U.S. patent application number 11/256664 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-26 for beverage carrier configured for use with luggage.
Invention is credited to S. Christine Kohn.
Application Number | 20070089953 11/256664 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37984307 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070089953 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kohn; S. Christine |
April 26, 2007 |
Beverage carrier configured for use with luggage
Abstract
There is provided a luggage assembly that provides convenient
retention of a beverage container relative to an article of
luggage. The luggage assembly includes an article of luggage, such
as roller luggage, that includes an exterior feature, such as a
selectively extendable handle. The luggage assembly also includes a
beverage carrier for selectively receiving and retaining the
beverage container. The beverage carrier comprises a sleeve with an
inner surface that provides a frictional fit between the inner
surface of the sleeve and an outside surface of the beverage
container to thereby retain the beverage container in the beverage
carrier. The beverage carrier defines an open end at one axial end
of the sleeve and an obstructed end at an opposite axial end of the
sleeve. The beverage carrier further comprises a strap for
selective attachment to the exterior feature of the article of
luggage.
Inventors: |
Kohn; S. Christine; (Chapel
Hill, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Family ID: |
37984307 |
Appl. No.: |
11/256664 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/102 ;
190/108; 190/901; 220/903 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/16 20130101; A45C
5/14 20130101; A45C 2013/306 20130101; A45C 13/001 20130101; A45C
13/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/102 ;
190/108; 190/901; 220/903 |
International
Class: |
A45C 13/40 20060101
A45C013/40; A45C 3/00 20060101 A45C003/00; A45C 13/00 20060101
A45C013/00 |
Claims
1. A luggage assembly for use with a beverage container, the
luggage assembly comprising: an article of luggage defining at
least one exterior feature; a beverage carrier for selectively
receiving and retaining the beverage container, the beverage
carrier comprising: a sleeve extending in a generally axial
direction from a first axial end to a second axial end opposite the
first axial end, wherein the sleeve defines an inner surface and an
outer surface opposite the inner surface and wherein the sleeve
defines a predetermined internal dimension for providing a friction
fit between the inner surface of the sleeve and an outside surface
of the beverage container; an open end defined by the first axial
end of the sleeve, wherein the first axial end of the sleeve
defines a perimeter dimension that generally retains a consistent
length to allow passage of the beverage container into and out of
the sleeve through the first axial end such that the beverage
container is retained in the sleeve substantially by the friction
fit between the inner surface of the sleeve and an outside surface
of the beverage container; an obstructed end defined by the second
axial end of the sleeve such that passage of the beverage container
into and out of the sleeve through the second axial end is
substantially obstructed; and a strap joined to the sleeve, wherein
the strap is configured for selective attachment to the exterior
feature of the article of luggage.
2. A luggage assembly according to claim 1 wherein the strap
defines an adjustable length.
3. A luggage assembly according to claim 2 wherein the strap
comprises a first portion and a second portion that define a
hook-and-loop fabric fastener assembly therebetween for defining
the adjustable length of the strap.
4. A luggage assembly according to claim 2 wherein the strap
defines a first end joined to the sleeve and a second end opposite
the first end and wherein the second end of the strap and the outer
surface of the sleeve define a hook-and-loop fabric fastener
assembly therebetween for defining the adjustable length of the
strap.
5. A luggage assembly according to claim 2 wherein the strap
defines an elastic material.
6. A luggage assembly according to claim 1 wherein the inner
surface of the sleeve defines a circular cross-section.
7. A luggage assembly according to claim 1 wherein the inner
surface of the sleeve defines a polygonal cross-section.
8. A luggage assembly according to claim 1 wherein the sleeve
comprises a foam material configured to substantially insulate the
beverage container.
9. A luggage assembly according to claim 1 wherein the inner
surface of the sleeve defines a tricot material.
10. A luggage assembly according to claim 1 wherein the article of
luggage defines an exterior material and the outer surface of the
beverage carrier defines an exterior material, and wherein the
exterior material of the article of luggage is substantially
equivalent to the exterior material of the outer surface of the
beverage carrier.
11. A luggage assembly according to claim 1 wherein the article of
luggage comprises roller luggage and wherein the exterior feature
comprises a selectively extendable handle.
12. A beverage carrier configured for use with an article of
luggage for retaining a beverage container relative to the article
of luggage by selectively receiving and retaining the beverage
container, the beverage carrier comprising: a sleeve extending in a
generally axial direction from a first axial end to a second axial
end opposite the first axial end, wherein the sleeve defines an
inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface and
wherein the sleeve defines a predetermined internal dimension for
providing a friction fit between the inner surface of the sleeve
and an outside surface of the beverage container; an open end
defined by the first axial end of the sleeve, wherein the first
axial end of the sleeve defines a perimeter dimension that
generally retains a consistent length to allow passage of the
beverage container into and out of the sleeve through the first
axial end such that the beverage container is retained in the
sleeve substantially by the friction fit between the inner surface
of the sleeve and an outside surface of the beverage container; an
obstructed end defined by the second axial end of the sleeve such
that passage of the beverage container into and out of the sleeve
through the second axial end is substantially obstructed; and a
strap joined to the sleeve, wherein the strap is configured for
selective attachment to the exterior feature of the article of
luggage.
13. A luggage assembly according to claim 12 wherein the strap
defines an adjustable length.
14. A luggage assembly according to claim 13 wherein the strap
comprises a first portion and a second portion that define a
hook-and-loop fabric fastener assembly therebetween for defining
the adjustable length of the strap.
15. A luggage assembly according to claim 12 wherein the inner
surface of the sleeve defines a circular cross-section.
16. A luggage assembly according to claim 12 wherein the sleeve
comprises a foam material configured to substantially insulate the
beverage container.
17. A luggage assembly according to claim 12 wherein the inner
surface of the sleeve defines a tricot material.
18. A method of retaining a beverage container relative to an
article of luggage, the method comprising: inserting a beverage
container into a beverage carrier, wherein the beverage carrier
comprises a sleeve extending in a generally axial direction from a
first axial end to a second axial end opposite the first axial end,
wherein the sleeve defines an inner surface and an outer surface
opposite the inner surface and wherein the sleeve defines a
predetermined internal dimension for providing a friction fit
between the inner surface of the sleeve and an outside surface of
the beverage container, an open end defined by the first axial end
of the sleeve that defines a perimeter dimension that generally
retains a consistent length to allow a beverage container to be
retained in the sleeve substantially by the friction fit between
the inner surface of the sleeve and an outside surface of the
beverage container, and an obstructed end defined by the second
axial end of the sleeve that substantially obstructs passage of the
beverage container into and out of the sleeve; and attaching the
beverage carrier to an exterior feature of the article of luggage,
wherein the beverage carrier comprises a strap joined to the sleeve
and the strap attaches to the exterior feature of the article of
luggage.
19. A method according to claim 18 wherein attaching the beverage
carrier comprises attaching a first portion of the strap to a
second portion of the strap with a hook-and-loop fabric
fastener.
20. A method according to claim 18 wherein attaching the beverage
carrier comprises attaching a strap of adjustable length around a
selectively extendable handle of an article of luggage comprising
roller luggage.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention are related to beverage
carriers for holding beverage containers, and more particularly, to
beverage carriers configured for use with articles of luggage.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Travelers in airports, train terminals, bus stations, and
the like, as well as other individuals transporting items in
general, often transport items in one or more articles of luggage.
Depending upon the size, shape, and quantity of such luggage, the
individual may have a difficult time carrying or manipulating
additional objects, such as a beverage container.
[0005] Beverage carriers into which beverage containers may be
selectively inserted and/or removed are currently available;
however, such beverage carriers are not specifically intended for
use with articles of luggage. For example, beverage carriers may
include a drawstring portion that is adjacent the open end into
which the beverage container is inserted to retain the beverage
container within the beverage carrier by drawing the string. Such
beverage carriers with a drawstring may be suspended from an
article of luggage by only the string itself. Therefore, such use
of beverage carriers with articles of luggage is often awkward or
cumbersome, as they are often loosely retained relative to the
article of luggage and thus may become disconnected or may
inadvertently collide with other objects or individuals.
Furthermore, such beverage carriers are also often difficult to
manipulate when inserting or removing the beverage container.
Therefore, a need exists for a luggage assembly and/or beverage
carrier that provides convenient retention and access to a beverage
container.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention address the need for
convenient retention of a beverage container with respect to an
article of luggage. The luggage assembly and beverage carrier of
the present invention includes a sleeve that defines a
predetermined internal dimension that provides a friction fit
between an inner surface of the sleeve and an outside surface of
the beverage container. The beverage carrier also includes a strap
for secure and selective attachment to an exterior feature of an
article of luggage, such as the extendable handle of roller
luggage. The sleeve of the beverage carrier may include foam or
other insulator to insulate the beverage container. Therefore, the
luggage assembly and beverage carrier of the present invention
provide convenient retention of a beverage container relative to an
article of luggage.
[0007] A luggage assembly of one embodiment includes an article of
luggage that defines at least one exterior feature, such as roller
luggage, with a selectively extendable handle in some embodiments
of the present invention. The luggage assembly also includes a
beverage carrier for selectively receiving and retaining a beverage
container. The beverage carrier includes a sleeve with an inner
surface that defines a predetermined internal dimension that
provides a friction fit between the inner surface of the sleeve and
an outside surface of the beverage container. The inner surface of
the sleeve defines a circular cross-section or a polygonal
cross-section in various embodiments of the present invention. The
beverage carrier also comprises an open end at a first axial end of
the sleeve and an obstructed end at a second axial end of the
sleeve such that the beverage container is allowed to pass into and
out of the sleeve through the open end but is obstructed from
passing into and out of the sleeve through the obstructed end. In
addition, the open end defines a perimeter dimension that generally
retains a consistent length such that the friction fit between the
inner surface of the sleeve and the outside surface of the beverage
container selectively retains the beverage container in the sleeve.
The beverage carrier also includes a strap that is configured for
selective attachment to the exterior feature of the article of
luggage.
[0008] Further embodiments of the present invention include a
beverage carrier with a strap that defines an adjustable length,
such as a strap with two portions and a hook-and-loop fabric
fastener for defining the adjustable length. Alternative
embodiments of the present invention include a strap with a first
end joined to the sleeve and a second end that along with the outer
surface of the sleeve define a hook-and-loop fabric fastener to
define the adjustable length. Still further embodiments of the
present invention comprise a foam material in the sleeve to
substantially insulate the beverage container. Additional
embodiments of the present invention define a tricot material as
the inner surface of the sleeve that creates the frictional fit
with the outside surface of the beverage container. These and
further embodiments of the present invention provide a luggage
assembly that allows convenient and accessible retention of a
beverage container relative to an article of luggage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a beverage carrier of
one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a beverage
container that has been selectively inserted into the sleeve of the
beverage carrier;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the beverage carrier of
FIG. 1, illustrating the tricot material of the inner surface of
the sleeve;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a luggage assembly of
the present invention that includes the beverage carrier of FIG. 1,
illustrating the beverage carrier selectively attached to the
selectively extendable handle of the roller luggage;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a luggage assembly of
the present invention that includes the beverage carrier of FIG. 1,
illustrating the beverage carrier selectively attached to the
selectively extendable handle of the roller luggage
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a beverage carrier of a
second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a strap
that defines a first portion joined to the sleeve and a second
portion that, along with the outer surface of the sleeve, defines a
hook-and-loop fabric fastener assembly therebetween; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a beverage carrier of a
third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a strap
that defines an elastic material.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Various embodiments of the present invention will be
described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The invention may be embodied in many different forms and should
not be construed as limited to only the embodiments described and
shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
[0017] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a luggage assembly 10 of one
embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Referring to
FIGS. 1-4, the luggage assembly 10 includes an article of luggage
12 that comprises a single article of roller luggage that includes
an exterior feature 14 that comprises a selectively extendable
handle. Further embodiments of the present invention comprises
alternative articles of luggage, such as differently shaped roller
luggage, non-rolling luggage, duffle bags, or the like to list
non-limiting examples of alternative articles of luggage. The
luggage assembly 10 also comprises a beverage carrier 20 for
selectively receiving and retaining a beverage container 22. The
illustrated beverage container 22, 122, and 222 of FIGS. 1 and 3-6
comprises a plastic 24 ounce water bottle that defines a generally
cylindrical shape; however, the illustrated embodiments and further
embodiments of the present invention are configured to selectively
receive and retain beverage containers of any material, of any
size, of any shape, and containing any beverage.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1, the beverage carrier 20 comprises a
sleeve 24 that extends in a generally axial direction from a first
axial end 26 to a second axial end 28 opposite the first axial end.
The beverage container 22 is retained in the sleeve 24 by a
friction fit between an outside surface of the beverage container
and an inner surface of the sleeve 24. The sleeve 24 defines an
inner surface 30 and an outer surface 32 opposite the inner
surface, as shown in FIG. 2. The inner surface 30 of the sleeve 24
defines a predetermined internal dimension for providing the
friction fit between the inner surface of the sleeve and the
outside surface of the beverage container 22. For the illustrated
embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the predetermined internal dimension of
the inner surface 30 is an internal cross-sectional perimeter that
is approximately nine inches. The outside surface of the beverage
container 22 defines a cross-sectional perimeter that is slightly
larger than the approximately nine inches of the internal
cross-sectional perimeter of the inner surface 30 of the sleeve 24
but not so large that the beverage container can not be inserted
into the sleeve. Therefore, when an individual selectively inserts
the beverage container 22 into the sleeve 24, the inner surface 30
of the sleeve conforms to the shape of the outside surface of the
beverage container and maintains a friction fit with the outside
surface of the beverage container. The inner surface 30 of the
sleeve 24 defines a circular cross-section; however, further
embodiments of the present invention comprise inner surfaces that
define alternative cross-sections, such as polygonal cross-sections
(such as triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, etc. to list
non-limiting examples of polygonal cross-sections), elliptical
cross-sections, or the like to list non-limiting examples. However,
the circular cross-section of the inner surface 30 of sleeve 24 of
FIGS. 1-4 is deformable such that the beverage carrier 20 is able
to selectively receive beverage containers 22 having non-circular
cross-sections, such as square or elliptical beverage containers of
generally the same size, to list non-limiting examples. The term
cross-section as used herein is the cross-section of the sleeve
taken along the axis of the sleeve 24, which extends from the first
axial end 26 to the second axial end 28 of the sleeve or the
cross-section of the beverage container 22 taken along its
axis.
[0019] The inner surface 30 of the beverage carrier 20 of FIGS. 1
and 2 comprises a tricot material, as best shown in FIG. 2, that is
a warp-knitted fabric, such as nylon, wool, rayon, cotton, silk, or
the like to list non-limiting examples of fabric. Further
embodiments of the present invention comprise alternative
materials, including but not limited to plastic, rubber, or
composite materials, for the inner surface of the beverage carrier.
The sleeve 24 of the beverage container 20 of FIGS. 1-4 also
comprises a foam material between the inner surface 30 of the
sleeve and the outer surface 32 of the sleeve. The foam material is
configured to substantially insulate the beverage container 22 when
the beverage container is retained in the beverage carrier 20, and
the foam material in a non-compressed state may define any
thickness, such as one-eighth of an inch to provide one
non-limiting example, and any material as desired to insulate the
beverage container. When the beverage container 20 is selectively
inserted into the beverage carrier, the inner surface 30 of the
sleeve 24 contacts the outside surface of the beverage container 22
based upon the predetermined internal dimension of the sleeve, and
if the foam is compressed during the insertion of the beverage
container, the resilience of the foam provides an amount of
pressure on the interface of the inner surface of the sleeve and
the outside surface of the beverage container. Tension in the
tricot material of the inner surface 30 of the sleeve 24 of FIGS.
1-4 also provides an amount of pressure on the outside surface of
the beverage container. The predetermined internal dimension of the
sleeve 24 takes into account the deformation of the inner surface
30 and/or foam material during the insertion, retention, and/or
removal of the beverage container 22, and the predetermined
internal dimension is sized such that a friction fit is provided
between the inner surface of the sleeve and the outside surface of
the beverage container.
[0020] The friction fit provided between the inner surface 30 of
the sleeve 24 and the outside surface of the beverage container 22
of the illustrated embodiments provides a retention force that is
sufficient to allow the beverage container to remain within the
sleeve if the beverage carrier is turned upside down and/or shaken
vigorously. The retention force of the friction fit of the
illustrated embodiments is so large that only by pulling the
beverage container relative to the beverage carrier can the
beverage container be removed from the beverage carrier. Therefore,
the beverage carrier 20 of the present invention may be selectively
attached to an article of luggage 12 in substantially any
orientation relative to the article of luggage without the beverage
container 22 becoming inadvertently removed from the beverage
carrier. In addition, the friction fit provided by the illustrated
embodiments of the present invention and the secure attachment of
the beverage carrier to the article of luggage prevent the beverage
container from becoming inadvertently removed from the article of
luggage as the luggage assembly is oriented in various ways during
positioning on and off of conveyor belts, transferring into and out
of vehicles, or other handling of the luggage assembly.
[0021] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first axial end 26 of
the sleeve 24 comprises a rim material to provide structural
support and/or provide durability for the beverage carrier. The rim
material may be any material suitable for supporting and/or
protecting the sleeve 24. The beverage carrier 20 comprises an open
end 36 defined by the first axial end 26 of the sleeve. The
beverage container 22 is selectively inserted into and removed from
the beverage carrier 20 through the open end 36. Therefore, the
first axial end 26 of the beverage carrier 20 defines a perimeter
dimension that generally retains a consistent length and that
allows passage of the beverage container into and out of the sleeve
through the first axial end such that the beverage container is
retained in the sleeve substantially by the friction fit between
the inner surface of the sleeve and an outside surface of the
beverage container. For the beverage container 22 of FIGS. 1-4
having an outside surface with a cross-sectional perimeter of
approximately nine inches, the perimeter dimension of the first
axial end 26 of the beverage carrier 20 defines a generally
consistent length of more than nine inches such that the beverage
container is allowed to pass through the first axial end without
generating a significant amount of friction when the beverage
container is generally axially aligned with the sleeve 24 of the
beverage carrier. Still further embodiments of the present
invention comprise perimeter dimensions of the first axial end and
predetermined internal dimensions of the sleeve having alternative
lengths to selectively receive and retain beverage containers of
alternative sizes, such as 12 ounces, 36 ounces, 48 ounces, 1.5
liters, or the like to lists non-limiting examples; alternative
shapes, such as square, elliptical, polygonal, or the like to list
non-limiting examples; or alternative contours of the beverage
container.
[0022] The beverage carrier 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2 also comprises an
obstructed end 38 that is defined by the second axial end 28 of the
sleeve 24. The obstructed end 38 of the beverage carrier
substantially obstructs passage of the beverage container 22 into
and out of the sleeve 24 through the second axial end 28;
therefore, the beverage container 22 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may only be
inserted into, or removed out of, the sleeve through the open end
36 defined by the first axial end 26. The obstructed end 38 of the
beverage carrier 20 comprises a complete enclosure of the second
axial end 28 by a material substantially equivalent to the
materials comprising the sleeve 24. Further embodiments of the
present invention comprise beverage carriers with alternative
obstructed ends that completely enclose the second axial end with
materials that are not substantially equivalent to the materials
comprising the sleeve and/or that only partially enclose the second
axial end an amount sufficient to obstruct passage of the beverage
container into and out of the sleeve through the second axial
end.
[0023] The beverage carrier 20 of FIGS. 1-4 also comprises a strap
40 that is joined to the sleeve 24. The strap 40 of FIGS. 1-4
comprises a first portion 42 that is joined to the sleeve 24
proximate the first axial end 26, a second portion 44 that is
joined to the sleeve proximate the second axial end 28, and a
hook-and-loop fabric fastener assembly 46 therebetween. The first
and second portions 42 and 44 of strap 40 of FIGS. 1-4 are stitched
to the outer surface 32 of the sleeve 24; however, further
embodiments of the present invention join the strap by alternative
joining techniques or are integral to the sleeve and/or the strap
portions are joined to the sleeve at alternative locations that may
or may not be proximate an axial end. The hook-and-loop fabric
fastener assembly 46 of the strap 40 of FIGS. 1-4 defines the
adjustable length of the strap because the first and second strap
portions 42 and 44 may be connected to one another at various
locations by the hook-and-loop fabric fastener assembly to define
different lengths of the strap. The hook-and-loop fabric fastener
assembly 46 of the illustrated embodiments comprises VELCRO.RTM.
which is available from Velcro USA Inc. of Manchester, N.H. Further
embodiments of the present invention comprise alternative
hook-and-loop fabric fastener assemblies or comprise alternative
devices for providing a strap that comprises one or more portions
to define an adjustable length.
[0024] Turning now to the beverage carrier 120 of FIG. 5, the strap
140 comprises a first portion 142 that is fed through a loop device
148, such as a D-ring to list one non-limiting example, and a
second portion 144 opposite the loop device of the first portion.
The second portion 144 of the strap is joined to the outer surface
132 of the sleeve 124 by a hook-and-loop fabric fastener assembly
146. The hook portion of the hook-and-loop fabric fastener assembly
146 is attached to the second portion 144 of the strap 140 and the
loop portion of the hook-and-loop fabric fastener assembly is
attached to the outer surface 130 of the sleeve 124, or vice versa,
such that the length of the strap is adjustable by relocating the
second portion of the strap relative to the outer surface of the
sleeve. The beverage carrier 220 of FIG. 6 illustrates yet another
strap 240 that defines an adjustable length. The strap 240 is
joined to the outer surface of the sleeve 224 and defines an
elastic material. The elastic material of the strap 240 allows the
beverage carrier 220 to be conveniently attached to the exterior
feature of the article of luggage by stretching the strap around a
portion of the exterior feature without connecting and/or
disconnecting portions of a strap.
[0025] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the luggage assembly 10
comprises an article of luggage 12, such as the illustrated roller
luggage, that defines at least one exterior feature 14, such as the
extendable handle that allows for convenient maneuverability of the
roller luggage, to give non-limiting examples of an article of
luggage and exterior feature. A beverage carrier 20 retaining a
beverage container 22 is shown selectively attached to the exterior
feature 14 by adjusting the length of the strap 140 while the
beverage carrier is positioned proximate the exterior feature. For
the luggage assembly 10 of FIGS. 1-4, the length of the strap 40 is
adjusted by separating the first and second portions 42 and 44 and
then re-connecting them such that the exterior feature 14 is
situated between the strap and the sleeve 24 of the beverage
carrier. Thus, the beverage carrier rests upon the top of the
roller luggage and is retained by the selectively extendable handle
and is therefore less likely to shift or otherwise interfere with
the individual maneuvering the roller luggage or other individuals
or objects. Further embodiments of the present invention are
selectively attached to alternative exterior features of the
article of luggage.
[0026] The outer surface 32 of the beverage carrier 10 of the
illustrated embodiments comprises a high tenacity textured nylon
fiber material such as CORDURA.RTM. available from Invista of
Wichita, Kans.; however, further embodiments of the present
invention comprise alternative materials for the outer surface of
the beverage carrier. For the luggage assembly 10 of FIGS. 1-4, the
article of luggage 12 also comprises an exterior material 52 of
high tenacity textured nylon fiber material such that the exterior
material of the article of luggage is substantially equivalent to
the exterior material of the outer surface 32 of the beverage
carrier 10, thus providing a matching set. Further embodiments of
the present invention comprise articles of luggage and beverage
carriers that define dissimilar materials.
[0027] The luggage assembly 10 of the present invention provides
for convenient selective retention of a beverage container 22 in a
beverage carrier 20, such as an insulated beverage carrier, and
convenient selective attachment of the beverage carrier to an
article of luggage 12. The beverage container 22 is selectively
inserted into and removed from the sleeve 24 of the beverage
carrier 20 by an individual pushing and/or pulling the beverage
container and beverage carrier relative to one another. A friction
fit is provided between the inner surface 30 of the sleeve 24 and
the outside surface of the beverage container 22 such that the
beverage container does not inadvertently slide out of the beverage
carrier 20 and is thus selectively retained by the beverage
carrier. The beverage carrier 20, with or without a retained
beverage container 22, may also be selectively attached to an
exterior feature 14 of an article of luggage 12 by adjusting the
length of the strap 40 when the beverage carrier is proximate to
the exterior feature such that the strap substantially retains the
beverage carrier in a generally fixed position relative to the
exterior feature of the article of luggage. As the opposite ends of
the strap 40 are attached to the sleeve 24 proximate the opposite
ends of the sleeve, respectively, an opening is defined between the
strap and the outer surface 32 of the sleeve for receiving the
exterior feature 14 of the article of luggage 12. The strap 40 has
a length, or is adjustable to have a length, such that the exterior
feature 14 of the article of luggage 12 is received in the opening
with a relatively tight or close fit. Accordingly, the engagement
of the exterior feature 14 in the opening of the strap 40 is
effective to substantially prevent rotation of the beverage carrier
20 relative to the exterior feature so that an individual can grasp
the top of the beverage container 22 and pull the beverage
container in a direction along the axis of the sleeve 24 so as to
remove the beverage container from the sleeve without necessarily
having to grasp the beverage carrier with the other hand. Further
embodiments of the present invention may insert, attach, and
otherwise manipulate the various components of the luggage assembly
to achieve the advantages of the present invention.
[0028] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Terms are used in a
generic and descriptive sense and should not be used for purposes
of limiting the scope of the invention except by reference to the
claims and the prior art.
* * * * *