Travel Master

Abstract

An apparatus to stack a first stackable luggage to a second stackable luggage, the second stackable luggage having a male connector device and the first stackable luggage having a female connector device. The second stackable luggage may be substantially a mirror of the first stackable luggage. The first stackable luggage may include a front 360.degree. rotatable and spinnable wheel, and the first stackable luggage may include a rotatable back wheel. The first stackable luggage may include a releasable and biased strap, and the first stackable luggage may include a first wheel depression for the front wheel in the top surface of the first stackable luggage. The first stackable luggage may include a second wheel depression for the back wheel in the top surface of the first stackable luggage, and the male connector device magnetically may connect to the female connector device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of travel luggage, and more particularly to a stackable luggage.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Everyday, countless consumers climb into automobiles, buses and airplanes and embark on business trips and family vacations. Whether traveling across state lines in order to visit a favorite relative, trekking across country for a relaxing stay at a beach front resort, or climbing aboard a 747 for an important business meeting, spending time away from home is a fact of life for millions of people. Regardless if one travels for business or pleasure, most consumers do not leave home without first packing personal belongings necessary for the trip. Changes of clothing, shoes, toiletries, hair dryers and personal mementos are but a few of the many items most people pack into a suitcase and take with them on the road.

[0003] Presently, most suitcases include at least one pair of wheels attached to the bottom of the suitcase and a handle or pull-bar attached to the top or to one of the sides of the suitcase. The wheels and handle allow the suitcase to be pulled and easily transport along a supporting surface. While this is convenient and works well, a problem occurs in the case where an individual traveler has more than one large piece of luggage. This problem may be overcome by placing one luggage on top of another but this solution does not prevent the luggage from falling off.

[0004] Several patents and patent applications address this problem.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 7,717,440 discloses a manually operable luggage cart including a central and unitary storage chamber with planar top and bottom surfaces. The assembly further includes a handle that is pivotal between rectilinear oblong displaced positions extending parallel and diagonal to a longitudinal length of the storage chamber, a plurality of casters rotatably connected to the storage chamber, and a mechanism for automatically biasing the casters between exposed and retracted positions from the bottom surface of the storage chamber when the handle is pivoted between the parallel and diagonal positions and about a curvilinear path defined adjacent to the proximal end of the storage chamber. The adaptable luggage cart further includes a plurality of straps.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,306 discloses a combined luggage and cart apparatus including a cart disposed within a luggage case. The cart has tubular legs joined at one end by a base plate. A U-shaped handle is inserted in the legs and a locking arrangement prevents separation of the handle from the legs, once inserted. The locking arrangement includes a sleeve inserted in the legs, and a split ring insertable through the sleeve and held captive on the handle. The sleeve includes a locking tab to engage the legs, and the split ring engages the sleeve when the handle is placed in use.

[0007] US patent application 2005/0145458 discloses a large capacity piece of luggage that complies with the maximum size requirements of the airlines with a plurality of special features. These include an infinitely variable position handle used to either pull or push the luggage on two large curb climbing wheels. The handle can rotate in a horizontal plane from one of its supporting vertical members to provide a temporary closet rod for hanging clothes from hangers. The handle also includes hooks to hang clothes from. Also included is a telescoping integral luggage cart with steerable auxiliary wheels. Other features include fixed, but removable identification plaques that are externally visible, an externally visible large figure digital travel alarm clock, an integral fold out table disposed within the cover of the luggage and supported thereby, and an externally accessible freshen kit and utility drawer. The invention further includes a chest of drawers feature which allows interior bags to be used either as drawers or to be removable from the parent bag and used as separate luggage to double the capacity of the original piece of luggage. Finally, on the back of the luggage is a pouch type of an enclosure similar to that which are on the backs of front car seats which may be accessed from the upper side to store a newspaper, magazines and the like.

[0008] US patent application 2004/0000458 discloses a combination suitcase and baggage cart having a first case for storing items. A second case is retractably coupled to the first case and is also used for storing items. A set of wheels is coupled to the first case and the second case for moving the combination suitcase and baggage cart. Retaining fences are retractably coupled to the first case and the second case for holding items on the combination suitcase and baggage cart. A handle is coupled to the combination suitcase and baggage cart for pulling combination suitcase and baggage cart.

[0009] US patent application 2006/0175170 discloses a convertible luggage device including a retractable handle assembly and at least one pair of extendable wheels. Included is a brake system operating to lock at least one of the wheels. In one aspect, the device forms a stroller. In another aspect, the device includes straps for engaging a car seat or a basket for receiving luggage or other items. By embodying a broad wheel base, the arrangement provides a stable platform for pushing or pulling luggage or for performing as a stroller.

[0010] US patent application 20090315284 discloses a luggage case which is convertible between a first configuration similar to a suitcase and a second configuration similar to a wheeled cart. The luggage case may have wheels and a pivotal handle. The pivotal handle may be supported by a strut pivotally fixed thereto at one end and arranged at the other end to slide along a groove in a guide track fixed to the luggage case. The strut may be entrapped to stop at a predetermined location along the groove with the handle fixed at an angle suitable for pushing the luggage case on its wheels.

SUMMARY

[0011] An apparatus to stack a first stackable luggage to a second stackable luggage, the second stackable luggage having a male connector device and the first stackable luggage having a female connector device. The second stackable luggage may be substantially a mirror of the first stackable luggage.

[0012] The first stackable luggage may include a front 360.degree. rotatable and spinnable wheel, and the first stackable luggage may include a rotatable back wheel.

[0013] The first stackable luggage may include a releasable and biased strap, and the first stackable luggage may include a first wheel depression for the front wheel in the top surface of the first stackable luggage.

[0014] The first stackable luggage may include a second wheel depression for the back wheel in the top surface of the first stackable luggage, and the male connector device magnetically may connect to the female connector device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a first stackable luggage and a substantially mirrored second stackable luggage;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the first or second stackable luggage;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the first or second stackable luggage;

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the first or second stackable luggage;

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a back view of the first or second stackable luggage;

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the first stackable luggage and the second stackable luggage which has been stackable on the first stackable luggage;

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a connector device which may include a male connector device and a female connector device;

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the connector device showing the male connector device magnetically connected to the female connector device;

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of an alternate connector device;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the first stackable luggage 101 and the second stackable luggage 103 which may be a substantial mirror of the first stackable luggage 101 and may be formed from rigid material or flexible material such as metal, plastic, metal alloy or a combination of these materials. FIG. 1 illustrates that the first stackable luggage 101 and the second stackable luggage 103 part in a first position which are separated.

[0026] The description of either the first stackable luggage 101 or the second stackable luggage 103 may apply equally to the second stackable luggage 103 and the first stackable luggage 101 respectively. The second stackable luggage 103 may be sized to include multiple second stackable luggage 103 which may be simultaneously stacked on the first stackable luggage 101. The first stackable luggage 101 may include a first top member 105 and a second bottom member 107, and the second stackable 103 may include a first top member 105 and a second bottom member 107. The first top member 105 may be connected to the second bottom member 101 by a fastener 104 which may extend completely or partially around the periphery of the first top member 105 and the second bottom member 107 and may be a zipper or other appropriate device. The first top member 105 may include a first top surface 113 which may be connected to a first side surface 115 which may extend around the periphery of the first top surface 113. The second bottom member 107 may include a second bottom surface 117 which may be connected to a second side surface 119 which may extend around the periphery of the second bottom member 107.

[0027] The second bottom member may include a pivotal handle 121 may be supported by a rod 123 pivotally fixed thereto at one end and arranged at the other end to slide along a channel 125 fixed to the luggage case. The rod 123 may be entrapped to stop at a predetermined location along the channel 125 with the pivotal handle 121 may be pivotably connected to the rod 123 at a pivot point 127 for pushing or pulling the first and second stackable luggage 101, 103 on its wheels.

[0028] FIG. 1 additionally illustrates that the first stackable luggage 101 and the second stackable luggage 103 may include a pair or a single front wheel 129 which may be 360.degree. rotatable in order to follow the user and a pair of rear wheels 131 which may be non-rotatable.

[0029] The first stackable luggage 101 may be detachably connected to the second stackable luggage 103 by a connector device which may include a male connector device 133 which may extend from the second bottom surface 117 of the second bottom member 107 and the male connector device 133 may be a single male connector device 113 or a multiple male connector devices 133. The male connector device 133 may be a projection finger such as a cylinder, rod, rectangle or other appropriate device which may be formed from material which can be magnetized to form a magnet or which may be affected by a magnet. The male connector device 133 cooperates with a female connector device 135 which may be formed in the first top surface 113 of the first top member 105 of another stackable luggage such as the first stackable luggage 101. The female connector device 135 may be a cavity or depression in the first top surface 113 and may be formed from metal or other material which may be magnetized to form a magnet or may be affected by a magnet. The female connector device 135 and the male connector device 113 cooperate to detachably connect the first stackable luggage 101 to the second stackable luggage 103.

[0030] FIG. 1 additionally illustrates that the first stackable luggage 101 and the second stackable luggage 103 may include releasable strap 141 which may be spring loaded in order to provide a tension so that the releasable strap 141 can return to an original position when the releasable strap 141 is released from the holding apparatus 143 such as a hook which may be positioned on the opposing side of the first stackable luggage 101 and the second stackable luggage 103.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the first stackable luggage 101 and illustrates the first top member 105 and the second bottom member 107. The first top member 105 may include a first top surface 113 which may be connected to a first side surface 115 which may extend around the periphery of the first top surface 113. The second bottom member 107 may include a second bottom surface 117 which may be connected to a second side surface 119 which may extend around the periphery of the second bottom surface 117.

[0032] FIG. 2 additionally illustrates the releasable strap 141 extending around the first stackable luggage 101 and may cooperate with the holding apparatus 143. FIG. 2 illustrates the front wheel 129 and the back wheel 131.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates the second bottom surface 117 of the first or second stackable luggage 101/103. As discussed above, the first stackable luggage 101 may be detachably connected to the second stackable luggage 103 by a connector device which may include a male connector device 133 which may extend from the second bottom surface 117 of the second bottom member 107 and the male connector device 133 may be a single male connector device 113 or a multiple male connector devices 133. The male connector device 133 may be a projection finger such as a cylinder, rod, rectangle or other appropriate device which may be formed from material which can be magnetized to form a magnet or which may be affected by a magnet. The male connector device 133 cooperates with a female connector device 135 which may be formed in the first top surface 113 of the first top member 105 of another stackable luggage such as the first stackable luggage 101. The female connector device 135 may be a cavity or depression in the first top surface 113 and may be formed from metal or other material which may be magnetized to form a magnet or may be affected by a magnet. The female connector device 135 and the male connector device 133 cooperate to detachably connect the first stackable luggage 101 to the second stackable luggage 103. The connector devices 133, 135 may be positioned to form a triangle or rectangle or other appropriate shape.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates the female connector device 135 which may be positioned as a depression in the first top surface 113. The female connector device 135 may cooperate with the male connector device 133 which may be positioned on the first top surface 113.

[0035] Additionally, FIG. 3 illustrates a front wheel depression 151 which is positioned to cooperate with the front wheel 129 and illustrates a back wheel depression 153 to cooperate with the back wheels 131. The front wheel depression 151 and the back wheel depression 153 allowed the first stackable luggage 101 to be positioned substantially flush with the second stackable luggage 103.

[0036] FIG. 3 additionally illustrates the pivotable handle 121 and illustrates the releasable strap 141 and the holding apparatus 143.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates the male connector device 133 which may be positioned as a cylinder, pin, rod or other such device in the second bottom surface 117. The female connector device 135 may cooperate with the male connector device 133 which may be positioned on the first top surface 113.

[0038] Additionally, FIG. 4 illustrates a front wheel 129 which is positioned to cooperate with the front wheel depression 151 and illustrates a back wheel 131 to cooperate with the back wheel depression 153. The front wheel depression 151 and the back wheel depression 153 allowed the first stackable luggage 101 to be positioned substantially flush with the second stackable luggage 103.

[0039] FIG. 4 additionally illustrates the pivotable handle 121, the front wheels 129 and the back wheels 131.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a back view of the first or second stackable luggage 101/103 and illustrates the first top member 105 and the second bottom member 107. FIG. 5 additionally illustrates the first top surface 113 and the first side surface 115 of the first top member 105 and illustrates the second bottom surface 117 and the second side surface 119 of the second bottom member 107. FIG. 5 illustrates a front wheels 129 and back wheels 131.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the first stackable luggage 101 and the second stackable luggage 103 which may be a substantial mirror of the first stackable luggage 101 and may be formed from rigid material or flexible material such as metal, plastic, metal alloy or a combination of these materials. The first stackable luggage 101 and the second stackable luggage 103 are in a second position which is stacked together.

[0042] The description of either the first stackable luggage 101 or the second stackable luggage 103 may apply equally to the second stackable luggage 103 and the first stackable luggage 101 respectively. The first stackable luggage 101 may include a first top member 105 and a second bottom member 107, and the second stackable 103 may include a first top member 105 and a second bottom member 107. The first top member 105 may include a first top surface 113 which may be connected to a first side surface 115 which may extend around the periphery of the first top surface 113. The second bottom member 107 may include a second bottom surface 117 which may be connected to a second side surface 119 which may extend around the periphery of the second bottom member 107.

[0043] The second bottom member may include a pivotal handle 121 may be supported by a rod 123 pivotally fixed thereto at one end and arranged at the other end to slide along a channel 125 fixed to the luggage case. The rod 123 may be entrapped to stop at a predetermined location along the channel 125 with the pivotal handle 121 may be pivotably connected to the rod 123 at a pivot point 127 for pushing or pulling the first and second stackable luggage 101, 103 on its wheels.

[0044] FIG. 6 additionally illustrates that the first stackable luggage 101 and the second stackable luggage 103 may include a pair or a single front wheel 129 which may be 360.degree. rotatable in order to follow the user and a pair of rear wheels 131 which may be non-rotatable.

[0045] FIG. 6 additionally illustrates that the first stackable luggage 101 and the second stackable luggage 103 may include releasable strap 141 which may be spring loaded in order to provide a tension so that the releasable strap 141 can return to an original position when the releasable strap 141 is released from the holding apparatus 143 such as a hook which may be positioned on the opposing side of the first stackable luggage 101 and the second stackable luggage 103.

[0046] Additionally, FIG. 6 illustrates a front wheel 129 which is positioned to cooperate with the front wheel depression 151 and illustrates a back wheel 131 to cooperate with the back wheel depression 153. The front wheel depression 151 and the back wheel depression 153 allowed the first stackable luggage 101 to be positioned substantially flush with the second stackable luggage 103.

[0047] The first stackable luggage 101 may be detachably connected to the second stackable luggage 103 by a connector device which may include a male connector device 133 which may extend from the second bottom surface 117 of the second bottom member 107 and the male connector device 133 may be a single male connector device 113 or a multiple male connector devices 133. The male connector device 133 may be a projection finger such as a cylinder, rod, rectangle or other appropriate device which may be formed from material which can be magnetized to form a magnet or which may be affected by a magnet. The male connector device 133 cooperates with a female connector device 135 which may be formed in the first top surface 113 of the first top member 105 of another stackable luggage such as the first stackable luggage 101. The female connector device 135 may be a cavity or depression in the first top surface 113 and may be formed from metal or other material which may be magnetized to form a magnet or may be affected by a magnet. The female connector device 135 and the male connector device 113 cooperate to detachably connect the first stackable luggage 101 to the second stackable luggage 103.

[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of the first stackable luggage 101 which may be may be detachably connected to the second stackable luggage 103 by a connector device in a first position which may include a male connector device 133 which may extend from the second bottom surface 117 of the second bottom member 107 and the male connector device 133 may be a single male connector device 113 or a multiple male connector devices 133. The male connector device 133 may be a projection finger such as a cylinder, rod, rectangle or other appropriate device which may be formed from material which can be magnetized to form a magnet or which may be affected by a magnet. FIG. 7 illustrates the magnetic force 161 generated by the male connection member 133 to hold the female connection member 135 in place. The male connector device 133 cooperates with a female connector device 135 which may be formed in the first top surface 113 of the first top member 105 of another stackable luggage such as the first stackable luggage 101. The female connector device 135 may be a cavity or depression in the first top surface 113 and may be formed from metal or other material which may be magnetized to form a magnet or may be affected by a magnet. The female connector device 135 and the male connector device 113 cooperate to detachably connect the first stackable luggage 101 to the second stackable luggage 103.

[0049] FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of the first stackable luggage 101 which may be may be detachably connected to the second stackable luggage 103 by a connector device in a second position which may include a male connector device 133 which may extend from the second bottom surface 117 of the second bottom member 107 and the male connector device 133 may be a single male connector device 113 or a multiple male connector devices 133. The male connector device 133 may be a projection finger such as a cylinder, rod, rectangle or other appropriate device which may be formed from material which can be magnetized to form a magnet or which may be affected by a magnet. FIG. 8 illustrates the magnetic force 161 generated by the male connection member 133 to hold the female connection member 135 in place. The male connector device 133 cooperates with a female connector device 135 which may be formed in the first top surface 113 of the first top member 105 of another stackable luggage such as the first stackable luggage 101. The female connector device 135 may be a cavity or depression in the first top surface 113 and may be formed from metal or other material which may be magnetized to form a magnet or may be affected by a magnet. The female connector device 135 and the male connector device 113 cooperate to detachably connect the first stackable luggage 101 to the second stackable luggage 103.

[0050] FIG. 9 illustrates another male connector member 933 and a female connector member 935 which may be deformable to connect to the male connector member 933.

[0051] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed.

Claims

1) An apparatus to stack a first stackable luggage to a second stackable luggage, comprising: the second stackable luggage having a male connector device; the first stackable luggage having a female connector device; wherein the second stackable luggage is substantially a mirror of the first stackable luggage;

2) An apparatus to stack a first stackable luggage to a second stackable luggage as in claim 1, wherein the first stackable luggage includes a front 360.degree. rotatable and spinnable wheel.

3) An apparatus to stack a first stackable luggage to a second stackable luggage as in claim 1, wherein the first stackable luggage includes a rotatable back wheel.

4) An apparatus to stack a first stackable luggage to a second stackable luggage as in claim 1, wherein the first stackable luggage includes a releasable and biased strap.

5) An apparatus to stack a first stackable luggage to a second stackable luggage as in claim 1, wherein the first stackable luggage includes a first wheel depression for the front wheel in the top surface of the first stackable luggage.

6) An apparatus to stack a first stackable luggage to a second stackable luggage as in claim 1, wherein the first stackable luggage includes a second wheel depression for the back wheel in the top surface of the first stackable luggage.

7) An apparatus to stack a first stackable luggage to a second stackable luggage as in claim 1, wherein the male connector device magnetically connects to the female connector device.