Modular tote and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

A modular bag is described where the modular bag includes an outer shell as well as at least one of a first and second insert that is removable from the bag outer shell. The inserts are further replaceable with other inserts and each of the inserts may be configured to secure or store different items. One or more inserts may further include one or more removable pockets or permanent pockets.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A modular bag, comprising:
 an outer shell; and   a first insert configured to be releasably attachable to the outer shell via a releasable mechanism.   
     
     
         2 . The modular bag of  claim 1 , wherein the releasable mechanism comprises at least one of a zipper, clasp, latch, hook and loop material, button, snap, and magnet. 
     
     
         3 . The modular bag of  claim 1 , wherein the outer shell comprises a mating releasable mechanism that interfaces with the releasable mechanism of the first insert. 
     
     
         4 . The modular bag of  claim 3 , wherein the mating releasable mechanism of the outer shell is positioned proximate to an opening of the outer shell and substantially circumscribes the opening of the outer shell. 
     
     
         5 . The modular bag of  claim 4 , wherein the first insert is configured to carry baby products. 
     
     
         6 . The modular bag of  claim 5 , further comprising a second insert that is also configured to be releasably attachable to the outer shell via a releasable mechanism. 
     
     
         7 . The modular bag of  claim 6 , wherein the first and second inserts are configured to substantially conform to an inner cavity of the outer shell, wherein the first and second inserts are interchangeable with one another, and wherein the second insert is configured to carry items other than baby products. 
     
     
         8 . The modular bag of  claim 7 , wherein the releasable mechanism comprises a zipper that extends around the opening, but is positioned within the inner cavity so as to be concealed from view unless the opening is opened. 
     
     
         9 . The modular bag of  claim 1 , wherein the first insert comprises at least one pocket attached thereto, the at least one pocket including at least one of mesh, insulation, a slit in a material, fabric, and elastic. 
     
     
         10 . A modular bag, comprising:
 an outer shell;   a first removable insert that is releasably attachable to an interior surface of the outer shell; and   a second removable insert that is releasably attachable to at least one of the interior surface of the outer shell and the first removable insert.   
     
     
         11 . The bag of  claim 10 , wherein the second removable insert is releasably attachable to at least one of the interior surface of the outer shell and the first removable insert by at least one of a zipper, clasp, latch, hook and loop material, button, snap, and magnet. 
     
     
         12 . The bag of  claim 11 , wherein the first removable insert is releasably attachable to the interior surface of the outer shell by at least one of a zipper, clasp, latch, hook and loop material, button, snap, and magnet. 
     
     
         13 . The bag of  claim 10 , wherein a major surface of the first removable insert facing inward toward a cavity of the outer shell comprises at least one predetermined location to receive a removable pocket. 
     
     
         14 . The bag of  claim 10 , wherein a major surface of the second removable insert facing inward toward a cavity of the outer shell comprises at least one predetermined location to receive a removable pocket. 
     
     
         15 . The bag of  claim 10 , wherein the first removable insert and second removable insert are both attachable to the interior surface of the outer shell but are not attachable to one another. 
     
     
         16 . The bag of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a third removable insert configured to interface with the interior surface, the first removable insert, and the second removable insert;   a fourth modular insert configured to interface with the interior surface, the first removable insert, and the second removable insert; and   wherein the second removable insert extends across at least a portion of a bottom of the interior cavity to interface with the first removable insert.   
     
     
         17 . A removable insert configured to interface with a bag interior, the removable insert comprising a first major surface, an opposing second major surface, a top edge connecting the first and second major surfaces, a bottom edge opposing the top edge and connecting the first and second major surfaces, a first side edge adjacent to the bottom edge and top edge, and a second side edge adjacent to the bottom edge and top edge and further opposite the first side edge, wherein the first major surface is configured to face toward the bag interior and the second major surface is configured to face toward a bag cavity, and wherein at least one of the first major surface, top edge, bottom edge, first side edge, and second side edge include a releasable mechanism that enables the removable insert to be removably attached to the bag interior. 
     
     
         18 . The insert of  claim 17 , wherein the releasable mechanism comprises at least one of a zipper, clasp, latch, hook and loop material, button, snap, and magnet. 
     
     
         19 . The insert of  claim 18 , wherein the releasable mechanism extends along the top edge as well as the first and second side edges. 
     
     
         20 . The insert of  claim 17 , wherein the second major surface is provided with at least one area configured to receive a removable pocket.