Versatile Bag Having Removable Art Panels

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.

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Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In another embodiment, the bag includes a school organizer binder. In yet another embodiment, the bag includes a day pack.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Embodiments of the invention may be best understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings, which illustrate such embodiments. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels.

FIG. 2 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels.

FIG. 3 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels.

FIG. 4 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels.

FIG. 5 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels.

FIG. 6 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels.

FIG. 7 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels.

FIG. 8 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels.

FIG. 9 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels.

FIG. 10 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels.

FIG. 11 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels.

FIG. 12 is a perspective front-view drawing illustrating an exemplary bag having one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels.

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As used herein, the term “art panel” refers to any panel that can be decorated.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Patent History
Publication number: 20120097495
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 14, 2011
Publication Date: Apr 26, 2012
Inventor: Michael Moore (Bainbridge Island, WA)
Application Number: 13/232,524
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: 190/18.0A; Insulated (383/110); Wall Detail (190/124); Flaccid Attaching Means Looped Around Neck Or Crossing Shoulder (224/257); Woven Or Mesh-type Material (383/117); Cover (150/105); Single Element (383/25); With Handle (190/115); With Sliding Element (383/64); Elongated Clamping Elements (383/68); With Closure (383/42); Including Auxiliary Compartment (383/40); With Means To Fasten The Hand Luggage In Closed Condition (190/119); Removable Compartment Or Compartment-forming Member (190/110); On Specified Product (112/475.08)
International Classification: A45C 13/08 (20060101); A45C 5/03 (20060101); A45F 3/14 (20060101); B65D 30/04 (20060101); A45C 5/14 (20060101); A45C 3/08 (20060101); B65D 33/06 (20060101); A45C 13/30 (20060101); B65D 33/16 (20060101); B65D 30/22 (20060101); A45C 13/10 (20060101); A45C 13/00 (20060101); A45C 13/12 (20060101); A45C 3/02 (20060101); D05B 97/00 (20060101); D05B 13/00 (20060101); B65D 81/38 (20060101);