U.S. patent application number 12/197770 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-04 for luggage system.
Invention is credited to Robert Grossman, Marvin Jemal.
Application Number | 20090139814 12/197770 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40387655 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090139814 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grossman; Robert ; et
al. |
June 4, 2009 |
LUGGAGE SYSTEM
Abstract
A modular luggage system, including a core bag module and an
additional bag module. The core module includes a housing, at least
one internal compartment and a docking frame positioned on the
surface of the housing. The additional bag module has its internal
compartment and a rim located on the surface of the additional bag
module. The rim of the additional bag module is engageable with the
docking frame of the core bag module so as to removably secure the
additional bag module on the core bag module.
Inventors: |
Grossman; Robert; (Brooklyn,
NY) ; Jemal; Marvin; (Brooklyn, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
US
|
Family ID: |
40387655 |
Appl. No.: |
12/197770 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60966121 |
Aug 24, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/18A ;
190/108; 190/109; 190/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 9/00 20130101; A45C
13/28 20130101; A45C 15/00 20130101; A45F 3/04 20130101; A45C 3/02
20130101; A45F 4/02 20130101; A45C 13/021 20130101; A45C 13/103
20130101; A45C 7/0086 20130101; A45F 3/02 20130101; A45C 13/262
20130101; A45C 2013/025 20130101; A45C 5/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/18.A ;
190/108; 190/109; 190/115 |
International
Class: |
A45C 5/14 20060101
A45C005/14; A45C 3/00 20060101 A45C003/00 |
Claims
1. A modular luggage system, comprising: a core bag module having a
housing, at least one first internal compartment and a docking
frame positioned on a surface of the housing; and an additional bag
module having at least one second internal compartment and a rim
located on a surface of the additional bag module, the rim of the
additional bag module being engageable with the docking frame of
the core bag module so as to removably secure the additional bag
module on the core bag module.
2. The modular luggage system according to claim 1, wherein the
housing of the core bag module further comprises a docking cavity
formed within the housing, the docking frame surrounding the
docking cavity.
3. The modular luggage system according to claim 2, wherein the
additional bag module further comprises a protruding portion
defined by the rim, the protruding portion being fit snugly in the
docking cavity when the rim is engaged with the docking frame.
4. The modular luggage system according to claim 1, wherein the
docking frame further comprises a locking mechanism engaging the
rim of the additional bag module.
5. The modular luggage system according to claim 4, wherein the
core bag module further comprises a release button operable to
selectively deactivate the locking mechanism and disengage the rim
from the docking frame.
6. The modular luggage system according to claim 1, wherein the
core bag module is a luggage case.
7. The modular luggage system according to claim 1, wherein the
core bag module is a duffel bag.
8. The modular luggage system according to claim 1, wherein the
core bag module is a briefcase.
9. The modular luggage system according to claim 1, wherein the
additional bag module is a laptop case.
10. The modular luggage system according to claim 1, wherein the
additional bag module is a backpack.
11. A luggage case, comprising: at least one internal compartment
having an inner volume and an external access; an internal
inflation system located inside the luggage case and being operable
to expand when air is pumped into the internal inflation system
compressing the inner volume of the internal compartment; and a
pumping mechanism located on an outside of the luggage case, the
pumping mechanism being connected to the internal inflation system
so as to pump the air into the internal inflation system.
12. The luggage case according to claim 11, wherein the pumping
mechanism is a retractable luggage handle.
13. The luggage case according to claim 11 further comprising a
recessed top portion having a stable work surface.
14. The luggage case according to claim 11 further comprising a
plurality of internal compartments, each internal compartment
having an external access.
15. The luggage case according to claim 11 further comprising a
recharge power station.
16. The luggage case according to claim 15, wherein the recharge
power station includes a plug connectable to an external power
outlet.
17. The luggage case according to claim 11 further comprising a
reinforced frame.
18. The luggage case according to claim 11 further comprising a
plurality of wheels connected to a bottom of the luggage case.
19. The luggage case according to claim 14, wherein at least one of
the plurality of the internal compartments is sized to accommodate
a laptop computer.
20. The luggage case according to claim 14, wherein at least one of
the plurality of the internal compartments is padded to protect its
content.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims all rights of priority to the U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/966,121, filed Aug. 24,
2007.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This application generally relates to a luggage system.
[0003] Once considered a pleasurable convenience, today's travel
has shifted to become a stressful but necessary nuisance. Numerous
TSA regulations and new airlines' policies have increased the
inconveniences associated with travel, including luggage size and
weight limits, enforced laptop removal and scanning as well as
carry-on and toiletry restrictions. Therefore, the demand for
smart, time-saving, and efficient travel solutions has never been
greater.
[0004] Wheeled luggage cases are in widespread use today and
greatly ease the traveler's movement in airports, railroad
stations, etc. Many wheeled luggage items have retractable handles
that permit the traveler to pull or push the luggage item as he
walks and have one hand free. A common type of such a handle
comprises a pair of spaced, parallel tubes that telescope into the
luggage case when not needed and can be readily withdrawn into an
extended position when needed.
[0005] A common practice among travelers is to carry a secondary
piece of luggage, such as a laptop case, a cosmetic case or a
backpack, on the wheeled luggage case by seating it on top of the
case and strapping it to the extended handle. With the double tube
type of handle, some stability for the secondary bag is provided by
the spaced tubes. However, even with that arrangement, especially
when the tubes are closely spaced, rapid movement and turning of
the wheeled luggage case can cause the secondary piece of luggage
to slide or twist away from its desired position on the luggage
case.
[0006] An arrangement for improving the stability of a secondary
bag on a wheeled luggage item, applicable to luggage cases having
closely spaced double tubes or single tube retractable handles is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,741. That arrangement comprises a
bar member mounted on the top of the luggage case and moveable
between a collapsed position in which the bar member rests on the
case and an extended position in which the bar member extends
outwardly from the case just in front of the pull handle. The bar
has considerable extent in the widthwise direction of the case,
significantly more than the pull handle, and thereby provides
stability to a secondary bag resting atop the case.
[0007] Another solution for attaching a secondary piece of luggage
to the main wheeled luggage case includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,623
disclosing a case system having two equipment cases, such as for
storing and transporting musical electronic equipment. The cases
are connected together in an over/under relationship for the
purpose of wheeling the connected cases as a single unit. The
bottom case has two wheels along one edge and an extendable handle,
which when extended exposes two handle shafts. The top case has two
grooves which accept the two handle shafts. Latches on the top case
lock the handles shafts in place within the two grooves, thereby
attaching the top case to the bottom case.
[0008] With dramatic increase in the amount and frequency of
business and leisure travel, there is a substantial need in the art
for a luggage system enabling customization to specific
lifestyle/travel needs and secure engagement and quick release of
additional luggage pieces.
SUMMARY
[0009] In general, in a first aspect, the invention features a
modular luggage system, including a core bag module and an
additional bag module. The core module includes a housing, at least
one internal compartment and a docking frame positioned on the
surface of the housing. The additional bag module has its internal
compartment and a rim located on the surface of the additional bag
module. The rim of the additional bag module is engageable with the
docking frame of the core bag module so as to removably secure the
additional bag module on the core bag module.
[0010] In general, in a second aspect, the invention features a
luggage case, including at least one internal compartment, an
internal inflation system and a pumping mechanism located on an
outside of the luggage case. The pumping mechanism is connected to
the internal inflation system so as to pump air into the internal
inflation system, which is located inside the luggage case and
which expands when air is pumped into the internal inflation system
compressing the inner volume of the internal compartment.
[0011] It is one of the objects to provide a luggage system
optimizing use of internal and external space.
[0012] It is another of the objects to provide a luggage system
with an internal/external modularity for maximum organization.
[0013] It is a further of the objects to provide a luggage system
with an easy and quick external access to travel accessories.
[0014] It is still a further of the objects to provide a luggage
system with a separation of work items and personal items
[0015] It is still a further of the objects to provide a luggage
system allowing for a secure and quick consolidation and for ease
of handling and portability during transit.
[0016] It is still a further of the objects to provide a luggage
system where a module detachability enables overhead storage of
dock with continued access to secondary module
[0017] The above aspects, advantages and features are of
representative embodiments only. It should be understood that they
are not to be considered limitations on the invention as defined by
the claims. Additional features and advantages of the invention
will become apparent in the following description, from the
drawings, and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The invention is illustrated by way of example and not
limitation and the figures of the accompanying drawings in which
like references denote like or corresponding parts, and in
which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the
inter-locking modular luggage system.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of inter-connectivity between
various modules of the inter-locking modular luggage system.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the core luggage case.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a top cut-out view of the core luggage case
showing the docking release button.
[0023] FIG. 5 is the view of the core luggage module with a
schematic illustration of its internal compartments.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the core luggage module.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the laptop bag module.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a front view of the laptop bag module.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the laptop bag module showing a
retractable power plug.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the laptop bag module showing a
retractable solar panel.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of
the inter-locking modular luggage system.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the backpack
module.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the backpack
module.
[0032] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the backpack module
showing unfolded retractable shoulder straps.
[0033] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the duffel core
module.
[0034] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the duffel core module
with a docked backpack module.
[0035] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the duffel core module
with a docked laptop case module.
[0036] FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the briefcase core
module.
[0037] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the briefcase core module
with a docked laptop case module.
[0038] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the briefcase core module
with a docked laptop sleeve module.
[0039] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the laptop sleeve
module.
[0040] FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the luggage case
according to the second embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of the luggage case
according to the second embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 24 is the view of the luggage case according to the
second embodiment with a schematic illustration of its internal
compartments.
[0043] FIG. 25 is a top cut-out view of the luggage case according
to the second embodiment showing the pump button.
[0044] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of the pumping action and the
inflation/deflation.
[0045] FIG. 27 is a top cut-out view of the luggage case according
to the second embodiment showing the working surface.
[0046] FIG. 28 is a rear cut-out view of the luggage case according
to the second embodiment showing an integrated charging
station.
[0047] FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of the briefcase according
to the second embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of the duffel bag
according to the second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND THE
DRAWINGS
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the luggage system 10 of the
first embodiment preferably includes at least one core module 12
and at least one additional module 14. Core module 12 functions as
a base for the additional module 14 and features external access to
internal organization compartments. Core modules 12 may include a
core luggage case module 20, a core duffel module 30, a core
briefcase module 40 or any other similar travel bag. Although, only
a laptop case module 15 and a backpack module 25 are described
herein as additional modules, it should be apparent to a person
skilled in the art that any other additional appropriately sized
luggage piece may be utilized as the additional module.
[0050] The core luggage case module 20 is preferably manufactured
in 22'', 26'', 28'', or 30'' silhouettes and includes a housing 16
with a top panel 35, front panel 36, two side panels 37 and a
stamped steel base 17. Housing 16 includes a docking cavity 34
preferably formed at the front panel of the housing and sized to
accommodate the additional module. The docking cavity is surrounded
with a docking frame 19 preferably made of lightweight steel. The
docking frame of the core luggage module includes a locking
mechanism removably attaching the additional module to the docking
frame. In the preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism is a snap
closure engaging a rim of the additional module so as to removably
secure the rim of the additional module within the docking cavity.
A docking release button 38 (shown in FIG. 4) is provided on the
housing 16, preferably on its top panel. Depressing the docking
release button deactivates the locking mechanism, preferably by
retracting the snap closure and disengaging the rim of the
additional module, thereby releasing the additional module. Instead
of the snap closure, an air suction closure, a magnetic closure or
any other locking mechanism known in the art may be used to
removably attach the additional module to the core module.
Sport-equipment bindings may be used to ensure secure, quick and
easy modular locking and release.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, module 20 includes a fully retractable
handle 18 preferably made of aircraft-grade aluminum. Handle 18 has
two parallel telescopically extending tubes 32 slidable within the
sliding channels 28. Handle 18 can be selectively positioned in one
of at least three positions, i.e., a fully extended position, a
half extended position and a fully retracted position. The handle's
position is selected by a user by pressing a locking button 33 and
extending or retracting the handle into the desired position.
Molded wheels 22 are positioned within internal wheel cavities 24
and rotatably secured to the housing 16. Vertical and horizontal
carrying handles 39 with non-slip grips and additional straps (not
shown) may be provided on the housing 16 for versatile
portability.
[0052] As customary with any other luggage case, the front panel of
the housing 16 can be opened to reveal the main internal
compartment (not shown) of the core luggage case module. Multiple
specialized internal compartments 41 are preferably also provided
within the housing. Each specialized compartment 41 is sized to
accommodate essential travel accessories, e.g., toiletry case, a
plastic bag, a headset or a neck rest. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5,
each specialized internal compartment 41 has an external access
from the top panel 35 and/or the side panels 37. Zippers 42 are
preferably used to close the external access to the internal
compartments 41 and to the main internal compartment of the core
luggage case module 20.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a laptop case module 15 docks
onto all core modules. The laptop case module preferably offers
secure and padded storage for laptops. As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the
laptop case module preferably includes a front panel 51 and a back
panel 52. Rim 53 for engagement with the docking frame 19 of the
core module is located on the back panel. The laptop case module 15
engaged with the core luggage case module 20 using the rim 53 and
the docking frame 19 is shown in FIG. 11. The portion of the back
panel 52 encircled by the rim 53 preferably protrudes from the
surface of the back panel 52 so as to be snugly accommodated within
the docking cavity of the core module.
[0054] A padded internal compartment (not shown) is provided to
accommodate laptops of varying sizes. The front panel houses an
internal power strip 56, which can charge the laptop, as well as
multiple electronic accessories while on the go. A power cord 59 is
included in the power strip 56 for connection to an external power
outlet. If necessary a telephone or a data cord with appropriate
jacks may be provided in the internal power strip 56. An LED
indicator 58 glows when the power cord 59 is plugged in. The
internal laptop compartment and the internal power strip
compartment may be selectively closed using zippers 57. A
detachable shoulder strap (not shown) may be attached to the laptop
case module to enable a user to carry the laptop case module when
it is not docked onto one of the core modules.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 10, the laptop case module 15 may include a
retractable, flexible solar panel 61 for charging the laptop and
multiple electronic devices.
[0056] The backpack module 25 offers versatile portability and
attaches to all core modules for consolidation and ease in transit.
As shown in FIGS. 12-14, the backpack module 25 preferably includes
a front panel 66 and a back panel 62. The back panel is preferably
padded for user's convenience and includes retractable padded
shoulder straps 63. As shown in FIG. 14, when the backpack module
is disconnected from the core module, the retractable shoulder
straps 63 may be unfolded by rotating them in the directions of the
arrows 68 to enable the user to wear the backpack module.
[0057] Rim 69 for engagement with the docking frame 19 of the core
module is located on the back panel 62. Similarly, to the laptop
case module, a portion of the back panel 62 defined by the rim 69
preferably protrudes from the surface of the back panel 62 so as to
be snugly accommodated within the docking cavity of the core
module. An internal compartment (not shown) enclosed by the zipper
71 is provided to accommodate personal belongings of the wearer.
Vertical and horizontal carrying handles 67 may be provided for
alternative portability options. As shown in FIGS. 12-14, the
backpack module 25 features quick-access padded zipped pockets 72
for electronics and an integrated portable electronics wiring (not
shown) and controls 64. A wearer using a portable electronic device
would plug the device into an internal outlet and would be able to
control the device using the integrated controls 64.
[0058] The wheeled duffle module 30, shown in FIGS. 14-17, is a
core docking module for the backpack module 25 and the laptop case
module 15 consolidated for mobility, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.
The docking cavity 75 is preferably located at the top panel 74 and
is surrounded by the docking frame 73 having a locking mechanism
operated by the docking release button 83. A zipped internal
compartment 76 is provided to accommodate user's belongings.
Further, a plurality of internal compartments 77 having external
accesses are preferably provided in the duffel module. To enable
multiple portability choices, duffel module 30 includes top
carrying handles 82, detachable shoulder strap 81, retractable
handle 78 and wheels 79.
[0059] The briefcase module 40 pairs with either the laptop case
module 15 (as shown in FIG. 19), a backpack module or a laptop
sleeve module (as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21), which detach for
in-flight/in-transit use. Briefcase module 40 preferably includes a
plurality of internal storage compartments 84 provided, for
example, to accommodate a power adapter, a laptop, cables,
accessories, files, garments, etc. One of the storage compartments
84 may be an expandable file storage compartment. The docking frame
86 defining the docking cavity 87 is preferably formed on the front
panel 85 of the briefcase module 40. Laptop sleeve module 35 is
preferably sized so as to fit inside the briefcase module and
includes a docking rim (not shown) so as to be able to dock onto
the docking frame 86 on the outside of the briefcase module.
Similarly, to the core luggage case and the duffel modules, the
briefcase module includes a retractable/extendable handle and
wheels.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 22, in accordance with the second
embodiment of the luggage system 100, a compartmentalized luggage
case 110 is provided having an internal air inflation system that
enables expansion and contraction for ultimate flexibility and
support. As shown in FIG. 24, luggage case 110 includes multiple
internal compartments sized to accommodate essential travel
accessories, preferably including a toiletry bag compartment 111, a
main internal compartment 112, a suit storage compartment 113, a
wallet and small documents compartment 114, a laptop compartment
115, a shoe compartment 116, and an additional compartment 117. In
the preferred embodiment, every internal compartment 111-117 is
provided with an easy external access.
[0061] The compartmentalized luggage case 110 includes an inflation
system 120 schematically illustrated in FIG. 26. System 120
utilizes an internal bladder 121 that inflates when pumped.
Specifically, when a user depresses the pump button 122 located on
the retractable handle 123 (shown in FIG. 25) and pumps the handle
in the direction of the arrows 124 while continuing to depress the
pump button, the handle works as a pump pumping air into the
internal bladder 121, thereby expanding the bladder and compressing
the clothes 126 inside the case 110. As a result, the user is able
to regulate the internal volume of the case 110 and its
compartments 111-117. The internal bladder can be inflated for
additional structural rigidity and internal padding to protect
belongings or deflated when space is tight or the case is full.
[0062] Case 110 preferably includes a stainless steel frame and
ultra-lightweight, water-resistant fabric. External ribbing or any
other structural reinforcement may be provided. A 360.degree.
4-wheeled spinner system 127 is preferably mounted to the bottom of
the case 110 for ease of ease of transport. Further, a recessed top
128 that doubles as a mobile work surface (shown in FIG. 27) and an
integrated recharge station 129 (shown in FIG. 28) are included in
the case 110. The integrated power supply 129 enables travelers to
simply pull out and connect the plug 131 from the back of the case.
A series of common electrical plugs are preferably stored inside
and allow the user to hook up and recharge portable electronics.
The recessed top 128 allows travelers to securely position a laptop
thereon and work while on the move. This feature offers a
waist-high workable surface for a laptop etc.
[0063] Although described with respect to the wheeled luggage case
110, the disclosed inflation system 120 may be implemented in a
briefcase (FIG. 29), a duffel bag (FIG. 30) or any other known bag
variation.
[0064] For the convenience of the reader, the above description has
focused on a representative sample of all possible embodiments, a
sample that teaches the principles of the invention and conveys the
best mode contemplated for carrying it out. The description has not
attempted to exhaustively enumerate all possible variations. Other
undescribed variations or modifications may be possible. For
example, where multiple alternative embodiments are described, in
many cases it will be possible to combine elements of different
embodiments, or to combine elements of the embodiments described
here with other modifications or variations that are not expressly
described. Many of those undescribed variations, modifications and
variations are within the literal scope of the following claims,
and others are equivalent.
* * * * *