U.S. patent application number 16/054245 was filed with the patent office on 2020-02-06 for luggage system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Timbuk 2 Designs, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Timbuk 2 Designs, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gadi Amit, Erik Keith Askin, Chloe Rekow Georgiades, John Jaworski, Maiya Naruko Bennett Jensen, Bee Jay Malveda Murallon.
Application Number | 20200037719 16/054245 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67539651 |
Filed Date | 2020-02-06 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200037719 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jaworski; John ; et
al. |
February 6, 2020 |
LUGGAGE SYSTEM
Abstract
A luggage system described herein includes a hard shell body and
a soft shell body. The hard shell body includes first and second
hard shell body portions. The soft shell body includes first and
second soft shell body portions. The first hard shell body portion
defines a first hard shell interior storage compartment. The second
hard shell body portion defines a second hard shell interior
storage compartment. The first soft shell body portion is sized and
shaped to fit within and line the first hard shell interior storage
compartment. The second soft shell body portion is sized and shaped
to fit within and line the second hard shell interior storage
compartment. The first and second soft shell body portions are
removable, respectively, from the first and second hard shell
interior storage compartments to thereby provide a soft shell
luggage unit that can be used independent of the hard shell
body.
Inventors: |
Jaworski; John; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Askin; Erik Keith; (San Francisco,
CA) ; Amit; Gadi; (San Francisco, CA) ;
Georgiades; Chloe Rekow; (San Francisco, CA) ;
Jensen; Maiya Naruko Bennett; (Oakland, CA) ;
Murallon; Bee Jay Malveda; (San Francisco, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Timbuk 2 Designs, Inc. |
San Francisco |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Timbuk 2 Designs, Inc.
San Francisco
CA
|
Family ID: |
67539651 |
Appl. No.: |
16/054245 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 5/02 20130101; A45C
2013/1015 20130101; A45C 13/1076 20130101; A45C 2200/10 20130101;
A45C 7/0045 20130101; A45C 13/002 20130101; A45C 13/262 20130101;
A45C 5/03 20130101; A45C 7/0086 20130101; A45C 2013/026 20130101;
A45C 2013/267 20130101; A45C 7/005 20130101; A45C 13/103 20130101;
A45C 2005/037 20130101; A45C 13/005 20130101; A45C 13/1069
20130101; A45C 5/14 20130101; A45C 13/02 20130101; A45C 7/009
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45C 13/02 20060101
A45C013/02; A45C 5/03 20060101 A45C005/03; A45C 13/00 20060101
A45C013/00; A45C 13/10 20060101 A45C013/10; A45C 5/02 20060101
A45C005/02; A45C 13/26 20060101 A45C013/26; A45C 5/14 20060101
A45C005/14 |
Claims
1. A luggage system, comprising: a hard shell body including first
and second hard shell body portions; a soft shell body including
first and second soft shell body portions; the first hard shell
body portion defining a first hard shell interior storage
compartment; the second hard shell body portion defining a second
hard shell interior storage compartment; the first soft shell body
portion sized and shaped to fit within and line the first hard
shell interior storage compartment; the second soft shell body
portion sized and shaped to fit within and line the second hard
shell interior storage compartment; and the first and second soft
shell body portions removable, respectively, from the first and
second hard shell interior storage compartments to thereby provide
a soft shell luggage unit while removed therefrom.
2. The luggage system of claim 1, wherein: the first and second
hard shell body portions are pivotable relative to one another to
enable the hard shell body to be selectively opened and closed; and
the first and second soft shell body portions are pivotable
relative to one another to enable the soft shell body to be
selectively opened and closed.
3. The luggage system of claim 2, further comprising: a first hinge
that pivotably connects the first hard shell body portion to the
second hard shell body portion to thereby enable the hard shell
body to be selectively opened and closed; and a second hinge that
pivotably connects the first soft shell body portion to the second
soft shell body portion to thereby enable the soft shell body to be
selectively opened and closed; wherein at least a portion of the
second hinge is located adjacent to at least a portion of the first
hinge while the first and second soft shell body portions are
respectively within and line the first and second hard shell
interior storage compartments.
4. The luggage system of claim 1, further comprising: one or more
fasteners configured to enable the first and second soft shell body
portions to be selectively attached to and detached from the first
and second hard shell body portions respectively.
5. The luggage system of claim 4, wherein: at least some of, or a
portion of, the same one or more fasteners, which is/are configured
to enable the first and second soft shell body portions to be
selectively attached to and detached from the first and second hard
shell body portions respectively, is/are also configured to
securely close the soft shell body while the first and second soft
shell body portions are detached from the first and second hard
shell body portions respectively.
6. The luggage system of claim 4, wherein the one or more fasteners
comprise: one or more snaps; one or more buttons; one or more
segments of hook and loop material; one or more zipper closures; or
one or more magnetic closures.
7. The luggage system of claim 1, wherein: exteriors of the first
and second hard shell body portions are made of a material selected
from the group consisting of: polycarbonate; polypropylene;
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS); and aluminum; and exteriors
of the first and second soft shell body portions are made of a
material selected from the group of: nylon; polyester; and
canvas.
8. The luggage system of claim 7, further comprising: at least one
handle connected to at least one of the exteriors of the first or
second softshell body portions; the at least one handle configured
to be grasped by a user to enable the user to pickup and maneuver
the soft shell body while the soft shell body is being used as a
soft shell luggage unit.
9. The luggage system of claim 1, wherein: at least one of the
first or second hard shell body portions is transparent and thereby
enables at least one of a color or a pattern on an exterior of at
least one of the first or second soft shell body portions to be
visible while the first and second soft shell body portions are
respectively within and line the first and second hard shell
interior storage compartments.
10. The luggage system of claim 1, further comprising: a further
soft shell body including third and fourth soft shell body
portions; the third soft shell body portion sized and shaped to fit
within and line the first hard shell interior storage compartment,
while the first soft shell body portion is removed therefrom; the
fourth soft shell body portion sized and shaped to fit within and
line the second hard shell interior storage compartment, while the
second soft shell body portion is removed therefrom; and wherein
there is/are one or more aesthetic and/or functional differences
between the further soft shell body, which includes the third and
fourth soft shell body portions, and the soft shell body portion,
which includes the first and second soft shell body portions; and
wherein the one or more aesthetic and/or functional differences
comprise one or more of: an interior color, an exterior color, an
interior pattern, an exterior pattern, a number of
sub-compartments, a shape and location of sub-compartments, a
number of pockets, a shape and location of pockets, a number of
flaps, a shape and location of flaps, a number of straps, or a
shape and location of straps.
11. The luggage system of claim 10, wherein: at least one of an
appearance or functionality of the luggage system differs depending
upon whether the first and second soft shell body portions of the
soft shell body, or the third and fourth soft shell body portions
of the further soft shell body, are placed respectively within and
line the first and second hard shell interior storage
compartments.
12. The luggage system of claim 1, further comprising: a carabiner
type handle including a body and a gate; the body of the carabiner
type handle connected to one of the first or second hard shell body
portions; the gate of the carabiner type handle configured to
pivoted open to enable at least one further item to be secured to
the hard shell body; and the carabiner type handle configured to be
grasped by a user, while the gate is closed, to enable the user to
pickup and maneuver the hard shell body.
13. A luggage system, comprising: a hard shell body including first
and second hard shell body portions that are pivotable relative to
one another to enable the hard shell body to be selectively opened
and closed; a soft shell body including first and second soft shell
body portions that are pivotable relative to one another to enable
the soft shell body to be selectively opened and closed; the first
hard shell body portion having a first hard shell exterior and
defining a first hard shell interior storage compartment; the
second hard shell body portion having a second hard shell exterior
and defining a second hard shell interior storage compartment; the
first soft shell body portion configured to be selectively placed
within and removed from the first hard shell interior storage
compartment; the second soft shell body portion configured to be
selectively placed within and removed from the second hard shell
interior storage compartment; the first and second soft shell body
portions providing liners respectively for the first and second
hard shell body portions while the first and second soft shell body
portions are respectively placed within the first and second hard
shell interior storage compartments; and the soft shell body
providing a soft shell luggage unit while the first and second soft
shell body portions are respectively removed from the first and
second hard shell interior storage compartments.
14. The luggage system of claim 13, further comprising: a first
hinge that pivotably connects the first hard shell body portion to
the second hard shell body portion to thereby enable the hard shell
body to be selectively opened and closed; and a second hinge that
pivotably connects the first soft shell body portion to the second
soft shell body portion to thereby enable the soft shell body to be
selectively opened and closed; wherein at least a portion of the
second hinge is located adjacent to and covers at least a portion
of the first hinge while the first and second soft shell body
portions are placed respectively within the first and second hard
shell interior storage compartments and respectively provide liners
for the first and second hard shell body portions.
15. The luggage system of claim 13, further comprising: a first
zipper closure that attaches and detaches the first soft shell body
portion to and from the first hard shell body portion; and a second
zipper closure that attaches and detaches the second soft shell
body portion to and from the second hard shell body portion.
16. The luggage system of claim 15, wherein: a portion of the first
zipper closure and a portion of the second zipper closure can be
used to securely close the soft shell body while the first and
second soft shell body portions are detached from the first and
second hard shell body portions respectively.
17. The luggage system of claim 13, wherein: exteriors of the first
and second hard shell body portions comprise a material made of at
least one of polycarbonate, polypropylene,
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or aluminum; and exteriors
of the first and second soft shell body portions comprise a
material made of at least of nylon, polyester, or canvas.
18. A luggage system, comprising: a hard shell body defining a hard
shell interior storage compartment; a first soft shell body sized
and shaped to fit within and provide a first liner for the hard
shell interior storage compartment while the first soft shell body
is secured therein; and a second soft shell body sized and shaped
to fit within and provide a second liner for the hard shell
interior storage compartment while the first soft shell body is
secured therein; wherein only one of the first or second soft shell
bodies is securable within the hard shell interior storage
compartment at a time; wherein one or more aspects of the first and
second soft shell bodies differ from one another; and wherein each
of the first and second soft shell bodies, while removed from the
hard shell interior storage compartment of the hard shell body,
provides a respective soft shell luggage unit that can be used to
hold and carry items independent of the hard shell body.
19. The luggage system of claim 18, wherein: the one or more
aspects of the first and second soft shell bodies that differ from
one comprise one or more of: a number of pockets, a shape and
location of pockets, a number of sub-compartments, a shape and
location of sub-compartments, a number of flaps, a shape and
location of flaps, a number of straps, or a shape and location of
straps.
20. The luggage system of claim 18, wherein: the one or more
aspects of the first and second soft shell bodies that differ from
one another comprise an exterior of the second soft shell body
having at least one of a different color or a different pattern
than an exterior of the second soft shell body.
21. The luggage system of claim 20, wherein: the hard shell body is
transparent and thereby enables the exterior, of whichever one of
the first or second soft shell bodies is secured within the hard
shell interior storage compartment, to be visible to a user or
other observer of the luggage system.
Description
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[0001] Embodiments of the present technology generally relate to
the field of luggage that is used for carrying items when
traveling.
BACKGROUND
[0002] When purchasing luggage, many people have a difficult time
deciding between hard shell luggage or soft shell luggage, as each
type of luggage has certain benefits over the other.
[0003] Hard shell luggage is typically more durable than soft shell
luggage, which is important to many people, especially if they
travel with a laptop computer, tablet computer, camera equipment,
and/or other expensive and delicate electronic devices. More
generally, hard shell luggage is typically better than soft shell
luggage at protecting items that are fragile. Additionally, hard
shell luggage is typically more water resistant than soft shell
luggage, making it easier to protect items from rain, snow,
puddles, spills, and the like. Further, hard shell luggage is
typically easier to clean than soft shell luggage, as soft shell
luggage typically absorbs moisture, smells and stains more readily
than hard shell luggage. Hard shell luggage when locked is
typically more difficult to break into than soft shell luggage,
because soft shell luggage can be relatively easily slashed open
with a utility knife, pocket knife, or the like, even if
locked.
[0004] Soft shell luggage is typically lighter than hard shell
luggage, and thus, is typically easier for a person to pick up,
carry and otherwise maneuver than hard shell luggage. Further, soft
shell luggage, because it is made of flexible fabric, can typically
be squeezed more easily into tight spaces within a trunk, closet or
overhead travel compartment on a plane, train or bus. Also, soft
shell luggage can typically hold more items than similarly sized
hard shell luggage, because soft luggage can typically stretch more
around its edges.
[0005] Some people may purchase both hard shell luggage and soft
shell luggage so that, depending on their specific need for a
specific travel occasion, they may use the best luggage for the
occasion. However, purchasing both hard shell luggage and soft
shell luggage can be significantly more expensive than purchasing
just one type of luggage, potentially doubling the cost.
Additionally, if a person owns both hard shell luggage and soft
shell luggage that would likely double the amount of storage space
required to store the luggage when it is not in use. This is
especially a problem for people who live in relatively small
housing units, e.g., in cities, colleges, or the like.
[0006] When purchasing new luggage, people often also have a
difficult time deciding between what features they want included in
their luggage, since certain features may be better for business
travel, while other features may be better for leisure travel.
Further, people often have a difficult time deciding on what color
and/or pattern they want their luggage to have.
SUMMARY
[0007] A luggage system, according to an embodiment of the present
technology, includes a hard shell body and a soft shell body. The
hard shell body includes first and second hard shell body portions.
The soft shell body includes first and second soft shell body
portions. The first hard shell body portion defines a first hard
shell interior storage compartment. The second hard shell body
portion defines a second hard shell interior storage compartment.
The first soft shell body portion is sized and shaped to fit within
and line the first hard shell interior storage compartment. The
second soft shell body portion is sized and shaped to fit within
and line the second hard shell interior storage compartment. The
first and second soft shell body portions are removable,
respectively, from the first and second hard shell interior storage
compartments to thereby provide a soft shell luggage unit while
removed therefrom.
[0008] In accordance with certain embodiments, the first and second
hard shell body portions are pivotable relative to one another to
enable the hard shell body to be selectively opened and closed, and
the first and second soft shell body portions are pivotable
relative to one another to enable the soft shell body to be
selectively opened and closed.
[0009] In accordance with certain embodiments, a first hinge
pivotably connects the first hard shell body portion to the second
hard shell body portion to thereby enable the hard shell body to be
selectively opened and closed. Further, a second hinge pivotably
connects the first soft shell body portion to the second soft shell
body portion to thereby enable the soft shell body to be
selectively opened and closed. At least a portion of the second
hinge is located adjacent to at least a portion of the first hinge
while the first and second soft shell body portions are
respectively within and line the first and second hard shell
interior storage compartments.
[0010] In accordance with certain embodiments, the luggage system
also includes one or more fasteners that is/are configured to
enable the first and second soft shell body portions to be
selectively attached to and detached from the first and second hard
shell body portions respectively. In certain such embodiments, the
same one or more fasteners, which is/are configured to enable the
first and second soft shell body portions to be selectively
attached to and detached from the first and second hard shell body
portions respectively, is/are also configured to securely close the
soft shell body while the first and second soft shell body portions
are removed from the first and second hard shell interior storage
compartments respectively. Such fasteners can include one or more
snaps, one or more buttons, one or more segments of hook and loop
material, one or more zipper closures, and/or one or more magnetic
closures, but are not limited thereto.
[0011] In accordance with certain embodiments, the luggage system
includes a first zipper closure that attaches and detaches the
first soft shell body portion from the first hard shell interior
storage compartment, and a second zipper closure that attaches and
detaches the second soft shell body portion from the second hard
shell interior storage compartment. In certain such embodiments, a
portion of the first zipper closure and a portion of the second
zipper closure can be used to securely close the soft shell body
while the first and second soft shell body portions are removed
from the first and second hard shell interior storage compartments
respectively.
[0012] In accordance with certain embodiments, the first soft shell
body portion has a first soft shell exterior and defines a first
soft shell interior storage compartment. Similarly, the second soft
shell body portion has a second soft shell exterior and defines a
second soft shell interior storage compartment.
[0013] In accordance with certain embodiments, the hard shell
exteriors of the first and second hard shell body portions are made
of polycarbonate, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
(ABS), or aluminum, or any combination thereof.
[0014] In accordance with certain embodiments, the soft shell
exteriors of the first and second soft shell body portions are made
of nylon, polyester, or canvas, or any combination thereof.
[0015] In accordance with certain embodiments, at least one handle
is connected to at least one of the first or second softshell
exteriors. Such handle(s) is/are configured to be grasped by a user
to enable the user to pickup and maneuver the soft shell body while
the soft shell body is being used as a soft shell luggage unit.
[0016] In accordance with certain embodiments, at least one of the
first or second hard shell body portions is transparent and thereby
enables a color and/or a pattern on an exterior of at least one of
the first or second soft shell body portions to be visible while
the first and second soft shell body portions are respectively
within and line the first and second hard shell interior storage
compartments.
[0017] In accordance with certain embodiments, the luggage system
also includes a further soft shell body including third and fourth
soft shell body portions. The third soft shell body portion is
sized and shaped to fit within and line the first hard shell
interior storage compartment, while the first soft shell body
portion is removed therefrom. The fourth soft shell body portion is
sized and shaped to fit within and line the second hard shell
interior storage compartment, while the second soft shell body
portion is removed therefrom. There is/are one or more aesthetic
and/or functional differences between the further soft shell body,
which includes the third and fourth soft shell body portions, and
the soft shell body portion, which includes the first and second
soft shell body portions. The aesthetic and/or functional
differences can include differences in interior color, exterior
color, interior pattern, exterior pattern, number of pockets, shape
and location of pockets, number of flaps, shape and location of
flaps, number of straps, and/or shape and location of straps, but
are not limited thereto. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, an
appearance and/or functionality of the luggage system differs
depending upon whether the first and second soft shell body
portions of the soft shell body, or the third and fourth soft shell
body portions of the further soft shell body, are placed
respectively within and line the first and second hard shell
interior storage compartments.
[0018] In accordance with certain embodiments, a carabiner type
handle is connected to at least one of the first or second hard
shell body portions. The carabiner type handle is configured to be
grasped by a user to enable the user to pickup and maneuver the
hard shell body. Additionally, the carabiner type handle is
configured to secure one or more further items to the hard shell
body.
[0019] A luggage system, according to an embodiment of the present
technology, can include a hard shell body, a first soft shell body,
and a second soft shell body. The hard shell body defines a hard
shell interior storage compartment. The first soft shell body is
sized and shaped to fit within and provide a first liner for the
hard shell interior storage compartment while the first soft shell
body is secured therein. Similarly, the second soft shell body is
sized and shaped to fit within and provide a second liner for the
hard shell interior storage compartment while the first soft shell
body is secured therein. Only one of the first or second soft shell
bodies is securable within the hard shell interior storage
compartment at a time. In such embodiments, one or more aspects of
the first and second soft shell bodies differ from one another.
Additionally, in such embodiments, each of the first and second
soft shell bodies, while removed from the hard shell interior
storage compartment of the hard shell body, provides a respective
soft shell luggage unit that can be used to hold and carry items
independent of the hard shell body.
[0020] In accordance with certain embodiments, the aspect(s) of the
first and second soft shell bodies that differ from one another can
be a number pockets, a shape of pockets, a different number, type
and/or location of flaps, and/or a different number, type and/or
location of straps, but are not limited thereto. Additionally, or
alternatively, the aspect(s) of the first and second soft shell
bodies that differ from one another can include an exterior of the
second soft shell body having a different color and/or a different
pattern than an exterior of the first soft shell body. In
accordance with certain embodiments, the hard shell body (or at
least a portion thereof) is transparent and thereby enables the
exterior, of whichever one of the first or second soft shell bodies
is secured within the hard shell interior storage compartment, to
be visible to a user or other observer of the luggage system.
[0021] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not
limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages
noted in the Background. Nevertheless, many embodiments described
herein solve at least some or all of the disadvantages noted in the
Background.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a luggage system, according
to an embodiment of the present technology, while a hard shell body
of the luggage system is closed.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the luggage system,
introduced in FIG. 1, while the hard shell body of the luggage
system is opened.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the luggage system, also
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, while a soft shell body of the luggage
system is open and removed from interior storage compartments
defined by the hard shell body.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the soft shell body of the
luggage system (in its closed position) completely removed from the
hard shell body and useful as a soft shell luggage unit independent
of the hard shell body.
[0026] FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 illustrate how different versions of the
soft shell body can have different functional features than one
another.
[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates details of a carabiner type handle
initially shown in and described with reference to FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] FIGS. 1-3 will initially be used to describe a luggage
system 102, according to an embodiment of the present technology.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the luggage system 102 while a hard
shell body 110 of the luggage system 102 is closed. FIG. 2 is a
perspective view of the luggage system 102 while the hard shell
body 110 of the luggage system 102 is opened. FIG. 3 is a
perspective view of the luggage system 102 while a soft shell body
130 of the luggage system 102 is removed from an interior storage
compartment defined by the hard shell body 110.
[0029] The hard shell body 110 is shown as including a first hard
shell body portion 112 and second hard shell body portion 122. The
first and second hard shell body portions 112, 122 are pivotable
relative to one another to enable the hard shell body 110 to be
selectively opened and closed. The first hard shell body portion
112 has a first hard shell exterior 114 and defines a first hard
shell interior storage compartment 116. The second hard shell body
portion 122 has a second hard shell exterior 124 and defines a
second hard shell interior storage compartment 126. In accordance
with an embodiment, the interior storage compartment of the hard
shell body 110 includes both the first and second hard shell
interior storage compartments 116, 126. In the embodiment shown,
volumes of the first and second hard shell interior storage
compartments 116, 126 are substantially the same (i.e., within
+/-10% of one another), however that need not be the case. In other
words, in an alternative embodiment, a volume of one the first and
second hard shell interior storage compartments 116, 126 can be
significantly greater than or less than a volume of the other.
[0030] In the embodiment shown, the soft shell body 130 includes a
first soft shell body portion 132 and second soft shell body
portion 142. The first and second soft shell body portions 132, 142
are pivotable relative to one another to enable the soft shell body
130 to be selectively opened and closed. The first soft shell body
portion 132 has a first soft shell exterior 134 and defines a first
soft shell interior storage compartment 136. The second soft shell
body portion 142 has a second soft shell exterior 144 and defines a
second soft shell interior storage compartment 146. In accordance
with an embodiment, an interior storage compartment of the soft
shell body 130 includes both the first and second soft shell
interior storage compartments 136, 146. In the embodiment shown,
volumes of the first and second soft shell interior storage
compartments 136, 146 are substantially the same (i.e., within
+/-10% of one another), however that need not be the case. In other
words, in an alternative embodiment, a volume of one the first and
second soft shell interior storage compartments 136, 146 can be
significantly greater than or less than a volume of the other. As
will be described in additional detail below, one or both of the
first and second soft shell interior storage compartments 136, 146
can be divided into sub-compartments so that items (e.g., clothes,
electronics, toiletries, etc.) being stored therein can be
segregated from one another in different sub-compartments, and/or
stored in specifically designed sub-compartments, or the like. One
or both of the first and second soft shell interior storage
compartments 136, 146 can also include one or more pockets, flaps,
straps, and/or other functional physical features.
[0031] The hard shell exteriors 114, 124 of the first and second
hard shell body portions 112, 122 can be made of a hard material
that maintains its form, such as, but not limited to,
polycarbonate, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
(ABS), aluminum, or a combination of the aforementioned materials.
The soft shell exteriors 134, 144 of the first and second soft
shell body portions 132, 142 can be made of a flexible fabric
material, such as, but not limited to nylon, polyester, or canvas,
or a combination thereof. Various different types of nylons can be
used, such as, but not limited to, ballistic nylon, or nylon
ripstop CORDURA.TM. (manufactured by INVISTA, which headquartered
in Wichita, Kans., United States), just to name a few. The term
nylon, as used herein, also encompasses nylon blends. Exemplary
fabric coatings that can be used to increase waterproofing of the
flexible fabric material of the soft shell exteriors 134, 144
include coatings such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyurethane
(PU), polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) types of coatings,
but are not limited thereto.
[0032] In accordance with an embodiment, the first soft shell body
portion 132 is sized and shaped to fit within and line the first
hard shell interior storage compartment 116. Similarly, the second
soft shell body portion 142 is sized and shaped to fit within and
line the second hard shell interior storage compartment 126.
Explained another way, the first and second soft shell body
portions 132, 142 provide liners respectively for the first and
second hard shell body portions 112, 122 while the first and second
soft shell body portions 132 and 142 are respectively placed within
the first and second hard shell interior storage compartments 116
and 126. In order for the first soft shell body portion 132 to be
sized and shaped to fit within and line the first hard shell
interior storage compartment 116, the dimensions of the first soft
shell exterior 134 are slightly smaller than the dimensions of the
first hard shell interior storage compartment 116, and thus, the
volume of the first soft shell interior storage compartment 136
will be slightly less than the volume of the first hard shell
interior storage compartment 116. Similarly, in order for the
second soft shell body portion 142 to be sized and shaped to fit
within and line the second hard shell interior storage compartment
126, the dimensions of the second soft shell exterior 144 are
slightly smaller than the dimensions of the second hard shell
interior storage compartment 126, and thus, the volume of the
second soft shell interior storage compartment 146 will be slightly
less than the volume of the second hard shell interior storage
compartment 126. Accordingly, the overall volume of the interior
storage compartment of the soft shell body 130 will be slightly
smaller than the overall of the interior storage compartment of the
hard shell body 110. Nevertheless, the soft shell body 130, while
removed from the hard shell body 110, and used as a soft shell
luggage unit, may be able to store more items than the hard shell
body 110. This is because the soft shell body 130 is flexible and
stretchable, while the hard shell body 110 is not, which is the
reason that soft shell luggage can typically hold more items than
hard shell luggage of the same dimensions.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, a hinge 120 pivotably connects the first
hard shell body portion 112 to the second hard shell body portion
122 to thereby enable the hard shell body 110 to be selectively
opened or closed. The hinge 120 can be one continuous hinge, or can
be made up of one or more hinge segments that are discontinuous
from one another. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a hinge 140 pivotably
connects the first soft shell body portion 132 to the second soft
shell body portion 142 to thereby enable the soft shell body 130 to
be selectively opened or closed. The hinge 140 can be one
continuous hinge, or can be made up of one or more hinge segments
that are discontinuous from one another. In the embodiment shown,
while the first and second soft shell body portions 132, 142 are
placed respectively within the first and second hard shell interior
storage compartments 116, 126, the hinge 140 is located adjacent to
the hinge 120, and both hinges 120, 140 can be pivoted in
unison.
[0034] In accordance with an embodiment, the soft shell body 130
includes a zipper closure that enables the soft shell body 130 to
be selectively opened and closed when the soft shell body 130 is
removed from the hard shell body 110 and is useful as a soft shell
luggage unit. The zipper closure includes a first strip of teeth
152 and a second strip of teeth 154 and a slide 156. The slide 156
can includes a slider body and a pull tab, as is typical of a slide
of a zipper closure. The first strip of teeth 152 is located about
a peripheral rim of the first soft shell body portion 132, and the
second strip of teeth 154 is located about a peripheral rim of the
second soft shell body portion 142. In the embodiment shown, where
a peripheral shape of each of the first and second soft shell body
portions 132, 142 has a generally rectangular shape with rounded
corners, the strips of teeth 152, 154 extend about an entirety of
three of the four sides of the rectangular shape. The strips of
teeth 152, 154 are also shown as extending along small portions of
the fourth sides of each rectangular shape, but that need not be
the case. By sliding the slide 156 in a first direction, while the
soft shell body 130 is removed from the hard shell body 110, the
strips of teeth 152, 154 intermesh with one another causing the
soft shell body 130 to be securely closed and thereby secure within
the interior storage chamber thereof one or more items packed
therein. By sliding the slide 156 in a second direction, opposite
the first direction, while the soft shell body 130 is removed from
the hard shell body, the strips of teeth 152, 154 un-mesh from one
another, enabling the soft shell body 130 to be opened, and thereby
enabling items to be removed from and/or placed within the interior
storage chamber thereof.
[0035] In accordance with an embodiment, the same zipper closure
that is used to selectively open and close the soft shell body 130
(while the soft shell body 130 is removed from the hard shell body
110 and useful as a soft shell luggage unit) can also used to
attach the first and second soft shell body portions 132, 142 of
the soft shell body 130 respectively to the first and second hard
shell body portions 112, 122 of the hard shell body 110. This is
achieved by including a strip of teeth 153 adjacent to and slightly
in from a peripheral rim of the first hard shell body portion 112,
and the strip of teeth 155 adjacent to and slightly in from a
peripheral rim of the second hard shell body portion 122. While the
first soft shell body portion 132 is placed within the first hard
shell interior storage compartment 116, the slide 156 can be used
to intermesh the strip of teeth 152 (included on the first soft
shell body portion 132) with the strip of teeth 153 (included on
the first hard shell body portion 112), to thereby securely attach
the first soft shell body portion 132 within the first hard shell
interior storage compartment 116. Similarly, while the second soft
shell body portion 142 is placed within the second hard shell
interior storage compartment 126, another slide 158 can be used to
intermesh the strip of teeth 154 (included on the second soft shell
body portion 142) with the strip of teeth 155 (included on the
second hard shell body portion 122), to thereby securely attach the
second soft shell body portion 142 within the second hard shell
interior storage compartment 126.
[0036] In an embodiment, the strips of teeth 152, 153 and the slide
156 can collectively provide a first zipper closure that attaches
and detaches the first soft shell body portion 132 to and from the
first hard shell body portion 112. The strips of teeth 154, 155 and
the slide 158 can collectively provide a second zipper closure that
attaches and detaches the second soft shell body portion 142 to and
from the second hard shell body portion 122. The strip of teeth 152
and the strip of teeth 154, and at least one of the slides 156,
158, can be used to securely close the soft shell body 110 while
the first and second soft shell body portions are detached from the
first and second hard shell body portions 112, 122. More generally,
at least some or a portion of the same one or more fasteners, which
is/are configured to enable the first and second soft shell body
portions 132, 142 to be selectively attached to and detached from
the first and second hard shell body portions 112, 122
respectively, can also be configured to securely close the soft
shell body 130 while the first and second soft shell body portions
122, 132 are detached from the first and second hard shell body
portions 112, 122.
[0037] Alternative types of fasteners, besides zipper closures, can
be used to attach the first and second soft shell body portions
132, 142 of the soft shell body 130 respectively to the first and
second hard shell body portions 112, 122 of the hard shell body
110. For example, one or more snaps can be used. For other
examples, buttons, magnetic closures, or segments of hook and loop
material can instead be used. Combinations of the aforementioned
types of fasteners and/or one or more different types of fasteners
can alternatively be used to attach the first and second soft shell
body portions 132, 142 of the soft shell body 130 respectively to
the first and second hard shell body portions 112, 122 of the hard
shell body 110. Thus, it should be appreciated that the one or more
fasteners that is/are used to selectively open and close the soft
shell body 130 (while the soft shell body 130 is removed from the
hard shell body 110 and useful as a soft shell luggage unit) can be
the same as, or different than, the one or more fasteners that
is/are used to attach the first and second soft shell body portions
132, 142 of the soft shell body 130 respectively to the first and
second hard shell body portions 112, 122 of the hard shell body
110.
[0038] In certain embodiments, a gasket or other seal can extend
around a peripheral rim of the first hard shell body portion 112
and/or the peripheral rim of the second hard shell body portion
122, so that when the hard shell body 110 is closed the gasket or
other seal prevents water or other moisture from seeping into the
interior storage compartment of the hard shell body 110, and
thereby helps protect the items stored therein. The hard shell body
can be secured in its closed position using a zipper closure, or
one or more alternative types of fasteners, such as, but not
limited to, one, two, three or more buckles. For example, a pair of
buckle portions can be rivetted or otherwise attached to the first
hard shell body portion 112 and a pair of mating buckle portions
can be rivetted or otherwise attached to the second hard shell body
portion 122, to thereby enable the hard shell body 110 to be
selectively opened and closed. In FIG. 1, a pair of buckles 118 is
shown. Additionally, the hard shell body 110 can have a lock 128
attached thereto that enables the hard shell body 110 to be locked
in its closed position. The lock 128 can be or include a
combination lock or a key lock, and may also include a
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) key lock that enables
TSA agents to unlock the lock 128, as required by most
airports.
[0039] The hard shell body 110 is shown as having four wheels 170
that enable it to be rolled along a surface. In the embodiment
shown, two of the wheels 170 extend from a lower portion of the
exterior 114 of the first hard shell body portion 112, and the
other two wheels 170 extend from a lower portion of the exterior
124 of the second hard shell body portion 122. More or less than
four wheels 170 can alternatively be included. In an embodiment,
the wheels 170 can be removable and replaceable so that different
types (e.g., hardness, material, bearings, etc.), colors, sizes,
designs, etc. of wheels can be attached to the hard shell body 110.
In other words, the wheels can be a customizable feature of the
luggage system 102.
[0040] The hard shell body 110 is also shown as having a telescopic
handle 180 that extends from a side of the hard shell body 110 that
is opposite the side from which the wheels 170 extend. In an
embodiment, the telescoping handle 180 is connected to the second
hard shell body portion 122, but can alternatively be connected to
the first hard shell body portion 112.
[0041] In accordance with an embodiment, the hard shell body 110
also includes a further handle 190, which is a carabiner type
handle. The carabiner type handle 190 can be grasped by a user to
enable the user to pickup and maneuver the hard shell body 110. The
carabiner type handle 190 can also be used to secure one or more
further items (e.g., a purse, a shopping bag, etc.) to the hard
shell body 110. Additionally details of the carabiner type handle
190 are described below with reference to FIG. 8.
[0042] The luggage system 102 beneficially provides a person with
the benefits of both hard shell luggage and soft shell luggage.
When a person is concerned with protecting the items with which
they are traveling from breaking and/or moisture, the person can
choose to travel with the soft shell body 130 positioned within and
lining the hard shell body 110. When the person is primarily
traveling with soft goods that will be placed in a small overhead
compartment, or the like, the person can choose to remove the soft
shell body 130 from the hard shell body 110 and just travel with
the soft shell body 130, which when removed from the hard shell
body 110 can function is soft shell luggage independent from the
hard shell body 110. The person may also choose to just travel with
the soft shell body 130 if they know they will be traveling where
it is not practical to utilize wheels (e.g., on stairs or a cobble
stone road) and/or where the person wants to travel light. It would
also be possible for a person to travel to a destination with the
soft shell body 130 positioned within and lining the hard shell
body 110, and their items packed within the soft shell body 130.
Thereafter, if the person purchases or otherwise obtains additional
items while on their trip, the person can remove the soft shell
body 130 from the hard shell body 110 and have two luggage items
(i.e., a hard shell luggage item, and a soft shell luggage items)
into which they can pack their items when returning from their
trip. For the above reasons, the luggage system 102 may also be
referred to as a 2-in-1 luggage system, or more succinctly as
2-in-1 luggage.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the soft shell body 130 in
its closed position completely removed from the hard shell body 110
and useful as a soft shell luggage unit independent of the hard
shell body 110. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a handle 160 is attached
to a portion of the exterior 134 of the first soft shell body
portion 132 to assist a person with carrying the soft shell body
130 on its own. The handle 160 should be designed to not obstruct
the ability of the first soft shell body portion 132 to fit within
the first hard shell interior storage compartment 116. To achieve
this, the handle 160 can be made of webbing. In an embodiment, a
portion of the webbing of which the handle 160 is made can be
folded and/or covered with a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), some
other heat shrinkable plastic, or some other covering to make the
handle 160 more comfortable to hold. The handle 160 can
alternatively be made of a more rigid material and fit within a
recess within the soft shell exterior 134 of the first soft shell
body portion 132. Alternatively, or additionally, a handle can be
attached to a portion of the exterior 144 of the second soft shell
body portion 132.
[0044] Beneficially, when a person is not traveling, the soft shell
body 130 can be placed within the hard shell body 110, and the
entire luggage system 102 (that includes both a soft shell luggage
item and a hard shell luggage item) can be stored in a closet,
attic, under a bed, etc., in the same amount of space that it takes
to store just one similarly sized hard or soft shell piece of
luggage. In other words, the luggage system 102 essentially
provides a person with two pieces of luggage that can be stored in
the same amount of space typically required to store one piece of
luggage. The luggage system 102 also provides a person with the
benefits of both wheeled luggage and non-wheeled luggage. The
luggage system 102 also enables a person to travel to a destination
using rugged hard shell luggage (with the soft shell body 130
within and lining the hard shell body 110), and then take short
excursions from the destination using easier to carry and maneuver
soft shell luggage (by removing the soft shell body 130 and just
traveling on the short excursions using the soft shell body
130).
[0045] In accordance with an embodiment, a manufacturer and
retailer of the luggage system 102 can offer the hard shell body
110 in two or more different colors (e.g., black, red, pink, etc.).
Additionally, or alternatively, the hard shell body 110 can be
offered in two or more different patterns (e.g., e.g., stripes,
polka dot, floral, etc.). The hard shell body 110 may also be made
available in various different types of material. For example, a
polycarbonate version of the hard shell body 110 can be made
available, and an aluminum version of the hard shell body 110 can
also be made available. A manufacturer and retailer of the luggage
system 102 can additionally or alternatively offer the soft shell
body 130 in two or more different colors, patterns, and/or
materials. Additionally, different versions of the soft shell body
130 may have different functional features. For example, various
different version of the soft shell body 130 can have a different
number of internal pockets and/or sub-compartment, and the shapes
and locations of the pockets and/or sub-compartments can differ
from one another. Additionally, or alternatively, the various
different versions of the soft shell body 130 can have a different
number of flaps and/or straps, and the shapes and/or locations of
the flaps and/or straps can differ between the different versions.
Colors and/or patterns of the interiors of the and/or exteriors of
the different versions of the soft shell body 130 can also differ
from one another. These are just a few examples of the differences
between the different versions of the soft shell body. More
generally, the hard shell body 110 and/or the soft shell body 130
can have or be customizable features of the luggage system 102.
[0046] In accordance with an embodiment, the hard material from
which the first hard shell body portion 112 and/or the second hard
shell body portion 122 can be transparent to thereby enable the
color and/or pattern on the exterior(s) 134 and/or 144 of the first
soft shell body portion 132 and/or the second soft shell body
portion 142 to be visible while the first and second soft shell
body portions 132, 142 are within the first and second hard shell
interior storage compartments 116, 126. For example, the first hard
shell body portion 112 and/or the second hard shell body portion
122 can be made of a clear or semi-clear polycarbonate,
polypropylene, or ABS.
[0047] In accordance with an embodiment, a manufacturer and a
retailer of the luggage system 102 can make and sell various
different versions of the soft shell body 130 each of which
includes different features. For example, there can be a business
travel version, a leisure travel version, and/or an urban travel
version, just to name a few possible versions. The business travel
version can include, e.g., pockets and/or other sub-compartments
specifically sized and designed to hold and protect laptop
computers and/or tablet computers, and may include pockets and/or
other sub-compartments specifically sized and designed to hold
pens, business cards, power cords, and/or the like. The leisure
travel version can include sub-compartments specifically designed
to store various different types of clothing items, such as shirts,
pants, socks, and/or various different types of accessories, such
as, hats, ties, sun glasses, etc. The urban travel version can
include sub-compartments specifically designed to store headphones,
skateboards, etc. One or more of the versions of the soft shell
body 130 can include a sealable wet bag that can be used to store
wet bathing suits and/or towels without getting the other items
stored in the interior storage compartment of the soft shell body
wet. A person may choose to purchase the version of the soft shell
body 130 that most suits them. A person may alternatively choose to
purchase more than one version of the soft shell body 130 and
choose which one they want to place within and used to line the
hard shell body 110 (or use on its own independent of the hard
shell body 110) when traveling, depending upon the specific type of
travel, destination, and/or items that the person will be
packing.
[0048] FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 illustrate how different versions of the
soft shell body 130, labeled 130a, 130b, and 130c, can have
different aesthetic and/or functional features than one another.
For example, the various different version of the soft shell body
can have a different number of internal pockets and/or
sub-compartments, and the shapes and locations of the pockets
and/or sub-compartments can differ from one another. Additionally,
the various different versions of the soft shell body can have a
different number of flaps and/or straps, and the shapes and/or
locations of the flaps and/or straps can differ between the
different versions. Colors and/or patterns of the interiors and/or
exteriors of the different versions of the soft shell body can also
differ from one another. These are just a few examples of the
differences between the different versions of the soft shell body.
By offering different versions of the soft shell body 130, a person
can customize the luggage system 102. Further, as noted above,
different versions of the hard shell body 110 and/or wheels 170 can
also be offered, allowing for further customization. The soft shell
bodies 130a, 130b and 130c shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are just some
examples of the different versions of the soft shell body 130 that
can be made and sold. Additional and/or alternative versions of the
soft shell body 130 can also be made and sold.
[0049] FIG. 8 will now be used to describe additional details of
the carabiner type handle 190, initially discussed above with
reference to FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 8, the carabiner type handle
190 includes a C-shaped body 802 that is attached to a side of the
hard shell body 110 (and more specifically, to an upper side of one
of the first and second hard shell body portions 112, 122) such
that the handle 190 can rest flat against the side of the hard
shell body 110, and can be swiveled such that it is generally
perpendicular to the side of the hard shell body 110 when grasped
by a person's hand. The C-shaped body 802 provides the spine and
frame (also known as basket) of the carabiner. The carabiner handle
190 also includes a gate 804 that is attached to one end of the
C-shaped body 802 by a rivet pin 805. A nose 806 at the other end
of the C-shaped body 802 prevents the gate 804 from opening
outward, but allows the gate 804 to be pivoted inward (as
represented by the dashed arrowed line in FIG. 8) to provide a gate
opening so that one or more items (e.g., a purse or other small
bag) can be attached via the carabiner type handle 190 to the hard
shell body 110. The gate 804 of the carabiner handle 190 can be
spring loaded or otherwise biased to return to a closed position
with its free end against the nose 806. In other embodiments,
alternative or additional types of handles can be attached to the
hard shell body portion(s) 112 and/or 122.
[0050] As explained in more detail above, various embodiments of
the present technology provide a luggage system that provides the
benefits of both hard shell and soft shell luggage, enables
customization, and enables efficient storage of the luggage
system.
[0051] The description of the present disclosure has been presented
for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended
to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form
disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope
and spirit of the disclosure. The aspects of the disclosure herein
were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles
of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable
others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure
with various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated.
[0052] The disclosure has been described in conjunction with
various embodiments. However, other variations and modifications to
the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected from a
study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, and
such variations and modifications are to be interpreted as being
encompassed by the appended claims. In the claims, the word
"comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the
indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.
[0053] For purposes of this document, it should be noted that the
dimensions of the various features depicted in the figures may not
necessarily be drawn to scale.
[0054] For purposes of this document, reference in the
specification to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "some
embodiments," or "another embodiment" may be used to describe
different embodiments or the same embodiment.
[0055] For purposes of this document, without additional context,
use of numerical terms such as a "first" object, a "second" object,
and a "third" object may not imply an ordering of objects, but may
instead be used for identification purposes to identify different
objects.
[0056] The foregoing detailed description has been presented for
purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the subject matter claimed herein to the
precise form(s) disclosed. Many modifications and variations are
possible in light of the above teachings. The described embodiments
were chosen in order to best explain the principles of the
disclosed technology and its practical application to thereby
enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the technology in
various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to
the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope be
defined by the claims appended hereto.
[0057] Although the subject matter has been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended
claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described
above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the
claims.
* * * * *