U.S. patent application number 12/975960 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-04 for hard-sided suitcase featuring hard-sided pockets.
This patent application is currently assigned to Heys (USA), Inc.. Invention is credited to Haroon Sheikh.
Application Number | 20110186396 12/975960 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44340661 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110186396 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sheikh; Haroon |
August 4, 2011 |
Hard-Sided Suitcase Featuring Hard-Sided Pockets
Abstract
A hard-sided suitcase may include a plurality of polycarbonate
shells for forming storage compartments of the hard-sided suitcase,
wherein at least one of the plurality of polycarbonate shells is
utilized for forming a hard-sided zipper pocket. The hard-sided
suitcase may include a zipper mechanism for connecting a pair of
polycarbonate shells to form a main storage compartment and for
providing access to the main storage compartment. The hard-sided
suitcase may include a second zipper mechanism for connecting the
hard-sided zipper pocket to one of the polycarbonate shells forming
the main storage compartment. When the second zipper mechanism is
opened, the hard-sided zipper pocket may be in an open position,
and when the second zipper mechanism is closed, the hard-sided
zipper pocket may be in a closed position. The hard-sided zipper
pocket may be held open and at angle with respect to the suitcase
via a flexible, pocket lining.
Inventors: |
Sheikh; Haroon; (Miami,
FL) |
Assignee: |
Heys (USA), Inc.
Weston
FL
|
Family ID: |
44340661 |
Appl. No.: |
12/975960 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61299766 |
Jan 29, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
190/111 ;
190/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/10 20130101;
A45C 5/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/111 ;
190/119 |
International
Class: |
A45C 5/03 20060101
A45C005/03; A45C 13/10 20060101 A45C013/10 |
Claims
1. A hard-sided suitcase, the hard-sided suitcase comprising: a
plurality of polycarbonate shells for forming storage compartments
of the hard-sided suitcase, wherein at least one of the plurality
of polycarbonate shells is utilized for forming a hard-sided zipper
pocket; a zipper mechanism for connecting at least one pair of the
plurality of polycarbonate shells to form a storage compartment of
the storage compartments and for providing access to at least one
storage compartment of the storage compartments; and a second
zipper mechanism for connecting the hard-sided zipper pocket to at
least one of the plurality of polycarbonate shells, wherein the
second zipper mechanism, upon being opened, causes the hard-sided
zipper pocket to be opened, and wherein the second zipper
mechanism, upon being closed, causes the hard-sided zipper pocket
to be closed.
2. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, wherein the hard-sided
zipper pocket comprises an expansion gusset and the second zipper
mechanism, upon being opened, causes the hard-sided zipper pocket
to be opened at an angle with respect to the at least one pair of
the plurality of polycarbonate shells that form the storage
compartment.
3. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, wherein the hard-sided
zipper pocket comprises an open pocket.
4. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, wherein the at least one of
the plurality of polycarbonate shells utilized for forming the
hard-sided zipper pocket is attached to one of the at least one
pair of the plurality of polycarbonate shells that form the storage
compartment via a bottom hinged portion that facilitates opening
and closing the hard-sided zipper pocket.
5. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, wherein the second zipper
mechanism is interconnected with the at least one of the plurality
of polycarbonate shells utilized for forming the hard-sided zipper
pocket via a rim, and the second zipper mechanism is interconnected
with one of the at least one pair of the plurality of polycarbonate
shells that form the storage compartment via a length of flexible
fabric, the length of flexible fabric being approximately equal to
or greater than half an inch.
6. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 5, wherein the length of
flexible fabric interconnecting the second mechanism with one of
the at least one pair of the plurality of polycarbonate shells that
form the storage compartment is attached to a secondary interior
mesh pocket located within the hard-sided zipper pocket, the
secondary interior mesh pocket being opened and closed by an
interior zipper mechanism.
7. A hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket, the
hard-sided suitcase comprising: a left shell and a right shell
configured to form a main storage compartment of the hard-sided
suitcase; a zipper mechanism configured to connect the left and
right shells to form the main storage compartment and provide
access to the main storage compartment; a small shell configured to
be smaller than the left and right shells, the small shell being
interconnected with an adjacent shell via an expandable gusset, the
adjacent shell being one of the left and right shells; and a second
zipper mechanism configured to openly interconnect the small shell
with the adjacent shell, wherein the second zipper mechanism, upon
being opened, allows the small shell to be opened with respect to
the adjacent shell at an angle, the small shell being held in place
and at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell via the
expandable gusset, such that the small shell forms an outer side of
the hard-sided zipper pocket and the adjacent shell forms an inner
side of the hard-sided zipper pocket.
8. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of
claim 7, wherein the expandable gusset forms a front and back side
of the hard-sided zipper pocket, the hard-sided zipper pocket being
a four sided, open pocket.
9. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of
claim 7, wherein the left, right, and small shells are manufactured
from polycarbonate or a mixture thereof such that they retain there
shape during use.
10. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of
claim 7, wherein the small and adjacent shells are interconnected
with a bottom hinged portion that facilitates the small shell
opening at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell.
11. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of
claim 7, wherein the second zipper mechanism is interconnected with
the small shell via a support frame, and the second zipper
mechanism is interconnected with the adjacent shell via a length of
flexible fabric stitched to the adjacent shell, the length of
flexible fabric extending approximately equal to or greater than
half an inch from an exterior of the adjacent shell.
12. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of
claim 11, wherein the flexible fabric interconnecting the adjacent
shell is attached to a secondary interior pocket within the
hard-sided zipper pocket, the secondary interior pocket being
opened and closed by an interior zipper mechanism within or in the
vicinity of the hard-sided zipper pocket.
13. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of
claim 7, wherein a height of the small shell is less than a second
height of the adjacent shell, and a width of the small shell is
less than a second width of the adjacent shell.
14. A hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket, the
hard-sided suitcase comprising: a left shell and a right shell
configured to form a main storage compartment of the hard-sided
suitcase, the left and right shell being manufactured from
polycarbonate or other thermoplastic based material; a zipper
mechanism configured to openly interconnect the left and right
shells with respect to each other and provide access to the main
storage compartment; a small shell configured to be smaller than
the left and right shells, the small shell being interconnected
with an adjacent shell via a flexible zipper pocket lining, the
adjacent shell being one of the left and right shells; and a second
zipper mechanism configured to openly interconnect the small shell
with the adjacent shell, wherein the second zipper mechanism, upon
being opened, allows the small shell to be opened with respect to
the adjacent shell at an angle, the small shell being held open and
at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell via the flexible
zipper pocket lining, such that the small shell forms an outer side
of the hard-sided zipper pocket and a portion of the adjacent shell
forms an inner side of the hard-sided zipper pocket.
15. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of
claim 14, wherein the flexible zipper pocket lining forms a front
and back side of the hard-sided zipper pocket, the hard-sided
zipper pocket being a four sided, open pocket.
16. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of
claim 14, wherein the small and adjacent shells are interconnected
with a bottom hinged portion that facilitates the small shell
opening at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell.
17. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of
claim 14, wherein the second zipper mechanism is interconnected
with the small shell via a rim, and the second zipper mechanism is
interconnected with the adjacent shell via a length of flexible
fabric stitched to a surface of the adjacent shell.
18. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of
claim 17, wherein the length of flexible fabric interconnecting the
adjacent shell with the second zipper mechanism is attached to a
secondary pocket located on an interior side of the hard-sided
zipper pocket, the secondary pocket being opened and closed by an
interior zipper mechanism within or in the vicinity of the
hard-sided zipper pocket.
19. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of
claim 18, wherein the secondary pocket is manufactured from netting
or see through material.
20. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of
claim 14, wherein a height of the small shell is less than a second
height of the adjacent shell, and a width of the small shell is
less than a second width of the adjacent shell.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND PRIORITY
[0001] The present patent application claims priority to U.S.
Patent Provisional Application No. 61/299,766, filed Jan. 29, 2010,
which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present application relates to luggage, and more
particularly to a hard-sided suitcase featuring hard-sided pockets
for carrying and storing various types of articles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In today's, society, consumers have a variety of different
options when it comes to storing their personal belongings and/or
other articles. For example, consumers can use suitcases,
briefcases, computer cases, beauty cases, business cases, travel
bags, and a host of other types of cases. People often spend
considerable resources to ensure that they have suitcases which are
spacious, durable, and easy to transport. However, in addition to
desiring a suitcase which is spacious, durable, and easy to
transport, people also desire suitcases which offer a significant
amount of protection and/or security for their belongings stored in
the suitcase. Traditional suitcases are often made of fabrics or
other similar materials which are easily torn or allow belongings
stored within them to be easily destroyed, crushed, or otherwise
damaged. This is especially true when the belongings are stored in
pockets located outside the primary storage compartment of the
suitcase.
SUMMARY
[0004] A hard-sided suitcase may include a plurality of
polycarbonate, ABS, PVC, plastic, metal or other shells for forming
storage compartments of the hard-sided suitcase. A left and right
shell may form a main storage compartment. A smaller shell may be
interconnected to the side or top of either the left or right
shell, such as via a zipper attachment, an expandable zipper
attachment, a gusset, flexible material, or other attachments. The
smaller shell may form part of a hard-sided zipper pocket. During
use, the small shell may be unzipped and then open at angle with
respect to either the left or right shell--exposing a primary open
pocket for the storage of items therein. Also, a secondary pocket
may be exposed, such as a secondary pocket made of a netting or
other see through material. The small shell may be held open and in
place with respect to either the left or right shell by an
expandable gusset or pocket interior lining made of flexible and/or
collapsible material.
[0005] In one aspect, a hard-sided suitcase may be provided. The
hard-sided suitcase may include a plurality of polycarbonate, ABS,
PVC, plastic, metal or other shells for forming storage
compartments of the hard-sided suitcase, wherein at least one of
the plurality of polycarbonate or other shells is utilized for
forming a hard-sided, and wherein at least one of the plurality of
polycarbonate or other shells is utilized for forming a hard-sided
zipper pocket. The hard-sided suitcase may include a zipper
mechanism for connecting at least one pair of the plurality of
polycarbonate or other shells to form a storage compartment of the
storage compartments and for providing access to at least one
storage compartment of the storage compartments. The hard-sided
suitcase may include a second zipper mechanism for connecting the
hard-sided zipper pocket to at least one of the plurality of
polycarbonate or other shells. When the second zipper mechanism is
opened, the hard-sided zipper pocket may be in an open position,
and when the second zipper mechanism is closed, the hard-sided
zipper pocket may be in a closed position.
[0006] In another aspect, a hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided
zipper pocket may be provided. The hard-sided suitcase may include
a left shell and a right shell configured to form a main storage
compartment of the hard-sided suitcase, and a zipper mechanism
configured to connect the left and right shells to form the main
storage compartment and provide access to the main storage
compartment. The hard-sided suitcase may include a small shell
configured to be smaller than the left and right shells. The small
shell may be interconnected with an adjacent shell via an
expandable gusset. The adjacent shell may be one of the left and
right shells. The hard-sided suitcase may further include a second
zipper mechanism configured to openly interconnect the small shell
with the adjacent shell. During use, the second zipper mechanism,
upon being opened, may allow the small shell to be opened with
respect to the adjacent shell at an angle, and the small shell may
be held in place and at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell
via the expandable gusset. As a result, the small shell may form an
outer side of the hard-sided zipper pocket and the adjacent shell
may form an inner side of the hard-sided zipper pocket.
[0007] In another aspect, a hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided
zipper pocket may be provided. The hard-sided suitcase may include
a left shell and a right shell configured to form a main storage
compartment of the hard-sided suitcase. The left and right shells
may be manufactured from polycarbonate or other thermoplastic based
material. The hard-sided suitcase may include a zipper mechanism
configured to openly interconnect the left and right shells with
respect to each other and provide access to the main storage
compartment. The hard-sided suitcase may include a small shell
configured to be smaller than the left and right shells. The small
shell may be interconnected with an adjacent shell via a flexible
zipper pocket lining or expandable gusset or other flexible, fabric
material. The adjacent shell may be one of the left and right
shells. The hard-sided suitcase may include a second zipper
mechanism configured to openly interconnect the small shell with
the adjacent shell such that the second zipper mechanism, upon
being opened, may allow the small shell to be opened with respect
to the adjacent shell at an angle. The small shell may be held open
and at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell via the flexible
zipper pocket lining or expandable gusset. As a result, the small
shell may form an outer side of the hard-sided zipper pocket and
the adjacent shell, or a portion thereof, may form an inner side of
the hard-sided zipper pocket.
[0008] Advantages of the present invention will become more
apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description
of the preferred embodiments of the invention which have been shown
and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the
invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its
details are capable of modification in various respects.
Accordingly, the drawings and description are illustrative in
nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are
presently discussed, it being understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and
instrumentalities shown, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a hard-sided suitcase featuring hard-sided
zippered pockets according to the present embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 2 depicts the hard-sided suitcase of FIG. 1 with a
hard-sided zippered pocket in an open position; and
[0012] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary method of manufacture and
assembly of the hard-sided suitcase.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are
described with respect to a hard-sided suitcase for carrying and/or
storing different types of articles. It should be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art that the exemplary embodiments of the
present disclosure can be applied to other types of hard-sided
suitcases. Referring to the drawings, an embodiment of a hard-sided
suitcase 10 for storing articles is illustrated. The term
"suitcase" as used herein is intended to encompass a variety of
different types of luggage. For example, the suitcase can be a
traditional suitcase, a briefcase, a laptop bag/case, a computer
bag/case, a business case, a travel bag, a beauty case, or a
variety of other types of luggage. Of course, the aforementioned
types of suitcases are merely for illustrative purposes and are not
intended to limit the suitcase to the listed varieties.
[0014] The hard-sided suitcase 10 can include front, back, side,
and top and bottom portions. The suitcase 10 can include two
hard-sided shells 20, which can be utilized to form one or more
storage compartments for the hard-sided suitcase 10. Outer portions
of the hard-sided shells can form at least a portion of the front,
back, sides, top and bottom portions. The inner portions of the
hard-sided shells can be lined with various types of fabrics or
other similar features and can include one or more pockets, which
can be open and closed through zipper mechanisms or other
mechanisms for opening and closing pockets. A suitable lining
material is nylon, although of course any other materials can be
used. The two of the hard-sided shells can be utilized to form a
primary compartment. One or more other hard-sided shells can be
utilized to form secondary compartments as well.
[0015] Notably, the shells can be comprised of a thermoplastic
composition or other similar composition. In an embodiment, the
shells can be comprised of a polycarbonate composition, which can
include adding one or more other substances to the composition,
such as ABS plastic and the like. The polycarbonate composition is
lightweight and can enable the shells to be flexible, while
maintaining a generally rigid form. When stressors are applied to
the shells, the polycarbonate composition can allow the shells to
absorb the impact from the stressors and cause the shells to flex
to accommodate the stressors. After the stressors have been
removed, the polycarbonate composition can enable the suitcase to
return to its original shape.
[0016] The hard-sided shells 20 can be connectable to one another
through the use of a zipper 30 or other fastening mechanism such
as, but not limited to, snap fasteners, buttons, and buckles. Each
side of the zipper 30 can include a plurality of metal, plastic,
nylon, or other teeth, which can be stitched or otherwise attached
to corresponding pieces of fabric tape. The fabric tape can be
comprised of ballistic nylon or other similar materials. One fabric
tape can be stitched or otherwise fastened to an edge of one of the
hard-sided shells and the other fabric tape can be fastened to an
edge of another hard-sided shell. The zipper 30 can include one or
more sliders 40, which can be configured to hold at least a portion
of the plurality of teeth on each side of the zipper. Once the
slider is slid across the plurality of teeth, it can be utilized to
connect the edges of the hard-sided shells together, which forms a
seal for the storage compartments within the shells.
[0017] In one embodiment, the zipper 30 can be slid across the
entire edges of the hard-sided shells. Such a configuration would
allow the compartments to be entirely or almost entirely separated
upon completely unzipping the edges from one another. However, in
another embodiment, the suitcase can have a hinge, preferably along
the bottom portion of the suitcase. The hinge can permanently
connect at least a portion (such as the bottom portion) of the
edges of the hard-sided shells together. The remaining portions of
the edges that are not connected by the hinge can be connectable
via the zipper mechanism. By utilizing the hinge, this can allow
the hard-sided shells to remain at least partially connected to one
another, particularly in the event that the zipper 30 fails.
[0018] Additionally, the suitcase 10 can include one or more
telescoping or fixed handles for carrying, pulling, pushing, and/or
lifting the suitcase. The handles can include a telescoping handle
50. The telescoping handle 50 can be connected to a top portion or
other portion of a hard-sided shell so as to allow for easy
transportation of the suitcase. The telescoping handle 50 can be
operated by a lock button. The handle 50 can include trolley tubes,
which can extend through a portion of the hard-sided shell to which
it is attached. This allows for additional structural support and
allows the handle to undergo a greater amount of stress. In an
embodiment, the trolley tubes can be encased within the storage
compartment into a protrusion along the backside of the hard-sided
shell. The encasing can be performed laying a fabric, plastic, or
other material across the trolley tubes so as to ensure a
continuous or partially continuous surface, such as a flat or
netted surface. Once the trolley tubes are encased, a flat surface
can be created across the trolley tubes. This allows one to pack
the compartment of the suitcase without having to pack around the
trolley tubes, while also ensuring a more uniform compartment
space. One or more carry handles 60 can also be provided. For
example, one carry handle 60 can be provided on each of the top and
side of the suitcase 10 on a large suitcase, whereas only one carry
handle 60 may be sufficient on the top of a smaller suitcase 10,
such as a briefcase.
[0019] The suitcase 10 can also be configured to include a
plurality of wheels 70 for transporting the suitcase. In one
configuration, two wheels can be connected to a bottom portion of a
hard-sided shell, preferably along the opposite ends of the bottom
of the shell. In another configuration, another set of wheels can
be connected to a bottom portion of another hard-sided shell so as
to allow for four wheels positioned at the four ends of the bottom
of the suitcase. Any number of wheels and any position for
placement of the wheels can be utilized as well. For example, one
wheel can be placed on a bottom portion of one hard-sided shell and
two wheels can be placed on a bottom portion of another hard-sided
shell. Such a positioning allows for greater stability and for
easier transportation of the suitcase. In an embodiment, the wheels
can be plated with chrome or another similar material, or be hub
capped plated. Placing the wheels with chrome or other similar
materials can enable the wheels to rotate along a variety of
surfaces in a smooth and easy motion by minimizing friction and
drag along the surfaces. The wheels may be manufactured from
rubber, nylon, plastic, polymers, metal, or other materials. The
wheels may have bearings or packed bearings.
[0020] Furthermore, the suitcase 10 can be configured to have one
or more expandable portions, which can be utilized to expand one or
more storage compartments of the suitcase. The expandable portion
can be connected to at least one of the hard-sided shells either at
an edge of the shell or otherwise and can be made of fabric such as
nylon or other materials which can expand. Notably, the expandable
portion can be secured in a non-expanded state by utilizing a
zipper or other similar securing mechanism. When an individual
pulls a slider to open the zipper for the expandable portion, the
expandable portion expands so as to increase the storage capacity
of the suitcase. If the individual would like to return the
suitcase to its original size, the individual merely needs to close
the zipper mechanism using the slider mechanism. In an embodiment,
the suitcase 10 includes a locking mechanism 80 for preventing
unauthorized access to one or more compartments of the suitcase.
The locking mechanism 80 can be a combination lock, padlock, key
code lock, biometric lock, which, for example, can be configured to
read fingerprints or other physical identifiers, and/or other types
of locks. The locking mechanism may be built into a side of one or
more hard-sided shell, or be freely attachable and/or
removable.
[0021] In another embodiment, at least one of the hard-sided shells
can be configured to be a pocket 90 or other similar storage
mechanism. By utilizing a hard-sided shell for the pocket,
belongings or other articles stored therein can have a greater
level of protection than traditional suitcase pockets, which are
often made of fabrics or other materials. The hard-sided shell used
for creating the pocket 90 can be connectable to another one of the
hard-sided shells used for other storage compartments via a zipper
mechanism 100. The zipper mechanism can be attached to the
hard-sided shell via fabric tape or other type of tape
traditionally used with zippers. The fabric tape, which can be made
of ballistic nylon or other similar materials, can be directly
stitched into the hard-sided shell. Additionally, nylon, polyester,
vinyl, or other fabric can be stitched around, glued, or otherwise
attached to the hard-sided shell forming the pocket. The zipper
mechanism 100 can include an expansion gusset or other zipper
pocket lining 110. In an embodiment, the zipper can be configured
to go completely around the pocket so that when an individual
completely unzips the zipper, the pocket 90 can be detached from
the suitcase 10. In another embodiment, a bottom portion of the
pocket can have a hinge. The hinge can be utilized to enable at
least the bottom portion of the pocket to remain connected to the
suitcase at all times. The portions of the pocket which are not
hinged to the suitcase can be connected to the suitcase by
utilizing the zipper mechanism.
[0022] By utilizing a hard-sided shell for the pocket 90, it
enables a user to store items in the compartment of the pocket
without having to encroach on the primary storage compartments of
the suitcase. Additionally, the hard-sided shell provides
significant protection for the items stored within the pocket. The
hard-sided shell used for the pocket can also contain additional
pockets within the primary pocket. For example, these additional
pockets can be traditional zippered pockets that can be lined
across the inside of the hard-sided pocket or otherwise. The
suitcase can be configured to contain any number of pockets, with
at least a portion of which being comprised of a hard-sided
shell.
[0023] The pocket 90 can also be used for decoration, so that a
user can personalize their luggage. For example, the pocket 90 can
be provided in a different color to the main body of the suitcase
10. Alternatively, or in addition, a logo, picture, decorative
pattern or any other decoration can be provided on the pocket 90.
This can enable a manufacturer to provide the shells 20 in a
relatively small range of colors, but to enable consumers to select
a large number of different pocket colors or decorations. The
colors may include black, blue, red, yellow, orange, green, silver,
any other color, or combinations thereof. The pockets 90 may also
have different configurations to suit different items that a user
may wish to store. For example, one large pocket may be provided,
or the area can be split into two vertically extending narrow
pockets, two horizontally extending shorter pockets, or any
combination of differently sized and shaped pockets. If the pocket
90 is provided with a zipper that extends completely therearound,
the user can change the pockets 90 at will, whereas if the pocket
is attached to the suitcase 10 by a hinge, the pocket 90 is
selectable upon initial purchase of the suitcase.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the hard-sided suitcase 10 may include a
left and right hard shell 20. The left and right hard shells 20 may
be interconnected by one or more zippers 30. In one embodiment, the
left and right hard shells 20 may be interconnected with an
expandable zipper arrangement or an expandable gusset. The right
hard shell 20 may be interconnected with a telescoping handle 50
and have one or more handles 60 on a top surface that are
configured to provided for manual lifting of the hard-sided
suitcase 10. The bottom of the left and right hard shells 20 may
have a front and rear wheel set 70.
[0025] Each wheel set may have two or more rotatable wheels. Either
or both of the left and right hard shells 20 may have an embedded
or otherwise attached locking mechanism 80 for locking the left and
right hard shells 20 together. The locking mechanism may be
operated by manually entering a code, by key, by finger print
reader, or other means.
[0026] The left hard shell 20 may be interconnected with a third,
smaller hard shell. The third hard shell may be configured as a
pocket shell 90. The pocket shell 90 may be smaller in size than
the left hard shell 20. The pocket shell 90 may have a smaller
width, a smaller height, and a smaller depth than the left hard
shell 20. The pocket shell 90 may be interconnected with the left
hard shell 20, the right hard shell 20, or other adjacent shell via
a zipper attachment 100. The zipper attachment 100 may be an
expandable zipper attachment or expandable gusset.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, during use, the pocket shell 90 may be
opened from the surface of the left or adjacent, larger hard shell
20 via the zipper arrangement. The pocket shell 90 may have an
interior expandable gusset or pocket lining 110. The expandable
gusset or pocket lining 110 may be made of flexible and
compressible fabric material, such as nylon. The expandable gusset
or pocket lining 110 may define an open pocket that may be used to
store items. The open pocket may be open on the top to facilitate
manual placement of items into the open pocket in an unencumbered
manner.
[0028] In one embodiment, the expandable gusset or pocket lining
110 may be partial or extend approximately half way the height of
the pocket shell 90. The expandable section 110 may operate to
collect and hold items, or operate with the hard pocket shell 90 to
form an open pocket. The interior of the pocket area may include
one or more zipper arrangements. Each interior zipper arrangement
may be opened to reveal another storage area that is flush with an
adjacent hard shell 20 or the pocket shell 90. After the placement
of item(s) into the pocket, the expandable gusset or pocket lining
110 may collapse into the pocket area and be enclosed by the pocket
shell 90 once the zipper arrangement with the adjacent hard shell
20 is closed.
I. Exemplary Embodiments
[0029] In one embodiment, a hard-sided suitcase may have a
hard-sided zipper pocket. The hard-sided suitcase may include a
left shell and a right shell configured to form a main storage
compartment of the hard-sided suitcase, and a zipper mechanism
configured to connect the left and right shells to form the main
storage compartment and provide access to the main storage
compartment. The hard-sided suitcase may include a small shell
configured to be smaller than the left and right shells. The small
shell may be interconnected with an adjacent shell via an
expandable gusset. The adjacent shell may be one of the left and
right shells. The hard-sided suitcase may further include a second
zipper mechanism configured to openly interconnect the small shell
with the adjacent shell. During use, the second zipper mechanism,
upon being opened, may allow the small shell to be opened with
respect to the adjacent shell at an angle, and the small shell may
be held in place and at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell
via the expandable gusset. As a result, the small shell may form an
outer side of the hard-sided zipper pocket and the adjacent shell
may form an inner side of the hard-sided zipper pocket.
[0030] The expandable gusset may form a front and back side of the
hard-sided zipper pocket, and the hard-sided zipper pocket may be a
four sided, open pocket. The left, right, and small shells may be
manufactured from polycarbonate or a mixture thereof such that they
retain there shape during use. The small and adjacent shells may be
interconnected with a bottom hinged portion that has a hinge and
facilitates the small shell opening at an angle with respect to the
adjacent shell.
[0031] The second zipper mechanism may be directly or indirectly
interconnected with the small shell. For instance, the second
zipper mechanism may be sewn directly to the small shell, or
indirectly connected by being sewn directly to a support frame on
the small shell. The second zipper mechanism may be directly or
indirectly interconnected with the adjacent shell. For instance,
the second zipper mechanism may be directly attached to the
adjacent shell via a length of flexible fabric, such as nylon,
stitched to both the second zipper mechanism and the adjacent
shell. The length of flexible fabric may be between approximately
0.1 inches and approximately 2.0 inches. In one embodiment, the
length of flexible fabric may be approximately equal to or greater
0.5 or 1.0 inches.
[0032] The flexible fabric interconnecting the adjacent shell with
the second zipper mechanism may be interconnected with or attached
to a secondary, interior mesh pocket. The secondary mesh pocket may
be opened and closed by an interior zipper mechanism within or in
the vicinity of the hard-sided zipper pocket.
[0033] In another embodiment, a hard-sided suitcase may have a
hard-sided zipper pocket. The hard-sided suitcase may include a
left shell and a right shell configured to form a main storage
compartment of the hard-sided suitcase. The left and right shells
may be manufactured from polycarbonate or other thermoplastic based
material. The hard-sided suitcase may include a zipper mechanism
configured to openly interconnect the left and right shells with
respect to each other and provide access to the main storage
compartment. The hard-sided suitcase may include a small shell
configured to be smaller than the left and right shells. The small
shell may be interconnected with an adjacent one of the left and
rights shells via a flexible zipper pocket lining.
[0034] The hard-sided suitcase may include a second zipper
mechanism configured to openly interconnect the small shell with
the adjacent shell such that the second zipper mechanism, upon
being opened, allows the small shell to be opened with respect to
the adjacent shell at an angle. The small shell may be held open
and at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell via the flexible
zipper pocket lining. As a result, the small shell may form an
outer side of the hard-sided zipper pocket and the adjacent shell,
or a portion thereof, may form an inner side of the hard-sided
zipper pocket.
[0035] Also, the flexible zipper pocket lining may form a front and
back side of the hard-sided zipper pocket such that the hard-sided
zipper pocket may be a four sided, open pocket. The small and
adjacent shells may be interconnected with a bottom hinged portion
that facilitates the small shell opening at an angle with respect
to the adjacent shell. The second zipper mechanism may be
interconnected with the small shell, such as via a rim or frame,
and the second zipper mechanism may be interconnected with the
adjacent shell, such as via a length of flexible fabric stitched to
a surface of the adjacent shell.
[0036] The flexible fabric interconnecting the adjacent shell may
also be interconnected with, attached to, or include a secondary
interior pocket. The secondary interior pocket may be opened and
closed by an interior zipper mechanism within or in the vicinity of
the hard-sided zipper pocket. The secondary interior pocket may be
manufactured from netting or other see through material.
[0037] The height of the small shell may be less than a height of
the adjacent shell, the width of the small shell may be less than a
width of the adjacent shell, and the depth of the small shell may
be less than a depth of the adjacent shell. The small shell may
have other dimensions.
II. Exemplary Method
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method of manufacturing a
hard-sided suitcase 300. The method 300 may include manufacturing a
right and left hard shell 302, interconnecting the right and left
hard shells via a zipper arrangement 304, manufacturing a small
hard shell to form at least part of a hard shell zipper pocket 306,
interconnecting the small hard shell to a surface of the right
and/or left hard shell 308, and adding accessories to the
hard-sided suitcase 310. The method 300 may include additional,
fewer, or alternate actions.
[0039] The method 300 may include manufacturing a right and left
hard shell 302. The right and left hard shells may be manufactured
from ABS plastic, PVC, metal, plastic, forms of thermoplastic,
polycarbonate, or any combination thereof or any combination of
other plastics known in the art. The hard shells may be smooth and
configured to be devoid of sharp corners. The hard shells may
retain their shape during use and/or when the suitcase is empty. In
one embodiment, the right and left hard shells may be configured to
have the same or substantially the same shape and/or storage
capacity. Alternatively, one of the hard shells may be larger than
the other.
[0040] The method 300 may include interconnecting the right and
left hard shells via a zipper arrangement 304. The zipper
arrangement may be stitched or otherwise attached to the hard
shells. The zipper arrangement may be stitched to a frame or rim
extended around the exterior of either or both of the left and
right hard shells. In one embodiment, the zipper arrangement may be
an expandable zipper arrangement or gusset section that expands the
size of the main storage container during use.
[0041] The method 300 may include manufacturing a smaller, pocket
hard shell intended to define a hard-sided zipper pocket 306. The
small hard shell may be manufactured from ABS plastic, PVC, metal,
plastic, forms of thermoplastic, polycarbonate, or any combination
thereof or any combination of other plastics known in the art. The
small hard shell may be smooth and configured to be devoid of sharp
corners. The small hard shell may retain its shape during use
and/or when the suitcase is empty.
[0042] The method 300 may include interconnecting the small hard
shell to a surface of an adjacent one of the right or left hard
shells 308 either directly and/or indirectly. For instance, the
small hard shell may be attached to an adjacent hard shell via a
bottom hinge in the vicinity of a bottom hinge portion of the
hard-sided suitcase. The small hard shell may also be openly
interconnected with the adjacent shell via an zipper arrangement,
an expandable zipper arrangement, a gusset, fabric, or other means.
During use, an interior pocket lining portion sewn or otherwise
attached to both the small hard shell and the adjacent shell may
hold the small hard shell open and at an angle with respect to the
adjacent shell, facilitating the placement of items into the open
pocket area for storage.
[0043] The method 300 may include adding accessories to the
hard-sided suitcase 310. For instance, fixed handles, telescoping
handles, locking devices, wheels and other attachments may be added
to the hard-sided suitcase. Additional, fewer, or alternate
accessories may be added to the suitcase, including those discussed
herein.
[0044] The arrangements described herein are intended to provide a
general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and
they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the
elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use
of the structures described herein. Many other arrangements will be
apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above
description. Other arrangements may be utilized and derived
therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and
changes may be made without departing from the scope of this
disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be
drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated,
while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and
drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense.
[0045] Thus, although specific arrangements have been illustrated
and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement
calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the
specific arrangement shown. This disclosure is intended to cover
any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments and
arrangements of the invention. Combinations of the above
arrangements, and other arrangements not specifically described
herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon
reviewing the above description. Therefore, it is intended that the
disclosure not be limited to the particular arrangement(s)
disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this
invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments and
arrangements falling within the scope of the appended claims.
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