U.S. patent application number 13/461255 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-07 for compact luggage.
The applicant listed for this patent is Darina Dunne, James Ryan. Invention is credited to Darina Dunne, James Ryan.
Application Number | 20130292221 13/461255 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49511706 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130292221 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ryan; James ; et
al. |
November 7, 2013 |
COMPACT LUGGAGE
Abstract
A portable storage device comprising an openable outer
enclosure, an inner storage compartment which is compressible by
evacuation of air from the compartment and a pump integrated into
the outer enclosure for evacuating the inner storage
compartment.
Inventors: |
Ryan; James; (Dublin,
IE) ; Dunne; Darina; (Dublin, IE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ryan; James
Dunne; Darina |
Dublin
Dublin |
|
IE
IE |
|
|
Family ID: |
49511706 |
Appl. No.: |
13/461255 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/18A ;
190/100; 190/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/262 20130101;
A45C 5/02 20130101; A45C 13/28 20130101; A45C 2005/037 20130101;
A45C 5/03 20130101; A45C 2013/026 20130101; A45C 2013/028 20130101;
A45C 13/02 20130101; A45C 5/14 20130101; A45C 13/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/18.A ;
190/100; 190/115 |
International
Class: |
A45C 5/03 20060101
A45C005/03; A45C 5/14 20060101 A45C005/14; A45C 13/28 20060101
A45C013/28 |
Claims
1. A portable storage device comprising: an openable outer
enclosure; an inner storage compartment which is compressible by
evacuation of air from the compartment; a pump integrated into the
storage device for evacuating the inner storage compartment.
2. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the pump comprises an
extendable handle comprising an inner segment which slideably fits
inside an outer segment wherein the outer segment slideably fits
inside a recess in the outer enclosure and wherein applying a
pumping action to the handle allows air to be removed from the
inner storage compartment.
3. The storage device of claim 2 further comprising a switch
permitting the extendable handle mechanism to be switched between a
function allowing the device to be pushed or pulled by the user to
a function which allows the user to remove air from the inner
storage compartment.
4. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the inner storage
compartment is removable from the outer enclosure.
5. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the inner storage
compartment is substantially cuboid in shape and further comprises
a rigid rim about its length and breadth which prevents the
compartment from collapsing in these dimensions when evacuated.
6. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the inner storage
compartment comprises a means for fixing the inner compartment to
the outer enclosure comprising an opening with a one way valve to
allow evacuation of the inner compartment by a pump or other
means.
7. The storage device of claim 1 further comprising a removable
non-compressible compartment.
8. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the outer enclosure is
formed from lightweight material such as polypropylene.
9. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the inner storage
compartment is made from a plastics material, for example
polyurethane.
10. The storage device of claim 1 further comprising a flat area
moveable from a position substantially parallel to the outer
enclosure to a position substantially perpendicular to the outer
enclosure wherein applying a force to the area while in the
substantially perpendicular position stabilises the device.
11. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the device has dimensions
of about 50 cm.times.40 cm.times.20 cm.
12. The device of claim 2 further comprising a scale to display the
weight of the device and its contents when the device is suspended
by the handle.
13. The storage device of claim 1 further comprising wheels
recessed into the outer enclosure.
14. A portable storage device comprising: an outer enclosure
enclosing a main storage area consisting of two substantially
rectangular shaped parts attached and hinged on one side; an inner
storage compartment which is compressible by evacuation of air from
the compartment; a pump integrated into the outer enclosure for
evacuating the inner storage compartment; a further
non-compressible inner storage compartment which is accessible
through an opening in one part of the outer enclosure allowing
access to the compartment without opening the main storage area.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
storage devices and in particular travel bags suitable for
transport of luggage, such as suitcases. More specifically the
present invention relates to a portable storage device such as a
suitcase with at least one compartment which allows more compact
storage of items.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] There have previously been suitcase designs with
compartmentalized storage chambers for articles. Users who require
portable storage to pack articles for travel may use such designs.
Articles may comprise clothing which, when packed, occupy
relatively large volumes. Some prior designs offer
compartmentalized storage chambers that allow users to pack
articles in an effective and efficient manner for ease of
retrieval. However the volumetric packing efficiency of these prior
designs is limited. The volume of space occupied by the articles
can quickly fill the available capacity in many storage
designs.
[0003] To effectively store articles in a storage device such as a
suitcase, a user generally must compress the articles in order to
minimize their volume. The elastic forces of the fibres of the
clothing do not allow the clothing to retain a minimum storage
configuration without some additional manual force applied to
compress them into the storage chambers of the case. In other
fields of use, for example for long-term storage to obtain maximum
storage efficiency some designs have been developed that rely on
placing clothing in pre-made vacuum bags that can compress clothing
when attached to an external vacuum source such as a vacuum
cleaner.
[0004] However there is still a need for more compact storage of
travel items within a suitcase.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention comprises a portable storage device
comprising an outer enclosure or casing, an inner storage
compartment compressible by evacuation of air from the compartment
and a pump for evacuating the inner storage compartment. Desirably
the pump is built in.
[0006] With prior art vacuum storage bags that require a separate
vacuum pump in order to achieve compression of the articles, their
effectiveness and convenience of use is limited as vacuum sources
are not readily available when a user is in transit. With the
present invention storing articles of travel in a compressed manner
in a storage device such as a suitcase, without the disadvantage
and inconvenience of using separate bags and separate vacuum units,
is a substantial improvement in travel convenience. Articles of
clothing to be stored inside a suitcase can be kept together in the
confines of the suitcase with little or no wrinkling. The present
invention provides suitcases that can accommodate more contents
than would be usual within a given volume. For example a greater
amount of contents such as clothing can be packed into the suitcase
without any substantial change to the outer dimensions of the
suitcase itself. The suitcase can be opened, and the vacuum
released, and then closed again and the vacuum reapplied even when
in transit.
[0007] This provides the advantage of reducing the volume of the
inner compartment allowing further items to be stored in the
device. Having a built in pump obviates the need for a separate
pump to evacuate air from the storage compartment. A further
advantage is that items such as articles of clothing may be stored
with little or no wrinkling. The pump may be a manually operable
pump for example by foot or by hand for example a manually
reciprocated pump. The inner storage compartment will typically be
substantially airtight so that when vacuum is applied, the reduced
pressure is held by it.
[0008] The inner compartment is desirably attached to the pump. For
example a valve arrangement may be use to interconnect the pump to
the inner compartment. Desirably the inner compartment is
detachable and so is detachably fitted to the pump via the valve
arrangement.
[0009] The pump may comprise an extendable handle which slideably
fits inside an outer housing and wherein the outer housing is
recessed into the storage device, for example in the outer
enclosure thereof. For example the outer housing may slideably fit
inside a recess in the outer enclosure. Applying a pumping action
to the handle applies suction to the (optionally removable) inner
compartment and thus allows air to be removed from the inner
storage compartment.
[0010] The handle desirably has dual functionality namely (i)
operating as a normal handle to allow the device to be gripped
manually for example for lifting, pushing or pulling and (ii) being
operable to remove air from the inner storage compartment. For
example the handle may comprise a mechanism to allow it be switched
between these two functions.
[0011] Such functionality allows the device to be easily switched
between modes/functions while in transit. The device can be pushed
or pulled while in transit. Operating the switching mechanism then
allows (further) pumping to be applied to the device if necessary,
without the need for any further external equipment.
[0012] The inner storage compartment may be removable from the
outer enclosure. This allows for easier packing of bulky items into
the inner storage compartment which it turn allows for the volume
of the bulky items to be reduced by removing air from the inner
compartment.
[0013] The inner compartment of the storage device may further
comprise a means for fixing the inner compartment to the outer
enclosure, for example an inner face to the outer enclosure. Any
suitable means for releasably attaching one to the other may be
used.
The means for fixing may comprise an opening with a one-way valve
to allow evacuation of the inner compartment by a pump or other
means. This allows the inner compartment to be fixed in place to
the outer enclosure to facilitate the pumping of air from the inner
compartment. Fixing the inner compartment to the outer enclosure in
this manner ensures that there is an air-tight connection which
allows for effective evacuation of air from the inner
compartment.
[0014] The storage device may further comprise a removable
non-compressible compartment. This compartment is suitable for
storing items which cannot be compressed or items that it is not
desirable to apply a compressive force.
[0015] The storage device may be wheeled, for example it may
further comprise wheels substantially recessed into the outer
enclosure. This provides for easier storage of the device in
restricted spaces, for example in air craft cabins.
[0016] The outer enclosure of the storage device may be formed from
lightweight material such as polypropylene. This has the advantage
of being lightweight and durable. The outer enclosure may be
constructed so as to be flexible or rigid.
[0017] The inner storage compartment may be made from a plastics
material, for example polyurethane. This has the advantage of being
lightweight and waterproof.
[0018] The inner storage compartment may be substantially cuboid in
shape. In general the inner storage compartment will have at least
one dimension, which is greater than that of the outer enclosure.
For example the inner storage compartment may have a height that is
greater than the internal height of the (closed) outer enclosure.
This means that when filled and before evacuated it accommodates a
greater amount of contents than would allow the outer enclosure to
close. However when evacuated the inner storage compartment will
have reduced dimensions (for example reduced height) that allow it
to be accommodated within the outer enclosure.
[0019] The inner storage compartment may be rigid, for example have
a rigid rim about its length and breadth (and desirably its
periphery), which prevents the compartment from becoming amorphous
when evacuated. The rigidity, for example the rim, keeps the
periphery of the compartment in shape by preventing it from
collapsing (but still allowing a compression in the direction of
the height of the compartment) in these dimensions when evacuated
and allows the compartment to maintain its shape thus allowing the
compartment to be removably inserted into, for example slot into
and out of, the outer enclosure. In this respect the inner storage
compartment can be considered an insertable cartridge which is
sufficiently rigid to allow it to retain its peripheral shape so as
to easily insertable and removable, yet which has a (vacuum)
collapsible dimension (for example in the height direction) for
allowing more compact storage.
[0020] The storage device may further comprise a stabiliser that
may be deployed to stabilise the device (against toppling over)
when pumping is taking place. Desirably the stabiliser is stowable,
for example substantially recessed in the device, when not in use.
The stabiliser may comprise a foot plate or flat area, for example
moveable from a position substantially parallel to the outer
enclosure to a position substantially perpendicular to the outer
enclosure. This has the advantage of stabilising the device when a
pumping action is applied to the device. It can also further
stabilise the device in an upright position whether or not pumping
is taking place. It may simply be a foot plate (of any type) onto
which the foot of a user can be placed for stabilising the storage
device during pumping evacuation of the air.
[0021] The storage device may have outer dimensions of up to about
50 cm.times.40 cm.times.20 cm. This has the advantage of being
within an approved upper size limitation for cabin baggage for
travel on European airlines.
[0022] The device may further comprise a scale to display the
weight of the device and its contents when the device is suspended
by the handle. This has the advantage of allowing a user to
determine the weight of the device and its contents. This can be
particular useful if the device is to be transported as cabin
baggage onto an aircraft where strict weight restrictions
apply.
[0023] The invention may further comprise a portable storage device
comprising an outer enclosure enclosing a main storage area
consisting of two substantially rectangular shaped parts attached
and hinged on one side; an inner storage compartment which is
compressible by evacuation of air from the compartment; a pump
integrated into the outer enclosure for evacuating the inner
storage compartment; a further non-compressible inner storage
compartment which is accessible through an opening in one part of
the outer enclosure allowing access to the compartment without
opening the main storage area. Such an arrangement provides the
advantage of allow quick access to items without the need to open
the main storage area. This is particular advantageous if the
storage device is stowed in a space restricted area for example an
overhead baggage store in an aircraft.
[0024] It will be appreciated that the present invention discloses
the above concepts and others in the detailed description below
(including features disclosed with reference to specific
embodiments). The present invention encompasses each and every
combination of those features.
[0025] The invention extends to a storage device, such as a
suitcase, substantially as described herein, and as illustrated in
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable storage device of
the invention in the form of a suitcase and in a closed
configuration;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a close up view of the top end of the device with
the handle shown in an unextended or retracted configuration;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a view of the device in a partially open
configuration showing the outside of the outer enclosure and with
the handle shown in an extended configuration;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a view of the device in a fully open configuration
showing the inside of the device;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a view of the device in a fully open configuration
showing the non-compressible compartment removed from the
device.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a view of the device in an open configuration
showing the compressible compartment removed from the outer
enclosure.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a view of the device in an open configuration
showing the compressible compartment removed from the outer
enclosure. The compressible compartment is shown in an open
uncompressed state;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a view of the device in a configuration suitable
from pumping air from the compressible compartment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The present invention will now be described with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
[0035] FIG. 1 shows a storage device 1 of the invention in the form
of a suitcase and in a closed configuration. The device 1 comprises
a front outer enclosure or casing portion 2, a rear outer enclosure
or casing portion 3, handles 4 for lifting the device 1 and an
openable cover 5 on the top end of the device 1. The cover 5 is
openable separately from the storage device 1 itself and also the
main internal storage compartment 9 (see FIG. 4) and allows access
to items within the storage device 1.
[0036] The two portions 2,3 of the casing may be opened relative to
each other. A lock 6 is provided which provides a means of securely
closing the device 1. The lock 6 may be a lock 6 of the type
approved for travel luggage by the Transport Security
Administration (TSA). The external dimensions of the device 1 may
be within an upper size limitation for cabin baggage allowed by
European airlines. For example, the external dimensions of the
device 1 may be up to 50 cm.times.40 cm.times.20 cm.
The outer casing 2,3 portions of the device 1 may be produced from
lightweight, strong materials such as injection moulded or vacuum
formed polypropylene. Handles 4 may be fixed to the outer casing
2,3 by way of machined mounting points. The mounting points may be
aluminium.
[0037] FIG. 2 shows a switch 7 on the rear of the device 1 which
allows for an extendable handle 8 mechanism to be switched between
a function allowing the handle 8 to be used as a normal handle (for
example in the extended position of FIG. 3) and thus the device 1
to be pushed or pulled by the user and an evacuation function which
allows the user to reciprocate the handle 8 to remove air from a
compressible inner storage compartment 9 through a vent 10 (see
FIGS. 3 and 4) in the outer casing 2,3.
[0038] With the switch 7 in an "On" position, the handle 8 acts as
a pump. Air can be removed from the compressible compartment 9 by
performing a pumping action using the extendable handle 8 of the
device 1. With the switch 7 in an "Off" position, the handle works
as a conventional handle for the storage device 1. The pumping
action will be described in further detail below.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a view of the device 1 in a partially open
configuration showing the outside of the outer casing 2,3 and with
the handle shown in an extended configuration. The handle further
comprises a handgrip 11 attached to a telescopic pole 12 which
slideably fits inside an outer housing 13. The outer housing 13 is
recessed into the storage device, in the outer enclosure thereof.
In the embodiment the outer housing 13 slideably fits inside a
recess 14 in the outer casing 2,3. When the extendable handle 8 is
in its unextended position, the handgrip 11 is adapted to be
substantially flush with the surface of the outer casing 2,3. FIG.
3 further shows, a stabiliser 15 which is arranged as a fold out
component, and acts as a stand or foot plate, which can be used to
stabilise the device 1 when the pumping action is taking place. It
is envisaged that, the stabiliser 15 may be pulled down from the
outer casing 2,3 such that a flat area 16 is perpendicular to the
side of the device 1 when the device 1 is in an upright position.
Placing a foot on the flat area 16 or otherwise applying a downward
force on the flat area 16 allows the device 1 to be further
stabilised when a pumping action is being applied to the handle of
the device 1. The fold out component 15 allows for easy control
when the pump is being used and further provides added stability
when standing the device upright as it allows the bag to be secured
by placing a foot on the flat area 16. The flat area may be a foot
plate of any type onto which the foot of a user can be placed for
stabilising the storage device during pumping evacuation of the
air.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows the device 1 in an open configuration. The
compressible inner storage compartment 9 can be seen as well as the
separate (and desirably non-compressible) compartment 17. The
separate compartment 17 may be arranged so as to slide in and out
of the device 1, for example for ease of access thereto.
[0041] A zip 18 or other opening on one side of the compressible
inner storage compartment 9 allows items to be placed in and
removed from the compartment. FIG. 4 shows the compressible inner
compartment in a compressed state. In an uncompressed state, the
compartment 9 may be approximately 2.5 times the volume of the
outer case. This compartment 9 is airtight when zipped. The
compartment may be made of a plastic material, for example
polyurethane.
[0042] FIG. 5 again shows the device 1 in an open configuration.
The non-compressible compartment 17 is seen removed form the outer
casing 2,3. The non-compressible compartment 17 may be removed
easily from the main storage area 19. It may comprise an openable
lid 20. The non-compressible compartment 17 may be further
accessible via opening 5 in the outer casing 2,3 of the suitcase.
The compartment may further comprise a lipped edge 24 to ensure
that items will not spill from the compartment if removed quickly.
The opening 5 in the outer casing 2,3 allows easy access from the
top of the device 1. This is particularly suitable for gaining
access to items when a user is on the move. It is further suitable
for providing access to items when the device 1 is stored in
overhead compartment, as it allows access to items without opening
the main storage area 19.
[0043] FIG. 6 shows the compressible compartment 9 removed from the
outer casing 2,3. Once again, the compressible compartment is shown
in a compressed state. The compressible compartment may be fixed to
the outer casing 2,3 on a raised mount 25 on the inner wall of the
outer casing 2,3. The mount 25 further comprises a one-way valve 26
which allows air to be removed from the compressible compartment
without letting air escape back in to the compressible compartment.
The inner storage compartment may further have a rigid rim 32 about
its length and breadth (and desirably its periphery) which prevents
the compartment from becoming amorphous when evacuated. The rigid
rim allows the compartment to maintain a substantially rectangular
shape in these dimensions thus allowing the compartment to be
removeably inserted into, for example slot into and out of the
outer enclosure. The inner storage compartment may be an insertable
cartridge which is sufficiently rigid to allow it to retain its
peripheral shape so as to be easily insertable and removable, yet
which has a (vacuum) collapsible dimension (for example in the
height direction) for allowing more compact storage.
[0044] The action of compressing and decompressing the compressible
compartment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The
compressible inner storage compartment 9 is unzipped and opened.
Items, for example clothing, to be stored are placed into the
compartment 9. The compartment 9 is placed into the open outer
casing 2,3. The compartment 9 is fixed to the raised mount 25 on
the inner wall of the outer casing 2,3 with a corresponding
receiving mount 27 which is located on the opposing side to the
openable side of the compartment 9. This receiving mount 27 also
comprises a one way valve 28, which allows air to be removed from
the compartment 9. Desirably the compartment 9 is detachable and so
is detachably fitted to the pump via the valve 26 arrangement.
[0045] The switch 7 is placed in the "ON" position and the fold out
component 15 should be folded out. With the compartment 9 connected
to the outer casing 2,3, pulling the handle from its position where
it is flush with the top surface of the outer casing 2,3 to a
position where it is fully extended, has the effect of drawing air
from the compartment 9, through the one way valve 28 and out
through a vent 10 or other opening 5 on the side of the outer
casing 2,3. Air is prevented from returning to the compartment 9 by
the one way valve 28. Thus, the compartment 9 is compressed by the
removal of air. Repeating this motion draws more air from the
compartment 9 and thus the compartment 9 is further compressed. The
compartment 9 may have its volume reduced by about 50% to about 75%
compared to its uncompressed volume by performing such action. In
this way, further items may be placed into the device 1 than would
otherwise be accommodated thus utilizing the added capacity created
by reducing the volume of the compressible compartment. The amount
of volume reduction achievable will depend on the nature of the
items within the compressible compartment.
[0046] There is a further possibility of removing air from the
compartment 9 by placing a suction device, for example a vacuum
cleaner, at the vent 10 on the side of the outer casing 2,3 and
allowing the vacuum cleaner to suck air from the compartment 9
through the vent 10.
[0047] It is envisaged that the compressible storage compartment 9,
pump mount 25 and handle/pump component 8 could also be transferred
to other baggage types for example, low cost cloth luggage to
rucksacks and even beach baggage. The compartment 9 may be
dimensioned to be suitable for use in many types of backpacks or
travel bags. The compartment 9 may be dimensioned to be suitable
for use in many types of backpack, travel bags or even laptop sized
bags. The compartment 9 may be dimensioned to be suitable for use
as an attachment for a vehicle, for example a bicycle or a
motorcycle. In this embodiment, two bags may be attached in a
pannier arrangement.
[0048] The storage device 1 described above may also comprise a
scale on the top section of the outer casing 2,3 which would give
an accurate reading of the weight of bag. A mechanism attached to
the extendable handle 8 would allow the weight of the bag to be
measured when the device 1 is suspended by one of the handles 4 or
by the extendable handle 8.
[0049] The device 1 may also comprise low level castors 31 located
in a recessed area on the base of the outer casing 2,3 to minimise
the impact on luggage storage space.
[0050] The words "comprises/comprising" and the words
"having/including" when used herein with reference to the present
invention are used to specify the presence of stated features,
integers, steps or components but do not preclude the presence or
addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components
or groups thereof.
[0051] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention,
which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate
embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which
are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment,
may also be provided separately or in any suitable
sub-combination.
* * * * *