Multifunctional Duffle Bag And Backpack Combination With Embroiderable Panels

Abstract

A multifunctional duffle bag and backpack combination includes side panels that can be lifted away from duffle bag/backpack such that the side panels can be substantially entirely inserted into an embroidery machine to form an embroidered design the side panels. A pair of straps can be extended upwardly and joined to form a handle above the top panel of the duffle bag/backpack. The straps can be extended downwardly such that the straps can be mounted around the shoulders of a wearer when the duffle bag/backpack is positioned on the wearer's back.

1 . A multifunctional duffle bag and backpack combination comprising:
 (a) a fabric shell comprising an exterior bottom panel, a top panel, a pair of oppositely disposed inner end panels extending upwardly between said exterior bottom panel and said top panel, and a pair of oppositely disposed inner side panels extending upwardly between said exterior bottom panel and said top panel, said inner side panels interposed between and attached at seams to said end panels, wherein said top panel is partially detachable from said shell to provide access to said shell interior volume;   (b) a pair of outer side panels adjacent said pair of inner side panels, each of said outer side panels attached to said top panel and partially detachable from its adjacent inner side panel such that each of said outer side panels can be lifted away from said exterior bottom panel; and   (c) a pair of straps extending from said exterior bottom panel, said straps capable of:
 (1) extending upwardly between said inner and outer side panels in a direction toward said top panel, said straps joinable to form a handle above said top panel; and 
 (2) extending downwardly in a direction away from said top panel such that said straps are capable of being mounted around the shoulders of a wearer when said exterior bottom panel is positioned on said wearer's back. 
   
     
     
         2 . The duffle bag and backpack combination of  claim 1  wherein each of said outer side panels when lifted is capable of being substantially entirely inserted into an embroidery machine such that an embroidered design can be formed on said outer side panel while said outer side panel remains attached to said shell. 
     
     
         3 . The duffle bag and backpack combination of  claim 2  wherein said top panel is partially detachable from said shell by a zipper and wherein each of said outer side panels is partially detachable from its adjacent inner side panel by a pair of oppositely disposed zippers extending along said seams. 
     
     
         4 . The duffle bag and backpack combination of  claim 3  further comprising a pair of outer end panels adjacent said pair of inner end panels, each of said outer end panels attached to said bottom panel and partially detachable from its adjacent inner end panel such that the volume between said inner and outer end panels can be accessed. 
     
     
         5 . The duffle bag and backpack combination of  claim 4  wherein one of said outer end panels is lined on its interior-facing surface with a layer of thermally insulating material and its adjacent inner end panel is lined on its exterior-facing surface with a layer of thermally insulating material. 
     
     
         6 . The duffle bag and backpack combination of  claim 4  wherein one of said outer end panels has a gasket formed therein for extending a cord from said volume between said inner and outer end panels to an exterior location. 
     
     
         7 . The duffle bag and backpack combination of  claim 6  wherein said cord is a headphone cord. 
     
     
         8 . The duffle bag and backpack combination of  claim 4  further comprising an interior bottom panel adjacent said exterior bottom panel, wherein a volume is formed therebetween. 
     
     
         9 . The duffle bag and backpack combination of  claim 8  wherein one of said interior side panels has an opening formed therein to access said volume formed between said interior and said exterior bottom panels. 
     
     
         10 . The duffle bag and backpack combination of  claim 9  wherein said opening is closable by a zipper. 
     
     
         11 . The duffle bag and backpack combination of  claim 10  wherein placement of a planar object within said volume formed between said interior and said exterior bottom panels rigidifies said exterior bottom panel such that said exterior bottom panel is more comfortably positioned on said wearer's back.