WO2018085434A1

WO2018085434A1 - Handbag customization and personalization using interchangeable and/or removable components

Info

Publication number: WO2018085434A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/059577
Authority: WO
Inventors: Noha S. FARGHAL
Original assignee: Farghal Noha S
Priority date: 2016-11-01
Filing date: 2017-11-01
Publication date: 2018-05-11
Also published as: EP3534747A1; EP3534747A4; US20190298025A1

Abstract

A system may include a handbag and an interchangeable component. The handbag may include an exterior surface that has an interchangeable-component-accepting region adapted for acceptance of an interchangeable component. The interchangeable-component-accepting region may including a first half of an attachment mechanism adapted for cooperation with a corresponding second half of the attachment mechanism positioned on an interchangeable component. The interchangeable component may include a piece of material with the exterior edge, the piece of material may be sized and shaped to fit into the interchangeable-component-accepting region and attached thereto via cooperation between the first and second portions of the attachment mechanism.

Description

HANDBAG CUSTOMIZATION AND PERSONALIZATION USING INTERCHANGEABLE AND/OR REMOVABLE COMPONENTS

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a NON-PROVISIONAL of and claims priority to US Application Number 62/415,975, entitled "BAG CUSTOMIZATION AND PERSONALIZATION USING INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS" filed 01 November 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention is directed to the field of apparel and, more particularly to handbag customization via removable and/or interchangeable components such as patches and other articles.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Traditionally, handbags have a set style and look determined by the designer and manufacturer and are not customizable by a user. Bag customization is currently limited to the choice of straps, addition of accessories such as key fobs and tassels, and, in some cases, a covering that slips over an entire handbag so as to, for example, change the color or material comprising an external surface of the handbag. These limitations inhibit a user's options for self-expression via her handbag as well as her options for modifying the handbag to suit a need or desired style.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 A illustrates an exemplary handbag, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0005] FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary interchangeable component, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0006] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary system comprising a handbag and an interchangeable component coupled together, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0007] FIG. 2A illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary handbag, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention; [0008] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary interchangeable component, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0009] FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary system including a handbag with two interchangeable components coupled thereto, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 3A illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary handbag, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary interchangeable component, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary system including a handbag with two interchangeable components coupled thereto, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 4A illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary handbag, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 4B illustrates a front side of an exemplary interchangeable component, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 4C illustrates a back side of interchangeable component, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 4D illustrates a system including a handbag with five interchangeable components 430 attached to exterior surface thereof, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 5A illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary handbag, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary interchangeable component in the form of a flap, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 5C illustrates a system including a handbag with the flap attached thereto, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention.

SUMMARY

[0020] Disclosed herein are handbags of any shape, size, color, or design that provide for personalization by attaching interchangeable components to a surface thereof. The interchangeable components disclosed herein may be removably attached to an exterior surface of a handbag. The interchangeable components may be made from any appropriate material (e.g., fabric, leather, vinyl, etc.) and may, in some instances, feature embellishments and/or artwork in the form of, for example, images, graphics, text, and the like, typically on a front surface thereof. In some instances, the interchangeable components may include electrical components such as a, a clock, a radio, a MP3 player, a GPS locator, a light, a computer storage device (e.g., a flash drive), etc. Additionally, or alternatively, interchangeable components may incorporate a power source (e.g., a battery, a solar cell, a rechargeable battery, etc.) configured to power a device included within interchangeable component and/or coupled thereto such as a mobile phone and/or a light. In some embodiments, the interchangeable components may include fiber optic cable elements configured to provide a display of small points of light in, for example, a decorative pattern.

[0021] A system including a handbag and an interchangeable component is herein disclosed. The handbag may have an exterior surface that includes an

interchangeable-component-accepting region adapted for acceptance of the interchangeable component. The interchangeable-component-accepting region may include a first half of an attachment mechanism, such as a zipper or magnet, adapted for cooperation with a corresponding second half of the attachment mechanism coupled to the interchangeable component. In some embodiments, the exterior surface may include a plurality of interchangeable-component-accepting regions.

[0022] The interchangeable component may be a piece of material with an exterior edge. The piece of material may be sized and shaped to fit into the interchangeable- component-accepting region and may be attached thereto via cooperation between the first and second portions of the attachment mechanism (e.g., by zipping together a zipper). In some embodiments, the interchangeable component includes an embellishment and/or decorative component. In one embodiment, attachment of the interchangeable component to the interchangeable-component-accepting region forms a pocket with the exterior surface of the handbag. In a further embodiment, attachment of the interchangeable component to the interchangeable-component- accepting region forms a flap and/or a fold over with the exterior surface of the handbag. In some cases, a portion of the exterior edge of the interchangeable component is not coupled to the second half of the attachment mechanism, thereby forming a pocket on the exterior surface. In another embodiment, the interchangeable component may be removed from the interchangeable-component-accepting region when the second portion of the attachment mechanism is disengaged from the first portion of the attachment mechanism. [0023] In some embodiments, the interchangeable-component-accepting region may be sized and shaped to be entirely covered by the interchangeable component when the first half and the second half of the attachment mechanism are engaged with one another thereby coupling the interchangeable component to the handbag. In a further embodiment, the interchangeable-component-accepting region may be sized and shaped so that the first and second portions of the attachment mechanism cooperate to couple a portion, but not the entirety, of an exterior edge of the interchangeable component to the exterior surface.

[0024] Exemplary handbags disclosed herein may include an exterior surface including one or more interchangeable-component-accepting region(s) adapted for acceptance of an interchangeable component, the interchangeable-component- accepting region including a first half of an attachment mechanism (e.g., a zipper) adapted for cooperation with a corresponding second half of the attachment mechanism. The second half of the attachment mechanism may be coupled to the interchangeable component.

[0025] In some cases, the interchangeable component may include an embellishment or decorative feature (e.g., a graphic design or text). At times, the interchangeable- component-accepting region may be sized and shaped so that the first and second portions of the attachment mechanism cooperate to couple a portion, but not the entirety, of an exterior edge of the interchangeable component to the exterior surface. For example, in one embodiment, attachment of the interchangeable component to the interchangeable-component-accepting region forms a pocket with the exterior surface of the handbag. In some instances, the interchangeable-component-accepting region may be completely covered by the interchangeable-component-accepting region when the second half of the attachment mechanism is coupled to the first half of the attachment mechanism.

[0026] In some instances, the interchangeable-component-accepting region may be sized and shaped to be entirely covered by the interchangeable component when the first half and the second half of the attachment mechanism are engaged with one another thereby coupling the interchangeable component to the handbag. In some embodiments, attachment of the interchangeable component to the interchangeable- component-accepting region forms a flap and/or a fold-over portion with the exterior surface of the handbag. [0027] Interchangeable component disclosed herein may include a piece of material having an exterior edge, the piece of material being sized and shaped to be accepted into an interchangeable-component-accepting region of a handbag via cooperation between a first portion of an attachment mechanism positioned within the

interchangeable-component-accepting region and a second portion of the attachment mechanism positioned along a portion of an exterior edge of the interchangeable component. In some instances, the interchangeable component includes an embellishment.

WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention provides users with one or more options for customizing an exterior surface of a handbag via affixing one or more interchangeable components (also referred to as patches) thereto. The interchangeable components provide a user with options for decoratively, functionally, and/or expressively modifying a portion of an exterior surface of a handbag so that a user may, for example, communicate her/his interests or personality traits to others who view the handbag and interchangeable component. As used herein a handbag may be a bag intended to be held in the hand and/or include a strap to be placed over a shoulder and may also be referred to, for example, a purse, clutch, tote, backpack, satchel, messenger bag (cross-body), or pocketbook.

[0029] The interchangeable components disclosed herein may come in different shapes and sizes and may be attached to a dedicated portion of the handbag via an attachment mechanism like a zipper, button, snap, magnet, any form of rings or hooks, fasteners of any kind, VELCRO, or the like. Often times, the attachment mechanism has two parts: one coupled to the handbag and one coupled to the interchangeable component. In some embodiments, an interchangeable component and/or handbag may include two or more second and first portions of attachment mechanisms, respectively.

[0030] Interchangeable components disclosed herein may be of any size and/or shape and may be configured to fit into and/or attach to a dedicated portion of the handbag as may be defined by, for example, handbag design, shape, and/or style. Handbags and interchangeable components disclosed herein may be made from any appropriate material including, but not limited to, leather, fabric, plastic, vinyl, vegan leather, and combinations thereof. Interchangeable components may be made from the same material as a handbag or made of a different material, color or finish. After being attached to the handbag, the interchangeable components may look like pockets of different sizes (free or unattached from the top side) and/or may be completely closed from all sides by a zipper or other attachment mechanism. In some instances, an interchangeable component may form a pocket, flap, or fold over component when coupled to the handbag.

[0031] The interchangeable component may, or may not, bear artwork, embellishment, or other design elements or motifs including, or not limited to, embroidered, painted, printed, drawn, embossed, engraved, sewn or glued on designs or pieces and may be made of different fabrics and materials and have various colors. The interchangeable components may also include a power source (e.g., a battery or solar cell) configured to provide power to a device (e.g., a cell phone, light, clock, radio, MP3 player, GPS locator, light, etc.) or may incorporate a self-contained device including its own power source.

[0032] Utilization of the present invention allows consumers to express their personalities and interests via selection and attachment of a particular interchangeable component to a handbag that they think will demonstrate some of their traits, interests or moods. Additionally, or alternatively, users may also experiment with interchangeable components of materials (fur, different kinds and colors of leather or canvas) and color combinations to realize their visions of what their ideal handbag may look like. Utilization of the invention may further enable individuals other than the user to purchase or otherwise provide interchangeable components that reflect how they feel about the user. For example, parents can choose to give their avid reader and adventurous daughter a bag in her favorite color with the words "Bookworm" and "Adventurous" on the interchangeable components, which can be replaced by other patches later on.

[0033] The interchangeable components disclosed herein do not totally replace an exterior surface, or outer shell, of a handbag to totally transform its appearance, but rather provide for the personalization of bags with the attachment of various components thereto that alter some aspects of the appearance and/or function of the handbag.

[0034] FIG. 1 A illustrates an exemplary handbag 110 that includes an exterior surface 115, an interchangeable-component-accepting region 120, and a first portion of an attachment mechanism (in this case, a zipper) 125. In some instances, exterior surface 115 is uniform over the entirety of handbag 110 (including the area comprising interchangeable-component-accepting region 120) and, in other instances, exterior surface 115 may include variations (e.g., color, fabric, etc.). For example, exterior surface 115 on a right and left side of handbag 110 may be leather and an exterior surface of interchangeable-component-accepting region 120 may be fabric. In many instances, interchangeable-component-accepting region 120 and/or first portion of attachment mechanism 125 may be adapted to accept an interchangeable component so that the interchangeable component covers an entire area of interchangeable-component-accepting region 120. Although the shape of interchangeable-component-accepting region 120 is shown as rectangular in shape, any shape (e.g., circular, oval, square, rounded corners, etc.) or size is acceptable, however, interchangeable-component-accepting region 120 does not cover the entirety of the handbag exterior surface 115.

[0035] FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary interchangeable component 130 that includes a front surface 135, an optional embellishment 140, and a second portion of an attachment mechanism (in this case, a zipper) 145. Interchangeable component 130 may be made from, for example, the same material as exterior surface of handbag 115 or from a different material. A design or appearance of interchangeable component 130 may be similar to, or different from, exterior surface of handbag 115. In some cases, optional embellishment 140 may include artwork, words, graphic images, affixed embellishments (e.g., rhinestones or embroidered designs) or the like.

[0036] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary system 160 comprising handbag 110 and interchangeable component 130 coupled together via cooperation between (i.e., attachment of) first and second portions of attachment mechanism 125 and 145 to form an assembled attachment mechanism 165. Interchangeable component 130 may be attached to interchangeable-component-accepting region 120 via aligning first and second portions of attachment mechanism 125 and 145 and pulling a zipper head along the perimeter of first and second portions of attachment mechanism 125 and 145.

[0037] System 160 illustrates how interchangeable component 130 is attached along three sides (left, bottom, and right) of its exterior perimeter. In this embodiment, a fourth side (i.e., top) of interchangeable component 130 is not attached to interchangeable-component-accepting region 120 and/or handbag 110. This open side, or opening, may allow for the ingress and/or egress of items into and out of a pocket formed by interchangeable component 130 when attached to interchangeable- component-accepting region 120 on three sides as shown in FIG. 1C. In some embodiments, first and second portions of attachment mechanism 125 and 145 may be coupled to an entire perimeter of interchangeable-component-accepting region 120 and interchangeable component 130 so that the entire perimeter of interchangeable component 130 is attached to interchangeable-component-accepting region 120.

[0038] Although first and second portions of attachment mechanism 125 and 145 are shown as two halves of a zipper, this need not always be the case. For example, first and second portions of attachment mechanism 125 and 145 may be first and second halves of a magnetic pair, a snap, a clasp, VELCRO, or other type of fastener that facilitates attachment of interchangeable component 130 within interchangeable- component-accepting region 120.

[0039] FIG. 2 A illustrates a different embodiment of an exemplary handbag 210 that includes two interchangeable-component-accepting regions 220A and 220B that each include a first portion of attachment mechanism 225A and 225B, respectively. Interchangeable-component-accepting region 220A and 220B are substantially square in shape and first portions of attachment mechanisms 225A and 225B are positioned on/attached to an outer perimeter of interchangeable-component-accepting region 220A and 220B, respectively, on three sides (left, bottom, and right). The first portions of attachment mechanisms 225A and 225B are not positioned on one edge of first and second interchangeable-component-accepting regions 220a and 220B, respectively. Although the shape of interchangeable-component-accepting region 220 is shown as being substantially square in shape, any shape (e.g., circular, oval, rectangle, rounded corners, etc.) or size is acceptable. In some instances, interchangeable-component-accepting region 120 may not cover the entirety of the handbag exterior surface 115. In some instances, interchangeable-component- accepting region 220 may wrap around multiple sides (e.g., front and bottom or front and left side) of handbag 210.

[0040] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary interchangeable component 230 adapted to fit within interchangeable-component-accepting region 220 A and/or 220B. Interchangeable component 230 includes a front surface 235, an embellishment 240, and a second portion of an attachment mechanism 245 that is positioned on three sides (left, bottom, and right) of interchangeable component 230. Second portion of attachment mechanism 245 is not positioned on a fourth side (i.e., the top) of interchangeable component 230.

[0041] FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary system 260 including handbag 210 with two interchangeable components 23 OA and 230B attached to first and second interchangeable-component-accepting regions 220A and 220B, respectively via coupling of first portions of attachment mechanisms 225A and 225B with and second portion of attachment mechanism 245 for each interchangeable component 23 OA and 230B, respectively to form an assembled attachment mechanism 265A and 265B along three sides of interchangeable-component-accepting regions 220A and 220B and interchangeable components 23 OA and 230B. In some cases, the unattached edge of interchangeable components 230A and/or 230B (i.e., the top edge) may be open so as to form a pocket with exterior surface 215 into which an object may be inserted and/or extracted.

[0042] FIG. 3 A illustrates a different embodiment of an exemplary handbag 310 that includes two interchangeable-component-accepting regions 320A and 320B that each include a first portion of attachment mechanism 325A and 325B, respectively. Interchangeable-component-accepting region 320A and 320B are substantially square in shape and first portions of attachment mechanisms 325A and 325B are positioned on/attached to an outer perimeter of interchangeable-component-accepting region 320A and 320B, respectively, on four sides (left, top, bottom, and right). Although the shape of interchangeable-component-accepting region 120 is shown as being substantially square in shape, any shape (e.g., circular, oval, rectangle, rounded corners, etc.) or size is acceptable. In some cases, interchangeable-component- accepting region 120 may not cover the entirety of the handbag exterior surface 115.

[0043] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary interchangeable component 330 adapted to fit within interchangeable-component-accepting region 320 A and/or 320B. Interchangeable component 330 includes a front surface 335, an embellishment 340, and a second portion of an attachment mechanism 345 that is positioned on four sides (left, top, bottom, and right) of interchangeable component 330.

[0044] FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary system 360 including handbag 310 with two interchangeable components 330A and 330B attached to first and second interchangeable-component-accepting regions 320A and 320B, respectively via coupling of first portions of attachment mechanisms 325A and 325B with second portion of attachment mechanism 345 for each interchangeable component 330A and 330B, respectively to form an assembled attachment mechanism 365A and 365B along all four sides of interchangeable-component-accepting regions 320A and 320B and interchangeable components 330A and 33 OB.

[0045] FIG. 4 A illustrates a different embodiment of an exemplary handbag 410 that includes five first portions of an attachment mechanism 425 positioned on and/or coincident with an exterior surface 415 thereof in an exemplary X-like formation. In some embodiments, one or more first portions of the attachment mechanisms 425 may not be visible when looking at exterior surface 415 as may be the case when first portions of the attachment mechanisms 425 are magnets.

[0046] Although the five first portions of the attachment mechanisms 425 positioned on exterior surface 415 in an X-like formation, a person of skill in the art will appreciate that any number and/or arrangement of first portions of the attachment mechanisms 425 may be used consistent with the invention. For example, three first portions of the attachment mechanisms 425 may be arranged in a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal line along exterior surface 415.

[0047] FIG. 4B illustrates a front side 435 of an exemplary interchangeable component 430 and FIG. 4C illustrates a back side of interchangeable component 430. Front surface 435 may be made from the same, or a different, material as exterior surface 415. In some cases, front surface 435 may include an embellishment or design and, in some instances, may look like, or be used in a manner similar to, a sticker, brooch, button, pin, or decal. A back surface 475 of interchangeable component 430 may include a second portion of an attachment mechanism 445 adapted to align with and attach to first portion of attachment mechanism 425. In some embodiments, an interchangeable component 430 may be a pocket (e.g., have a front and back surface attached along a portion of a perimeter thereof) in and of itself (i.e., a pocket not requiring use of exterior surface 415) that is attached to front surface 415. First and second portions of attachment mechanism 425 and 445 may be cooperating parts of any appropriate attachment mechanism including, but not limited to, magnets, snaps, buttons, rings, hooks, and VELCRO.

[0048] FIG. 4D illustrates a system 460 including handbag 410 with five interchangeable components 430 attached to exterior surface 415 via coupling of respective first portions of attachment mechanisms 425 with second portions of attachment mechanism 445 for each interchangeable component 430. A front surface 435 may be the same, or different, for each of the 5 interchangeable components 430 attached to exterior surface 415. For example, each of the five interchangeable component front sides 435 may include a different embellishment, design, graphic, or text. In some cases, the front sides 435 may be arranged to provide an overall message or statement and, in other cases, the front sides 435 may be randomly arranged.

[0049] FIG. 5 A illustrates an exemplary handbag 510 that includes an exterior surface 515 (a back side 515A of which is shown in FIG. 5 A) and a first portion of an attachment mechanism (in this case, a zipper) 525 attached along an upper edge of the back side of the exterior surface 515A. It should be noted that although first portion of an attachment mechanism 525 is positioned along an upper edge of handbag 510, this need not be the case as first portion of an attachment mechanism 525 may be positioned anywhere (e.g., middle or along a lower edge) on handbag's 510 exterior surface.

[0050] FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary interchangeable component 530 in the form of a flap that includes an exterior surface 535 and a second portion of an attachment mechanism (in this case, a zipper) 545. Interchangeable component 530 may be made from, for example, the same material as exterior surface of handbag 515 or from a different material. A design or appearance of interchangeable component 530 may be similar to, or different from, exterior surface of handbag 515.

[0051] FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary system 560 comprising handbag 510 and interchangeable component 530 coupled together via first and second portions of attachment mechanism 525 and 545 to form an assembled attachment mechanism (not shown). Interchangeable component 530 may be attached to handbag 510 via aligning first and second portions of attachment mechanism 525 and 545 and pulling a zipper head along the length of first and second portions of attachment mechanism 525 and 545. Once attached, interchangeable component 530 may be folded over from the back of the back-side of exterior surface 515A to cover a portion of front- side of exterior surface 515B. In this way, handbag 510 may be modified via attachment of interchangeable component 530 to include a fold over flap.

[0052] Although first and second portions of attachment mechanism 525 and 545 are shown as two halves of a zipper, this need not always be the case. For example, first and second portions of attachment mechanism 525 and 545 may be first and second halves of a magnetic pair, a snap, a clasp, VELCRO, or other type of fastener that facilitates attachment of interchangeable component 530 within interchangeable- component-accepting region 520.

[0053] In some cases, handbags 110, 210, 310, 410, and/or 510 and/or components thereof may include/share one or more features. Additionally, or alternatively, interchangeable components 130, 230, 330, 430, and/or 530 and/or components thereof may include/share one or more features. Moreover, although the shape of interchangeable-component-accepting regions 120, 220A, 220B, 320A, and/or 320B is shown as being of square or rectangular shape, this is for exemplary purposes only as interchangeable-component-accepting region 120, 220A, 220B, 320A, and/or 320B may be of any appropriate size or shape (e.g., circular, oval, star-shaped, etc.) and a particular handbag may incorporate interchangeable-component-accepting regions 120, 220A, 220B, 320A, and/or 320B of differing sizes and shapes.

[0054] Additionally or alternatively although the shape of interchangeable components 130, 230, 330, 430, and/or 530 is shown as being of square or rectangular shape, this is for exemplary purposes only as interchangeable components 130, 230, 330, 430, and/or 530 may be of any appropriate size or shape (e.g., circular, oval, star-shaped, irregularly shaped, etc.)

[0055] In some embodiments, two or more of the embodiments described herein may be combined on the same or different sides of a handbag like 110, 210, 310, 410, and/or 510. For example, a first side of a handbag may include interchangeable- component-accepting region 120 and a second side of the handbag may include interchangeable-component-accepting region(s) 220A, 220B, 320A, and/or 320B, one or more attachment mechanism(s) 425, and/or one or more first portion(s) of attachment mechanism 525. In some instances, interchangeable-component-accepting region 120, 220A, 220B, 320A, and/or 320B may include one or more attachment mechanism(s) 425 positioned therein so that the respective interchangeable- component-accepting region may also accept attachment of an interchangeable component 430.

[0056] Additionally, or alternatively, interchangeable components 130, 230, 330, 430, and/or 530 may be attached to, for example, a handbag such as handbags 110, 210, 310, 410, and/or 510 provided that the handbag has a first attachment mechanism that cooperates with the second attachment mechanism present on the interchangeable component.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system comprising:

a handbag comprising an exterior surface, the exterior surface including an interchangeable-component-accepting region adapted for acceptance of an interchangeable component, the interchangeable-component-accepting region including a first half of an attachment mechanism adapted for cooperation with a corresponding second half of the attachment mechanism, the second half of the attachment mechanism being coupled to the an exterior edge of the interchangeable component; and

the interchangeable component comprising a piece of material with the exterior edge, the piece of material being sized and shaped to be accepted into the interchangeable-component-accepting region and attached thereto via cooperation between the first and second portions of the attachment mechanism.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is a zipper.

3. The system of any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the interchangeable component includes an embellishment.

4. The system of any of claims 1-3, wherein attachment of the interchangeable component to the region forms a pocket with the exterior surface of the handbag.

5. The system of any of claims 1-4, wherein attachment of the interchangeable component to the interchangeable-component-accepting region forms at least one of a flap and a fold with the exterior surface of the handbag.

6. The system of any of claims 1-5, wherein the interchangeable-component- accepting region is configured to be completely covered by the interchangeable component when the second half of the attachment mechanism is coupled to the first half of the attachment mechanism.

7. The system of any of claims 1-6, wherein the interchangeable-component- accepting region is sized and shaped to be entirely covered by the interchangeable component when the first half and the second half of the attachment mechanism are engaged with one another thereby coupling the interchangeable component to the handbag.

8. The system of any of claims 1-7, wherein the interchangeable-component- accepting region is sized and shaped so that the first and second portions of the attachment mechanism cooperate to couple a portion, but not the entirety, of an exterior edge of the interchangeable component to the exterior surface.

9. The system of any of claims 1-8, wherein a portion of the exterior edge of the interchangeable component is not coupled to the second half of the attachment mechanism, thereby forming a pocket on the exterior surface.

10. The system of any of claims 1-9, wherein the exterior surface includes a plurality of interchangeable-component-accepting regions.

11. The system of any of claims 1-10, wherein the interchangeable component may be removed from the interchangeable-component-accepting region when the second portion of the attachment mechanism is disengaged from the first portion of the attachment mechanism.

12. A handbag comprising:

an exterior surface including a interchangeable-component-accepting region adapted for acceptance of an interchangeable component, the interchangeable- component-accepting region including a first half of an attachment mechanism adapted for cooperation with a corresponding second half of the attachment mechanism, the second half of the attachment mechanism being coupled to the interchangeable component.

13. The handbag of claim 12, wherein the attachment mechanism is a zipper

14. The handbag of any of claims 12-13, wherein the interchangeable component includes an embellishment.

15. The handbag of any of claims 12-14, wherein attachment of the interchangeable component to the interchangeable-component-accepting region forms a pocket with the exterior surface of the handbag.

16. The handbag of any of claims 12-15, wherein the interchangeable-component- accepting region is configured to be completely covered by the interchangeable component when the second half of the attachment mechanism is coupled to the first half of the attachment mechanism.

17. The handbag of any of claims 12-16, wherein the interchangeable-component- accepting region is sized and shaped to be entirely covered by the interchangeable component when the first half and the second half of the attachment mechanism are engaged with one another thereby coupling the interchangeable component to the handbag.

18. The handbag of any of claims 12-17, wherein the interchangeable-component- accepting region is sized and shaped so that the first and second portions of the attachment mechanism cooperate to couple a portion, but not the entirety, of an exterior edge of the interchangeable component to the exterior surface.

19. The handbag of any of claims 12-18, wherein a portion of the exterior edge of the interchangeable component is not coupled to the second half of the attachment mechanism, thereby forming a pocket on the exterior surface.

20. The handbag of any of claims 12-19, wherein the exterior surface includes a plurality of interchangeable-component-accepting regions.

21. The handbag of any of claims 12-20, wherein attachment of the interchangeable component to the interchangeable-component-accepting region forms at least one of a flap and a fold with the exterior surface of the handbag.

22. An interchangeable component comprising:

a piece of material having an exterior edge, the piece of material being sized and shaped to be accepted into an interchangeable-component-accepting region of a handbag via cooperation between a first portion of an attachment mechanism positioned within the interchangeable-component-accepting region and a second portion of the attachment mechanism positioned along a portion of an exterior edge of the interchangeable component.

23. The interchangeable component of claim 22, wherein the attachment mechanism is a zipper,

24. The interchangeable component of any of claims 22-23, wherein the

interchangeable component includes an embellishment.

25. The interchangeable component of any of claims 22-24, wherein attachment of the interchangeable component to the region forms a pocket with the exterior surface of the handbag.

26. The interchangeable component of any of claims 22-25, wherein the

interchangeable component completely covers the interchangeable-component- accepting region when the second half of the attachment mechanism is coupled to the first half of the attachment mechanism.

27. The interchangeable component of any of claims 22-25, wherein the first and second portions of the attachment mechanism comprise at least one of a zipper, a magnet, a snap, a button, a ring, a hook, and VELCRO.