U.S. patent application number 15/010251 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-04 for collapsible sports luggage.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gregory J. Collins, Erin D. Dobo, Matthew G. Hughson. Invention is credited to Gregory J. Collins, Erin D. Dobo, Matthew G. Hughson.
Application Number | 20160219997 15/010251 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56511962 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160219997 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Collins; Gregory J. ; et
al. |
August 4, 2016 |
COLLAPSIBLE SPORTS LUGGAGE
Abstract
The present invention provides a sport luggage that is
collapsible for storage, transport, shipping and/or handling
purposes. In a preferred first embodiment, the present invention
provides a collapsible sport luggage comprising a main luggage case
defining an interior compartment, said case comprising: a soft
collapsible front portion, first and second collapsible side
portions, a bottom portion with wheels attached thereto, a rear
portion with a structural frame, and a collapsible assembly within
the interior compartment of the case that allows the case to
transform between a collapsed position and an open, set-up
position, said assembly comprising a first brace secured to the
structural frame, a floor panel releasably attachable to the bottom
portion of the case between support feet attached to the bottom
portion of the case, and a second brace releasably attachable to
the structural frame.
Inventors: |
Collins; Gregory J.;
(Loretto, CA) ; Dobo; Erin D.; (Barrie, CA)
; Hughson; Matthew G.; (St. Thomas, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Collins; Gregory J.
Dobo; Erin D.
Hughson; Matthew G. |
Loretto
Barrie
St. Thomas |
|
CA
CA
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
56511962 |
Appl. No.: |
15/010251 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 5/14 20130101; A45C
7/0036 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45C 7/00 20060101
A45C007/00; A45C 5/14 20060101 A45C005/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 30, 2015 |
CA |
2880373 |
Claims
1. A collapsible sport luggage comprising a main luggage case
defining an interior compartment, said case comprising: a soft
collapsible front portion, first and second collapsible side
portions, a bottom portion with wheels attached thereto, a rear
portion with a structural frame, and a collapsible assembly within
the interior compartment of the case that allows the case to
transform between a collapsed position and an open, set-up
position, said assembly comprising a first brace secured to the
structural frame, a floor panel releasably attachable to the bottom
portion of the case between support feet attached to the bottom
portion of the case, and a second brace releasably attachable to
the structural frame.
2. A collapsible sport luggage comprising a main luggage case
defining an interior compartment, said case comprising: a soft
collapsible front portion, first and second collapsible side
portions, a bottom portion with wheels attached thereto, a rear
portion with a structural frame, flexible support braces that are
each held in the interior compartment between separate holders, and
a floor panel that is releasably attachable to the bottom portion
of the case between support feet attached to the bottom portion of
the case.
3. A collapsible sport luggage comprising a main luggage case
defining an interior compartment, said case comprising: a soft
collapsible front portion, first and second collapsible side
portions, a bottom portion with wheels attached thereto, a rear
portion with a structural frame, flexible support braces that are
each held in the interior compartment between separate rotatable
tubes at an upper end thereof and separate holders at a lower end
thereof, and a floor panel that is releasably attachable to the
bottom portion of the case between support feet attached to the
bottom portion of the case.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a sports luggage. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a sport luggage that
is collapsible for storage, transport, shipping and/or handling
purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Athletic equipment bags, or sports bags as they are often
commonly referred to, have become increasingly popular in numerous
sports because of their functionality and attractiveness to
athletes. They are typically quite large, however, in order to
allow a sports participant to carry all the equipment he or she
needs for games and practice sessions. In this respect, a hockey
player, for example, may require his or her sports bag to carry at
least one stick, a pair of skates, a helmet, gloves, shoulder and
shin pads, elbow pads, pants, a jersey, neck guard, socks, athletic
support, etc. Goalies need even more equipment, as they have to
transport large goalie pads as well.
[0003] Heretofore, conventional sports bags generally include two
types. The first original type is made from soft material (nylon,
canvas, cloth, or leather, for example), is not capable of
maintaining a given shape and volume per se, and cannot protect the
storage items against impact. Not only does such a soft bag provide
an awkward means of transporting equipment, but it is typically
very difficult to find a particular piece of equipment within such
a large carry bag as they typically are not compartmentalized. In
fact, it is often necessary to rummage through all the equipment
held in such bags (which necessitates the removal of much of the
equipment from the bag) while a search is made for a desired
article.
[0004] The second type of sports bag has a rigid or semi-rigid
support structure, often having an outer, substantially rigid cover
structure to provide greater support and to prevent items within
the bag from being damaged by compression or impact. However,
because of the large size of such bags, ideally, when empty these
bags should have the ability to collapse in size for storage,
transport, shipping and/or handling purposes. It is therefore an
object of the present invention to provide a sports bag that has
the ability to collapse in a space efficient manner, and whereby
the bag provides for ease of set-up and collapsing for users,
transporters and handlers of the bags alike.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In order to overcome the drawbacks of prior art technology,
the present invention provides a method of adding structure and
support to a collapsible sports luggage bag. In accordance with one
preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a
collapsible sport luggage comprising a main luggage case defining
an interior compartment, said case comprising: a soft collapsible
front portion, first and second collapsible side portions, a bottom
portion with wheels attached thereto, a rear portion with a
structural frame, and a collapsible assembly within the interior
compartment of the case that allows the case to transform between a
collapsed position and an open, set-up position, said assembly
comprising a first brace secured to the structural frame, a floor
panel releasably attachable to the bottom portion of the case
between support feet attached to the bottom portion of the case,
and a second brace releasably attachable to the structural
frame.
[0006] In accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a collapsible sport luggage comprising
a main luggage case defining an interior compartment, said case
comprising: a soft collapsible front portion, first and second
collapsible side portions, a bottom portion with wheels attached
thereto, a rear portion with a structural frame, flexible support
braces that are each held in the interior compartment between
separate holders, and a floor panel that is releasably attachable
to the bottom portion of the case between support feet attached to
the bottom portion of the case.
[0007] In accordance with a third embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a collapsible sport luggage comprising
a main luggage case defining an interior compartment, said case
comprising: a soft collapsible front portion, first and second
collapsible side portions, a bottom portion with wheels attached
thereto, a rear portion with a structural frame, flexible support
braces that are each held in the interior compartment between
separate rotatable tubes at an upper end thereof and separate
holders at a lower end thereof, and a floor panel that is
releasably attachable to the bottom portion of the case between
support feet attached to the bottom portion of the case.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of
a bag of the present invention wherein the support braces, floor
panel, and front portion are shown in a collapsed position. The
arrows indicate how the front portion opens up;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of
a bag of the present invention wherein the support braces and floor
panel remain in a collapsed position, while the front portion is
shown in an open position. The arrow indicates the opening
direction of the first support brace and floor panel for
mounting;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of
a bag of the present invention wherein the first support brace and
floor panel is in their initial set-up position. The arrow
indicates the direction of the floor panel for mounting;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of
a bag of the present invention wherein the floor panel is shown
secured to the soft base material. The arrow indicates the
direction for securing the second brace to the rear of the bag;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of
a bag of the present invention wherein the second brace is now
shown in a secured position. The arrows indicate the step of
securing the front tabs to the floor panel;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of
a bag of the present invention in a fully set-up position;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of
a bag of the present invention wherein support braces and the front
portion are shown in a collapsed position. The support braces may
be permanently secured to the side panels or rear of the bag, and
the arrows indicate how the front portion opens up;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of
a bag of the present invention wherein the support braces and front
portion are shown in an opened position. The arrow indicates the
direction for placement of the floor panel in a secured position on
the soft base material;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of
a bag of the present invention wherein the floor panel is shown
secured in place. The arrows indicate the step of securing the
material flaps to the floor panel;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment
of a bag of the present invention in a fully set-up position;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of
a bag of the present invention wherein support braces and the front
portion are shown in a collapsed position. The support braces may
be permanently secured to the side panels or rear of the bag, and
the arrows indicate how the front portion opens up;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of
a bag of the present invention wherein the support braces and front
portion are shown in an opened up position. The arrow indicates the
direction for placement of the floor panel in a secured position on
the soft floor material;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of
a bag of the present invention wherein the floor panel is shown
secured in place. The arrows indicate the step of securing the
material flaps to the floor panel; and
[0021] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of
a bag of the present invention in a fully set-up position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] A detailed description of the illustrative embodiments and
possible implementations of the present invention will now be
provided. Various modifications and variations of the described
systems and methods of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the
invention. As well, alternative uses may be made of the present
invention without departing from its scope. Furthermore, certain
terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No
unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom because such
terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be
broadly construed.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a sport luggage in a
collapsed position, comprising a main luggage case 10 with wheels
16 on the bottom thereof. The rear portion of the main luggage case
10 has a structural frame 17. The front portion 11 of the main
luggage case 10 is preferably comprised of a soft fabric case
extending from the frame 17 of the main luggage case 10. This first
embodiment of the present invention utilizes a single collapsible
assembly 1, which includes support braces 2 and 3, and floor panel
4. The entire assembly 1 is coated in a polyester or similar fabric
material. One of the braces (in this case 2) is riveted or
similarly secured to the frame 17, thereby permanently securing the
assembly 1 to the bag.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows this first embodiment wherein the front portion
11 is opened up, exposing the floor panel attachment means 7
(preferably Velcro or other means as would be known to persons
skilled in the art) and the support feet 6, which supports the
floor panel 4 and takes pressure off the braces 2 and 3 when the
bag is under stress. The support feet 6 may be fabricated from
plastic, fabric, metal, or synthetic materials, such as synthetic
plastic material (e.g. polypropylene or polyurethane) or other
material as would be known to persons skilled in the art.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows the floor panel 4 and brace 2 of assembly 1 of
the first embodiment in a first stage of set-up. The arrow
indicates the direction of placement of floor panel 4 to secure the
floor panel to the soft base material that makes up the bottom of
case 10 by means of floor panel attachment means 7 (e.g. Velcro).
Once secured, the floor panel 4 is positioned on top of the support
feet 6. With the floor panel 4 now in position, the arrow in FIG. 4
shows the direction of movement for placing and securing brace 3 to
the frame 17 or rear portion of the case 10 by brace attachment
means 5 (preferably Velcro or other means as would be known to
persons skilled in the art).
[0026] FIG. 5 shows base assembly 1 set-up, with a final step (that
may or may not be necessary) including securing the front portion
11 by front portion attachment means (shown in FIG. 5 by 8 and 12,
which is preferably Velcro or other means as would be known to
persons skilled in the art). The role of front portion attachment
means 8 and 12 is to prevent the soft material from sagging when
necessary. FIG. 6 shows the first embodiment in a fully set-up
position.
[0027] FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention
which again comprises a main luggage case 10 with wheels 16 on the
bottom thereof. The rear portion of the main luggage case 10 has a
structural frame 17. The front portion 11 of the main luggage case
10 is preferably comprised of a soft fabric case extending from the
frame 17 of the main luggage case 10. The second embodiment has
support braces 14 (which may be fabricated from a sturdy, flexible
carbon fibre or composite material such as pultrusion fibreglass
with glass-fibre reinforced polymer or plastic material comprising
epoxy, a thermosetting plastic (such as polyester or vinylester) or
thermoplastic or other material(s) as would be known to persons
skilled in the art that provide sufficient structure when set up)
that are fully secured to frame 17 or to the rear or side panels of
case 10 via holders 13. These holders 13 may be fabricated from
plastic, fabric, metal, or synthetic materials, such as synthetic
plastic material (e.g. polypropylene or polyurethane). The support
braces 14 extend generally from the upper rear corner areas of rear
frame 17 to the lower front corner areas of soft front portion 11
(when seen in an open position). A person skilled in the art may
wish to incorporate further braces that extend vertically from the
lower rear corners to the upper rear corners inside the bag as
shown in FIG. 7, and such braces may also engage at upper ends
thereof with holders 13. Such further braces could be made of the
same materials as used for braces 14.
[0028] FIG. 8 shows the front portion 11 opened up, and again shows
floor panel attachment means 7 (preferably Velcro or other means as
would be known to persons skilled in the art) and support feet 6,
which supports the floor panel 4 and takes pressure off the braces
14 when the bag is under stress. The arrow indicates the direction
of placement of floor panel 4 to secure the floor panel to the soft
base material that makes up the bottom of bag 10 by means of floor
panel attachment means 7 (e.g. Velcro). Once secured, the floor
panel 4 is positioned on top of the support feet 6.
[0029] FIG. 9 shows a final step (that may or may not be necessary)
that includes securing the floor panel 4 via fabric flaps 15 that
are preferably sewn to the soft front portion 11 and bottom of the
bag respectively. These flaps 15 secure over the floor panel 4 with
Velcro or other similar means as would be known to persons skilled
in the art. FIG. 10 shows the second embodiment in a fully set-up
position.
[0030] FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the present invention
which again comprises a main luggage case 10 with wheels 16 on the
bottom thereof. The rear portion of the main luggage case 10 has a
structural frame 17. The front portion 11 of the main luggage case
10 is preferably comprised of a soft fabric case extending from the
frame 17 of the main luggage case 10. The third embodiment has
rotatable support braces 19 (which may be fabricated from a sturdy,
flexible carbon fibre or composite material such as pultrusion
fibreglass with glass-fibre reinforced polymer or plastic material
comprising epoxy, a thermosetting plastic (such as polyester or
vinylester) or thermoplastic or other material(s) as would be known
to persons skilled in the art that provide sufficient structure
when set up) that may be releasably and frictionally engaged at one
end within rotatable tubes 18 (which may be fabricated from rigid
fibreglass, plastic or composite material, for example, but are
preferably made of steel or similarly strong material to provide
support for when heavier items such as goalie pads are to be hung
on case 10), and that may be secured at their other end via holders
13. Braces 19 and tubes 18 provide the necessary structure to the
bag when the bag is in an open set-up position. A person skilled in
the art may wish to incorporate further braces that extend
vertically from the lower rear corners to the upper rear corners
inside the bag as shown in FIG. 11, and such braces may also engage
at upper ends thereof with rotatable tubes 18. Such further braces
could be made of the same materials as used for braces 19. The
holders 13 may be fabricated from plastic, fabric, metal, or
synthetic materials, such as synthetic 194 plastic material (e.g.
polypropylene or polyurethane).
[0031] FIG. 12 shows the front portion 11 opened up, and again
shows floor panel attachment means 7 (preferably Velcro or other
means as would be known to persons skilled in the art) and support
feet 6, which supports the floor panel 4 and takes pressure off the
braces 19 when the bag is under stress. The arrow indicates the
direction of placement of floor panel 4 to secure the floor panel
to the soft base material that makes up the bottom of case 10 by
means of floor panel attachment means 7 (e.g. Velcro). Once
secured, the floor panel 4 is positioned on top of the support feet
6.
[0032] FIG. 13 shows a final step (that may or may not be
necessary) that includes securing the floor panel 4 via fabric
flaps 15 that are preferably sewn to the soft front portion 11 and
bottom of the bag respectively. These flaps 15 secure over the
floor panel 4 with Velcro or other similar means as would be known
to persons skilled in the art. FIG. 14 shows the third embodiment
in a fully set-up position.
* * * * *