Luggage System

This application claims benefit of priority with U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/661,968, filed Jun. 20, 2024; the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

This invention relates to suitcases, carrying cases and backpacks (collectively “luggage”), as commonly used by travelers, hikers, or passengers for the protected transport of, access to, and removal/replacement of, articles of clothing and accessories.

A unit of luggage ordinarily comprises a front panel, rear panel, a right side panel, a left side panel, a top panel and a bottom panel. The bottom face is normally comprises a rigid base. A storage space is positioned between the top, bottom, front, rear, and side panels. A means is provided to allow access to the internal storage space. Two or four wheels are often fastened to the bottom face. An expansion mechanism can be constructed and arranged to expand the storage space. Many bags have external carrying and collapsible handles for mobility and external zipper pockets. Some also have external zipper pockets and elastic straps or cords.

Trains, buses, oxcarts, and personal vehicles permit luggage of almost any size and shape, so luggage that is acceptable for commercial air transport will also be suitable for transport by virtually all other means.

Luggage including suitcases, backpacks, handbags and duffel bags (“luggage”) is typically sized and shaped to support convenient storage and transport of personal goods, in sizes that are allowed or required for air travel in cargo holds or in overhead compartments. In that regard, luggage may be carried into the cabin of an airplane, or checked in for transport in the luggage or freight compartment of an airplane. In the case of carried-on luggage, most airlines have volume requirements such that luggage must fit within airline-specified height, width and/or length requirements along with weight limitations

Most luggage (backpacks, suitcases, etc.) is designed to be transported in a vertical upright position whether on wheels or on the body. However, luggage is normally packed with the luggage in a horizontal position with a flap or upper piece designed to open on three sides to fully expose the interior of the luggage to facilitate packing and unpacking. Backpacks and some luggage are packed in a vertical position with a top panel flap opened to expose the interior. Most suitcases are loaded by opening the front face while the container is in a horizontal position. Many backpacks and some cases are loaded from the top after opening a top flap and exposing the interior. The contents of luggage and backpacks are packed on top of each other in order to fill the luggage to its desired capacity. Once packed, the luggage is positioned vertically for transport as most suitcases and many other luggage items have wheels mounted on the bottom. The backpack is similarly positioned vertically for transport utilizing straps attached to the rear panel of the backpack which are designed to fit over one's shoulders. At destination, the luggage is placed in the horizontal position and the front panel opened to expose and access the interior contents. The backpack is placed on its bottom and the top flap opened to expose and access the interior contents. Access to any item on or near the bottom of the luggage or backpack requires removal of all items on top. Once the desired item is retrieved, the removed items must be either stored elsewhere or replaced in the luggage, bag or backpack. At each destination, this sequence of unpacking and re-packing is repeated. In order to access and retrieve any particular item, other items must be removed and replaced or stored in another location.

A disadvantage of the existing luggage or backpack configuration is that, at each destination, in order to access any desired particular item, other items atop the desired item must be removed. Frequently, the luggage is unpacked, the contents temporarily stored in drawers or closets and then re-packed when departing. To avoid constant removal and replacement of individual items, the luggage contents are frequently unpacked and temporarily stored in drawers or closets for retrieval and replacement. Upon departure, all items must be re-packed and the opening closed and secured. Alternatively, removed items are replaced in the luggage or backpack. Retrieval of any particular item by the user requires a repetition of the removal of layers of packed clothing or accessories. When empty and not in use while traveling, the luggage must be stored. Even when empty, large suitcases occupy significant space in some storage area such as a closet, room corner, under a bed, or garage. Empty luggage serves no utilitarian purpose when stored and not in use. Prior to a departure, the luggage must be retrieved from storage, re-packed and closed before transportation.

There is a need for a suitcase, bag or backpack to not only serve as a carrying method for items in transit but also as a storage, retrieval and replacement means for items at destination, configured to assist in retrieval or replacement of carried items. Luggage that permits immediate retrieval and replacement of items of clothing and travel accessories saves time and effort, increases the utility of the luggage, and permits organization of carried items.

Due to the increased use by travelers of travel documents and accessories including electronic documents and portable electronic devices, access by travelers is generally restricted to front or side pockets. Access is restricted when the luggage is in the horizontal stored position. Removal and replacement of the luggage is necessary for access. This becomes particularly cumbersome when the luggage is in an overhead storage compartment. This is exacerbated when the transportation conveyance is in motion particularly during air turbulence or on uneven surfaces. Document retrieval and charging is facilitated and safer if access is easily provided whether the luggage or backpack is in the vertical or horizontal stored position. Easy access to travel documents and battery charging devices during actual transit without removal and replacement of the luggage promotes safety and saves time. Top panel superimposed pockets containing travel documents (such as passports, boarding passes, etc.) and a battery charging device with cables offers convenient access whether the luggage is vertical or horizontal (such as stored in an overhead luggage rack). Removal and replacement of such luggage from overhead storage compartments or racks is mostly eliminated.

The typical luggage contains a fixed flap permanently attached to the luggage on at least one edge. Toiletries and other grooming and dressing items are generally packed in the interior space. They must be removed from the interior space of the luggage and carried to the place of use. These accessories include hair dryers, curlers, shavers, etc. This necessitates successive trips between the luggage and the place of use. Following use, these items must be replaced for transport or re-use.

Re-packing of the pouches requires assembly, moving them to the site of the luggage and fitting them into the luggage. A disadvantage of typical luggage configurations is the lack of a dedicated detachable compartment for toiletries and grooming items which could be contained in a detachable compartment, removed for use and then replaced for transit. If a detachable compartment could be hung on a hook or bar, the contents would be readily available at the point of actual use.

In one embodiment, a luggage system is disclosed. The luggage system maximizes storage space in a fixed size luggage. It permits safe access to transit items (boarding passes, reservation documents, tickets, etc.) from luggage in a horizontal (stored) position when in motion without removing and replacing the luggage. Especially the present invention provides convenient access to individual desired items without removal, temporary storage and re-packing of other contents. It provides a usable computer work surface during transit waiting periods. It provides a detachable portable briefcase and eliminates the necessity of carrying a separate briefcase during transit. It provides a convenient electronic charging device during transit periods when power outlets are not available. It eliminates repetitive unpacking and temporary storage (in drawers, closets or bathrooms) at intermediate destinations. It eliminates re-packing of clothing and accessories prior to departure. It eliminates the temporary storage of empty suitcases at intermediate destinations. It saves time and effort in accessing and replacing individual clothing items and travel accessories. It provides a carrying method during transit but also a storage and retrieval method at each destination. It permits access and utilization of clothing and accessories at the place of actual use at intermediate destinations without removing and carrying the items to the place of use and then returning and replacing them into the luggage. It saves time and minimizes effort in packing, accessing, removing and replacing clothing and travel accessories. It facilitates the transit of luggage over uneven surfaces by providing an optional detachable method of carriage as a backpack. It permits easy removal and replacement of detachable exterior pockets. It combines a travel storage container, a briefcase and a liquid container carriage into a single integrated unit eliminating the need to carry three separate items.

Given the limitations of convenient access to travel documents, electronic device charging components, the large undivided luggage or backpack interior, the necessity of removing multiple items from the interior to access a single desired item, the lack of utility of an empty suitcase, the present invention provides (i) convenient access to travel documents and charging battery during transit in the vertical or horizontal position, (ii) storage and access to items of clothing and travel accessories on detachable and adjustable zipper cloth shelves, (iii) detachable toiletries pockets to be separately detached, (iv) an expandable front panel to be detached and hung on a hook or bar during use, (v) storage of bulky, wet or soiled items in a waterproof detachable bottom zipper faced pocket, (vi) elimination of the necessity of unpacking and re-packing at each destination in order to access luggage contents, and (vii) a detachable briefcase.

This application describes an improved luggage bag with external locking zipper pulls, superimposed top panel storage pockets, side panel elastic straps and pockets, an expandable, detachable and suspendable front panel with middle internal hook and loop fastened pockets for toiletries and grooming accessories, front panel interior elastic buckle strap, front panel interior pockets for clothing, top and front panel elastic cords, interior space detachable and vertically adjustable reinforced interior zipper edge stretchable cloth shelves for easy storage, retrieval and replacement of single items of rolled or folded clothing or travel accessories, a detachable waterproof zipper front bottom pocket for storage of bulky items, soiled or wet clothing and personal travel items, and a detachable briefcase.

The luggage system enables travelers to (i) secure contents with external locking zippers, (ii) utilize external elastic straps on a side panel for temporary storage during transit, (iii) utilize the top front panel pocket as a fold down work surface, (iv) access travel documents and device charging battery from superimposed top panel pockets while the luggage is in the vertical or horizontal (stored) position (v) temporarily store travel items under exterior elastic cords on the top and front panels during transit, (vi) detach, transport, and hang the front panel for access to its contents at point of use, (vii) easily store and readily access individual items of rolled or folded clothing and travel accessories on detachable, vertically adjustable interior zipper stretch cloth shelves and (viii) store bulky, wet or soiled items in a waterproof detachable bottom zipper faced pocket.

In some embodiments, the luggage system may comprise interior detachable and vertically adjustable shelves that eliminate packing items on top of one another. Rolled or folded items of clothing are placed on separate shelves. All items are visible upon opening the flap. Any particular item is retrievable from its shelf without removal or disturbing other items.

The luggage system eliminates the necessity of empty luggage storage. Emptying the contents becomes an option for the user. For example, in extended stays at any particular destination, the user may, if he or she chooses, empty the luggage contents and utilize existing drawer or closet space. For shorter stays, or for destinations where storage space is minimal or non-existent, the presently disclosed luggage is a traveling chest of drawers. Unpacking the entire contents becomes unnecessary and may be eliminated. Storage of the empty luggage becomes unnecessary.

The presently disclosed luggage contains a detachable front panel with toiletries and grooming items in pockets secured to the interior front panel with hook and loop fasteners. Larger grooming items such as hair dryers, curling irons and electric razors are secured with elastic straps on the middle of the interior front panel.

When the front panel is opened and lowered or detached, the luggage operates as an open-front chest of drawers eliminating the need to unpack or remove top layers of clothing to access any desired article. The entire interior space contents are visible at a single glance. The internal volume of the bag is divided into multiple spaces by zipper edged stretchable cloth shelf dividers. The vertically adjustable cloth zipper shelves permit maximum organizational utility, flexibility and instant access and replacement of interior contents. Removal or other items to retrieve a particular item is eliminated. Re-packing the luggage before departure is eliminated. The space occupied by and lack of utility of empty luggage is eliminated. Traveler convenience is facilitated. Time is saved.

Provided herein is a design for luggage or backpack that can conveniently be accessed during transit, eliminates the need to unpack at each destination, eliminates content spillage when opened vertically, and enables the user to access and replace individual items on detachable, adjustable and stretchable cloth zipper edge interior shelves. When opened, the luggage or backpack becomes an open front chest of drawers. The need to temporarily store an empty suitcase or backpack is eliminated. In addition, it permits storage of bulky, wet or soiled items in a waterproof detachable interior zipper front pocket.

For purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions of certain preferred embodiments are hereinafter provided such that one having ordinary skill in the art may be enabled to make and use the invention. These details and descriptions are representative only of certain preferred embodiments, however, a myriad of other embodiments which will not be expressly described will be readily understood by one having skill in the art upon a thorough review of the instant disclosure. Accordingly, any reviewer of the instant disclosure should interpret the scope of the invention only by the claims, as such scope is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described and illustrated herein.

The features, components, and configurations described in connection with the various embodiments illustrated herein may be combined, interchanged, or otherwise modified in any number of ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments are presented by way of example and not limitation, and it is intended that the invention encompasses all such combinations, permutations, and modifications as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

For ease of illustration and to avoid overly cluttered drawings, a single structural or functional element of a given embodiment may be identified by different reference numerals in different figures or views. The use of distinct numerals for the same element does not signify that the illustrated portions are separate or distinct structures unless the text of the specification expressly states otherwise.

For purposes herein, the term “detachable”, “detachably coupled” and any variants means to fully separate wherein no portion of one object is coupled to any portion of the other object.

Unless explicitly defined herein, terms are to be construed in accordance with the plain and ordinary meaning as would be appreciated by one having skill in the art. General Description of Embodiments

In a general embodiment, a luggage system is disclosed. The luggage system comprises a plurality of panels forming an interior volume comprising storage space, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a rear panel opposite the front panel, a right panel, a left panel opposite the right panel, a top panel, and bottom panel opposite the top panel, wherein the front panel provides access to the storage space. The the front panel detachably couples to each of the left panel, the right panel, the top panel, and the bottom panel. The front panel comprises a hook disposed at an upper edge of the front panel between an upper right corner and an upper left corner for hanging the front panel when completely detached from the luggage system. The luggage system further comprises a telescoping handle disposed on or in the rear panel and configured to extend upward beyond the top panel for towing the luggage system. A plurality of wheels are coupled to the bottom panel. The luggage system further comprises a plurality of adjustable shelves disposed within the interior volume, each of the plurality of adjustable shelves further comprising an edge having a coupler mechanism/The coupler mechanism is configured to detachably couple to an interior of the right panel, an interior of the left panel, and an interior of the rear panel. The luggage system further comprises an upper pocket disposed on an exterior of the front panel, the upper pocket comprising a first inner wall and a second inner wall forming an inside of the upper pocket, wherein the first inner wall is flush with the front panel and the second inner wall is coupled to the first inner wall. The upper pocket further comprises a substrate comprising the second inner wall and an outer wall opposite the second inner wall. The substrate further includes a top side, a bottom side, a right side, and a left side, wherein the substrate is detachably coupled to the first inner wall at the top side, the right side, and the left side, and the substrate is hingedly coupled to the first inner wall at the bottom side. The upper pocket further comprises a first tether coupled to the first inner wall and the substrate at the right side of the second inner wall, and a second tether coupled to the first inner wall and the substrate at the left side of the second inner wall, wherein the first tether and the second tether are configured to maintain the substrate substantially perpendicular to the front panel defined as a fully opened state.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of adjustable shelves may further comprise an edge having a coupler mechanism, the coupler mechanism configured to detachably couple to an interior of the right panel, an interior of the left panel, and an interior of the rear panel. The coupler mechanism may comprise a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, interlocking tubes, or a combination thereof. The coupler mechanism may further comprise a smaller diameter tube coupled to the edge of each of the plurality of adjustable shelves, wherein the smaller diameter tube is configured to thread into a larger diameter tube disposed on the interior of each of the right panel, the left panel, and the rear panel.

In some embodiments, the interior of the right panel, the left panel, and the rear panel each may comprise a plurality of attachment mechanisms configured to engage with the coupler mechanism of each of the plurality of adjustable shelves. Each of the plurality of attachment mechanisms may comprise an elongated structure wherein each of the plurality of attachment mechanisms is in parallel alignment with the bottom panel and the top panel. Each of the attachment mechanisms disposed on the rear panel may be coupled to one of the plurality of attachment mechanisms of the right panel and to one of the plurality of attachment mechanisms of the left panel.

In some embodiments, the plurality of adjustable shelves may comprise an elastic material.

In some embodiments, the interior volume may further comprise a bottom compartment disposed between the bottom panel and the plurality of adjustable shelves, wherein the bottom compartment is detachable from the interior volume.

In some embodiments, the substrate may be configurable into a closed state wherein the substrate covers each portion of the first inner wall.

In some embodiments, the upper pocket may further comprise an elastic strap extending parallel to the bottom side of the second inner wall, the elastic strap configured to secure devices between the elastic strap and the second inner wall of the substrate.

In some embodiments, the first inner wall and the second inner wall may further comprise padding.

In some embodiments, the first inner wall may be detachably coupled to the front panel such that the upper pocket is configured to fully detach from the front panel. The upper pocket may further comprise a shoulder strap removably coupled to an upper portion of the front pocket.

In some embodiments, the first inner wall may be detachably coupled to the front panel by twist fasteners.

In some embodiments, the front panel may be expandable from the left panel, the right panel, the top panel, and the bottom panel thereby increasing the interior volume. The front panel may be expandable by a zipper gusset. The front panel may further comprise a perimeter having an open end locking zipper. The front panel may further comprise a plurality of interior pouches disposed on an interior of the front panel. The front panel may further comprise an upper left corner and an upper right corner each comprising an attachment strap. The front panel may further comprise a hook disposed at an upper edge of the front panel between the upper right corner and the upper left corner for hanging the front panel when completely detached from the luggage system.

In another general embodiment, a luggage system is disclosed. The luggage system comprises a plurality of panels forming an interior volume comprising storage space, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a rear panel opposite the front panel, a right panel, a left panel opposite the right panel, a top panel, and bottom panel opposite the top panel, wherein the front panel provides access to the storage space. The luggage system further comprises a telescoping handle disposed on or in the rear panel and configured to extend upward beyond the top panel for towing the luggage system. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the bottom panel. The luggage system further comprises a plurality of adjustable shelves disposed within the interior volume.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of adjustable shelves may further comprise an edge having a coupler mechanism, the coupler mechanism configured to detachably couple to an interior of the right panel, an interior of the left panel, and an interior of the rear panel. The coupler mechanism may comprise a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, interlocking tubes, or a combination thereof. The coupler mechanism may further comprise a smaller diameter tube coupled to the edge of each of the plurality of adjustable shelves, wherein the smaller diameter tube is configured to thread into a larger diameter tube disposed on the interior of each of the right panel, the left panel, and the rear panel.

In some embodiments, the interior of the right panel, the left panel, and the rear panel each may comprise a plurality of attachment mechanisms configured to engage with the coupler mechanism of each of the plurality of adjustable shelves. Each of the plurality of attachment mechanisms may comprise an elongated structure wherein each of the plurality of attachment mechanisms is in parallel alignment with the bottom panel and the top panel. Each of the attachment mechanisms disposed on the rear panel may be coupled to one of the plurality of attachment mechanisms of the right panel and to one of the plurality of attachment mechanisms of the left panel.

In some embodiments, the plurality of adjustable shelves may comprise an elastic material.

In some embodiments, the interior volume may further comprise a bottom compartment disposed between the bottom panel and the plurality of adjustable shelves, wherein the bottom compartment is detachable from the interior volume.

In some embodiments, the luggage system may further comprise an upper pocket disposed on an exterior of the front panel, the upper pocket comprising a first inner wall and a second inner wall forming an inside of the upper pocket, wherein the first inner wall is flush with the front panel and the second inner wall is coupled to the first inner wall. The upper pocket further comprises a substrate comprising the second inner wall and an outer wall opposite the second inner wall, the substrate further comprising a top side, a bottom side, a right side, and a left side, wherein the substrate is detachably coupled to the first inner wall at the top side, the right side, and the left side, and the substrate is hingedly coupled to the first inner wall at the bottom side. A first tether is coupled to the first inner wall and the substrate at the right side of the second inner wall, and a second tether is coupled to the first inner wall and the substrate at the left side of the second inner wall. The first tether and the second tether are configured to maintain the substrate substantially perpendicular to the front panel defined as a fully opened state.

In some embodiments, the substrate may be configurable into a closed state wherein

the substrate covers each portion of the first inner wall.

In some embodiments, the upper pocket may further comprise an elastic strap extending parallel to the bottom side of the second inner wall, the elastic strap configured to secure devices between the elastic strap and the second inner wall of the substrate.

In some embodiments, the first inner wall and the second inner wall may further comprise padding.

In some embodiments, the first inner wall may be detachably coupled to the front panel such that the upper pocket is configured to fully detach from the front panel. The upper pocket may further comprise a shoulder strap removably coupled to an upper portion of the front pocket.

In some embodiments, the first inner wall may be detachably coupled to the front panel by twist fasteners.

In some embodiments, the front panel may be detachably coupled to each of the left panel, the right panel, the top panel, and the bottom panel. The front panel may be expandable from the left panel, the right panel, the top panel, and the bottom panel thereby increasing the interior volume. The front panel may be expandable by a zipper gusset. The front panel may further comprise a perimeter having an open end locking zipper. The front panel may further comprise a plurality of interior pouches disposed on an interior of the front panel. The front panel may further comprise an upper left corner and an upper right corner each comprising an attachment strap. The front panel may further comprise a hook disposed at an upper edge of the front panel between the upper right corner and the upper left corner for hanging the front panel when completely detached from the luggage system.

In one embodiment a luggage system is disclosed. The luggage system comprises a rollable upright stiff-sided travel suitcase or backpack comprising: superimposed exterior top pockets, an exterior upper front folding pocket, an exterior lower front pocket, an open ended separating locking zipper exterior front opening fold down detachable front panel, exterior side pockets, elastic cords on the exterior front and sides, having interior detachable and vertically adjustable clothing and accessory spaces using open ended separating zipper-edged stretch cloth shelves attached to vertically pre-spaced corresponding separating zippers for placement and retrieval of items.