Bag with removable panel

A bag (e.g., backpack) having a removable panel. The removable panel may be releasably and selectively coupled to the bag using various mechanisms, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, magnets, clasps, clamps, hooks, buckles, snaps, and buttons. The removable panel acts as the front face of the bag when it is coupled to the bag.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a bag, such as a backpack, having a removable panel.

BACKGROUND

People enjoy accessorizing and stylizing their clothes, shoes, hats, and any other personal belongings/accessories to their individual preferences. Some people may want their clothes, shoes, hats, etc. to match their bags/packs on any given day and for any occasion. For example, an individual wearing brown shoes with a brown belt on Monday may also want their bag to be have a brown face to match the rest of their outfit. The same individual may want to wear red shoes with a red belt on Tuesday, while having a bag that also matches this outfit, without needing to buy a different bag.

Others may want to display their favorite sports teams, businesses, universities, etc. on the face of their bags without needing to purchase a separate bag for each team, university, etc. The attachment of pins, patches, buttons, stickers, and the like to bags often results in a low-cost, unprofessional, and unsophisticated look. In addition, these objects typically do not evenly cover the face of a bag and may be unintentionally or accidently removed. Many bags, though, have appearances that cannot be easily changed or varied.

As a result, there is a need for a bag with a front/face panel that may be readily stylized and replaced to meet an individual's personal preferences while maintaining the bag's overall utility.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes, among other things, a bag (e.g., backpack) having a removable panel. The removable panel may be releasably connected to the bag using various mechanisms.

In an embodiment, the backpack includes a top side having one or more first fasteners; a bottom side; a front side having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is proximate to the top side, wherein the front side includes one or more second fasteners, and wherein the second fasteners extend vertically from the first end to the second end of the front side; and a back side opposite the front side. The backpack also includes a removable panel having a first side and an opposing second side, wherein the first side includes one or more third fasteners; wherein the removable panel is selectively coupled to an exterior surface of the front side when the one or more third fasteners on the removable panel are aligned and engaged with the one or more first fasteners on the top side and/or the one or more second fasteners front side; and wherein the first side of the removable panel rests flush against the front side and at least partially extends over the top side.

In some embodiments, the one or more first fasteners on the top portion, the one or more second fasteners on the front side, and the one or more third fasteners on the removable panel comprise strips of Velcro (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners). The strips of hook-and-loop fastener on the third fasteners are aligned with and affixed to the strips of hook-and-loop fastener on the top portion and the front side when the removable panel is coupled to the front side.

In other embodiments, the one or more first fasteners on the top portion comprise one or more first magnets, the one or more second fasteners on the front side comprise a first set of zipper teeth, and the one or more third fasteners on the removable panel comprise one or more second magnets inserted therein and a second set of zipper teeth. The removable panel also includes a zipper slider is coupled to the second set of zipper teeth. The first set of zipper teeth is engaged with the second set of zipper teeth using the zipper slider when the removable panel is coupled to the front side. Also, the one or more first magnets are aligned with and attracted to the one or more second magnets when the removable panel is coupled to the front side.

In yet other embodiments, each of the one or more first fasteners on the top portion and the one or more second fasteners on the front side comprises one or more first magnets inserted therein, respectively. The one or more third fasteners on the removable panel comprise one or more second magnets inserted therein. The one or more first magnets are aligned with and attracted to the one or more second magnets when the removable panel is coupled to the front side.

In an alternative embodiment, a backpack includes a top side including one or more first fasteners; a front side; a back side opposite the front side, wherein the back side includes shoulder straps; a left side and an opposing right side, wherein at least one of the left side and the right side includes one or more second fasteners; and a removable panel having a first side and an opposing second side. The first side of the removable panel includes one or more third fasteners; wherein the third fasteners on the removable panel are selectively engaged with one or more of the first fasteners on the top side and with the one or more of the second fasteners; and wherein at least a portion of the first side of the removable panel extends over at least a portion of the top side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed and defined herein. Hence, specific dimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to the various embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language herein, for example, “such as” or “including,” is intended merely to better illustrate the present teachings and do not pose a limitation on the present disclosure unless claimed. No language in the present disclosure should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the present disclosure.

In general, this disclosure describes a bag (e.g. backpack or duffle-style bag) that has a removable panel. Even though a backpack is illustrated in the figures of the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other types of bags, such as duffle bags, pouches, sports bags, messenger bags, camera bags, cosmetic bags, travel bags, wheeled bags, or any other type of bag, may also be used with the present disclosure. The removable panel may be the front/face portion of the bag, which may be readily removed from and attached to the bag.

FIGS.1-7illustrate views of a backpack10according to a first embodiment of the disclosure. The backpack10includes a removable panel12coupled to a front side14on the backpack10and a back side16that generally opposes the front side14. The backpack10also includes opposing left and right sides18,20, a top portion22, and a bottom portion24. In addition, the backpack10includes adjustable shoulder straps26that extend across the back side16(e.g.FIG.4), an inner compartment accessible by a first zipper30on the back side16(e.g.FIG.4), another inner compartment accessible by a second zipper32extending across the top portion22(e.g.FIG.5), a plurality of pockets28on the exterior surface of the left and right sides18,20(e.g.FIGS.1,3, and5), and one or more locking clips34extending outward from the back side16(e.g.FIG.4). In an embodiment, the backpack10may also include a locking mechanism36on the top portion22. In other embodiments, the backpack10may include other elements and structures that are not depicted in the drawings.

The backpack10may be made from any suitable fabric or material, including, but not limited to cloth, leather, nylon, metal, mesh, fur, vinyl, silk, cotton, polyester, etc. Similarly, the removable panel12may be made from the same types of materials as the backpack10.

FIGS.1-4illustrate the removable panel12selectively coupled to the front side14such that the removable panel12acts as a front face on the backpack10. The removable panel12may be readily interchangeable with a variety of different bags depending on the user's preferences. In this embodiment, the removable panel12is selectively coupled to an exterior surface of the front side14of the backpack10using one or more VELCRO® strips44,50positioned on the front side14and one or more VELCRO® strips56positioned on a first side38of the removable panel12. The VELCRO® strips44,50,56may each be secured to the front side14of the backpack10and the first side38of the removable panel12using various techniques, such as sewing, gluing, taping, etc. This allows the first side38of the removable panel12to rest flush with front side14of the backpack10when coupled.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.5, two parallel strips44of VELCRO® may each extend vertically along the entire length of the exterior surface of the front side14of the backpack10from a first end46of the front side14to a second end48of the front side14. The second end48of the front side14is proximate to the second zipper32. The two parallel strips44of VELCRO® may each also extend at least partially across the top portion22between the second zipper32and the back side16. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the strips44of VELCRO® may extend only partially along the exterior surface of the front side14of the backpack10in other embodiments. Also, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that there may be only one strip or more than two strips of VELCRO® extending at least partially along the front side14of the backpack10.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.5, the front side14of the backpack10also includes another strip50of VELCRO® positioned at a bottom portion52of the front side14. The strip50of VELCRO® is perpendicular to and thicker than the strips44of VELCRO® located on the front side14. The strip50of VELCRO® may be positioned directly on the exterior surface on the bottom portion52of the front side14or on a flap portion54positioned on the bottom portion52of the front side14.

As best seen inFIG.6, the first side38of the removable panel12may comprise VELCRO® strips56that are configured to mate with the one or more of the VELCRO® strips44on the front side14of the backpack10. In the embodiment shown inFIG.6, there is a set of parallel VELCRO® strips56A arranged along the outer portions of the first side38of the removable panel12and a VELCRO® strip56B positioned perpendicular to the set of parallel VELCRO® strips56A. The VELCRO® strip56B shown inFIG.6is located on a lower portion58of the first side38of the removable panel12to properly align with the VELCRO® strips44,50located on the front side14of the backpack10. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the location and quantity of VELCRO® strips on the first side38of the removable panel12may vary in other embodiments.

As best seen inFIGS.1,2, and7, the removable panel12also comprises a second side40opposing the first side38. The second side40acts as the face of the backpack10when the removable panel12is coupled to the backpack10. As such, the second side40may be customized and stylized based on the user's preferences. In this embodiment, the removable panel12includes one or more buckles42extending radially outward from the perimeter of the removable panel12. The buckles42are configured to engage with the locking clips34on the backpack10. The buckles42and the locking clips34may be fabricated from any type of material and may have any shape or configuration so long as the locking clips34may mate with the buckles42.

For example, the second side40of the removable panel12may include a design, such as a logo, a pattern, or artwork. The design may be used to promote a sports team, business, university, etc. The second side40may be coupled to a variety of different bags. For example, the second side40, as depicted inFIGS.1,2, and7, may be coupled to the backpack10when the backpack10is used for work. A user may then convert the backpack10for a different purpose/activity by either changing the design on the existing removable panel12or replacing the removable panel. In some examples, the user may choose a removable panel that matches (or does not match) the color, design, fabric, etc. of the rest of the backpack10.

In the embodiment seen inFIGS.1-4, the first side38of the removable panel12is coupled to the front side14of the backpack10using the VELCRO® strips44,50,56and the locking clips34inserted into the buckles42. In this embodiment, two locking clips34are inserted into two buckles42on each of the left and right sides18,20of the backpack10. In other embodiments, the removable panel12may be coupled to the backpack10using either the VELCRO® strips44,50,56or the locking clips34inserted into the buckles42.

In an embodiment, the removable panel12covers the entire front side14and the entire top portion22of the backpack10by attaching to the respective VELCRO® strips44,50thereon. As a result, a portion of the removable panel12overlays the second zipper32. In another embodiment, the removable panel12only covers a portion of the front side14of the backpack10and does not overlay the second zipper32. The removable panel12may be readily decoupled from the front side14of the backpack10by releasing each of the locking clips34from the buckles42and/or by pulling the removable panel12off the VELCRO® strips44,50.

The removable panel12may be selectively coupled to the front side14of the backpack10through a variety of means, including, but not limited to one or more fasteners, magnets, clasps, clamps, hooks, buckles, snaps, zippers, buttons, VELCRO®, or the like.

FIGS.8and9illustrate views of a backpack100according to a second embodiment of the disclosure. The backpack100is similar to the backpack10depicted inFIGS.1-5, but does not comprise any VELCRO® strips. Instead, the backpack100in this embodiment includes a first set of zipper teeth160positioned on an exterior surface of a front side114of the backpack100, as shown inFIG.8.

The first set of zipper teeth160may be arranged in a “U-shaped” configuration having a first segment165, a second segment170, and a third segment175. The first segment165is parallel to and has substantially the same length as the second segment170. Each of the segments165,170extend vertically through the exterior surface of the front side114. The third segment175is interposed between the first and second segments165,170and extend substantially horizontally across a lower portion180of the front side114. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the first set of zipper teeth160may have a variety of shapes and configurations.

As seen inFIG.8, a first magnet185, such as a permanent magnet, may be positioned within an exterior surface on a top portion122of the backpack100. The first magnet185may be inserted within the fabric/material of the top portion122using a variety of techniques, such as sewing, gluing, taping, etc. In this embodiment, the first magnet185is substantially parallel with the third segment175and interposed between the first and second segments165,170of the first set of zipper teeth160. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the first magnet185may also be inserted within the fabric/material in other portions of the top portion122. In an alternative embodiment, the first magnet185may be positioned on the front side114of the backpack100.

FIG.9illustrates a removable panel112that is configured to couple with the backpack100. The removable panel112comprises a first side138including a second set of zipper teeth195attachable to the first set of zipper teeth160. The second set of zipper teeth195may be arranged in a “U-shaped” configuration to align with the configuration of the first set of zipper teeth160. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the second set of zipper teeth195may have a variety of shapes and configurations.

A zipper slider197is coupled to the second set of zipper teeth195. The zipper slider197is coupled to the first set of zipper teeth160upon attachment of the first set of zipper teeth160to the second set of zipper teeth195.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.9, the first side138of the removable panel112also includes a second magnet198, such as a permanent magnet, positioned within the fabric/material on an upper portion192of the first side138. It may be positioned within the upper portion192using a variety of techniques, such as sewing, gluing, taping, etc. The first magnet185on the backpack100may be the same magnet as the second magnet198or a different magnet.

The front side114includes one or more locking clips134extending outward therefrom. Even though there are four locking clips134in the embodiment shown inFIG.8, less than four and more than four locking clips134are possible in other embodiments. The locking clips134are configured to engage with one or more buckles142extending radially outward from the perimeter of the removable panel112. Even though there are four buckles142in the embodiment shown inFIG.9, less than four and more than four buckles142are possible in other embodiments.

The removable panel112may be selectively coupled to the backpack100by aligning and coupling the first set of zipper teeth160with the second set of zipper teeth195and/or connecting the first magnet185with the second magnet198through the fabric and/or engaging the locking clips134with the buckles142. When the first set of zipper teeth160are coupled with the second set of zipper teeth195, the zipper slider197may be used to zip the removable panel112to and unzip the removable panel112from the backpack100. The attraction between the first magnet185and the second magnet198allows the upper portion192of the first side138of the removable panel112to mate with the top portion122of the backpack100.

FIGS.10and11illustrate views of a backpack200according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. The backpack200is similar to the backpacks10,100depicted inFIGS.1-5and8. As seen inFIG.10, the backpack200includes a front side214having a plurality of first magnets285, such as permanent magnets. The first magnets285may be positioned in various locations in the fabric/material of the front side214. Each of the first magnets285may be inserted within the fabric/material of the backpack200using a variety of techniques, such as sewing, gluing, taping, etc.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.10, four of the first magnets285may be inserted within the fabric/material of the backpack200. For example, two of the first magnets285may be inserted within the fabric/material on opposing corners of the front side214in order to maximize the effectiveness/strength of the first magnets285. A third of the first magnets285may be inserted within the fabric/material in a top portion222of the backpack200, wherein this magnet285is perpendicular to the other two other magnets285positioned on the front side214. Yet another of the first magnets285may be inserted within the fabric/material in a flap portion254positioned on a bottom portion252of the front side214. The first magnet285positioned in the flap portion254may be substantially parallel to the first magnet285positioned within the top portion222.

FIG.11illustrates a removable panel212that is configured to couple with the backpack100. The removable panel212comprises a first side238including a plurality of second magnets298, such as permanent magnets. The second magnets298may be positioned in various locations in the fabric/material of the first side238. Each of the second magnets298may be inserted within the fabric/material of the removable panel212using a variety of techniques, such as sewing, gluing, taping, etc.

As shown inFIG.11, four of the second magnets298may be inserted within the fabric/material of the first side238to align with the first magnets285positioned on the rest of backpack200. For example, two of the second magnets298may be inserted within the fabric/material on opposing corners of the first side238in order to maximize the effectiveness/strength of the second magnets298. A third of the second magnets298may be inserted within the fabric/material in an upper portion292of the first side238. Yet another of the second magnets298may be inserted within the fabric/material in a lower portion260of the first side238such that it is substantially parallel to the second magnet298positioned in the upper portion292of the first side238. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the amount and positioning of the first magnets285and the second magnets298may vary in other embodiments.

The front side214also includes one or more locking clips234extending outward therefrom. Even though there are four locking clips234in the embodiment shown inFIG.10, less than four and more than four locking clips234are possible in other embodiments. The locking clips234are configured to engage with one or more buckles242extending radially outward from the perimeter of the removable panel212. Even though there are four buckles242in the embodiment shown inFIG.11, less than four and more than four buckles242are possible in other embodiments.

The removable panel212may be selectively coupled to the rest of the backpack200by aligning and attracting each of the first magnets285with each of the second magnets298and/or engaging the locking clips234with the buckles242.

FIGS.12-15illustrate views of a backpack300according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure. As seen inFIGS.12-14, the backpack300includes a front side314, a back side316that generally opposes the front side314. The backpack300also includes opposing left and right sides318,320, a top portion322, and a bottom portion (not shown). In this embodiment, the backpack300includes a removable panel312coupled to the right side320.

As best seen inFIG.13and as a non-limiting example, the backpack300includes adjustable shoulder straps326that extend across the back side316.

In an alternative embodiment, the removable panel312may be coupled to the left side318. In another alternative embodiment, a first removable panel may be coupled to the right side320and a second removable panel may be coupled to the left side318on the backpack300. In yet another alternative embodiment, a first removable panel may be coupled to the right side320or the left side318and a second removable panel may be coupled to the front side314, wherein the front side314may also include one or more strips of VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener).

The removable panel312may be readily interchangeable with a variety of different bags depending on the user's preferences. In the embodiment shown inFIGS.12,13, and15, the removable panel312is selectively coupled to an exterior surface of the right side320or the left side318of the backpack300using one or more VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) strips344positioned on the left side318and/or the right side320and one or more VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) strips356on a first side338of the removable panel312. As a result, the first side338of the removable panel312may rest flush with the left side318and/or the right side320of the backpack300when coupled.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.14, two parallels strips344of VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners) extend vertically along at least a portion of the right side320. In another embodiment, two parallels strips344of VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners) extend vertically along at least a portion of the left side318. In yet another embodiment, two parallels strips344of VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners) extend vertically along each of the right side320and left side318of the backpack300. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that there may just one strip of VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) or more than two strips of VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners) on the right side320and/or the left side318of the backpack300in other embodiments. Also, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the orientation and location of the strips of VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners) on the sides of the backpack300may vary in other embodiments.

As best seen inFIG.14, the strips344of VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners) extends along the entire length of the right side320. The top portion322may also include one or more strips VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners). In the embodiment shown inFIG.14, a bottom strip350of VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) is positioned below and perpendicular to the strips344on the right side320of the backpack300. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the bottom strip350may also be positioned on the left side318. In an alternative embodiment, neither the right side nor the left side includes a bottom strip.

As best seen inFIG.15, the first side338of the removable panel312may comprise VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) strips356that are configured to mate with the one or more of the VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) strips344on the right side320and/or the left side314of the backpack300. In the embodiment shown inFIG.15, there is a set of parallel VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners) strips356A arranged along the outer portions of the first side338of the removable panel312and a VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) strip356B positioned below and perpendicular to the VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners) strips356A. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the location and quantity of VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) strips on the first side338of the removable panel312may vary in other embodiments.

As best seen inFIGS.12, the removable panel12also comprises a second side340opposing the first side338. The second side340acts as the face of the backpack300when the removable panel312is coupled to the backpack300. As such, the second side340may be customized and stylized based on the user's preferences.

In an alternative embodiment, the removable panel312may include one or more buckles extending radially outward from the perimeter of the removable panel312. The buckles may be configured to engage with locking clips on the backpack300. The buckles and the locking clips may be fabricated from any type of material and may have any shape or configuration so long as the locking clips may mate with the buckles.

As best seen inFIG.12, the removable panel312is coupled to the right side320of the backpack300using the one or more strips344of VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener). In alternative embodiments, locking clips and/or buckles on the backpack300may be used in addition to (or instead of) the one or more strips344of VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) to couple the first side338of the removable panel312to the right side320of the backpack300. The same applies for the left side318of the backpack300.

The removable panel312may be selectively coupled to the left side318and/or the right side320of the backpack300through a variety of means, including, but not limited to one or more fasteners, magnets, clasps, clamps, hooks, buckles, snaps, zippers, buttons, VELCRO® (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener), or the like.

It is to be understood that the various embodiments described in this specification and as illustrated in the attached drawings are simply exemplary embodiments illustrating the inventive concepts as defined in the claims. As a result, it is to be understood that the various embodiments described and illustrated may be combined from the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present disclosure has been described to represent what is considered to represent the preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that this disclosure can be practiced in other ways than those specifically illustrated and described without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.