Luggage System with Removable Carrying Bag and Compression System

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/637,755 filed Apr. 17, 2024, which is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT/US24/21373 Filed Mar. 25, 2024, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/492,195, filed Mar. 24, 2023, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner recognizes the public's right to the reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

The present inventions relate to luggage systems with components designed to provide for compression.

An aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein includes the realization that luggage can be provided with a removable bag that serves the dual purposes of providing a smaller carrying bag, such as a tote, messenger bag, backpack or the like as well as a compression assembly for luggage. For example, the luggage can be in the form of a carry-on or a check-in sized piece of luggage. Some known designs for these types include removable compression members.

By configuring a carrying bag to be usable as a compression device within a piece of luggage, a user can benefit from the dual uses of the carrying bag for daily use in carrying personal items and as a compression member for efficiently packing the luggage. This allows a user the option of releasing the carry bag from its compression configuration, then using the carry bag as they would normally use a carry bag such as a tote, messenger bag, backpack, or the like.

Another aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein includes the realization that certain additional, optional efficiencies can be realized by using existing strap connection points on a carry bag, such as a backpack or shoulder bag, for the additional function of compression. For example, carry bags, including backpacks and shoulder bags, can include structural connections between upper and lower strap connection points, which are designed to withstand the loads imparted to the body of the bag, during use. Backpack shoulder strap connection points are subjected to more than the full weight of the backpack and its contents, during use, such as those loads generated by g-forces or attempted theft. Thus, these connection points are attached to the carry bag with such maximum structural loads in mind. Some such carry bags include a structural connection between the upper and lower connection points for withstanding such loads. For example, in some backpacks, the structural connection between upper and lower shoulder strap connection points is formed with fabric that may or may not be exposed on the outer surface of the bag. For example, such a structural interconnection may be formed with a fabric having a minimum Denier rating, webbing, or other material that is the same or different than the material on the exterior of the carry bag.

Another aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein includes the realization that using a carry bag as a compression plate subjects the carry bag to higher and/or different loads. If connection points for compression were formed on a weaker area of the bag, other portions of the bag, such as zippers or other accessory compartments, might be subjected to excessive loads that could cause damage or requiring additional strengthening to be added to the bag. Thus, in some embodiments, a carry bag can include connection points which are also used for both shoulder strap connections and compression purposes. However, in other embodiments, a carry bag could be provided with connection points in other locations, for example, on the outwardly facing surface of the carry bag. In such embodiments, the connection points can be arranged to avoid subjecting weaker portions of the carry bag to excessive loads. In other optional embodiments, such connection points could be connected with reinforcing material, such as webbing, disposed on an exterior or recessed from the exterior of the carry bag.

Another aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein includes the realization that by locating anchors at effective height within associated luggage which are less than the full height of a carry bag, the anchors can be used to compress the carry bag within the luggage, even if there are no compressible objects in the interior volume of the carry bag and even when the carry bag is resting on an inner surface of the luggage. In this scenario, the carry bag could include compressible items within the main interior compartment of the carry bag, and the anchors can be used for compressing the carry bag and such items therein.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system including: an outer luggage body including: a first luggage body portion including a first upper periphery, a first sidewall extending around the first upper periphery and a first inner wall recessed inwardly from the first upper periphery and connected to the first sidewall, wherein a first interior volume portion is defined between the first inner wall, the first upper periphery, and the first sidewall; a second luggage body portion defining a second interior volume portion and including a second upper periphery, the second luggage body portion being connected to the first luggage body portion so as to be moveable between opened and closed positions; a closure mechanism configured to releasably secure the first and second luggage body portions in the closed position; at least first and second upper anchors and first and second lower anchors secured to the first luggage body portion at locations spaced from the second upper periphery and recessed within the second interior volume portion; a carry bag in a form of a backpack, including: a main body portion including an upper portion, a lower portion, and at least one interior compartment; first and second upper shoulder strap connectors secured to the upper portion of the main body portion; first and second lower shoulder strap connectors secured to the lower portion of the main body portion; a first shoulder strap including first upper and first lower connectors configured to releasably engage the first upper shoulder strap connector and the first lower shoulder strap connector, respectively; a second shoulder strap including second upper and second lower connectors configured to releasably engage the second upper shoulder strap connector and the second lower shoulder strap connector, respectively; and a first pair of upper compression straps, each of the first pair of upper compression straps including a first free end and a first compression strap connector configured to releasably engage one of the first and second upper connectors, each of the pair of first compression straps being engaged with one of the first and second upper anchors such that when each first compression strap connector is engaged with each first upper connector, each first free end of each first compression strap can be pulled so as to cinch the upper portion of the main body portion towards the first and second upper anchors for compressing objects positioned between the main body portion and an inner surface of the first luggage body portion; a second pair of lower compression straps, each of the second pair of lower compression straps including a second free end and a second compression strap connector configured to releasably engage one of the first and second lower connectors, each of the second pair of lower compression straps being engaged with one of the first and second lower anchors such that when each second compression strap connector is engaged with each lower connector, each second free end of each second lower compression strap can be pulled so as to cinch the lower portion of the main body portion towards the first and second lower anchors for compressing objects positioned between the main body portion and the inner surface of the first luggage body portion; wherein the carry bag functions as a wearable backpack when the first and second shoulder straps are connected to the main body portion and functions as a compression plate when the main body portion is cinched towards the inner surface of the first luggage body portion with the first pair of upper compression straps and the second pair of lower compression straps.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the main body portion of the carry bag includes a user-facing side and wherein the carry bag and the first and second shoulder straps are configured such that the user-facing side rests against a user of the carry bag, in use, and wherein the first and second lower shoulder strap connectors are fixed to the user-facing side of the main body portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the main body portion of the carry bag includes an outwardly-facing side and wherein the carry bag and the first and second shoulder straps are configured such that the outwardly-facing side faces away from a user of the carry bag, in use, and wherein the first and second lower shoulder strap connectors are fixed to the outwardly-facing side of the main body portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the first pair of upper compression straps and the second pair of lower compression straps are permanently affixed to the carry bag or the first luggage body portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system including: an outer luggage body including: a first luggage body portion including a first upper periphery, a first sidewall extending around the first upper periphery and a first inner wall recessed inwardly from the first upper periphery and connected to the first sidewall, wherein a first interior volume portion is defined between the first inner wall, the first upper periphery, and the first sidewall; a second luggage body portion defining a second interior volume portion and including a second upper periphery, the second luggage body portion being connected to the first luggage body portion so as to be moveable between opened and closed positions; a closure mechanism configured to releasably secure the first and second luggage body portions in the closed position; at least first and second upper anchors and first and second lower anchors secured to the first luggage body portion at locations spaced from the second upper periphery and recessed within the second interior volume portion; a carry bag in a form of a backpack, including: a main body portion including an upper portion, a lower portion, and at least one interior compartment; first and second upper shoulder strap connectors secured to the upper portion of the main body portion; first and second lower shoulder strap connectors secured to the lower portion of the main body portion; a first shoulder strap including first upper and first lower connectors configured to releasably engage the first upper shoulder strap connector and the first lower shoulder strap connector, respectively; a second shoulder strap including second upper and second lower connectors configured to releasably engage the second upper shoulder strap connector and the second lower shoulder strap connector, respectively; and a first upper compression strap including a first free end and a first compression strap connector configured to releasably engage the first upper connector, the first upper compression strap being engaged with the first upper anchor such that when the first compression strap connector is engaged with the first upper connector, the first free end of the first upper compression strap can be pulled so as to cinch the upper portion of the main body portion towards the first upper anchor; a second lower compression strap including a second free end and a second compression strap connector configured to releasably engage the first lower connectors, the second lower compression strap being engaged with the first lower anchor such that when the second compression strap connector is engaged with the first lower connector, the second free end can be pulled so as to cinch the lower portion of the main body portion towards the first lower anchors.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the first upper and lower compression straps are configured to compress objects positioned between the main body portion and an inner surface of the first luggage body portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, additionally including a second upper compression strap configured to engage the second upper second upper connector and the second upper anchors and a second lower compression strap.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the carry bag functions as a backpack when the first and second shoulder straps are connected to the main body portion and as a compression plate when the main body portion is engaged with the first luggage body portion with the first upper compression strap and the second lower compression strap.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the main body portion of the carry bag includes a user-facing side and wherein the carry bag and the first and second shoulder straps are configured such that the user-facing side rests against a user of the carry bag, in use, and wherein the first and second lower shoulder strap connectors are fixed to the user-facing side of the main body portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the main body portion of the carry bag includes an outwardly-facing side and wherein the carry bag and the first and second shoulder straps are configured such that the outwardly-facing side faces away from a user of the carry bag, in use, and wherein the first and second lower shoulder strap connectors are fixed to the outwardly-facing side of the main body portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the first pair of upper compression straps and the second pair of lower compression straps are permanently affixed to the carry bag or the first luggage body portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system including: an outer luggage body including: a first luggage body portion including a first upper periphery, a first sidewall extending around the first upper periphery and a first inner wall recessed inwardly from the first upper periphery and connected to the first sidewall, wherein a first interior volume portion is defined between the first inner wall, the first upper periphery, and the first sidewall; at least a first anchor secured to the first luggage body portion at a location spaced from the first upper periphery and recessed within the first interior volume portion; a carry bag including: a main body portion including an upper portion, a lower portion, and at least one interior compartment; a first shoulder strap connected to the main body portion; and a first compression strap assembly configured to engage the main body portion and the first anchor and configured to cinch the main body portion towards the first anchor.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the first anchor is secured to first inner wall.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the carry bag is in a form of a backpack.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the carry bag includes first and second upper shoulder strap connectors secured to the upper portion of the main body portion and first and second lower shoulder strap connectors secured to the lower portion of the main body portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the first compression strap assembly includes a y-strap having a first end configured to engage a single compression strap connector on the upper portion of the main body portion and a second end configured to engage two compression strap connectors at the lower portion of the main body portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the first compression strap assembly includes a first upper compression strap including a first free end and a first compression strap connector configured to releasably engage a first upper connector on the main body portion, the first upper compression strap being engaged with the anchor such that when the first compression strap connector is engaged with the first upper connector, the first free end of the first upper compression strap can be pulled so as to cinch the upper portion of the main body portion towards the first anchor and a second lower compression strap including a second free end and a second compression strap connector configured to releasably engage the a second lower connector on the main body, the second lower compression strap being engaged with a first lower anchor in the first luggage body portion such that when the second compression strap connector is engaged with the second lower connector, the second free end can be pulled so as to cinch the lower portion of the main body portion towards the first lower anchor.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the first compression strap assembly includes the first shoulder strap.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the first compression strap assembly is configured to compress objects positioned between the main body portion and an inner surface of the first luggage body portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the first compression strap assembly engages the main body portion in at least three locations.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the carry bag is configured to be worn by a user over at least one shoulder of the user, in use and is configured to function as a compression plate when the main body portion is engaged with the first luggage body portion with the first compression strap assembly.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the main body portion of the carry bag includes a user-facing side and wherein the carry bag and the first shoulder strap are configured such that the user-facing side rests against a user of the carry bag, in use, and wherein the carry bag further includes first and second compression strap connectors fixed to the user-facing side of the main body portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the main body portion of the carry bag includes an outwardly-facing side and wherein the carry bag and the first shoulder strap are configured such that the outwardly-facing side faces away from a user of the carry bag, in use, and wherein the carry bag further includes first and second compression strap connectors fixed to the outwardly-facing side of the main body portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system, wherein the first compression strap assembly is permanently affixed to the carry bag or the first luggage body portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a luggage system including: an outer luggage body including: a first luggage body portion including an inner bottom wall; a carry bag including: a main body portion including at least one interior compartment; and a first compression strap assembly configured to engage the main body portion and configured to cinch the main body portion towards the inner bottom wall.

An improved luggage systemis illustrated in the context of a removable backpack used as a compression member within a rolling luggage unit because it has particular context in this environment. However, the inventions disclosed herein can be used in other contexts as well, for example, with other types or forms of luggage, other types of carry bags, or other removable bags or components used as compression members within the luggage.

The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or the application in uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary, or the following detailed description.

Certain terminology may be used in the following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made, and if indicated, can also refer to such directions during use or manufacture of the described embodiment. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, and “side” describe the orientation and/or location of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing a component. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second”, and other such numerical terms referring to structures or methods do not indicate or require a limit on the number of permissible structures, or a required sequence or order unless expressly indicated or clearly implied by the context of the description.

will initially be used to describe a portion of a luggage system, according to an embodiment of the present technology. The luggage systemcan include an outer luggage bodyand removable carry bag().

is a perspective view of the luggage system, showing an outer luggage bodyin a closed state in which the removable carry bagcan be contained and optionally be used as a compression plate, described in greater detail below with reference to.is a perspective view of the luggage systemwhile the outer luggage bodyof the luggage systemis opened.

The outer luggage bodycan be in the form of any type of known luggage, including, for example, but without limitation, a clamshell-type rolling luggage commonly used as carry-on bags, or checked bags for airline travel, or any other type of luggage. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer luggage bodyis in the form of carry-on rolling luggage which includes first and second halves connected together by a hinge and can include clasps, latches and/or a zipper extending around the remainder of the periphery of each half in a typical, known manner.

The outer luggage bodycan optionally be formed with generally non-resilient material (e.g., polycarbonate) but with a thickness that allows the panels of the outer luggage bodyto conform to the contents therein. This type of outer structural configuration can provide high strength, puncture resistance, light weight and conformability and such configurations are well known in the art. Other materials and configurations can also be used.

The outer luggage bodycan include a first body portionand second hard shell body portion. The first and second body portions,can be pivotally connected to one another to enable the outer luggage bodyto be selectively opened and closed. The first body portioncan have a first hard shell exterior and can define a first storage compartment portion. The second hard shell body portioncan have a second hard shell exteriorand can define a second storage compartment portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, the interior storage compartment of the outer luggage bodyincludes both the first and second storage compartment portions,, can be considered as serving as first and second interior volume portions, respectively. The first storage compartmentcan include a bottom wallwith an inner surface. A side wall can extend around a periphery of the bottom wall and can include an inner sidewall surface. The sidewall can also include an upper peripheral edge. The interior volume defined by the first storage compartmentcan be considered as being defined between the inner surface, the inner sidewall surface, and the upper peripheral edge. One or more closure mechanisms can also be included for securing the first and second storage compartment portions,to each other. For example, a zippercan be included for securing the upper peripheral edgeof the first body portionto an upper periphery of the second hard shell body portion. Other closure mechanisms can also be used.

As illustrated in, the luggage systemincludes the outer luggage bodyand a removable carry bag. The removable carry bagand the outer luggage bodycan optionally be configured such that the removable carry bagcan be used as a compression member.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the outer luggage bodycan include anchor points configured to support compression, connected to an interior therein. For example, in some embodiments, the outer luggage bodycan include anchorsand/or, which can serve as anchor points, and which can be mounted to interior surfaces of the internal volumesand/or. For example, anchor points can be connected to the outer luggage bodyso as to be accessible on the interior surface of the internal volumes, in a bottom wall location illustrated as anchorsand/or a sidewall location illustrated as anchors. Although parts of the following description only mentions anchors, anchorscan also be used in place of the anchorsin the following descriptions. The outer luggage bodyis also illustrated as including four sets of wheels. However, other arrangements of wheels can also be used.

Structurally, the anchors,can be configured to cooperate with straps used for compression. The anchors,can have any configuration, for example, loops, male or female receptacles, or other hardware. For example, the anchors,can be configured to engage with tensioning straps attached to another structure for applying tension and drawing the other structure towards a bottom of the internal volume. This can optionally provide the functionality of a compression plate. For example, in some embodiments, the carry bagcan serve as a compression plate.

With reference to, the carry bagcan be in a configuration of any bag configured for carrying by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the carry bagis in the form of a backpack. However, the carry bagcan be in the form of other types of carry bags, including, for example, but without limitation, purses, messenger, tote, duffel, or other types of bags.

In the illustrated embodiment, the carry bag, being in the configuration of a backpack, includes a main container portion(which can also be considered to serve as a main body portion) and a carrying strap arrangement. Being in the configuration of a backpack, the carrying strap arrangementincludes a pair of backpack straps. In the illustrated embodiment, optionally, the backpack strapscan be removably attachable to the main container portion. For example, the backpack strapscan include connectors, for example, releasable clips, releasably connectable to connection points,on the upper and lower ends of the main container portion. As such, the backpack strapstogether can be considered as including first and second upper shoulder strap connectors and first and second lower shoulder strap connectors.

The connection points,can have any known configuration, including, for example, but without limitation, fabric loops. In the illustrated configuration, there are two upper connection pointsand two lower connection points. Thus, the carry bagcan be considered as including first and second upper connection pointsand first and second lower connection points. Further, as shown in, the upper connection pointscan be retractable into and deployable from a zippered pocket

In the illustrated embodiment, the bagis worn with the strapsextending over the shoulders of the user.illustrates the outwardly-facing sideof the bagandillustrates the inwardly-facing sideof the bagwhich would face towards a user's back, in use. Thus, the inwardly-facing sidecan also be considered as a user-facing side or a user-contacting side of the carry bag.

An aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein includes the realization that certain additional, optional efficiencies can be realized by using existing strap connection points on a carry bag, such as a backpack or shoulder bag, for the additional function of compression. For example, carry bags, including backpacks and shoulder bags, can include structural connections between upper and lower strap connection points, which are designed to withstand the loads imparted to the body of the bag, during use. For example, backpack shoulder strap connection points are subjected to more than the full weight of the backpack and its contents, during use. Thus, these connection points are attached to the carry bag with the maximum structural loads in mind. Some such carry bags include a structural connection between the upper and lower connection points for withstanding such loads. For example, in some backpacks, the structural connection between upper and lower shoulder strap connection points is formed with fabric that may or may not be exposed on the outer surface of the bag. For example, such as structural interconnection may be formed with a fabric having a minimum Denier rating, webbing, or other material that is the same or different than the material on the exterior of the carry bag.