Patent Publication Number: US-6983688-B1

Title: Decoration for bags and cases and method for applying the same

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present application is related to the teachings of commonly assigned co-pending U.S. Design Pat. No. D492,485 S issued on Jul. 6, 2004, by Agnes Csilla Domotor et al. for DECORATION FOR BAGS AND CASES, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to bags, portfolios, padfolios and other business accessories, and more particularly, to customized decorations applied to such items and the application of such decorations. 
   2. Background Information 
   It is often desirable to apply decorative printing to cases, bags, portfolios and other business accessories. These items, often crafted from natural or synthetic leather, may carry a predefined location for applying a decoration. In a common application, the decorative printing consists of a promotional logo (e.g. a company trademark or trade name) and/or the owners name or monogram. Where a decoration is applied in bulk to a line of business accessories by a vendor, the decoration may be manufactured ahead of time by applying the decoration to an appropriate patch or substrate. This decorative substrate is then subsequently bound to the item using adhesives or stitching. The substrate may be a patch formed from a soft plastic or rubber compound with a painted or molded color pattern on its outer surface. 
   However, where a separately formed substrate or patch is used, the business accessory must often undergo a final construction step to attach the decoration-bearing substrate its outer surface at the appropriate location. This takes time and necessitates that a ready inventory of both business and decorated substrates be kept on hand for final finishing. If a customer purchasing decorated business accessories wishes to change the decoration, or increase the size of the order beyond the number of decorated substrates in stock, then the order must be delayed until a new stock of decorated substrates is received from a manufacturer. Clearly, the use of pre-manufactured decorative patch or substrate may limit manufacturing speed and flexibility for vendors of business accessories and their responsiveness to changing customer wishes. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a decoration for bags, cases, portfolios and other business accessories (the “item”) that can be printed at an appropriate location directly on the otherwise-finished item. The decoration comprises a single or multi-colored ink image transferred from a lithographic plate using a transfer pad. The underlying tag or “substrate” for the decoration is a smooth-surfaced soft polyvinylchloride or rubberized material with appropriate ink-receptive or attractive characteristic—such as a matte or semi-gloss surface finish. 
   A procedure for applying the decoration includes (a) placing the item on a supporting surface in a pad printing device so that the substrate is restrained within a registration jig; (b) inking a decorative image formed on an etched plate; (c) contacting the inked image with the pad to transfer the ink to the pad in the form on the decorative image; and (d) moving the printing pad so that it is aligned with the jig and directing its printing stroke onto the restrained substrate. As each item is printed, it is removed from the support and a new, undecorated item is replaced on the support. 
   The procedure for producing a decorated bag can include the provision by the customer of a decorative logo or other design by photograph, sample or electronic image (using, for example, e-mail or a World Wide Web link). Information regarding the number and type of items to be decorated is also provided. The design is enlarged or reduced to the appropriate size using compute-aided graphics applications. Alternatively, photographic or photocopier-based resizing techniques. The side is made to fit the substrate by this technique. The image is then projected onto a photosensitive plate and etched with an etching solution according to using conventional photo-etching techniques. The plate includes a registration hole or slot for proper alignment with the printing machine. After decoration, items are forwarded to the requesting customer. 
   In one embodiment, the substrate is secured by cords to a side of the item. The substrate is constructed from a pliable material, such as rubberized polyvinylchloride, with custom ink decoration applied thereto. The opposing ends of the substrate include tabs that are secured around each of opposing cords. Likewise, a substrate can be secured along an edge of an item by adhesives or stitching. This edge can be that of an outer pocket. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention description below refers to the accompanying drawings, of which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pad printing machine with a bag mounted therein for printing in accordance with an embodiment of this invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a more detailed perspective view of the support base of the pad printing machine of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a jig for retaining a tag or substrate and the associated printing pad according to an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of a bag having a substrate restrained in the jig of  FIG. 3  for printing; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the jig, printing pad, inking pad and lithographic plate according to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the printing machine arranged in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3  during a printing process prior to loading a case or bag with a substrate onto the support base and jig, respectively; 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of the printing machine arranged in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3  during a printing process immediately after loading a bag with a substrate onto the support base and jig; 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of the printing machine arranged in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3  during a printing process showing the inking pad transferring ink to the lithographic plate; 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of the printing machine arranged in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3  during a printing process showing the printing pad in engagement with the lithographic plate so as to transfer an inked image therefrom; 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of the printing machine arranged in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3  during a printing process showing the printing pad just prior to printing the substrate using the printing pad; 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of the printing machine arranged in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3  during a printing process showing the printing pad immediately after printing the substrate using the printing pad; 
       FIG. 12  is a partial side view of the printing pad in engagement with the substrate in accordance with  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a support base and jig for use with the pad printing machine of  FIG. 1  shown prior to securing a case with a substrate according to an alternate embodiment; 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the support base, jig and case according to  FIG. 13  immediately after printing of the substrate by the printing pad; 
       FIG. 15  is a partial side view of a bag containing a printed substrate in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a partial side view of a case containing a printed substrate in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 13 ; and 
       FIG. 17  is a flow diagram of a procedure for producing bags, cases or other business accessories with custom-printed decorations according to an embodiment of this invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 1  shows a pad printing machine  100  for use in producing custom decorations on bags, cases and other business accessories (“items”) according to an embodiment of this invention. The printing machine  100  is an example of a variety of commercially available machines that can be used in accordance with this invention. Other machines can include a greater or lesser level of automation, and/or can operate at slower or faster speeds. The exemplary printing machine  100  in this embodiment is a GS-200S Servo Drive Pad Transfer Printer. It is commercially available from ITW Imtran of Haverhill, Mass. This particular machine is programmable so that movement of its printing elements can be varied according to a preset pattern. A control panel  102  is used to input movement functions as well as other operational parameters. Various functions are monitored by appropriate gauges and indicators on the panel  102 . The panel is part of an upright, overhanging beam  104 , that extends on a pylon  106  from a base  108 . The upper portion of the base  108  includes an inking section  110 . Within the inking section is located a registered with a graphic plate  112  (shown in phantom) upon which an appropriate image is engraved in full size (relative to the printed image). The plate and image are described in further detail below. 
   Outboard of the inking section  110  is located an item support base  114  according to an embodiment of this invention. The item support base  114  supports the item to be decorated. In this illustrative embodiment, the item is an exemplary bag or case bag  120 . The exemplary bag  120  is constructed from woven fabric, natural or imitation leather or any other acceptable material, and includes a central substrate  122  provided on a front face  124  of the bag  120 , and secured to the face  124  by four elastic cords  126  that are anchored through grommets in the side of the bag. This substrate is described in the above-referenced co-pending U.S. Design Pat. application Ser. No. 29/182,660, the teachings of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. In this embodiment, a pair of moving actuators  130  and  132  carry, respectively, an inking pad  134  and a printing pad  136 . As described below, each actuator is capable of movement horizontally (double arrow  140 ) along the overhanging beam  104  and vertically (double arrow  142 ), perpendicular to the beam&#39;s direction of outboard extension from the pylon. In this example, the horizontal stroke of the actuators along the beam is adjustable between approximately 4 and 8 inches. The vertical stroke is adjustable to approximately 5 inches. 
   As will be described further below, an exemplary printing machine can be adapted to accommodate a multiplicity of colors, each typically provided as separate etched formation on the plate  112 . In this instance, each etched formation on the plate  112  is inked by a separate (individually colored) section of an inking pad and, may printed by a separate portion of the printing pad  136 . The horizontal stroke is adjusted so that the proper ink pad and printing pad locations strike the proper etched formation of the plate to generate the desired overall multi-color image. 
   With further reference to  FIG. 2 , the base  114  for supporting the item is shown in further detail. The base  114  is mounted on a vertically moving support structure  200  that can be translated upwardly and downwardly (double arrow  142 ) by simultaneous driving of four jack screws  202 , one mounted adjacent to each corner of the support  200 . The jack screws  202  are exemplary and a variety of lifting mechanisms, including a hydraulic lift assembly, can be substituted. On the support structure  200  is also mounted an indexing head assembly  210 . The indexing head  210  allows the main item support base  220  to be rotated (curved double arrow  222 ) within a predetermined arc. Likewise, the indexing head can include advancing screws for final adjustment the support plate  220  in each of a pair of orthogonal horizontal directions (double arrows  224  and  226 ). Adjustment handles  228  and  230  can be provided to facilitate movement of the indexing head. 
   Attached to the rear (inboard side) of item support plate  220  is an upright member  240  having, at its uppermost edge, a jig assembly  242 . The jig assembly  242 , according to this embodiment, is shown in further detail in  FIG. 3 . It consists of an outwardly extending bracket  250  having, at its end, a well structure  252 . The well structure is raised above the bracket  250  and includes a pair of front and back walls  310  and  312  that define therebetween an inner well or channel  314  with opposing open ends  316  and  318 . 
   With further reference to  FIG. 4 , the well  314  is sized and arranged to accurately receive the tag or “substrate”  122  whereby the walls  310  and  312  restrain the substrate from lateral movement while the end extensions  410  and  412  of the substrate extend outwardly from the open ends  316  and  318 , respectively. The particular substrate  122  in this example defines an ovular outline, with a semi-domed surface. It is contemplated that a variety of unique substrate shapes can be provided. Where alternate shapes are provided, the well structure has a length and width sufficient to surround the parameter of the substrate and also has walls that are sized-and-arranged to accurately receive and register the substrate therein. Note that the well&#39;s walls (walls  310  and  312 ) have a height above the well that is generally less than the height of the (domed) surface of the substrate. In this manner, as described further below, the printing pad  136  can accurately transfer its printing ink to the surface of the substrate without unduly engaging the walls. Note also, in this embodiment, the end extensions  410  and  412  are strips of substrate material that are rolled over the elastic cords  126  and joined by stitching (as shown) or another attachment mechanism. The substrate can be a unitary piece of material, or can be formed from a separate base that includes the extensions  410  and  412  having a domed decorative element adhered thereover. 
   With reference now also to  FIG. 5 , that the inboard base  110  of the exemplary printing machine  100  includes an overhang  510  with a bottom shoulder  512 . The extension  250  can be sized and arranged so that it contacts the bottom shoulder  512  when the jig assembly is raised to an appropriate height for printing. This simplifies height registration during machine set-up. 
   Also with reference to  FIG. 5 , the lithographic plate  112  is shown in further detail. The plate  112  includes one or more registration holes  520  and  522  that engage appropriate alignment pins on the base  110 . Alternate registration techniques can be substituted. In general, a lithographic plate is constructed by exposing an undeveloped plate that is coated with a chemical photo-resist layer to light in the pattern of the desired printed etched formation. In this example, a pair of distinct etched formations  530  and  540  are provided. However, in the simplest case, a single printed formation is provided at the appropriate location. Alternatively a large variety of printed formations can be provided. Each formation can represent a particular color or pattern to be printed. These can all be printed on the same substrate or different individual patterns/combinations of patterns can be printed on different substrates selectively. As noted above, the inking pad  134  can carry a single ink color, or can be bifurcated to carry into a variety of different colors, each contacting the appropriate formation under control of the horizontal stroke of the machine. 
   The exemplary printing process described further below relates to printing of a single-color decoration. However, the process to-be-described can be repeated so as to produce multi-colored decorations. Briefly, once a plate is exposed to a particular light pattern it is etched by rinsing it in a corrosive bath or wash. The bath or wash corrodes the areas that have been exposed to light because the photo-resist has undergone a chemical change in those areas so as to be susceptible to the etching solution. Alternatively, the photo-resist is not susceptible to decomposition in areas that have not been exposed to light. The decomposed areas become a well into which ink can be driven by the pad  134  for transfer to a smooth printing pad  136 . This process is generally termed “offset” printing since the printed pattern is offset from the plate onto an intermediate pad  136  that performs the actual printing. As noted above, where multiple colors are printed, the movement of the printing pad  136  is programmed to strike each formation at the appropriate place, and in the appropriate order, so as to lift the desired ink pattern and transfer it to the substrate. Notwithstanding the foregoing description of a photo-etched plate, it is contemplated that any type of printing plate that permits transfer of ink selectively to a printing pad can be employed. Such plates can include plastic printing plates with a coating that becomes selectively ink-resistant and ink-attractive based upon to selective exposure to light, etc. The term&#39;s “photolithographic plate” and/or “printing plate” should, therefore, be taken broadly to include a variety of print-transfer plates that interact with an offset printing pad. Additionally, while an offset printing process is described herein, in an alternate embodiment, the printing formation can also be provided directly to an appropriate printing pad that is simply inked, and applied to the substrate so as to print the desired decoration in the manner of a stamp. 
   Having described an exemplary arrangement for a pad-printing device according to an embodiment of this invention, a procedure for pad-printing a substrate with an appropriate decoration will now be described in detail. Referring to  FIG. 6 , the pad printing machine  100  is shown in partial side view, with emphasis on the operative elements including the plate  112 , inking pad  134 , printing pad  136 , support base  220  and jig well structure  252  for receiving the decoration or substrate. In  FIG. 6 , the machine  100  is shown unloaded and ready to begin printing. 
   In  FIG. 7 , an exemplary case or bag  120  has been loaded onto the item support  220 . The jig assembly is sized so that the front portion of the case or bag  120  passes in an inboard direction under the jig extension arm  250 . In this position, the substrate  122  is aligned with respect to the well  252 . The elastic cords  126  are stretched as the bag is passed under the extension  250  so that the substrate can be slipped onto the well structure  252 . In this position, the weight of the case  120  applies tension to the cords  126  to generate holding pressure between the substrate  122  and the well structure  252 . It is contemplated, however, that the well can have sufficient wall height to freely hold the substrate in absence of tension exerted by the cords  126 . 
   Having mounted the bag,  FIG. 8  shows the inking pad  134  moving downwardly (double arrow  802 ) into contact with the etched area of the plate  112 . This motion transfers ink from the pad into the plate&#39;s etched area. 
   Next, in  FIG. 9 , the inking pad  134  and printing pad  136  move rearwardly (arrow  902 ) along the beam  104  so that the printing pad  136  is positioned over the etched area of the plate  112 . During movement, the inking pad  134  remains separated from the plate  112  as shown. Likewise, the printing pad, remains separated and then is brought downwardly (arrow  904 ) into contact with the etched section. At this time, the surface of the printing pad picks up ink from the etched section in the pattern of the etching. This corresponds to the pattern to-be-printed on the substrate  122 . 
   In  FIG. 10 , the inking pad  136  has moved upwardly out of contact with the pad and the two pads  134  and  136  have been brought forward (arrow  1002 ) so that the printing pad  136  directly overlying the substrate  122 . 
   Finally, in  FIG. 11 , the printing pad  136  is brought into contact with the substrate  122  (arrow  1102 ) to transfer the ink on the printing pad  136  onto the substrate. While not shown, the inking pad  134  can also be brought down onto the etched section at this time or can be brought down at a later time during the cycle. After printing, the printing pad  136  withdraws (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) allowing the newly printed decoration to be removed from the well  252 . As shown, the pad exhibits a mostly triangular side profile, with a blunted bottom. Likewise, as shown generally in  FIG. 3 , the frontal profile of the pad is semi-circular. When coming into contact with either the etched section or the decoration (see  FIG. 12 ) the pad compresses and deforms. This form of offset printing is particularly effective for transferring an undistorted pattern to a non-planar substrate surface. In general, this depicted shape has been found to be effective in laying printing ink accurately onto a domed substrate such as the substrate  122  shown in  FIG. 12 . It is contemplated that other pad shapes can be employed. The precise shape can be varied based upon, among other factors, a trial-and-error determination of the best result for a given substrate shape. In other words, attempts to print a given substrate with differently shaped pads are made, and the pad that produces the best result is chosen. In this embodiment (given a substrate with dimensions of approximately 1½ inch by ¾ inch) the pad is approximately 3–4 inches at its widest point in frontal view and is approximately 1½–2 inches at its widest point in side view. It tapers to a curved/blunted area that has a radius of approximately ½–¾ inch in side view and approximately 3–4 inches in frontal view. However, these measurements are approximate and can be varied. 
     FIG. 13  details a case  1300  or portfolio/padfolio according to an alternate embodiment. In this embodiment, an outer pocket  1302  is provided. The outer pocket has an edge  1304  remote from the perimeter edge  1306  of the case top. Within a central region of the pocket edge is provided a substrate  1310 . This substrate is semi-circular along its bottom edge  1312  and conforms along its top to the pocket edge  1304 . It can be attached by adhesives or stitching, or by another suitable technique. It is formed from a rubberized polyvinylchloride or another suitable material. A specialized support base for use with the above-described pad printing machine (or another acceptable printing device) is shown. The support base  1320  includes a bottom base section  1322 , a raised wall  1324  and an extended arm section  1326  under which the case  1300  is slid. The pocket  1302  is, rather, slid over the arm  1326  so that the arm extends into the pocket as shown in phantom (phantom line  1330 ). In order to enhance registration of the substrate  1310  with respect to the overlying printing pad (not shown, but similar in form to the pad  136  above), a hinged retaining plate  1340  is provided. The plate  1340  rotates about a hinge  1342  (as shown by curved arrow  1344 ). The plate includes an aperture  1346  having a perimeter edge sized to match the outer edge of the substrate  1310 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , when the retaining plate  1340  is lowered into position, it effectively captures the perimeter edge  1312  of the substrate  1310 . This enables the printing pad  136  to be accurately be registered with respect to the substrate  1310 . Accordingly, a decoration  1402  is accurately printed on the substrate  1310  by transfer of ink from the printing pad  136 . 
     FIGS. 15 and 16  show, in further detail, two examples of decorative printed substrates or substrates  122  and  1310 , respectively, that can be produced in accordance with this invention. Each decoration  1502  and  1402  on the respective substrate  122  and  1310  to be printed in one, or a multiplicity of colors and in a variety of shapes and styles. 
   In  FIG. 15 , the cord-attached substrate  122  includes extensions  410  that, as described above, are attached to the cords  126  (both parts of a single, continuous length of elastic or “shock” cord in this example) by loops secured with stitching  1504 . The cords  126  extend through the face  1500  of the exemplary case or bag  120 . Beneath the face  1500 , they can be joined as shown in phantom. The substrate&#39;s extensions are unitary (e.g. molded as one part) with the central ovular base  1506 . A raised central domed surface  1508  is attached to the base. The domed surface can be unitary the base  1506 , or can be separately attached with adhesives, welding, etc. The domed surface  1508  can be a different color relative to the base  1506 . 
   In  FIG. 16 , the padfolio or portfolio  1300  includes a pocket  1302  with a perimeter edge  1304 . This edge is bonded with a piece of piping  1602  in this example. The substrate  1310  is secured to the pocket  1302  using stitching  1604  that extends around the perimeter of the substrate away from the pocket edge  1304 . The upper edge is covered by the piping, but may also be stitched to the pocket. Alternate securing techniques, such as adhesives, can be used instead of, or in addition to stitching, to secure the substrate to the item. 
   As noted generally above, the substrate generally consists of a rubberized polyvinylchloride with, typically, a matte or otherwise non-glossy surface. To this surface is provided an ink mixture suitable for such materials. These ink compositions are commercially available, and can consist mainly of the following compounds: 
   
     
       
         
             
             
             
           
             
                 
                 
             
             
                 
               Compound: 
               Concentration: 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
               cyclohexanone 
               10–20%  
             
             
                 
               butylglycolate 
               10–20%  
             
             
                 
               diacetone alcohol 
               5–10% 
             
             
                 
               N-butyl acetate 
               5–10% 
             
             
                 
               1-methoxy propylacetate-2 
               5–10% 
             
             
                 
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   This composition includes appropriate pigments and is commercially known as ink type PGNT, available from Trans Tech America, Inc. of Carol Stream, Ill. 
   This ink can be combined with appropriate thinners and retarders. A commercially available thinner from Trans Tech America, Inc. is known as Thinner B and includes butyl acetate, xylenes, cyclohexanone and 1-methoxy propylacetate-2 in appropriate concentrations. Likewise, a commercially available retarder is known as Retarder TPD available from Trans Tech America, Inc. and includes 65–75% ethyldiglycolacetate along with 25–30% aromatic hydrocarbons. 
   A composition of inks and substrates can be varied, and those described above are only exemplary variety of combinations. Likewise, the placement and shape of substrates and substrates and printed decorations can be highly varied. Additional wells and retaining devices can be applied to a jig assembly for holding such substrates or substrates in place for appropriate registration during printing. 
   Having described the mechanism and generalized procedure by which printing of customized decorations on bags, cases or other business accessories occurs, reference is now made to  FIG. 17 , which describes the generalized procedure  1700  for ordering and producing such bags. Initially, a customer may browse on-line or printed catalogs for products supplied by the vendor that can be customized using the decoration procedures described herein. This browsing process can also be performed using an Internet-based system, such as that described in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,414,693, the teachings of which are expressly incorporated by reference. When a decision has been made as to the type and quantity of items to be ordered, the customer then places this order using a telephone, electronic mail, a physical purchase order or another electronic order-transmission technique (for example secure socket link (SSL) Internet communication in accordance with step  1702  of the procedure  1700 . In addition, the customer transmits the desired artwork from which a decoration is rendered. This can be performed by physical delivery (mail, etc.), or electronically by transmitting an image of the decoration in an appropriate file format (for example, Bitmap or compressed JPEG format). The decoration may already be on file from previous interaction between the customer and the vendor. In this case, the customer simply selects which decoration it wishes to apply. 
   In step  1704 , the vendor receives the order and confirms that the type and number of customized cases can be provided. This may involve a check of inventory and/or outside suppliers of undecorated items for availability. Assuming the order can be filled, the vendor then manipulates a transmitted copy (or previously stored copy) of the decoration for printing on the selected item(s). The image of the decoration is thereby appropriately sized and scaled to fit within the confines of the desired substrate. This scaling can be performed using a commercially available graphic arts software application, or using conventional photo enlargement or reduction techniques. 
   Next, in step  1706 , the vendor projects a version of the desired, properly scaled decoration onto a photolithographic plate. This can be accomplished by any number of a variety of conventional exposure techniques. The exposed plate is etched to create the ink-attractive surface and then readied for use in the printing machine. Next, in step  1708 , the plate is mounted in the printing machine. One or more colors are loaded onto an inking pad and the appropriate jig is set. Where only a few different types of substrate are used, there may be dedicated machines, each having a dedicated jig for that particular type of substrate. Otherwise, the machine is provided with the appropriate jig. 
   In step  1710 , the selected items are made ready for printing (being received from a supplier or brought forward from the stock room) and are supplied to the printing machine for printing, in serial fashion. Again, printing may involve application of a single color, or application of multiple colors involving transfers from different etched features, each carrying a different ink color. 
   Finally, when all or acceptable portion of the order is fulfilled, the completed, decorated items are forwarded to the customer. It is contemplated that the above procedure  1700  can be varied to account for different circumstances. For example, a customer may require that a certain case be printed with several different available decorations, requiring changes in the plate and/or ink during the production run. Similarly, the customer may require the same decoration printed on a variety of different products, requiring different machines and/or jigs to be used a various times. Likewise, decoration artwork can be provided in a variety of ways including physical samples from which art is rendered by the vendor and then scaled appropriately for transfer to a plate. 
   It should be clear that the system and method for printing custom bags, cases and other business accessories described above allows maximum versatility in the order customization process. The customer or vendor need not pre-order a large quantity of pre-decorated substrates for later application to items—rather the vendor can supply on-demand exactly the number of decorated bags needed with no excess. In other words, these decorated items can be produced on-demand by the vendor out of a stock of standardized items having a pre-defined printing area. If, during the order process, the customer wishes to change the size of the order or change the decoration, he or she is free to do so without need to obtain a different or increased supply of decorated substrates. 
   The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the printing machine shown and described is exemplary only and a variety of printing machine models and types can be employed. Likewise, the particular bags and cases shown are exemplary only and the techniques applied herein can be applied to other forms of business accessories that include an appropriate substrate. Accordingly, this description is meant only to be taken by way of example and not to otherwise limit the scope of the invention.