CONVERTIBLE LUGGAGE AND DRESSING STATION REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Application Number 61/076,761, which was filed on June 30, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates generally to storage containers. More particularly, the invention relates to a convertible luggage and dressing station having a clothing rack. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] When participating in certain activities such as dance or ice skating, it is necessary to transport several clothing combinations to a location where a competition is to occur and then display the clothing to facilitate selecting between the clothing items. While there are duffel bag-like items that are utilized for this purpose, the prior art devices each fall significantly short of providing an optimal system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] The present invention provides a convertible luggage and dressing station comprising: a storage region; at least one wheel attached to the storage region; at least one handle attached to the storage region; and a clothing support bar. [0004a] The term 'comprising' as used in this specification and claims means 'consisting at least in part of. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term 'comprising', other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as 'comprise' and 'comprised' are to be interpreted in similar manner. [0004b] The present invention further provides a convertible luggage and dressing station comprising: a storage region comprising a bottom panel, a pair of side panels, a pair of end panels and a top panel that are interconnected to form an enclosed region; at least one wheel attached to the storage region; at least one handle attached to the storage region, wherein the handle is slidably, pivotally or detachably mounted with respect to the storage region; at least one pocket on a surface of the storage region; and a clothing support bar comprising a pair of side bars and a top bar and wherein the top bar extends between the side bars. [0004c] An embodiment of the invention relates to a convertible luggage and dressing station that enables clothing to be transported to a use location and enables the clothing to be displayed on a clothing rack to facilitate changing between various clothing items.
WO 2010/002860 PCT/US2009/049209 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0005] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts. [0006] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible luggage and dressing station according to an embodiment of the invention where the convertible luggage and dressing station is in a storage configuration. [0007] Fig. 2 is a first side view of the convertible luggage and dressing station in the storage configuration. [0008] Fig. 3 is a second side view of the convertible luggage and dressing station in the storage configuration. [0009] Fig. 4 is top view of the convertible luggage and dressing station in the storage configuration. [0010] Fig. 5 is a first end view of the convertible luggage and dressing station in the storage configuration. [0011] Fig. 6 is a second end view of the convertible luggage and dressing station in the storage configuration. [0012] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the convertible luggage and dressing station in a display configuration. [0013] Fig. 8 is a top view of the convertible luggage and dressing station in the display configuration. 2 WO 2010/002860 PCT/US2009/049209 [0014] Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along a line A-A in Fig. 8. [0015] Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along a line B-B in Fig. 8. [0016] Fig. 11 is a side view of a stool for use with the convertible luggage and dressing station. [0017] Fig. 12 is a top view of the stool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0018] An embodiment of the invention is directed to a convertible luggage and dressing station, as illustrated at 10 in Figs. 1-10. The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 facilitates transportation of clothing and accessories to a location where the clothing and accessories will be used. The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 also facilitates displaying the clothing and accessories at the location where the clothing and accessories will be used such to facilitate changing between different clothing and accessories. [0019] While the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may be used in conjunction with a variety of applications, the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 is particularly suited for use in coInjunction with dance competitions and ice skating competitions that each require multiple changes of clothing and/or accessories while participating in a particular competition. [0020] Displaying the clothing and/or accessories in an organized manner enables the participants in such competitions to rapidly change clothing and/or accessories because the participants may have a relatively limited amount of time between the performances to make such changes. [0021] The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may be positioned in a storage configuration, as illustrated in Fig. 1, or a display configuration, as illustrated in Fig. 7. The 3 WO 2010/002860 PCT/US2009/049209 configuration of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 enables the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 to be readily changed between the storage configuration and the display configuration. [0022] The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may include a storage region 20 that is defined by a bottom panel 22, a pair of side panels 24 and a pair of end panels 26. The storage region 20 may also include a top panel 28 that engages one or more of the pair of side panels 24 and the pair of end panels 26. [0023] In certain embodiments, the top panel 28 may be attached to one of the side panels 24 and releasably engage the other side panel 24 as well as the pair of end panels 26 using a zipper to substantially enclose objects placed in the storage region 20. It is possible to use other devices for releasably engaging the top panel 28, the side panel 24 and the end panels 24, examples of which include snaps, buttons and hook and loop fasteners. In other embodiments, the top panel 28 may be entirely detachable from the other portions of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. [0024] To facilitate organizing objects that are stored inside of the storage region 20, at least one of the bottom panel 22, the side panels 24, the end panels 26 and the top panel 28 may include at least one pocket. The pocket may be maintained in a closed position with a fastener such as a snap, zipper or hook and loop fastener. The pocket may also be maintained in a closed position with a resilient material such as elastic. [0025] It is also possible to include at least one loop or hook in the storage region 20. In certain embodiments, there are several hooks or loops that are generally arranged in a line. The hooks and loops may be used to attach a hanger within the storage region 20 to thereby minimize movement of the item that is placed on the hanger. [0026] To reduce the potential of damage to outer surfaces of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 such as when the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 is slid 4 WO 2010/002860 PCT/US2009/049209 along a surface, at least one protector may be attached to the outer surface of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. In certain embodiments, there are two elongated protectors attached to the outer surface of the bottom panel 22. [0027] The storage region 20 may be formed with dimensions that are selected based upon the volume and type of objects that are desired to be placed in the storage region 20. In certain embodiments, the storage region 20 may have a length of between about 24 inches and 48 inches, a width of between about 6 inches and 24 inches and a height of between about 6 inches and 24 inches. [0028] The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may be formed from a variety of materials depending on the desired durability and appearance. Examples of materials that may be utilized to fabricate the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 include canvas, leather and vinyl. [0029] The storage region 20 may be divided into multiple compartments. The storage region 20 may also include one or more retaining devices to retain objects in a fixed position therein. Examples of these retaining devices include straps, pouches and hooks. Depending on the intended use of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10, the retaining devices may be transparent, waterproof or fabricated from a mesh material. [0030] As an alternative to or in addition to the preceding retaining devices, the storage region 20 may include one or more hard-sided or soft-sided storage containers. The storage containers may include one or more compartments therein to facilitate organizing objects that may be utilized in conjunction with the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. [0031] At least one storage pouch 30 may be provided on an outer surface of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. In certain embodiments, at least two storage pouches 30 are provided on each of the side panels 24. While the storage pouches 30 are 5 WO 2010/002860 PCT/US2009/049209 illustrated as being generally square, it is possible for the storage pouches 30 to have a variety of other configurations depending on the objects that are to be stored therein. [0032] At least one of the storage pouches 30 may be insulated to maintain objects placed therein at a temperature that is warmer or cooler than ambient temperature. A person of skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of materials may be used to provide the insulation. Additionally, a thickness of the insulating materials may be selected to provide a desired degree of insulation. [0033] To retain objects in the storage pouch 30, a closure device may be provided thereon. Examples of suitable closure devices include zippers, snaps, buttons and hook and loop fasteners. [0034] It is also possible to provide at least one hook or loop on the outside of the storage region 20. The at least one hook or loop may be placed along opposite ends of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. The hook or loop may be utilized for attaching objects to the storage region 20 such as using a bungee cord. This feature is particularly useful for objects having a length and/or width that is greater than a length and/or width of the storage region 20. [0035] The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may include at least one wheel 32 mounted thereon to facilitate moving the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. In certain embodiments, there are two wheels 32 mounted proximate to one end of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. [0036] Alternatively, the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may be configured with multiple wheels 32 that support the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 above a ground surface. This configuration enables the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 to be moved without the person moving the convertible luggage and dressing 6 WO 2010/002860 PCT/US2009/049209 station 10 having to support any of the weight of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. [0037] A handle 34 may extend from the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 such that the handle 34 extends from an end of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 that is opposite the wheels 32. The handle 34 and the wheels 32 thereby enable the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 to be rolled along the ground, which obviates the need to lift the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. [0038] The handle 34 may be slidably mounted with respect to the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 to enable the handle 34 to move between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. When in the retracted configuration, the handle 34 may be substantially confined within the dimensions of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. When in the extended configuration, the handle 34 may extend a distance of up to about 20 inches from the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 to facilitate holding the handle 34 while pulling the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. [0039] Alternatively or additionally, the handle 34 may be pivotally attached to the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. This configuration enables the handle 34 to be pivoted between a retracted position and an extended position. A locking mechanism may be provided to maintain the handle 34 in at least one of the retracted position and the extended configuration. [0040] In other embodiments, the handle 34 may be detachably connected to the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 such that the handle 34 may be detached from the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 when not in use. [0041] For situations where it is necessary to carry the convertible luggage and dressing station 10, at least one strap 50 may be attached to the storage region 20. In certain embodiments, one strap 50 is attached to each of the side panels 24. Multiple straps may be 7 WO 2010/002860 PCT/US2009/049209 used in conjunction with the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 such that the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may be carried like a back pack. Small handles may also be attached to at least one of the outer surfaces of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. [0042] The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may also include a clothing support bar 40 on which clothes or other objects may be hung to facilitate viewing the clothing options. The clothing support bar 40 may be positioned between a storage configuration and a use configuration. [0043] When in the storage configuration, the clothing support bar 40 may fit entirely within the storage region 20. When in the use configuration, the clothing support bar 40 extends substantially between the end panels 26 and is positioned above the storage region 20. [0044] The clothing support bar 40 may include a pair of side bars 42 and a top bar 44 that extends between the side bars 42. To facilitate storing the clothing support bar 40 within the storage region 20, the side bars 42 and the top bar 44 may each include a multiple part configuration. In certain embodiments, the multiple parts of the side bars 42 and the top bar 44 have a telescoping configuration. In other embodiments, the clothing support bar 40 may include sections that are attached together using other mechanisms, examples of which include snaps and screws. [0045] A length of the side bars 42 may be selected based upon a length of the clothing that is to be hung upon the clothing support bar 40 so that the clothing hangs substantially above the storage region 20. Forming the side bars 42 with these dimensions reduces the potential of the clothing being wrinkled. [0046] Depending on a variety of factors such as the width of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10, it may be possible to include an outrigger that extends from at least 8 WO 2010/002860 PCT/US2009/049209 one side of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. The outrigger may be slidably or pivotally attached to the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. The outrigger thereby resists tipping over of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 when objects are placed on the clothing support bar 40. [0047] To facilitate a person using the convertible luggage and dressing station 10, a stool 70 may also be provided, as illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12. The stool 70 may include a collapsible configuration to facilitate either storing the stool 70 in the storage region or in a pouch attached to the outside of the storage region 20. [0048] The pouch may be formed with a width that is slightly wider than a widest point of the stool 70 to facilitate sliding the stool 70 into the pouch. The pouch may be formed with a length that is less than a length of the stool 70 such that a portion of the stool 70 extends outside of the stool 70 when the stool 70 is stored in the pouch. [0049] The stool 70 may be placed into the pouch with a top portion 74 oriented toward the pouch. A strap may be provided to extend around at least one of the legs 72 to thereby retain the stool 70 in the pouch. While not illustrated, the stool 70 may include a back to provide additional support to the person sitting on the stool 70. [0050] In certain configurations, the stool 70 includes three legs 72 that are pivotally attached to each other. The stool 70 may also include a top portion 74 that is mounted to an upper end of each leg 72. The top portion 74 may be flexible so that it can collapse for storage. [0051] In one configuration, the stool 70 includes three legs that are pivotally mounted to each other proximate an intermediate portion thereof. The chair also includes a flexible seating surface that is attached to the legs proximate an end thereof. [0052] When in the storage configuration, the size of the chair is minimized because the legs are substantially parallel to each other. When in the use configuration, the legs are 9 WO 2010/002860 PCT/US2009/049209 oriented at an angle with respect to each other to provide a stable support base with the seating surface at an upper end thereof. [0053] In use, objects that need to be utilized at a location away from where the objects are typically stored are placed in the storage region 20. These objects may be used, for example, in conjunction with a dance or ice skating completion. The storage region 20 is then closed so that the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may be transported to a location where the objects are to be used. [0054] Thereafter, the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 is opened and the clothing support bar 40 is placed in the use configuration. The objects are attached to the clothing support bar 40 so that the person who is to be using the objects may readily view the objects and select between the objects. Once done using the objects, the clothing support bar 40 is detached and the objects are stored inside of the storage region 20 for transport back to the initial location. [0055] In the preceding detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "leading," "trailing," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The preceding detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. 10 WO 2010/002860 PCT/US2009/049209 [0056] It is contemplated that features disclosed in this application, as well as those described in the above applications incorporated by reference, can be mixed and matched to suit particular circumstances. Various other modifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill. 11