Abstract:
Bags incorporating recycled sign material are described. The bags can comprise one or multiple layers, including an optional padding layer. The bags can comprise an advertisement of an entity associated with a manufacturer of the bags, thereby allowing entities to prolong the benefits associated with an advertisement. Contemplated bags can also have multiple functions, including for example, storage, transport, safe keeping, seat cushioning and drying mat.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/693,660, filed on Aug. 27, 2012. This and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The field of the invention is bags incorporating recycled sign material, and more specifically bags incorporating recycled billboard sign material. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
         [0004]    Various companies are placing an increased emphasis on utilizing old products to generate new revenue streams. Repurposed Materials™, for example, sells used vinyl from billboards as construction tarps (http://greenbuildingelements.com/2011/01/31/recycling-billboard-vinyl-as-a-building-tarp/). Companies like Yak Pak™ and TerraCycle™ are working together to provide messenger bags using old billboard vinyl material (http://www.terracycle.com/en-US/products/yak-pak-billboard-backpack.html). Similarly, Vaho™, a Spanish company, has created various types of backpacks, tote and messenger bags that incorporate recycled materials (http://vaho.ws/en/proyectos). 
         [0005]    Unfortunately, each of these companies has apparently failed to appreciate and utilize many of the benefits (e.g., size, waterproof properties, etc.) and uses that can be associated with recycled signage materials. 
         [0006]    Thus, there is still a need for improved products that utilize recycled sign materials. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which a bag or other accessory comprises a recycled sign material. 
         [0008]    In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, a bag can comprise a recycled sign material and a second material (e.g., recycled sign material, cotton, canvas, leather, polyester, etc.). The two materials (and possibly other materials) can compose two or more separate layers, or can compose a single layer. 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, or even 90 or more percent of at least one side of a layer or lining&#39;s visible surface (as defined by a length and a width) can comprise a recycled sign material. Where a bag comprises at least two layers, it can further comprise an optional padding layer (e.g., a gel, a foam, a gauze, etc.) sandwiched between the recycled sign material and second material. It is contemplated that each of the layers of a bag can comprise recycled sign material for increased durability along interior and exterior linings of the bag. 
         [0009]    The bag can be any suitable type of bag, including for example, a tote bag, a backpack, a laptop bag, a lunch bag, a suitcase, an instrument case, an instrument bag, a travel bag, a water-board or water sport accessory bag (e.g., for storing or transporting surfboards, boogie boards, paddle board, paddle, etc.), or any other commercially suitable bag. It is contemplated that some bags can be reversible (i.e., the interior layer or surface can be used as an exterior layer or surface) for increased versatility. Each bag can have at least a length, a width and a depth, and bags of all suitable shapes and sizes are contemplated. Some bags, especially water-board or water sport accessory bags can have a length of at least 20, 25, 30, or even 35 or more inches long. A bag can also have a length to width ratio or a length to depth ratio of at least 3:1, 5:1, 10:1, or even 20:1 or more. 
         [0010]    In another aspect of the inventive subject matter, a bag comprising recycled sign material can be associated with a company whose advertisement appears on the recycled sign material. Thus, a retail chain such as Whole Foods™ can use the used and expensive advertisements already paid for to supply bags (e.g., grocery bags, freezer bags, backpacks, tote bags, etc.) to their customers. This can allow the retail chain to provide high quality bags at a reasonable price, while continuing to obtain the benefits of advertising through its customers. 
         [0011]    In yet another aspect of the inventive subject matter, a bag comprising a recycled sign material and a fastener (e.g., a zipper, drawstring(s), buttons, hook and loop fastener, etc.) can be configured to substantially flatten for use as a mat (e.g., a drying mat, etc.). The bag can comprise an optional padding layer, which is preferably a thin and flexible. It is contemplated that the bag can be used to carry a bathing suit, suntan lotion, clothes, socks, or any other suitable item(s), and simultaneously or alternatively be used to stand on, sit on, or change clothes on. 
         [0012]    Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is one embodiment of the inventive subject matter. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is another embodiment of the inventive subject matter. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a paddle bag of the inventive subject matter. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a schematic of a top portion of the bag of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is another embodiment of the inventive subject matter. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a schematic of a bag having a padding layer. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a schematic of a portion of a bag having a grommet. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is another embodiment of the inventive subject matter configured to substantially flatten. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is an embodiment of a tote bag of the inventive subject matter. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is an embodiment of a backpack of the inventive subject matter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed. 
         [0024]    As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0025]    The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. 
         [0026]    Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. 
         [0027]    As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of one embodiment of a bag of the inventive subject matter. Bag  100  comprises a surfboard bag having a length  110 , a width  120  and a depth (not shown but would be apparent from a side view). Bag  100  includes an exterior layer  140  made at least in part from a recycled material, as well as an interior layer (not shown) and outer perimeter lining  150  (around an outer perimeter of the bag) that is made at least in part from a second material. Bag  100  further comprises a zipper  130  that extends across at least 90% of the length  110 , and a hanger  160  that is configured to accept a rod, hook, or other suitable protrusion. 
         [0029]    As used herein, the term “recycled” is used broadly to include upcycling and downcycling. The recycled sign material is preferably obtained from a billboard sign. Materials used on billboard signs sometimes include two vinyl layers and a polyester mesh material (e.g., sandwiched therein, etc.). However, all suitable recycled sign materials of 1, 2, or even 10 layers are contemplated. Some recycled materials can have three layers, and at least one of these layers can comprise at least one of a polyethylene, a cross linked polyethylene foam and a neoprene material. These include materials having any degree of flexibility, pliability or stiffness, including for example, a synthetic material comprising a polyvinyl chloride, a waterproof material (e.g., materials incorporating a rubber, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyurethane, a silicone elastomer, a fluoropolymer, a wax, etc.), a substantially waterproof material or coating (e.g., at least 800 mm waterproof), an at least 1,000 mm waterproof material of coating, an at least 2,000 mm waterproof material or coating, an at least 3,000 mm waterproof material coating, an at least 5,000 mm waterproof material or coating, a metal, a plastic having a UV-protectant additive, a polyethylene, a polyester (either coated or uncoated with urethane), a polyester tarp coated with urethane, a woven polypropylene, a vinylic polymer, or a waterproof polymer tarp. 
         [0030]    The second material (and possibly third, fourth, fifth, or even sixth or further materials) can comprise any suitable material(s), including for example, a recycled sign material, a leather, a cotton, a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a vulcanized rubber, a mesh, a webbing, a wire, a polyester, a paper, a suede, a metal, a canvas, a duck canvas, a duck cloth, a neoprene or a polyamide. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the inventive subject matter. Bag  200  is a backpack that comprises three different types of material that compose at least two different layers. The first material is a thin nylon that composes the interior lining  210  of the backpack  200 . The second material is a recycled sign material that is flexible, waterproof, and mildew resistant. This second material composes a first portion of the exterior lining  220 . The third material is a canvas material that composes a second portion of the exterior lining  230 . 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, an interior lining could further comprise a recycled sign material to increase the durability of the interior lining. For example, if the bottom portion of the interior lining comprised a recycled sign material, the interior lining would likely not tear even if sharp corners of a book or other object were repeatedly rubbing against those portions. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  shows a portion of paddle bag of the inventive subject matter. Paddle bag  300  is configured to store, transport and protect a paddle or other long or substantially flat object(s). Paddle bag comprises a length  360  that is at least 10 times greater than a width  370 , and at least 20 times greater than a depth (not shown). 
         [0034]    Bag  300  comprises an exterior layer that includes a recycled sign material  310  having logos  315 A-C, an outer perimeter lining  320  that comprises a second recycled sign material, a zipper  330 , a strap  340 , and a strap cushion  350 . Strap cushion  350  can comprise any suitable material or materials, including for example a recycled sign material, a canvas, a nylon, a cotton, a rubber gripping material, a padding (e.g., foam, gel, polyethylene, cross linked polyethylene foam, neoprene, etc.), or any other commercially suitable material. 
         [0035]    When zipper  330  is unzipped (See  FIG. 4 ), interior lining  380  can be exposed. Interior lining  380  can comprise a third recycled sign material, which can include matter protected by intellectual property (e.g., trademark or copyrighted work, etc.). In such a scenario, care should be taken to avoid infringement upon the trademark or copyright (e.g., obtain a license, use portions not incorporating the trademark or copyrighted work, use a back side of the sign, etc.). Other contemplated materials can comprise, among other materials, velvet, velveteen, fur, suede, poly-ethylene resin, an adhesive, leather, or silk. 
         [0036]    In some aspects of the inventive subject matter, it is contemplated that a retailer or service provider, such as a grocery store chain, can further utilize a billboard sign or other sign that was created for advertisement purposes. For example, where a jewelry store chain has expended a great deal of money to create a billboard advertisement, the company can request that the advertisement material be returned to them when it is scheduled to be taken down or covered up, and use that signage material to create bags or jewelry boxes that can serve as a promotional tool or purchasable inventory items. As another example, Mac™ cosmetics can utilize their own advertisements comprising an image of a model, singer or actress to promote its goods to consumers driving on a specific street (e.g., via a billboard sign, etc.). Mac™ can then obtain these signs and turn them into make-up bags, brush bags, make-up cases, cases for compacts, make up palettes, or any other bag or case that can be given or sold to its customers. These bags and cases can be made of expensive and durable material that would have otherwise been wasted, and optionally be sold at a low price because it will also serve as an advertisement medium for the company. 
         [0037]    Another example of a retailer further utilizing a billboard sign can relate to a retailer of computing devices, such as Apple™, Microsoft™, or HP™. These companies can have various billboard advertisements, bus stop advertisements and other advertisements being displayed using various recyclable sign materials at any given time. Some of these companies also sell laptop cases, mobile phone cases, tablet cases, laptop bags, and so forth, often involving third party manufacturers and retailers. These cases can be very expensive because of the types of materials required to protect computing devices and the consumer desire to protect their valuable electronic goods. The companies could recycle their prior displayed advertisements and use them to make the cases and bags described above. Moreover, these companies could simply have billboard material printed with their logo, trademark, advertisement, imagery, etc. and use them to create bags and cases without ever using them as displayed billboard signs. The company would still be advertising their products and brands via the consumers carrying these bags and cases, and would not be required to pay to lease a billboard space. 
         [0038]    It is contemplated that each bag can be unique (i.e., visually different from other bags), or standardized (i.e., comprising the same logo, image, text, or designs). 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  is a schematic of a water-board (e.g., boogie board, surfboard, etc.) bag of the inventive subject matter. Bag  500  comprises an interior pocket  510 , and a zipper  520  that extends across a portion of a length  530  and a width  540  thereof. Bag  500  further comprises a removable interior addition  550  that can be secured to an interior lining of bag  500  via any suitable fastener  560  (e.g., hook and loop, buttons, snaps, zipper, tie-down, etc.). 
         [0040]    A removable interior addition (e.g.,  550 ) can be any suitable size and shape and can comprise any suitable material. In some embodiments, the addition can be provided for decorative purposes. In some other embodiments, the addition can be provided for the purpose of drying off an item (e.g., an item to be placed in bag  500 ). For example, a terrycloth addition configured to cover substantially all of an interior lining can be provided. When a wet surfboard or other item is placed within bag  500 , the terrycloth addition can be configured to soak up any water that may have remained on the board. Once the board is removed, the terrycloth addition can be removed from bag  500  and washed in any suitable manner (e.g., machine wash, hand wash, dry clean, etc.). Before the bag is used again, the addition can again be removeably fastened along an interior lining of the bag  500 . 
         [0041]    It is also contemplated that a removable exterior addition can be provided that is configured to removeably couple with an exterior lining of a bag. Moreover, a non-removable portion of a bag can comprise a terrycloth or other drying material. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  is a schematic of a bag of the inventive subject matter than comprises an optional padding layer. Bag  600  comprises a guitar bag of the inventive subject matter. Guitar bag  600  comprises recycled sign material  610  and second material  620  that sandwiches a padding material  630 . While padding material  630  is typically not exposed, a portion of bag  600  was cut to expose the various layers thereof. A guitar of any other suitable instrument can be placed in interior compartment  660 . Once zipper  640  is fastened, it is contemplated that recycled sign material  610  can protect the guitar against water and other damage, while padding  630  can provide further protection against an impact. Bag  600  can further comprise a grommet  650  or other accessory configured to accept a hanger, clip, carabiner or other suitable device (as shown in  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0043]      FIG. 8  is a schematic of a bag of the inventive subject matter having at least two functionalities. Bag  800  comprises an interior/top layer  810  and an exterior/bottom layer  820 , each of which can comprise a recycled sign material (or any other contemplated material). In this example, a first drawstring  830  is threaded through a first outer perimeter portion  840  of bag  800 , while a second drawstring  835  is threaded through a second outer perimeter portion  845  of bag  800 . In other embodiments, an outer perimeter portion or some other portion can comprise a zipper that couples an interior layer and an exterior layer, or provides an opening in a single layer. 
         [0044]    In embodiments that comprise one or more drawstrings (and some other embodiments), it is contemplated that a substantially flat bag (e.g., a bag having a length to depth ratio of more than 5:1, 10:1, 25:1, or even 100:1 or more) or sheet of material can be folded to form a bag via a pulling of the drawstring(s). Thus, the device can be used as a bag to carry a swimsuit, goggles, towel, or any other items to a location, and then be flattened/loosened for use as a drying mat, seat cushion (e.g., when a padding layer is included between the interior and exterior layers, etc.), or any other suitable mat or seat. 
         [0045]    In embodiments that comprise one or more zippers, it is contemplated that the bag can be used to store, transport or protect items stored in the bag, and also serve as a cushion or a mat at the same time. In such embodiments, an item inserted into the bag (e.g., in a compartment opened by the zipper, etc.) can serve as a padding or cushion for a user. 
         [0046]    It is contemplated that bags having multiple functionalities can be used to carry a bathing suit, suntan lotion, clothes, socks, or any other suitable item(s), and simultaneously or alternatively be used to stand on, sit on, or change clothes on. 
         [0047]      FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  each show a different bag of the inventive subject matter. Bag  900  comprises a tote bag that includes a laptop compartment  910 , and bag  1000  comprises a backpack of the inventive subject matter. 
         [0048]    It is contemplated that a bag according to the inventive subject matter could be manufactured in any commercially suitable way. For example, each of the materials used could be cut according to at least one template. Each of the cut materials, along with any fasteners, logos, or other additions, could then be sewn, glued, or otherwise coupled with one another. 
         [0049]    It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.