Interchangeable personal bag

Abstract

Embodiments are described of methods and systems for interchangeable personal bags, such as shoulder bags, hand bags, totes, purses, clutches, and the like. Personal bags of the present teachings can be adapted to change their appearance. According to various embodiments, a first personal bag can be placed within a compartment, pocket, etc. of a second personal bag (or receiving bag), with a flap of the first bag covering at least a portion of an exterior side of the second bag, wherein the outward appearance of the flap of the first bag differs from that of the covered portion of the exterior side of the second bag. The exterior appearance of the second bag can thereby be changed.

It is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for changing the appearance of a personal bag, comprising:
 receiving a first personal bag within a second personal bag; and,   folding a flap of the first bag so that a first exterior surface of the flap masks at least a portion of an exterior surface of the second bag;   wherein the appearance of a second exterior surface of the flap, opposing the first exterior surface of the flap, differs from that of the masked portion of the exterior surface of the second bag;   whereby the exterior appearance of the second bag is changed.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first bag is received inside a compartment of the second bag. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first bag is received inside a pocket of the second bag. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the pocket is located in a compartment of the second bag. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the pocket is located on a sidewall of the second bag. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the pocket is on the exterior side of the sidewall. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the pocket is on the interior side of the sidewall. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein after folding the flap, the first bag is substantially open. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein after folding the flap, the first bag is substantially closed. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the changed exterior of the second bag comprises the exterior surface proximate the flap. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the changed exterior of the second bag comprises the exterior surface distal from the flap. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 receiving an edge portion of the folded flap within a retaining channel or pocket on the exterior of the second bag.   
     
     
         13 . A method for changing the appearance of a personal bag, comprising:
 placing a first personal bag within a compartment or pocket of a second personal bag, with a flap of the first bag covering at least a portion of an exterior side of the second bag;   wherein the outward appearance of the flap of the first bag differs from that of the covered portion of the exterior side of the second bag;   whereby the exterior appearance of the second bag is changed.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 removably receiving and retaining an edge of the flap in a channel or pocket on the exterior side of the second bag.   
     
     
         15 . An interchangeable bag system, comprising:
 a first personal bag, comprising a flap including a first surface having a first appearance;   and,   a second personal bag, comprising an interior region and an exterior surface having a second appearance differing from the first appearance;   wherein the first bag is receivable within the interior region of the second bag; and,   wherein the flap of the first bag is foldable such that the flap can cover at least a portion of the exterior surface of the second bag with its first surface facing outwardly.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the fold is a rearward fold. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the fold is a forward fold. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a channel or pocket on the exterior of the second bag for removably receiving and retaining an edge of the flap when folded.   
     
     
         19 . An interchangeable bag system, comprising:
 a first personal bag comprising opposing sidewalls;   a second personal bag removably receivable between said sidewalls; and,   a flap extending along an upper region of the second bag;   wherein the flap is configured for covering at least a portion of an exterior side of one of the sidewalls of the first bag when between said sidewalls.   
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the outward appearance of the flap differs from that of the exterior of the sidewalls of the first bag. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20 , further comprising an upper edge of one of said sidewalls, with the flap draped over the upper edge. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 20 , further comprising an elongate slit extending along one of the sidewalls, with the flap passed through the slit.