U.S. patent application number 12/494658 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-31 for convertible luggage and dressing station.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dancers Dream LLc. Invention is credited to Kristin Barkow, Barbara Lisa Johnson.
Application Number | 20090321204 12/494658 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41446069 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090321204 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barkow; Kristin ; et
al. |
December 31, 2009 |
CONVERTIBLE LUGGAGE AND DRESSING STATION
Abstract
A convertible luggage and dressing station including a storage
region, at least one wheel attached to the storage region, at least
one handle attached to the storage region, and a clothing support
bar. The convertible luggage and dressing station enables clothing
and accessories to be transported to dance and other competitions
and then allows the clothing and accessories to be easily
displayed.
Inventors: |
Barkow; Kristin; (Medina,
MN) ; Johnson; Barbara Lisa; (Plymouth, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DICKE, BILLIG & CZAJA
FIFTH STREET TOWERS, 100 SOUTH FIFTH STREET, SUITE 2250
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
Dancers Dream LLc
Medina
MN
|
Family ID: |
41446069 |
Appl. No.: |
12/494658 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61076761 |
Jun 30, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/8 ; 190/116;
190/13R; 190/18A |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/02 20130101;
A45C 13/03 20130101; A45C 2013/026 20130101; A45C 9/00 20130101;
A45C 5/14 20130101; A47B 61/06 20130101; A47C 9/105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/8 ; 190/13.R;
190/18.A; 190/116 |
International
Class: |
A47C 13/00 20060101
A47C013/00; A47B 61/06 20060101 A47B061/06; A45C 5/14 20060101
A45C005/14; A45C 13/00 20060101 A45C013/00 |
Claims
1. A convertible luggage and dressing station comprising: a storage
region; at least one wheel attached to the storage region; at least
one handle attached to the storage region; and a clothing support
bar.
2. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 1, wherein
the storage region comprises a bottom panel, a pair of side panels,
a pair of end panels and a top panel that are interconnected to
form an enclosed region.
3. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 2, wherein
the top panel is removably attachable to the storage region.
4. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 2, wherein
at least one of the bottom panel, the pair of side panels, the pair
of end panels and the top panel is attached using a fastening
mechanism.
5. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 3, wherein
the fastening mechanism is a snap, zipper, hook and look fastener
or combination thereof.
6. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 1, wherein
the storage region includes at least one divider mounted
therein.
7. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 1, wherein
the storage region includes at least one pocket on a surface
thereof.
8. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 7, wherein
the pocket is adapted to receive at least a portion of a stool.
9. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 1, wherein
the storage region includes at least one hook or loop on a surface
thereof.
10. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 1,
wherein the handle is slidably, pivotally or detachably mounted
with respect to the storage region.
11. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 1,
wherein the clothing support bar comprises a pair of side bars and
a top bar and wherein the top bar extends between the side
bars.
12. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 10,
wherein at least one of the side bars includes at least two
sections that are slidable with respect to each other.
13. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 1, and
further comprising an outrigger extending from at least one side of
the storage region.
14. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 12,
wherein the outrigger is slidably or pivotally mounted to the
storage region.
15. A convertible luggage and dressing station comprising: a
storage region comprising a bottom panel, a pair of side panels, a
pair of end panels and a top panel that are interconnected to form
an enclosed region; at least one wheel attached to the storage
region; at least one handle attached to the storage region, wherein
the handle is slidably, pivotally or detachably mounted with
respect to the storage region; at least one pocket on a surface of
the storage region; and a clothing support bar comprising a pair of
side bars and a top bar and wherein the top bar extends between the
side bars.
16. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 15,
wherein the top panel is removably attachable to the storage
region.
17. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 15,
wherein at least one of the bottom panel, the pair of side panels,
the pair of end panels and the top panel is attached using a
fastening mechanism and wherein the fastening mechanism is a snap,
zipper, hook and look fastener or combination thereof.
18. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 15,
wherein the pocket is adapted to receive at least a portion of a
stool.
19. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 15,
wherein the storage region includes at least one hook or loop on a
surface thereof.
20. The convertible luggage and dressing station of claim 15,
wherein at least one of the side bars includes at least two
sections that are slidable with respect to each other.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/076,761, which was filed on Jun. 30, 2008, the
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to storage containers. More
particularly, the invention relates to a convertible luggage and
dressing station having a clothing rack.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] When participating in certain activities such as dance or
ice skating, it is necessary to transport several clothing
combinations to a location where a competition is to occur and then
display the clothing to facilitate selecting between the clothing
items. While there are duffel bag-like items that are utilized for
this purpose, the prior art devices each fall significantly short
of providing an optimal system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An embodiment of the invention relates to a convertible
luggage and dressing station that enables clothing to be
transported to a use location and enables the clothing to be
displayed on a clothing rack to facilitate changing between various
clothing items.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute
a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments
and together with the description serve to explain principles of
embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages
of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better
understood by reference to the following detailed description. The
elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to
each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar
parts.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible luggage and
dressing station according to an embodiment of the invention where
the convertible luggage and dressing station is in a storage
configuration.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a first side view of the convertible luggage and
dressing station in the storage configuration.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a second side view of the convertible luggage and
dressing station in the storage configuration.
[0009] FIG. 4 is top view of the convertible luggage and dressing
station in the storage configuration.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a first end view of the convertible luggage and
dressing station in the storage configuration.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a second end view of the convertible luggage and
dressing station in the storage configuration.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the convertible luggage and
dressing station in a display configuration.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a top view of the convertible luggage and dressing
station in the display configuration.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along a line A-A in FIG.
8.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along a line B-B in FIG.
8.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a side view of a stool for use with the
convertible luggage and dressing station.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a top view of the stool.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] An embodiment of the invention is directed to a convertible
luggage and dressing station, as illustrated at 10 in FIGS. 1-10.
The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 facilitates
transportation of clothing and accessories to a location where the
clothing and accessories will be used. The convertible luggage and
dressing station 10 also facilitates displaying the clothing and
accessories at the location where the clothing and accessories will
be used such to facilitate changing between different clothing and
accessories.
[0019] While the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may be
used in conjunction with a variety of applications, the convertible
luggage and dressing station 10 is particularly suited for use in
conjunction with dance competitions and ice skating competitions
that each require multiple changes of clothing and/or accessories
while participating in a particular competition.
[0020] Displaying the clothing and/or accessories in an organized
manner enables the participants in such competitions to rapidly
change clothing and/or accessories because the participants may
have a relatively limited amount of time between the performances
to make such changes.
[0021] The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may be
positioned in a storage configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 1, or
a display configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The
configuration of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10
enables the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 to be
readily changed between the storage configuration and the display
configuration.
[0022] The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may include
a storage region 20 that is defined by a bottom panel 22, a pair of
side panels 24 and a pair of end panels 26. The storage region 20
may also include a top panel 28 that engages one or more of the
pair of side panels 24 and the pair of end panels 26.
[0023] In certain embodiments, the top panel 28 may be attached to
one of the side panels 24 and releasably engage the other side
panel 24 as well as the pair of end panels 26 using a zipper to
substantially enclose objects placed in the storage region 20. It
is possible to use other devices for releasably engaging the top
panel 28, the side panel 24 and the end panels 24, examples of
which include snaps, buttons and hook and loop fasteners. In other
embodiments, the top panel 28 may be entirely detachable from the
other portions of the convertible luggage and dressing station
10.
[0024] To facilitate organizing objects that are stored inside of
the storage region 20, at least one of the bottom panel 22, the
side panels 24, the end panels 26 and the top panel 28 may include
at least one pocket. The pocket may be maintained in a closed
position with a fastener such as a snap, zipper or hook and loop
fastener. The pocket may also be maintained in a closed position
with a resilient material such as elastic.
[0025] It is also possible to include at least one loop or hook in
the storage region 20. In certain embodiments, there are several
hooks or loops that are generally arranged in a line. The hooks and
loops may be used to attach a hanger within the storage region 20
to thereby minimize movement of the item that is placed on the
hanger.
[0026] To reduce the potential of damage to outer surfaces of the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10 such as when the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10 is slid along a
surface, at least one protector may be attached to the outer
surface of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. In
certain embodiments, there are two elongated protectors attached to
the outer surface of the bottom panel 22.
[0027] The storage region 20 may be formed with dimensions that are
selected based upon the volume and type of objects that are desired
to be placed in the storage region 20. In certain embodiments, the
storage region 20 may have a length of between about 24 inches and
48 inches, a width of between about 6 inches and 24 inches and a
height of between about 6 inches and 24 inches.
[0028] The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may be
formed from a variety of materials depending on the desired
durability and appearance. Examples of materials that may be
utilized to fabricate the convertible luggage and dressing station
10 include canvas, leather and vinyl.
[0029] The storage region 20 may be divided into multiple
compartments. The storage region 20 may also include one or more
retaining devices to retain objects in a fixed position therein.
Examples of these retaining devices include straps, pouches and
hooks. Depending on the intended use of the convertible luggage and
dressing station 10, the retaining devices may be transparent,
waterproof or fabricated from a mesh material.
[0030] As an alternative to or in addition to the preceding
retaining devices, the storage region 20 may include one or more
hard-sided or soft-sided storage containers. The storage containers
may include one or more compartments therein to facilitate
organizing objects that may be utilized in conjunction with the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10.
[0031] At least one storage pouch 30 may be provided on an outer
surface of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. In
certain embodiments, at least two storage pouches 30 are provided
on each of the side panels 24. While the storage pouches 30 are
illustrated as being generally square, it is possible for the
storage pouches 30 to have a variety of other configurations
depending on the objects that are to be stored therein.
[0032] At least one of the storage pouches 30 may be insulated to
maintain objects placed therein at a temperature that is warmer or
cooler than ambient temperature. A person of skill in the art will
appreciate that a variety of materials may be used to provide the
insulation. Additionally, a thickness of the insulating materials
may be selected to provide a desired degree of insulation.
[0033] To retain objects in the storage pouch 30, a closure device
may be provided thereon. Examples of suitable closure devices
include zippers, snaps, buttons and hook and loop fasteners.
[0034] It is also possible to provide at least one hook or loop on
the outside of the storage region 20. The at least one hook or loop
may be placed along opposite ends of the convertible luggage and
dressing station 10. The hook or loop may be utilized for attaching
objects to the storage region 20 such as using a bungee cord. This
feature is particularly useful for objects having a length and/or
width that is greater than a length and/or width of the storage
region 20.
[0035] The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may include
at least one wheel 32 mounted thereon to facilitate moving the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10. In certain
embodiments, there are two wheels 32 mounted proximate to one end
of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10.
[0036] Alternatively, the convertible luggage and dressing station
10 may be configured with multiple wheels 32 that support the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10 above a ground surface.
This configuration enables the convertible luggage and dressing
station 10 to be moved without the person moving the convertible
luggage and dressing station 10 having to support any of the weight
of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10.
[0037] A handle 34 may extend from the convertible luggage and
dressing station 10 such that the handle 34 extends from an end of
the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 that is opposite
the wheels 32. The handle 34 and the wheels 32 thereby enable the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10 to be rolled along the
ground, which obviates the need to lift the convertible luggage and
dressing station 10.
[0038] The handle 34 may be slidably mounted with respect to the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10 to enable the handle 34
to move between a retracted configuration and an extended
configuration. When in the retracted configuration, the handle 34
may be substantially confined within the dimensions of the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10. When in the extended
configuration, the handle 34 may extend a distance of up to about
20 inches from the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 to
facilitate holding the handle 34 while pulling the convertible
luggage and dressing station 10.
[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the handle 34 may be
pivotally attached to the convertible luggage and dressing station
10. This configuration enables the handle 34 to be pivoted between
a retracted position and an extended position. A locking mechanism
may be provided to maintain the handle 34 in at least one of the
retracted position and the extended configuration.
[0040] In other embodiments, the handle 34 may be detachably
connected to the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 such
that the handle 34 may be detached from the convertible luggage and
dressing station 10 when not in use.
[0041] For situations where it is necessary to carry the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10, at least one strap 50
may be attached to the storage region 20. In certain embodiments,
one strap 50 is attached to each of the side panels 24. Multiple
straps may be used in conjunction with the convertible luggage and
dressing station 10 such that the convertible luggage and dressing
station 10 may be carried like a back pack. Small handles may also
be attached to at least one of the outer surfaces of the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10.
[0042] The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may also
include a clothing support bar 40 on which clothes or other objects
may be hung to facilitate viewing the clothing options. The
clothing support bar 40 may be positioned between a storage
configuration and a use configuration.
[0043] When in the storage configuration, the clothing support bar
40 may fit entirely within the storage region 20. When in the use
configuration, the clothing support bar 40 extends substantially
between the end panels 26 and is positioned above the storage
region 20.
[0044] The clothing support bar 40 may include a pair of side bars
42 and a top bar 44 that extends between the side bars 42. To
facilitate storing the clothing support bar 40 within the storage
region 20, the side bars 42 and the top bar 44 may each include a
multiple part configuration. In certain embodiments, the multiple
parts of the side bars 42 and the top bar 44 have a telescoping
configuration. In other embodiments, the clothing support bar 40
may include sections that are attached together using other
mechanisms, examples of which include snaps and screws.
[0045] A length of the side bars 42 may be selected based upon a
length of the clothing that is to be hung upon the clothing support
bar 40 so that the clothing hangs substantially above the storage
region 20. Forming the side bars 42 with these dimensions reduces
the potential of the clothing being wrinkled.
[0046] Depending on a variety of factors such as the width of the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10, it may be possible to
include an outrigger that extends from at least one side of the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10. The outrigger may be
slidably or pivotally attached to the convertible luggage and
dressing station 10. The outrigger thereby resists tipping over of
the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 when objects are
placed on the clothing support bar 40.
[0047] To facilitate a person using the convertible luggage and
dressing station 10, a stool 70 may also be provided, as
illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. The stool 70 may include a
collapsible configuration to facilitate either storing the stool 70
in the storage region or in a pouch attached to the outside of the
storage region 20.
[0048] The pouch may be formed with a width that is slightly wider
than a widest point of the stool 70 to facilitate sliding the stool
70 into the pouch. The pouch may be formed with a length that is
less than a length of the stool 70 such that a portion of the stool
70 extends outside of the stool 70 when the stool 70 is stored in
the pouch.
[0049] The stool 70 may be placed into the pouch with a top portion
74 oriented toward the pouch. A strap may be provided to extend
around at least one of the legs 72 to thereby retain the stool 70
in the pouch. While not illustrated, the stool 70 may include a
back to provide additional support to the person sitting on the
stool 70.
[0050] In certain configurations, the stool 70 includes three legs
72 that are pivotally attached to each other. The stool 70 may also
include a top portion 74 that is mounted to an upper end of each
leg 72. The top portion 74 may be flexible so that it can collapse
for storage.
[0051] In one configuration, the stool 70 includes three legs that
are pivotally mounted to each other proximate an intermediate
portion thereof. The chair also includes a flexible seating surface
that is attached to the legs proximate an end thereof.
[0052] When in the storage configuration, the size of the chair is
minimized because the legs are substantially parallel to each
other. When in the use configuration, the legs are oriented at an
angle with respect to each other to provide a stable support base
with the seating surface at an upper end thereof.
[0053] In use, objects that need to be utilized at a location away
from where the objects are typically stored are placed in the
storage region 20. These objects may be used, for example, in
conjunction with a dance or ice skating completion. The storage
region 20 is then closed so that the convertible luggage and
dressing station 10 may be transported to a location where the
objects are to be used.
[0054] Thereafter, the convertible luggage and dressing station 10
is opened and the clothing support bar 40 is placed in the use
configuration. The objects are attached to the clothing support bar
40 so that the person who is to be using the objects may readily
view the objects and select between the objects. Once done using
the objects, the clothing support bar 40 is detached and the
objects are stored inside of the storage region 20 for transport
back to the initial location.
[0055] In the preceding detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which
is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional
terminology, such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "leading,"
"trailing," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the
Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be
positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional
terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way
limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the present invention. The preceding
detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting
sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the
appended claims.
[0056] It is contemplated that features disclosed in this
application, as well as those described in the above applications
incorporated by reference, can be mixed and matched to suit
particular circumstances. Various other modifications and changes
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.
* * * * *