U.S. patent application number 13/573025 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-20 for split compartment system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Shelley Doris Kennedy-Sharpe. Invention is credited to Shelley Doris Kennedy-Sharpe.
Application Number | 20140048575 13/573025 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50099360 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140048575 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kennedy-Sharpe; Shelley
Doris |
February 20, 2014 |
Split compartment system
Abstract
A split compartment system with a first and second compartment
fitted with first and second upper adjustment straps and first and
second lower adjustment straps as well as first and second shoulder
straps. Each upper adjustment strap is fitted with a release
connector and adjustment buckle and each lower adjustment strap is
fitted with a release connector and adjustment buckle. The upper
and lower adjustment straps can be shortened or lengthened using
this adjustment buckle in order to increase or decrease the
distance between the first and second compartments allowing the
compartments to straddle a roller board or other apparatus. In
addition the release connectors of the upper and lower adjustment
straps may be used to separate the first and second compartments
from one another entirely allowing the user to utilize the first
and second compartment as two separate bags.
Inventors: |
Kennedy-Sharpe; Shelley Doris;
(Liberty Lake, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kennedy-Sharpe; Shelley Doris |
Liberty Lake |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50099360 |
Appl. No.: |
13/573025 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/637 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2003/005 20130101;
A45C 2013/306 20130101; A45C 7/0086 20130101; A45F 3/047 20130101;
A45C 3/00 20130101; A45F 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/637 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20060101
A45F003/04 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a first storage compartment a second
storage compartment, a top and a bottom; first and second upper
adjustable straps connected near the tops of the respective first
and second compartments in essentially parallel; spaced apart
relationship from one another; and first and second lower
adjustable straps connecting the bottoms of the first and second
compartments in essentially parallel, spaced apart relationship
from one another.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein first and second upper
adjustable straps are fitted with at least one release connector
such that said first and second adjustable straps are releasable
from one another.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein first and second lower
adjustable straps are fitted with at least one release connector
such that the said first and second adjustable straps are
releasable from one another, entirely separating the first and
second compartment from each other.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein first and second upper
adjustable straps are fitted with at least one length-adjustment
buckle such that said first and second adjustable straps may be
adjusted to increase or decrease the distance between said first
and second compartments.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second lower
adjustable straps are fitted with at least one length-adjustment
buckle such that said first and second adjustable straps may be
adjusted to increase or decrease the distance between the first and
second compartments.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second
compartments are fitted with a flap secured by hoop and loop
fasteners securing said first and second upper adjustment straps
and said first and second lower adjustment straps.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second
compartments are fitted with a flap secured by hoop and loop
fasteners securing any additional straps which may be attached to
said first and second compartments.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second
compartments are fitted with a booked flap, secured by hoop and
loop fasteners and sewn vertically through the center such that two
openings on either side can be used to secure first and second
upper adjustment straps and first and second lower adjustment
straps.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second
compartments are fitted with a booked flap, secured by hoop and
loop fasteners and sewn vertically through the center such that two
openings on either side can be used to secure any additional straps
which may be attached to said first and second compartments.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second
compartments are fitted with internal or external pockets or other
internal organizational storage devices.
11. An apparatus comprising: a first compartment and second
compartment with first and second upper adjustable straps and first
and second lower adjustable straps; first and second upper shoulder
straps connected to the tops of the first and second compartments
in a parallel, spaced relationship to one another and positioned in
such a way as to cover and conceal said first and second upper
adjustment straps; and at least one loop handle attached to the top
of at least one of the first and second compartments.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first and second
shoulder straps are positioned in such a way as to be attached
underneath said first and second upper adjustable straps.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first and second
shoulder straps are padded.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said at least one loop
handle can incorporate a grip handle.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Throughout the history of travel, a common and serious
problem has been discovering new and improved ways of transporting
one's belongings while traveling, especially in the era of stricter
baggage regulations, increased baggage fees for checked baggage and
limited space for carry on baggage. In addition, problems arise
with regard to the ease of portability especially when traveling
long distances to get to one terminal from another in a limited
amount of time. Such issues are only amplified for those who travel
frequently and those working in the flight industry.
[0002] While there have been improvements in baggage design over
the years, there are still issues inherent with traveling with the
current baggage and baggage systems. Current systems which include
a roller bag with an attached second bag, usually attached to the
same roller board above the first bag solve the problem of having
to carry two separate bags, but introduce new undesirable effects.
For example, adding an additional bag to an existing roller bag in
a stacked position can create shifting, sliding and swinging of the
bag and roller board itself as well as the loss of the attached bag
sometimes when the bag falls off the roller board. This torsion of
the bags on a rigid roller board can create torque and center of
gravity problems which often result in back, shoulder and elbow
injuries to the user. Another problem occurs in that the traveler
needs often to stop to resituate the bags and to sometimes resecure
them to the roller board which can take unnecessary and precious
minutes away from the sometimes already too short layovers
travelers experience.
[0003] In addition to potential injury and discomfort to a
traveler's body from twisting and falling baggage attached to a
roller board, there is also frequently a great deal of wear and
tear that occurs to the baggage and roller board itself. When the
secondary attached bag or even the main bag on a roller board
shifts and/or twists the handle and wheel system of the roller
board incur unnecessary wear. Also, the bags themselves can
experience wear due to be being drug on the ground before it is
noticed that the roller board has flipped which is also undesirable
and ultimately unnecessarily costly.
[0004] Yet another longstanding issue with current baggage and
roller board systems are their size and rigidity. On commercial
flights, there is always an extremely limited, finite amount of
room to stow carry on baggage; carry on baggage is also subject to
stringent size regulations. Carry on bags must fit in the small
space under a traveler's seat or in the narrow recess of the
overhead bins. Many bags with roller boards simply do not fit in
these spaces and often need to be checked at the last minute which
can result in additional time and money.
[0005] The bags with the roller boards attached are also
problematic due to the rigidity of the roller board; if the roller
board is even slightly too big, it will not be able to be forced
into fitting into a small defined space.
[0006] Finally an issue of convenience arises with current baggage
systems. If a traveler brings only one carry on bag and an
additional bag, for example, a handbag, the standard carry on
allowance has been met. If this same traveler wants to bring a
laptop, he or she is going to have to pack the laptop and any
clothing items in the same bag. If that same traveler then has
business meetings, he or she does not have an easy solution to
transport the laptop to the meetings if the same bag has to be used
for other personal items. There is simply limited variability in
today's baggage systems.
SUMMARY
[0007] In accordance with the following disclosure, the problem of
portability of baggage, the corresponding risk of injury and the
inconvenience of stowing certain carry on baggage can be avoided by
a baggage system which is convertible in nature. This split
compartment system allows for a bag to straddle a roller board at
an adjustable height and allows the bag to placed lower than other
bags, closer to the wheel base of a roller board, which transfers
the main bulk of the weight low on the roller board. This low
weight placement lowers the center of gravity toward the wheel base
which results in the bag and roller board feeling and pulling
lighter than if it were attached closer toward the handle like most
traditional systems. The convertibility and adjustability of this
baggage system also accommodates a large variety of roller bags so
that the traveler can adjust the bag to straddle larger bags, check
the larger roller bag and then unattach the baggage system to carry
or to wear as a vest to the gate and board with it as a carry on.
Additionally, once aboard an aircraft, the baggage system can split
into two separate compartments; one compartment, which may contain
fragile items, may be stored underneath a seat and the other, which
may contain sturdier items may be stored in the overhead bin adding
to the safety and security of the user's belongings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of a split compartment system in
accordance with the current disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of a split compartment system in
accordance with the current disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a top view of a split compartment system in
accordance with the current disclosure, depicted in a second
exemplary application of use.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a split compartment system in
accordance with the current disclosure, depicted in a third
exemplary application of use
[0012] FIG. 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of the split
compartment system in accordance with the current disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the split compartment system in
accordance with the current disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts the split bag system 100 with first
compartment 102 and second compartment 104. Upper adjustment straps
120 and 122 can each be provided with an upper strap release
connector 128 and an upper strap length-adjustment buckle 142.
Likewise, lower adjustment straps 130 and 132 can each be provided
with a lower strap release connector 134 and a lower strap
length-adjustment buckle 136. Upper adjustment strap release
connectors 128 allow the upper adjustment straps 120 and 122 to be
separated into two parts, while lower adjustment strap release
connectors 134 allow the lower adjustment straps 130 and 132 to be
separated into two parts. In this way release connectors 128 and
134 can be used to release the first compartment 102 from the
second compartment 104. First upper shoulder strap 124 and second
upper shoulder strap 126 can be located above either first
respective upper adjustment strap 120 and second respective
adjustment strap 122 in order to conceal the adjustment straps from
view. Hook and loop fastener patches 172 are provided and located
on the first compartment 102 to contact respective hook and loop
fastener areas located on the second compartment 104 when the split
bag system 100 is unexpanded and utilized with the first
compartment 102 and the second compartment 104 in direct contact to
one another as one bag with a first compartment 102 and second
compartment 104.
[0015] Additional pockets or compartments can also be affixed to
first compartment 102 and second compartment 104 as well as inner
pockets to provide for additional storage and organization. Also,
plastic or other rigid inserts may be placed in the lining of the
bottom of each bag to create a more stable bottom.
[0016] FIG. 2 depicts the split bag system 100 with first
compartment 102 and second compartment 104. Upper adjustment strap
120 is fitted with a release connector 128 and adjustment buckle
142. The adjustment buckle 142 can be used to adjust the distance
between first compartment 102 and second compartment 104. Likewise,
lower adjustment strap 132 is fitted with a release connector 134
and adjustment buckle 136 which can also be adjusted in order to
increase or decrease the distance between first compartment 102 and
second compartment 104. In this way, the split bag system 100 can
be adjusted to accommodate a variety of situations the user may
encounter.
[0017] In another embodiment, the first compartment 102 can be
completely separated from second compartment 104 using upper
release connector 128 and lower release connector 134 resulting in
a user having two separate bags. In this embodiment, the user can
utilize first loop handle 106 by grasping loop grip 110 and
carrying one bag by hand and utilize the second bag as a cross
section type bag by connecting first upper adjustment strap 120
with lower adjustment strap 132 utilizing upper release connector
128 and lower release connector 134.
[0018] Alternatively, a user could also utilize first loop handle
106 and loop grip 110 and second loop handle 108 and carry both
separated first compartment 102 and second compartment 104 by
hand.
[0019] In order to additionally secure first compartment 102 to
second compartment 104, hook and loop fastener patches 172 are
provided and located on the first compartment 102 to contact
respective hook and loop fastener areas located on the second
compartment 104 when the split bag system 100 is unexpanded and
utilized with the first compartment 102 and the second compartment
104 in direct contact to one another as one bag with a first
compartment 102 and second compartment 104.
[0020] FIG. 3 depicts the split bag system 100 mounted to a roller
bag or roller board 190 in such a way as to allow roller bag or
roller board extension bars 192 to extend between first compartment
102 and second compartment 104 which are separated and held into
place by first upper adjustment strap 120 and second upper
adjustment strap 122 and lower adjustment straps 130. In this
embodiment, the split bag system 100 is able to be strapped onto
the existing roller board or roller bag 190 in such a way that it
straddles the bag with the first compartment 102 and the second
compartment 104 on either respective side of the existing roller
bag or roller board 190.
[0021] FIG. 3 further depicts the split bag system with first
shoulder strap 124 and second shoulder strap 126 including a first
respective hook-and-loop fastener 152 and second respective
hook-and-loop fastener 156 which can contact with first respective
hook-and-loop fastener area 154 and second respective hook-and-loop
fastener area 158 on respective second upper adjustment strap 122
and first upper adjustment strap 120.
[0022] In this embodiment, the first upper adjustment strap 120 and
second upper adjustment strap 122 can be adjusted using upper strap
adjustment buckles 142. Likewise, the lower adjustment strap 130
can be adjusted using lower strap adjustment buckles 136. In this
way, the split bag system 100, can be adjusted to fit several
different shapes and sizes of roller bags.
[0023] In mounting the split bag system 100 to the roller board or
roller bag 190, the center of gravity of the bag is lowered due to
the added weight of the split compartment system and distribution
of said weight which can be adjusted to be positioned closer to the
wheel base of the roller board. This shift in the center of gravity
allows a user to avoid the usual issues of the bag twisting and
turning when being utilized which in turn saves time and helps
prevent injury to the user.
[0024] Further, in this embodiment, the straddling placement of the
split compartment system 100 over the roller board 192 allows the
user to remove in one movement and without detachment of upper
adjustment straps 120 and 122 and without detachment of lower
adjustment straps 130 to remove the split compartment system 100 in
one movement from the roller board 192 such that the user can hold
the split compartment system in one hand while having one hand free
to maneuver the rolling board 192 and, for instance, check the
roller board 192 while continuing on with the split compartment
system 100 as a carry on.
[0025] FIG. 4 depicts the split bag system shown being worn by a
user. In this embodiment, first compartment 102 is connected by
first shoulder strap 124 and second shoulder strap 126 and further
connected by lower adjustment straps 132, Lower adjustment straps
132 are fitted with lower strap release connectors 134 in order
that the split bag system can be worn as a backpack. In addition,
looped handle 108 allows for portability of the split bag system
when it is not being worn by the user.
[0026] First compartment 102 and second compartment 104 can also be
fitted with a pocket or pockets to provide more storage. For
example, when worn as a backpack type vest, the compartment worn on
the front of the user can have a pocket in which valuable items
might be kept in order to prevent pick pocketing and thieves.
[0027] In an alternative embodiment, first shoulder strap 124 and
second shoulder strap 126 can be positioned below upper respective
adjustment strap 120 and second respective adjustment strap 122.
First shoulder strap 124 and second shoulder strap 126 which can be
in direct contact with the user's shoulders can also be padded in
order to be more comfortable to the user.
[0028] In another embodiment, friction-type open-end adjustment
buckles can be used as a substitute for first upper strap
length-adjustment buckle 142 and lower strap length adjustment
buckle 136.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows the unexpanded split bag system 100 with first
compartment 102 and second compartment 104. In this embodiment,
first compartment 102 and second compartment 104 are in contact to
create a dual compartment briefcase. First loop handle 106 and
second loop handle 108 include hand grips 110 which allow for ease
in portability.
[0030] In another embodiment, hand grips 110 can include a fold
over snap which will allow first loop handle 106 and second loop
handle 108 to be secured together to form one handle.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows the back of the compartment 102 with a flap 170
which is attached by hook and loop fastener patches 178. The flap
functions to conceal and store upper adjustment straps 120 and
lower adjustment straps 132 when not in use by a user and also to
create a smooth and streamlined back panel of the compartment
102.
[0032] In this embodiment, the flap 170 can be a booked flap,
vertically sewn down the center which opens to both sides to both
access both the upper adjustment straps 120 and lower adjustment
straps 132 and conceal the upper adjustment straps 120 and lower
adjustment straps 132 when not in use. This embodiment allows the
stored upper adjustment straps 120 and lower adjustment straps 132
to lay flat under the flap 170 when not in use.
[0033] The flap 170 can also be used to conceal and store any other
additional straps.
[0034] In another embodiment, the flap 170 may be secured by a
zipper system or other attachment mechanism alternatively to the
hook and loop fastener patches 178.
* * * * *