," and "rear" being relative apparatus. These
terms are not meant to limit the element which they describe, as
the various elements may be oriented differently in various
applications.
[0072] FIG. 1 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels. In this embodiment, the exemplary bag is a
school binder organizer 100. The school binder organizer 100
includes a front section 101 separated from a rear section 102 by a
first zipper 103. The typical inside of the school binder organizer
100 includes a paper pad (not shown), assorted folders (not shown),
holders of pens and pencils (not shown), and zippered pockets (not
shown). The outside face of the front section 101 of the school
binder organizer 100 includes a removable and optionally reversible
art panel 104 separated by a second zipper 105. In other
embodiments, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 104
may be attached to the front section 101 of the school binder
organizer 100 by one or more snaps, one or more Velcro fastening
members, one or more of any other fastening members having a mating
design which are positioned around the periphery of the removable
and optionally reversible art panel 104, or a combination thereof.
In another embodiment, two or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels 104 are attached to the front section 101 of
the school binder organizer 100. In another embodiment, one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels (not shown) may be
attached to the rear section 102 of the school binder organizer 100
by one or more zippers, one or more snaps, one or more Velcro
fastening members, one or more of any other fastening members
having a mating design which are positioned around the periphery of
the removable and optionally reversible art panel (not shown), or a
combination thereof.
[0073] The removable and optionally reversible art panel 104 may be
made of the same material as the school binder organizer 100 or be
made of a different material than the school binder organizer 100.
Typically, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 104
may be made of any material that can be decorated by the owner or
by a machine. The decoration can be hand drawn by the owner,
embroidered by a machine, or printed by a machine.
[0074] Suitable fabrics include, for example, leather, vinyl,
acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, silks,
wool, or combinations thereof. Various woven, knitted, and nonwoven
fabrics can also be used.
[0075] In one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible
art panel 104 may be painted by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 104
may be colored with marker pens by the owner or by a machine. In
one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel
104 may be sewn by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment,
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 104 may be
embroidered by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 104 may be screen
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 104 may be ink jet
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 104 may be
electrophotographic printed by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 104
may be electrographically printed by the owner or by a machine.
[0076] FIG. 2 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels. In this embodiment, the exemplary bag is an
insulated lunch cooler 200. The insulated lunch cooler 200 includes
a front section 201 separated from a rear section 202 by a first
zipper 203. The typical inside of the insulated lunch cooler 200
includes a compartment (not shown) for food storage and another
compartment for storing the cooling device, typically a sealed ice
block, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,656,840. The outside face of
the front section 201 of the insulated lunch cooler 200 includes a
removable and optionally reversible art panel 204 separated by a
second zipper 205. The rear section 202 also includes a handle 206.
In other embodiments, the removable and optionally reversible art
panel 204 may be attached to the front section 201 of the insulated
lunch cooler 200 by one or more snaps, one or more Velcro fastening
members, one or more of any other fastening members having a mating
design which are positioned around the periphery of the removable
and optionally reversible art panel 204, or a combination thereof.
In another embodiment, two or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels 204 are attached to the front section 201 of
the insulated lunch cooler 200. In another embodiment, one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels (not shown) may be
attached to the rear section 202 of the insulated lunch cooler 200
by one or more zippers, one or more snaps, one or more Velcro
fastening members, one or more of any other fastening members
having a mating design which are positioned around the periphery of
the removable and optionally reversible art panel (not shown), or a
combination thereof.
[0077] The removable and optionally reversible art panel 204 may be
made of the same material as the insulated lunch cooler 200 or be
made of a different material than the insulated lunch cooler 200.
Typically, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 204
may be made of any material that can be decorated by the owner or
by a machine. The decoration can be hand drawn by the owner,
embroidered by a machine, or printed by a machine.
[0078] Suitable fabrics include, for example, leather, vinyl,
acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, silks,
wool, or combinations thereof. Various woven, knitted, and nonwoven
fabrics can also be used.
[0079] In one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible
art panel 204 may be painted by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 204
may be colored with marker pens by the owner or by a machine. In
one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel
204 may be sewn by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment,
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 204 may be
embroidered by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 204 may be screen
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 204 may be ink jet
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 204 may be
electrophotographic printed by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 204
may be electrographically printed by the owner or by a machine.
[0080] FIG. 3 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels. In this embodiment, the exemplary bag is a
daypack 300. The daypack 300 includes a front section 301 separated
from a rear section 302 by a first zipper 303. The outside face of
the front section 301 of the daypack 300 includes a removable and
optionally reversible art panel 304 separated by a second zipper
305. In other embodiments, the removable and optionally reversible
art panel 304 may be attached to the front section 301 of the
daypack 300 by one or more snaps, one or more Velcro fastening
members, one or more of any other fastening members having a mating
design which are positioned around the periphery of the removable
and optionally reversible art panel 304, or a combination thereof.
In another embodiment, two or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels 304 are attached to the front section 301 of
the daypack 300. In another embodiment, one or more removable and
optionally reversible art panels (not shown) may be attached to the
rear section 302 of the daypack 300 by one or more zippers, one or
more snaps, one or more Velcro fastening members, one or more of
any other fastening members having a mating design which are
positioned around the periphery of the removable and optionally
reversible art panel (not shown), or a combination thereof.
[0081] The removable and optionally reversible art panel 304 may be
made of the same material as the daypack 300 or be made of a
different material than the daypack 300. Typically, the removable
and optionally reversible art panel 304 may be made of any material
that can be decorated by the owner or by a machine. The decoration
can be hand drawn by the owner, embroidered by a machine, or
printed by a machine.
[0082] Suitable fabrics include, for example, leather, vinyl,
acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, silks,
wool, or combinations thereof. Various woven, knitted, and nonwoven
fabrics can also be used.
[0083] In one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible
art panel 304 may be painted by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 304
may be colored with marker pens by the owner or by a machine. In
one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel
304 may be sewn by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment,
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 304 may be
embroidered by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 304 may be screen
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 304 may be ink jet
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 304 may be
electrophotographic printed by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 304
may be electrographically printed by the owner or by a machine.
[0084] FIG. 4 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels. In this embodiment, the exemplary bag is a
portfolio 400. The portfolio 400 includes a front section 401, a
rear section 402, a zipper 403, and two handles 406. The outside
face of the front section 401 of the portfolio 400 includes a
removable and optionally reversible art panel 404 separated by a
zipper 405. In other embodiments, the removable and optionally
reversible art panel 404 may be attached to the front section 401
of the portfolio 400 by one or more snaps, one or more Velcro
fastening members, one or more of any other fastening members
having a mating design which are positioned around the periphery of
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 404, or a
combination thereof. In another embodiment, two or more removable
and optionally reversible art panels 404 are attached to the front
section 401 of the portfolio 400. In another embodiment, one or
more removable and optionally reversible art panels (not shown) may
be attached to the rear section 402 of the portfolio 400 by one or
more zippers, one or more snaps, one or more Velcro fastening
members, one or more of any other fastening members having a mating
design which are positioned around the periphery of the removable
and optionally reversible art panel (not shown), or a combination
thereof.
[0085] The removable and optionally reversible art panel 404 may be
made of the same material as the portfolio 400 or be made of a
different material than the portfolio 400. Typically, the removable
and optionally reversible art panel 404 may be made of any material
that can be decorated by the owner or by a machine. The decoration
can be hand drawn by the owner, embroidered by a machine, or
printed by a machine.
[0086] Suitable fabrics include, for example, leather, vinyl,
acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, silks,
wool, or combinations thereof. Various woven, knitted, and nonwoven
fabrics can also be used.
[0087] In one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible
art panel 404 may be painted by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 404
may be colored with marker pens by the owner or by a machine. In
one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel
404 may be sewn by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment,
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 404 may be
embroidered by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 404 may be screen
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 404 may be ink jet
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 404 may be
electrophotographic printed by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 404
may be electrographically printed by the owner or by a machine.
[0088] FIG. 5 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels. In this embodiment, the exemplary bag is a
duffel bag 500. The duffel bag 500 includes a front section 501, a
rear section 502, a first zipper 503, a handle 506, and a third
zipper 507. The outside face of the front section 501 of the duffel
bag 500 includes a removable and optionally reversible art panel
504 separated by a second zipper 505. In other embodiments, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 504 may be attached
to the front section 501 of the duffel bag 500 by one or more
snaps, one or more Velcro fastening members, one or more of any
other fastening members having a mating design which are positioned
around the periphery of the removable and optionally reversible art
panel 504, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, two or
more removable and optionally reversible art panels 504 are
attached to the front section 501 of the duffel bag 500. In another
embodiment, one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels (not shown) may be attached to the rear section 502 of the
duffel bag 500 by one or more zippers, one or more snaps, one or
more Velcro fastening members, one or more of any other fastening
members having a mating design which are positioned around the
periphery of the removable and optionally reversible art panel (not
shown), or a combination thereof.
[0089] The removable and optionally reversible art panel 504 may be
made of the same material as the duffel bag 500 or be made of a
different material than the duffel bag 500. Typically, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 504 may be made of
any material that can be decorated by the owner or by a machine.
The decoration can be hand drawn by the owner, embroidered by a
machine, or printed by a machine.
[0090] Suitable fabrics include, for example, leather, vinyl,
acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, silks,
wool, or combinations thereof. Various woven, knitted, and nonwoven
fabrics can also be used.
[0091] In one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible
art panel 504 may be painted by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 504
may be colored with marker pens by the owner or by a machine. In
one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel
504 may be sewn by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment,
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 504 may be
embroidered by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 504 may be screen
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 504 may be ink jet
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 504 may be
electrophotographic printed by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 504
may be electrographically printed by the owner or by a machine.
[0092] FIG. 6 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels. In this embodiment, the exemplary bag is a
satchel 600. The satchel 600 includes a front section 601, a rear
section 602, a first zipper 603, and two handles 606. The outside
face of the front section 601 of the satchel 600 includes a
removable and optionally reversible art panel 604 separated by a
second zipper 605. In other embodiments, the removable and
optionally reversible art panel 604 may be attached to the front
section 601 of the satchel 600 by one or more snaps, one or more
Velcro fastening members, one or more of any other fastening
members having a mating design which are positioned around the
periphery of the removable and optionally reversible art panel 604,
or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, two or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels 604 are attached to
the front section 601 of the satchel 600. In another embodiment,
one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels (not
shown) may be attached to the rear section 602 of the satchel 600
by one or more zippers, one or more snaps, one or more Velcro
fastening members, one or more of any other fastening members
having a mating design which are positioned around the periphery of
the removable and optionally reversible art panel (not shown), or a
combination thereof.
[0093] The removable and optionally reversible art panel 604 may be
made of the same material as the satchel 600 or be made of a
different material than the satchel 600. Typically, the removable
and optionally reversible art panel 604 may be made of any material
that can be decorated by the owner or by a machine. The decoration
can be hand drawn by the owner, embroidered by a machine, or
printed by a machine.
[0094] Suitable fabrics include, for example, leather, vinyl,
acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, silks,
wool, or combinations thereof. Various woven, knitted, and nonwoven
fabrics can also be used.
[0095] In one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible
art panel 604 may be painted by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 604
may be colored with marker pens by the owner or by a machine. In
one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel
604 may be sewn by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment,
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 604 may be
embroidered by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 604 may be screen
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 604 may be ink jet
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 604 may be
electrophotographic printed by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 604
may be electrographically printed by the owner or by a machine.
[0096] FIG. 7 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels. In this embodiment, the exemplary bag is a
diaper bag 700. The diaper bag 700 includes a front section 701, a
rear section 702, side panels 703, and two handles 706. The outside
face of the front section 701 of the diaper bag 700 includes a
removable and optionally reversible art panel 704 separated by a
zipper 705. In other embodiments, the removable and optionally
reversible art panel 704 may be attached to the front section 701
of the diaper bag 700 by one or more snaps, one or more Velcro
fastening members, one or more of any other fastening members
having a mating design which are positioned around the periphery of
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 704, or a
combination thereof. In another embodiment, two or more removable
and optionally reversible art panels 704 are attached to the front
section 701 of the diaper bag 700. In another embodiment, one or
more removable and optionally reversible art panels (not shown) may
be attached to the rear section 702 of the diaper bag 700 by one or
more zippers, one or more snaps, one or more Velcro fastening
members, one or more of any other fastening members having a mating
design which are positioned around the periphery of the removable
and optionally reversible art panel (not shown), or a combination
thereof.
[0097] The removable and optionally reversible art panel 704 may be
made of the same material as the diaper bag 700 or be made of a
different material than the diaper bag 700. Typically, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 704 may be made of
any material that can be decorated by the owner or by a machine.
The decoration can be hand drawn by the owner, embroidered by a
machine, or printed by a machine.
[0098] Suitable fabrics include, for example, leather, vinyl,
acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, silks,
wool, or combinations thereof. Various woven, knitted, and nonwoven
fabrics can also be used.
[0099] In one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible
art panel 704 may be painted by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 704
may be colored with marker pens by the owner or by a machine. In
one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel
704 may be sewn by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment,
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 704 may be
embroidered by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 704 may be screen
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 704 may be ink jet
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 704 may be
electrophotographic printed by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 704
may be electrographically printed by the owner or by a machine.
[0100] FIG. 8 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels. In this embodiment, the exemplary bag is a
messenger bag 800. The messenger bag 800 includes a front section
801, a rear section (not shown), a flap 802, two side panels 803,
and a handle 806. The outside face of the front section 801 of the
messenger bag 800 includes a removable and optionally reversible
art panel 804 separated by a zipper 805. In other embodiments, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 804 may be attached
to the front section 801 of the messenger bag 800 by one or more
snaps, one or more Velcro fastening members, one or more of any
other fastening members having a mating design which are positioned
around the periphery of the removable and optionally reversible art
panel 804, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, two or
more removable and optionally reversible art panels 804 are
attached to the front section 801 of the messenger bag 800. In
another embodiment, one or more removable and optionally reversible
art panels (not shown) may be attached to the rear section 802 of
the messenger bag 800 by one or more zippers, one or more snaps,
one or more Velcro fastening members, one or more of any other
fastening members having a mating design which are positioned
around the periphery of the removable and optionally reversible art
panel (not shown), or a combination thereof.
[0101] The removable and optionally reversible art panel 804 may be
made of the same material as the messenger bag 800 or be made of a
different material than the messenger bag 800. Typically, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 804 may be made of
any material that can be decorated by the owner or by a machine.
The decoration can be hand drawn by the owner, embroidered by a
machine, or printed by a machine.
[0102] Suitable fabrics include, for example, leather, vinyl,
acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, silks,
wool, or combinations thereof. Various woven, knitted, and nonwoven
fabrics can also be used.
[0103] In one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible
art panel 804 may be painted by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 804
may be colored with marker pens by the owner or by a machine. In
one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel
804 may be sewn by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment,
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 804 may be
embroidered by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 804 may be screen
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 804 may be ink jet
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 804 may be
electrophotographic printed by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 804
may be electrographically printed by the owner or by a machine.
[0104] FIG. 9 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels. In this embodiment, the exemplary bag is a
wheeled luggage bag 900. The wheeled luggage bag 900 includes a
front section 901, a rear section 902, a first zipper 903, and a
handle 906. The outside face of the front section 901 of the
wheeled luggage bag 900 includes a removable and optionally
reversible art panel 904 separated by a second zipper 905. In other
embodiments, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 904
may be attached to the front section 901 of the wheeled luggage bag
900 by one or more snaps, one or more Velcro fastening members, one
or more of any other fastening members having a mating design which
are positioned around the periphery of the removable and optionally
reversible art panel 904, or a combination thereof. In another
embodiment, two or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels 904 are attached to the front section 901 of the wheeled
luggage bag 900. In another embodiment, one or more removable and
optionally reversible art panels (not shown) may be attached to the
rear section 902 of the wheeled luggage bag 900 by one or more
zippers, one or more snaps, one or more Velcro fastening members,
one or more of any other fastening members having a mating design
which are positioned around the periphery of the removable and
optionally reversible art panel (not shown), or a combination
thereof.
[0105] The removable and optionally reversible art panel 904 may be
made of the same material as the wheeled luggage bag 900 or be made
of a different material than the wheeled luggage bag 900.
Typically, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 904
may be made of any material that can be decorated by the owner or
by a machine. The decoration can be hand drawn by the owner,
embroidered by a machine, or printed by a machine.
[0106] Suitable fabrics include, for example, leather, vinyl,
acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, silks,
wool, or combinations thereof. Various woven, knitted, and nonwoven
fabrics can also be used.
[0107] In one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible
art panel 904 may be painted by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 904
may be colored with marker pens by the owner or by a machine. In
one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel
904 may be sewn by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment,
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 904 may be
embroidered by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 904 may be screen
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 904 may be ink jet
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 904 may be
electrophotographic printed by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 904
may be electrographically printed by the owner or by a machine.
[0108] FIG. 10 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels. In this embodiment, the exemplary bag is a
computer briefcase 1000. The computer briefcase 1000 includes a
front section 1001, a rear section 1002, a first zipper 1003, and a
handle 1006. The outside face of the front section 1001 of the
computer briefcase 1000 includes a removable and optionally
reversible art panel 1004 separated by a second zipper 1005. In
other embodiments, the removable and optionally reversible art
panel 1004 may be attached to the front section 1001 of the
computer briefcase 1000 by one or more snaps, one or more Velcro
fastening members, one or more of any other fastening members
having a mating design which are positioned around the periphery of
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 1004, or a
combination thereof. In another embodiment, two or more removable
and optionally reversible art panels 1004 are attached to the front
section 1001 of the computer briefcase 1000. In another embodiment,
one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels (not
shown) may be attached to the rear section 1002 of the computer
briefcase 1000 by one or more zippers, one or more snaps, one or
more Velcro fastening members, one or more of any other fastening
members having a mating design which are positioned around the
periphery of the removable and optionally reversible art panel (not
shown), or a combination thereof.
[0109] The removable and optionally reversible art panel 1004 may
be made of the same material as the computer briefcase 1000 or be
made of a different material than the computer briefcase 1000.
Typically, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 1004
may be made of any material that can be decorated by the owner or
by a machine. The decoration can be hand drawn by the owner,
embroidered by a machine, or printed by a machine.
[0110] Suitable fabrics include, for example, leather, vinyl,
acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, silks,
wool, or combinations thereof. Various woven, knitted, and nonwoven
fabrics can also be used.
[0111] In one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible
art panel 1004 may be painted by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 1004
may be colored with marker pens by the owner or by a machine. In
one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel
1004 may be sewn by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment,
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 1004 may be
embroidered by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 1004 may be screen
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 1004 may be ink jet
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 1004 may be
electrophotographic printed by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 1004
may be electrographically printed by the owner or by a machine.
[0112] FIG. 11 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels. In this embodiment, the exemplary bag is a
woman's clutch 1100. The woman's clutch 1100 includes a front
section 1101, a rear section 1102, a first zipper 1103, and a
handle 1106. The outside face of the front section 1101 of the
woman's clutch 1100 includes a removable and optionally reversible
art panel 1104 separated by a second zipper 1105. In other
embodiments, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 1104
may be attached to the front section 1101 of the woman's clutch
1100 by one or more snaps, one or more Velcro fastening members,
one or more of any other fastening members having a mating design
which are positioned around the periphery of the removable and
optionally reversible art panel 1104, or a combination thereof. In
another embodiment, two or more removable and optionally reversible
art panels 1104 are attached to the front section 1101 of the
woman's clutch 1100. In another embodiment, one or more removable
and optionally reversible art panels (not shown) may be attached to
the rear section 1102 of the woman's clutch 1100 by one or more
zippers, one or more snaps, one or more Velcro fastening members,
one or more of any other fastening members having a mating design
which are positioned around the periphery of the removable and
optionally reversible art panel (not shown), or a combination
thereof.
[0113] The removable and optionally reversible art panel 1104 may
be made of the same material as the woman's clutch 1100 or be made
of a different material than the woman's clutch 1100. Typically,
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 1104 may be made
of any material that can be decorated by the owner or by a machine.
The decoration can be hand drawn by the owner, embroidered by a
machine, or printed by a machine.
[0114] Suitable fabrics include, for example, leather, vinyl,
acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, silks,
wool, or combinations thereof. Various woven, knitted, and nonwoven
fabrics can also be used.
[0115] In one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible
art panel 1104 may be painted by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 1104
may be colored with marker pens by the owner or by a machine. In
one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel
1104 may be sewn by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment,
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 1104 may be
embroidered by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 1104 may be screen
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 1104 may be ink jet
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 1104 may be
electrophotographic printed by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 1104
may be electrographically printed by the owner or by a machine.
[0116] FIG. 12 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an
exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels. In this embodiment, the exemplary bag is a
sling bag 1200. The sling bag 1200 includes a front section 1201, a
rear section 1202, a first zipper 1203, a handle 1206, a third
zipper 1207. The outside face of the front section 1201 of the
sling bag 1200 includes a removable and optionally reversible art
panel 1204 separated by a second zipper 1205. In other embodiments,
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 1204 may be
attached to the front section 1201 of the sling bag 1200 by one or
more snaps, one or more Velcro fastening members, one or more of
any other fastening members having a mating design which are
positioned around the periphery of the removable and optionally
reversible art panel 1204, or a combination thereof. In another
embodiment, two or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels 1204 are attached to the front section 1201 of the sling bag
1200. In another embodiment, one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels (not shown) may be attached to the rear
section 1202 of the sling bag 1200 by one or more zippers, one or
more snaps, one or more Velcro fastening members, one or more of
any other fastening members having a mating design which are
positioned around the periphery of the removable and optionally
reversible art panel (not shown), or a combination thereof.
[0117] The removable and optionally reversible art panel 1204 may
be made of the same material as the sling bag 1200 or be made of a
different material than the sling bag 1200. Typically, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 1204 may be made of
any material that can be decorated by the owner or by a machine.
The decoration can be hand drawn by the owner, embroidered by a
machine, or printed by a machine.
[0118] Suitable fabrics include, for example, leather, vinyl,
acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, silks,
wool, or combinations thereof. Various woven, knitted, and nonwoven
fabrics can also be used.
[0119] In one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible
art panel 1204 may be painted by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 1204
may be colored with marker pens by the owner or by a machine. In
one embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel
1204 may be sewn by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment,
the removable and optionally reversible art panel 1204 may be
embroidered by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 1204 may be screen
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 1204 may be ink jet
printed by the owner or by a machine. In one embodiment, the
removable and optionally reversible art panel 1204 may be
electrophotographic printed by the owner or by a machine. In one
embodiment, the removable and optionally reversible art panel 1204
may be electrographically printed by the owner or by a machine.
[0120] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary method
of decorating a bag having one or more removable and optionally
reversible art panels. The method 1300 includes: providing a bag
including: a bag having an inside and an outside; one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels; one or more devices
for attaching the one or more removable and optionally reversible
art panels to the outside of the bag; removing the one or more
removable and optionally reversible art panels from the bag using
the one or more devices; decorating the one or more removable and
optionally reversible art panels; and releasably attaching the
decorated one or more removable and optionally reversible art
panels to the one or more devices on the outside of the bag.
[0121] An embodiment also advantageously includes a system and
methods of forming an image on any of the removable panels, as
disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the user may decorate the
removable panels themselves, or utilize an imaging system operated
by the manufacturer of the bag or by another commercial service.
For example, the manufacturer can supply a means for obtaining, or
creating the desired image. The means may include various
methodologies of extracting and storing an image for further
processing, which are well-known to those skilled in the art. The
manufacturer can extract an existing photographic-type image from a
computer memory or upload the physical embodiment of the image into
a computer memory. For example, the manufacturer can extract the
image from a database such as that associated with a web site, from
the manufacturer's server, the retailer store's server, or a
combination thereof. Typically, a digital camera can be used to
acquire the image. The image can either be transferred directly to
a manufacturer's server or to a database accessible by the
manufacturer's computer, typically via a network system. A
photographer can transmit a removable storage medium of the digital
camera to the manufacturer, directly download the camera to the
manufacturer's network interface, upload the images from a computer
to a web site of the global network, or accomplish the task by any
other equivalent method as known by those skilled in the art.
[0122] In another embodiment, a scanner can convert an embodiment
of the image, for example, a developed photographic print, or a
negative into an image scanned into a digital medium or memory so
that the digitized image can be easily electronically transferred.
For example, a flatbed scanner or wand can be used to scan an image
or a developed photographic print of the target image, a negative
scanner can be used to scan photographic negative strips. As an
alternative methodology, a point-of-sale machine, as understood by
those skilled in the art, can be used to access an image stored in
the memory of a digital camera or other imaging device (scanner,
personal digital assistant, hand-held computer), and perform a
point-of-sale transaction for storing at least one of the images at
a remote site accessible to the manufacturer's computer. Other
alternative methodologies include non-electronic transfer to the
manufacturer of an embodiment of the image to be positioned on the
removable and optionally reversible art panel. Electronic means,
however, are generally preferred due to cost efficiency where the
image is to be a custom image or one made in the limited
quantities. The non-electronic means, however, generally prove to
be a suitable, cost effective method, especially where larger
quantities of the same image on multiple removal art panels are
considered.
[0123] The system for forming an image on a removable and
optionally reversible art panel includes a method for forming the
image on the outer surface of a removable and optionally reversible
art panel. Generally, when referring to forming an image, one is
referring to a method for transferring an embodiment of the image
to the removable and optionally reversible art panel. The method
for obtaining, or creating the image, however, is not entirely
independent of the selected methods for forming the image. The
method for obtaining, or creating, the image may vary depending on
the methods selected for forming the image. The artisan has
numerous methods available to formulate the image. The method
selected significantly depends on whether the image will be
mass-produced or printed on only a single removable and optionally
reversible art panel or small number of removable and optionally
reversible art panels.
[0124] Of the methods available to the artisan, halftone printing
is one of the most common for color printing. In halftone printing,
a multicolor image is photographed through halftone screens with
color filters to reproduce the three primary colors, cyan, yellow
and magenta, plus black. The halftone screens generally have a grid
pattern of intersecting opaque lines impregnated on a clear
substrate which leaves an array of clear dots. The screens break an
image into evenly spaced dots that are larger in the dark areas of
the image and smaller in the light areas. The screens vary in
quality. The quality or fineness of the screens, measured in dots
per inch, which are directly proportional to their cost and ease of
use. A very coarse screen may provide as little as 25,000 dots per
square inch but be very easy to make and use, whereas finer quality
screens which are harder to make and use, commonly provide image
sharpness and detail in excess of 90,000 dots per square inch.
[0125] Another method available to the artisan is the letterpress,
known as relief printing. Relief printing uses metal type or
engravings where the image areas are raised in relief above
non-image areas. The ink is applied to the raised surfaces and
transferred directly onto the item receiving the image, i.e., the
removable and optionally reversible art panel. Similar or related
methods include offset-printing, also known as lithography, gravure
printing, and serigraphy, also known as silk-screen printing.
Offset-printing uses a plate treated so that ink will adhere only
to the areas that will print the design. The plate transfers its
ink to a rubber cylinder which in turn offsets it onto the item
receiving the image. In offset printing, color printing is achieved
by photographically separating from the original picture, the four
basic colors (black, magenta, yellow, and cyan), making a plate for
each color, and then using the plates to print the colors
successively over one another. In gravure printing, the image areas
are instead recessed into the metal plate. In serigraphy, paint is
applied to a fabric screen. The images formed by the paint
penetrate areas not blocked by a stencil. Several stencils are used
to produce a multicolored print. The process can be used for
printing full-color images onto various types of objects. For
comparative purposes, all these methods have the capability of
printing to a resolution as high as the equivalent of 40,000 dots
per square inch, or more.
[0126] Another method available to the artisan is a pad printer.
Pad printing, also called "imprinting," is a printing process which
can be used for printing full-color images onto spherical, rounded,
cylindrical and other non-flat surfaces. This method typically uses
at least one flexible ink transfer pad that receives an ink image
from at least one inked gravure plate. The transfer pad is placed
into pressure contact with the surface of the item to receive the
image. For comparative purposes, pad printing has been known to
provide a quality equivalent to that of 10,000 dots per square
inch, or more.
[0127] Another method available to the artisan for printing
fill-color images is a thermal transfer printing device. Thermal
transfer printing involves the transfer of an image on an object by
heat and contact pressure using a device such as a thermal press.
Thermal transfer printing using a thermal transfer press is
essentially a two-step process. First, a transfer surface is made
to hold the image. Second, the image on the transfer surface is
transferred to a receiving surface, e.g., the removable and
optionally reversible art panel. The transfer process includes
transferring by holding the printed stencil in tight contact with
the receiving surface while heat and pressure is applied. The heat
and pressure is maintained for a sufficient time to allow
completion of a sublimation process to occur which results in the
image transfer. The typical thermal transfer press typically
includes a heater block assembly with thermal conductive material
attached to the transfer surface to heat the image.
Thermal-wax-transfer printers and dye-sublimation printers provide
another means of heat transfer printing. Thermal-wax-transfer
printers and dye-sublimation printers use heat to transfer color
pigment from a color ribbon. For comparative purposes, thermal
transfer printing has been known to provide a quality equivalent to
that of approximately 17,700 dots per square inch, or more.
[0128] Another method available to the artisan for printing
fill-color images is ink jet printing. Inkjet printing provides
non-impact means for producing images in response to digital
signals by the deposition of ink droplets in a pixel-by-pixel
manner to an image-recording substrate, for example, a removable
and optionally reversible art panel. The typical ink-jet printing
assembly includes a controller and associated wiring, a print head,
and stepper motors to drive the print head. The controller receives
the image from the medium, activates the stepper motors to position
the print head, and controls the flow of ink, as will be understood
by those skilled in the art, to form the image. The ink-jet
printing assembly also includes a fabric stabilizer adapted to be
connected to a removable and optionally reversible art panel. The
fabric stabilizer stabilizes the removable and optionally
reversible art panel to provide a substantially flat outer surface
for printing. The print head can be positioned axially by means
including: stepper motors across the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in
relation to a substrate receiving the image (e.g., the removable
and optionally reversible art panel) in order to print on such
substrate.
[0129] Ink jet printers typically dispense water or solvent based
ink onto the substrate by heating the ink, causing it to shoot out
of the nozzles. The ink dries by evaporation of the water or
solvent. Some models provide additional heat to evaporate the water
or solvent to dry the ink. For larger scale operations, ink-jet
printing processes typically use mechanical ink propulsion
techniques. Use of piezo or piezo-crystal print heads which convert
electrical energy into intra-crystal vibrations that cause drops of
ink to be ejected from print head nozzles, are but one means for
implementing such mechanical ink propulsion. Water or solvent based
inks may be used in various types of print head models. The type of
print head selected typically depends on the level of usage. Some
types of solvent based inks cure via air drying, some require
external heat to enhance the evaporation process, others require
heat to implement the polymerization of ink. The selection of
solvent based inks is typically substrate dependent. Solvent based
inks are typically matched with a particular substrate and form a
chemical bond with the substrate to provide durability to the
image. Unmatched pairs may not have an electrostatic bond and
therefore typically may be easily removed by water, another
solvent, or physical contact with the environment.
[0130] Ultraviolet curable or other polymer based inks are
preferred over water or solvent based inks where color intensity is
at issue. Polymer based inks typically use piezo or piezo-crystal
print heads to apply ink that dries via polymerization affected
after the ink is deposited on the substrate, e.g., the removable
and optionally reversible art panel. Polymerization is accomplished
by exposing a susceptible ink to some threshold level of energy.
Some typical methodologies of polymerization include exposing
ultraviolet curable ink to ultraviolet light after the ink is
deposited on the substrate or exposing susceptible ink to a
high-energy electron beam.
[0131] In the claims provided herein, the steps specified to be
taken in a claimed method or process may be carried out in any
order without departing from the principles of the invention,
except when a temporal or operational sequence is explicitly
defined by claim language. Recitation in a claim to the effect that
first a step is performed then several other steps are performed
shall be taken to mean that the first step is performed before any
of the other steps, but the other steps may be performed in any
sequence unless a sequence is further specified within the other
steps. For example, claim elements that recite "first A, then B, C,
and D, and lastly E" shall be construed to mean step A must be
first, step E must be last, but steps B, C, and D may be carried
out in any sequence between steps A and E and the process of that
sequence will still fall within the four corners of the claim.
[0132] Furthermore, in the claims provided herein, specified steps
may be carried out concurrently unless explicit claim language
requires that they be carried out separately or as parts of
different processing operations. For example, a claimed step of
doing X and a claimed step of doing Y may be conducted
simultaneously within a single operation, and the resulting process
will be covered by the claim. Thus, a step of doing X, a step of
doing Y, and a step of doing Z may be conducted simultaneously
within a single process step, or in two separate process steps, or
in three separate process steps, and that process will still fall
within the four corners of a claim that recites those three
steps.
[0133] Similarly, except as explicitly required by claim language,
a single substance or component may meet more than a single
functional requirement, provided that the single substance fulfills
the more than one functional requirement as specified by claim
language.
[0134] All patents, patent applications, publications, scientific
articles, web sites, and other documents and materials referenced
or mentioned herein are indicative of the levels of skill of those
skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, and each such
referenced document and material is hereby incorporated by
reference to the same extent as if it had been incorporated by
reference in its entirety individually or set forth herein in its
entirety. Additionally, all claims in this application, and all
priority applications, including: but not limited to original
claims, are hereby incorporated in their entirety into, and form a
part of, the written description of the invention. Applicants
reserve the right to physically incorporate into this specification
any and all materials and information from any such patents,
applications, publications, scientific articles, web sites,
electronically available information, and other referenced
materials or documents. Applicants reserve the right to physically
incorporate into any part of this document, including: any part of
the written description, the claims referred to above including:
but not limited to any original claims.
* * * * *