AU2012289826A1

AU2012289826A1 - Article of luggage

Info

Publication number: AU2012289826A1
Application number: AU2012289826A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jarrod D'ARCY
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-08-01
Filing date: 2012-08-01
Publication date: 2014-02-27
Also published as: WO2013016768A1

Abstract

The present invention provides an article of luggage comprising a head cushioning means, the head cushioning means being capable of adopting a first undeployed state and a second deployed state, wherein in the undeployed state the head cushioning means does not substantially alter the outer dimensions of the article of luggage nor substantially impinge on the internal volume of the article of luggage.

Description

WO 2013/016768 PCT/AU2012/000906 ARTCLEOF WGGAM RED OFTHEINVENTION 5 The present invention is directed to articles of luggage of the kind typically used by an individual in the course of travelling or touring. In particular, the invention is directed to artidesof luggage that are carried on an individual's person, or carried in the hand. BAOCGIOJND7TOTHEINVENTION l0 The industrial age has resulted in the ability for individuals to travel widely, for both work related reasons and also leisure. Travel by air, train, bus, and ship is now readily accessible to a large proportion of the human population at reasonable cost. 5 Een in this technological era, travel is still fraught with difficulty. Mechanical problems with aircraft, trains, buses, industrial strike action, weather and human error can all interfere with atraveller's scheduled plans. &'en without the aforementioned problems, a traveller may be delayed. For example, it is .0 not uncommon for a traveller to wait several hours for a connecting flight at an airport. In such instances, the traveller may be suffering the effects of jet lag and may be in need of rest or even sleep. Airports, bus stations, train stations and the like are often not often well equipped to deal 25 with passengers needs, especially for longer delays. While airports typically provide food outlets, toilets, shower facilities and the like, facilities for the traveller to effectively rest, or even sleep are not often provided. While some airports have attached hotel facilities, these are typically an expensive option and in any event impractical for shorter delays. 30 It isa further problem that a traveller's-luggage is susceptible to tampering or theft in public places such as airports and bus stations During rest or sleep, a traveller's belongings are exposed to an unacceptable risk especially in areas of low security. A bag may be tampered with to traffic a contraband substance, or a traveller's documents, credit card or cash could be stolen. 1 WO 2013/016768 PCT/AU2012/000906 15 It is an aspect of the present invention to overcome or alleviate a problem of the prior art by providing an improved art ide of luggage. The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, artides and the like is induded in this Q spedfication solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each provisional daim of this application. 15 SJMMARYOFTHEINVETION In a first aspect the present invention provides an artide of luggage comprising a head cushioning means, the head cushioning means being capable of adopting a first undeployed state and a second deployed state, wherein in the undeployed state the head cushioning means does not substantially alter the outer dimensions of the artide of luggage nor ;0 substantially impinge on the internal volume of the artide of luggage. In one embodiment, the head cushioning means does not substantially interfere with the ease by which the art ide of luggage is carried, nor the capacity of the art ide of luggage. 5 In other embodiments of the artide of luggage a dimension of the head cushioning means in the undeployed state is smaller than that in the deployed state, and/or the volume of the heading cushioning means in the undeployed state is smaller than that of the undeployed state and/or the area of a face of the head cushioning means is smaller than that of the undeployed state. 60 According to other embodiments a dimension, and/or volume and/or an area of the cushioning means represented as a percentage of the undeployed state is less than about 50*/q more preferably less than about 25 0 / and still more preferably less than about 10 0 % 2 WO 2013/016768 PCT/AU2012/000906 5 other embodiments provide that the outer dimension of the artide is increased due to incorporation of the head cushioning means by less than 50 / and more preferably less than about 1% In one embodiment, in the undeployed state the head cushioning means does not 10 substantially impinge on the internal volume of the artide of luggage. The volume of the article may be decreased due to incorporation of the head cushioning means by less than about 5%4 and more preferably less than about 1% The head cushioning means may be inflatable and optionally deflatable in -some ?5 embodiments, or may be fabricated from a resilient material that is capable of assuming an expanded and a non-expanded form. According to one embodiment the head cushioning means is attached toward an edge of the artide of luggage thereby limiting impingement on a central region of the art ide. )0 In other embodiments the head cushioning means is attached to a region of the artide of luggage such that interference with the user is lowered or minimized. Certain other embodiments of the artide of luggage provide that the head cushioning 35 means is foldable and/or rollable. In one embodiment, the article of luggage comprises a means of attachment wherein the head cushioning means is attached (and optionally permanently attached) to the artide of luggage. The meansof attachment may attach to the interior of the article. 90 A further embodiment comprises an aperture in a wall of the artide, preferably configured such that the contents of the art ide are not accessible when the aperture is opened to allow deployment of the head cushioning means. 3 WO 2013/016768 PCT/AU2012/000906 )5 In another embodiment the artide of luggage is configured so as to allow for the deployed head cushioning means to be laid on a surface of the artide while still maintaining attachment to the main body of the artide. According to another embodiment the artide of luggage comprises anchoring means )0 adapted to secure an edge or surface of the head cushioning means to the main body of the art ide of luggage. Bill a further embodiment provides that the artide of luggage is configured such that the main opening or an ancillary opening is not required to be opened to deploy the head )5 cushioning means. EHEFDEEPf1ON OFTHERGURS Rg. 1A shows a rear view of an artide of luggage according to the present invention, 10 whereby the head cushioning means is in the undeployed state. Fig. 1B shows a rear view of an artide of luggage according to the present invention, whereby the head cushioning means is in the deployed state. 15 Fig. 2 shows an artide of luggage accordingto the present invention, in use by atraveller. DEUALED DEEEHPTION OFTHEINVENTION 120 After considering this description it will become apparent to one skilled in the art how the invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not 125 be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. FUrthermore, statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specific exemplary embodiments, and not necessarily to all embodiments covered by the daims. Various embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be described mainly by reference to the sport of golf, however it will be understood that such disclosure is non-limiting and that application 130 to other sports is contemplated. 4 WO 2013/016768 PCT/AU2012/000906 Unless the contrary intention is expressed, the features presented as preferred or alternative forms of the invention can be present in any of the inventions disposed as alone or in any combination with each other. Unless the context dearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the aims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exdusive or exhaustive sense, that isto say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to". I0 In a first aspect the present invention provides an artide of luggage comprising a head cushioning means, the head cushioning means being capable of adopting afirst undeployed state and a second deployed state, wherein in the undeployed state the head cushioning means does not substantially alter the outer dimensions of the article of luggage nor 5 substantially impinge on the internal volume of the article of luggage. Applicant proposes that the comfort of a traveller is improved by an article of luggage as described herein. In the undeployed state, the head cushioning means does not substantially alter the functioning of the article of luggage while in the deployed state provides significant comfort for atraveller. The traveller may cradle their head on the head cushioning means (as shown 30 in Fg. 2), thereby allowing for rest or even sleep on a hard surface such as a floor, bench or table. A further advantage provided by the present invention is an improvement in luggage security. A traveller attempting to rest (or even sleep) in a public place such as an airport, 155 train station, dormitory or even in the street is prone to be the victim of theft or tampering of their luggage. It is important to prevent tampering so that illicit substances such as drugs or explosives are surreptitiously placed in the traveller's luggage. Sme embodiments of the invention provide that the head cushioning means is attached to the artide of luggage or is adapted to lie on top of the article of luggage. When the user's head is laid onto the head 160 cushioning means in accordance with such embodiments, any interference with the luggage is likely to disturb the user. 5 WO 2013/016768 PCT/AU2012/000906 The article of luggage may be any artide that is carried by or on an individual in the course of travel induding a backpack (rucksack), a briefcase, an overnight bag, a laptop case, a 5 sports bag, a women's handbag, or a baby bag. In preferred forms of the invention, the artide of luggage is adapted to be carried on the person thereby providing the opportunity for the traveller to rest at any time. The head cushioning means may be any means capable of comfortably supporting the 'o human head to allow rest. The cushioning means may or may not have a similar softness or level of comfort to a furnishing cushion or a pillow, and only need be more comfortable than a side of the article of luggage. The head cushioning means is capable of adopting an undeployed state and a deployed '5 state. As used herein the term "undeployed state" is intended to encompass states whereby the head cushioning means is not capable of providing cushioning to the head. This incapability may be satisfied by the cushioning means being in an inaccessible part of the artide of luggage and therefore not disposed to providing cushioning for the head. For example, the cushioning means may be stowed inside the article of luggage and so the head 30 is physically not able to make contact. Alternatively, the cushioning means may be positioned in or on an area of the artide of luggage not allowing for effective cushioning of the head. An example of t his circumstance is where the cushioning means is attached to the exterior bottom panel of a tall hiking back pack. In that position the cushioning means will be facing upwards (and therefore be in a position to accept the head) only when the pack is 85 in ar inverted position. Given the height of the pack, the user will dearly be unable to redine and rest the head on the cushioning means. The head cushioning means may not be capable of providing cushioning to the head in circumstances where the cushioning means is accessible, but is not in a configuration 90 providing for the effective cushioning of the head. For example, where the cushioning means is inflatable, in the deflated state it is not in a configuration that could effectively cushion the head. 6 WO 2013/016768 PCT/AU2012/000906 )5 As used herein, the term "deployed state" is intended to encompass states whereby the head cushioning means is capable of providing cushioning to the, head. This capability may be satisfied by the cushioning means being in an accessible part of the article of luggage and therefore disposed to providing cushioning for the head. For example, the cushioning means may be disposed outside the article of luggage and so the head is physically able to )0 make contact. Alternatively, the cushioning means may be positioned in or on an area of the artide of luggage allowing for effective cushioning of the head. An example of this circumstance is where the cushioning means is attached to an exterior side panel of a back pack. In that position the cushioning means will be facing upwards and therefore be in a position to accept the head when the pack is placed on its side. )5 In certain embodiments of the invention the function of these alternative deployed and undeployed states isto provide an artide of luggage that can transform from a luggage item to a dual purpose article of luggage capable of also providing a comfortable platform for the head. 10 Preferably, the head cushioning means does not substantially interfere with the ease by which the article of luggage is carried, nor the capacity of the article of luggage. In one embodiment of the artide of luggage, a dimension of the head cushioning means in 15 the undeployed state is smaller than that in the deployed state. The dimension concerned in this embodiment may be length and/or width and/or height. Feferably the dimensions concerned are length and width and height. In another embodiment of the article of luggage, the volume of the heading cushioning means in the undeployed state is smaller than that of the undeployed state. In a further embodiment of the article of luggage, the ?20 area of a face of the head cushioning means is smaller than that of the undeployed state. The dimensions and shape of the head cushioning means will be sufficient so as to provide adequate comfort for the user. in certain embodiments, the head cushioning means is substantially square, or substantially rectangular in which case an edge may have a length 225 selected from about 10, 11, 12,13, 14,15,16,17,18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 cm. 7 WO 2013/016768 PCT/AU2012/000906 In certain embodiments of the invention, a dimension, and/or volume and/or an area of the cushioning means represented as apercentage of the undeployed state is selected from the 10 group consisting of Iess than about 1% 20 30 40 504 6% 70 8% 90 10% 150 20% 250 30% 3504 4 0 4 450 50% 550 60% 6504 70% 750 80% 85% and 95% preferably a dimension, and/or volume and/or an area of the cushioning means represented as a percentage of the undeployed state is lessthan about 50/q more preferably lessthan about 2504 and still more preferably less than about 10% 15 In the undeployed state, the head cushioning means does not substantially alter the outer dimensions of the artide of luggage. It is an aim of one embodiment of the present invention that incorporation of a head cushioning means into an artide of luggage provides as little modificat ion to the outer dimensions of the article of luggage as possible. R~or ease 10 of carriage at least, an outer dimension (that is a length, or width or'depth) of the article is increased due to incorporation of the head cushioning means by less than about 50% 450% 400 350300 250 200 1504 104 90 80 70 60 5 40 30 20 or 1% Referably the outer dimension is increased by lessthan 50 and more preferably less than about 1% 5 Certain embodiments of the invention provide that in the undeployed state the head cushioning means does not substantially impinge on the internal volume of the artide of luggage. It is an aim of one embodiment of the present invention that incorporation of a head cushioning means into an artide of luggage provides as little modification to the capacity of the article of luggage as possible. To maximize capacity of the art ide of luggage 250 at least, the volume of the artide is decreased due to incorporation of the head cushioning means by less than about 500 450 400 350 300 250 20% 150410% 90% 80 70 604 50 40 3% 204 or 1% Referably the volume is decreased by less than 50 and more preferably less than about 1% 255 In one embodiment of the invention the head cushioning means is inflatable and optionally also deflatable. Typically, this embodiment provides a head cushioning means that is a substantially airtight chamber fabricated from a flexible material. The chamber is generally equipped with a valve (and preferably a one-way valve) allowing for inflation by a user's 8 WO 2013/016768 PCT/AU2012/000906 mouth. Optionally, the chamber may have attached or incorporated a pump (hand 30 operated or electric) capable of inflating the head cushioning means. In addition or alternatively, the head cushioning means may be fabricated from a resilient material that is capable of assuming an expanded and a non-expanded form. Materials are known in the art that will be suitable for this form of the inventions, induding those 5 implemented in self-inflating mattresses composed of an open call foam or a dosed cell foam. Exemplary materials are disclosed in United Sates Patent No 4,149,919 the contents of which is herein incorporated by reference. The cushioning means in preferred embodiments of the invent ion is contoured to cradle the 10 head. For example, the cushioning means may comprise bolsters running parallel along each side such that the head may be disposed in between. This and similar arrangements prevents the head from rolling off the cushioning means thereby providing an increased probability that a sleeping state is maintained.- The cushioning means may comprise a neck support region configured to mould about the neck thereby providing further stability to the '5 head. For improved comfort, the cushioning means may be covered in a foam, a doth, a flocking material, or may be quilted. 280 In one embodiment, the head cushioning means is attached to the article of luggage in a manner that affords advantage in the undeployed state. In one embodiment, the cushioning means is attached toward an edge of the article of luggage thereby limiting impingement on a central region of the artide. In another embodiment it is attached to a region such that interference with the user is lowered or minimized. For example, where 285 the artide of luggage is a back pack the cushioning means may attach to an upper or lower region of the back pack to minimise the opportunity for the undeployed cushioning means to contact the back of the user. More preferably, the cushioning means is attached at a lower region, as shown in Fig. 2A and 2B this embodiment providing for minimal interference to an artide being placed into the pack from an upper opening. 290 9 WO 2013/016768 PCT/AU2012/000906 According to one embodiment, the art ide of luggage indudes a removable cover adapted to encase the cushioning means and in one embodiment is similar to a pillow case. This embodiment allows for protection of the cushioning means from saliva, make up, food and the like and further fadlitates washing. The cover may be releasably attached to the artide )5 of luggage or the cushioning means by any manner known to the skilled artisan. Optionally, the removable cover may display a text, logo or other indidum to brand the article of luggage. The head cushioning means may be foldable and/or rollable, this allowing for more compact )0 stowage of the cushioning meant when in the undeployed state. While many embodiments of the cushioning means may be foldable, the inflatable embodiment is highly amenable to folding. Thus, when deflated the head cushioning means may be first folded in a manner to decrease the width, with the so folded means then being rolled up to further minimise size in the undeployed state. Embodiments such as these allow for the use of a smaller opening )5 through which the head cushioning means may be stowed. According to one embodiment, the head cushioning means is attached (and optionally permanently attached) to the artide of luggage. The means of attachment may be on the interior or exterior of. the artide of luggage. Preferably the means of attachment attaches 10 to the-interior of the artide, such that in the undeployed state the head cushioning means may be kept inside thereby negating the possibility that the cushioning means contacts the traveller when not in use. In one embodiment, the article of luggage comprises an aperture in a wall of the article. 315 Where the means of attachment is interior, the head cushioning means may be moved from the undeployed state to the deployed state by being passed through the aperture in a wall of t he article of luggage. The aperture is optionally openable and doseable by a mechanism such as a zipper, hook-and-loop attachment means, press stud, buttons, and the like. 320 It is contemplated that the aperture may be dedicated to the task of deploying the cushioning means Thus, the aperture may be the opening of a pocket disposed in a side wall of the art ide of luggage whereby the pocket functions to store the cushioning means in 10 WO 2013/016768 PCT/AU2012/000906 the deployed state. Alternatively the aperture may be one that is not dedicated to deployment of the cushioning means and is otherwise normally present in the artide of !5 luggage. Fbr example, the aperture may be the main opening of a badpack or overnight bag. The aperture may be the opening of a pocket on an outside or inside surface of the art ide of luggage. Preferably, the article of luggage is configured such that the contents of the article are not 10 accessible when the aperture is opened to allow deployment of the head cushioning means, this embodiment providing improved security for the contents and a lower probability of tampering. In one embodiment the art ide of luggage is configured so as to allow for the deployed head 35 cushioning means to be laid on a surface of t he artide while still main aining attachment to the main body of the artide. As shown in Fig. 3 this embodiment allows for the cushioning meansto be positioned in a manner on top of the artide to provide greater comfort for the user. On its own, the head cushioning means may not be of sufficient height to provide for a desired upper level of comfort for the user. Racement of the cushioning means on the 10 artide allows for the use of a smaller cushioning means with the attendant advantages of such embodiments described elsewhere herein. Another embodiment of the invention provides for anchoring means adapted to secure an edge or surface of the head cushioning means to the main body of the art ide of luggage. As 345 will be appreciated, the anchoring means may facilitate use of embodiments of the invention configured to allow for the deployed head cushioning means to be laid on a surface of the artide. Addition of the anchoring means provides for a more stable arrangement thereby facilitating comfort on the part of a user. 50 The configurabilit y allowing for t he deployed head cushioning means to be laid on a surface of the artide while still maintaining attachment to the main body of the article may be achieved by providing a flexible attachment means disposed been an edge of the cushioning means and the main body of the artide of luggage. Conveniently, this may be achieved by the-unitary fabrication of the head cushioning means and the flexible attachment means.

WO 2013/016768 PCT/AU2012/000906 5 For example, the head cushioning means may be fabricated from a flexible sheet plastic material to form an airtight chamber. The same flexible sheet plastic material may continue beyond the chamber to form the flexible attachment means. The terminus of the flexible attachment means then attaches to the main body of the artide of luggage. i0 In a further embodiment of the invention the artide of luggage is configured such that the main opening or an ancillary opening is not required to be opened to deploy the head cushioning means. The cushion may be attached to and/or stowed in any ancillary structure associated with an 5 art ide of luggage including a strap, a handle, a pocket, a padded area, or azip tag. In another aspect the present invention provides a head cushioning means adapted or configured to attach an article of luggage. In this aspect, a head cushioning means may be attached to an article of luggage to provide a combination luggage/cushion product as described herein. '0 In one embodiment, the head cushioning means comprises means for attachment to a fitting on the article of luggage. In one embodiment, the fitting is a fitting that is not dedicated to the attachment of the head cushioning means. Thus, an article of luggage having standard fittings may be retrofitted with a head cushioning means to provide a '5 combination luggage/cushion product as described herein. The fitting that is not dedicated to the attachment of the head cushioning means may be selected from the group consisting of: astrap or a compression strap (for example, of the type often found on a back pack), the male or female end of an attaching means (for example, of the type often used to join the two halves of a compression strap, a handle, a zip, a st rap shortening device (for example, of 380 the type often used on back pack shoulder straps and compression straps), a lacing, an aperture (such as an aperture for threading a headphone cable through the wall of a back pack), a button, a button hole, a press stud, one side of a hook-and-loop attaching means, one side of a hook-and-eye attaching means, and one side of a buckle attaching means. The skilled artisan is capable of conceiving other means for attachment by considering the 385 fittings on an artide of luggage and devising an appropriate attaching means to secure the head cushioning means. 12 WO 2013/016768 PCT/AU2012/000906 An especially preferred embodiment will now be described by reference to Figures 1 and 2 which generally show an article of luggage of the present invention. Turning firstly to Rg 1A )0 there is generally shown a backpack 2 having shoulder straps 4 a zippered opening 6 and a folded, rolled and deflated cushion 8, the cushion shown in an undeployed state, stowed inside the main body of the back pack behind the zippered opening 6. Between the straps 4 there is an elastic loop 10 used for anchoring the head cushioning means when deployed. As will be noted, where the head cushioning means is in the undeployed state (deflated, folded, rolled and stowed) the back pack is of entirely regular appearance, functions in an entirely regular manner as a back pack and will have the same feel when carried on the shoulders of a user. The elastic loop 10 will contact the back of a user, however it is composed of a material that will not cause discomfort. Furthermore, the zippered opening 6 is disposed virtually at the bottom of the pack in an area which will not contact the back of )0 a user and cause discomfort when carried. Turning to Fig. 1 Bthere is shown the back pack of Fig. 1A, except that t he cushion 8 is in the deployed state. In transitioning to the deployed state the user opens the zippered opening 6, unrolls and unfolds the cushion, and inflates the cushion with the mouth via the nozzle )5 14. The cushion is attached to the main body of the back pack by the narrow attachment means16. After inflation, the cushion is pivoted upwards in a path described by the arrow such that it lies against the back pack (not shown). The cushion isthen anchored in position by engaging the toggle 12 with the loop 10 providing stability despite the presence of the flexible attachment means 16. 10 Fig 2 shows the back pack of Figs. 1A and 1B in use with a user resting their head on the cushion 8. It will be noted that the cushion is anchored onto the back pack providing stable platform for the head. Furthermore, the raised position of the cushion provides for improved comfort, even allowing for sleep. 115 The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent.to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described 13 WO 2013/016768 PCT/AU2012/000906 herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of .0 the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invent ion. It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. alch changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that 10 such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the invention. 14

Claims

1. An artide of luggage comprising a head cushioning means, the head cushioning means being capable of adopting a first undeployed state and a second deployed state, wherein in the undeployed state the head cushioning'means does not substantially alter the outer dimensions of the article of luggage nor substantially impinge on the internal volume of the 0 artide of luggage.

2. An article of luggage according to daim 1 wherein the head cushioning means does not substantially interfere with the ease by which the artide of luggage is carried, nor the capacity of the art icle of luggage. 15

3. An article of luggage according to claim 1 or daim 2 wherein a dimension of the head cushioning means in the undeployed state is smaller than that in the deployed state.

4. An artide of luggage according to any one of aims 1 to 3 wherein the volume of the 30 heading cushioning means in the undeployed state is smaller than that of the undeployed state.

5. An artide of luggage according to any one of aims 1 to 4 wherein the area of a face of the head cushioning means is smaller than that of the undeployed state. t55

6. An artide of luggage according to any one of aims 1 to 5 wherein a dimension, and/or volume and/or an area of the cushioning means represented as a percentage of the undeployed state is less than about 50% more preferably less than about 250% and still more preferably less than about 10%

7. An article of luggage according to any one of aims 1 to 6 wherein an outer dimension of the article is increased due to incorporation of the head cushioning means by less than 50 and more preferably less than about 1 % 15 WO 2013/016768 PCT/AU2012/000906 5

8. An artide of luggage according to any one of daim 1 to 7 wherein in the undeployed state the head cushioning means does not substantially impinge on the internal volume of the artide of luggage.

9. An artide of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the volume of the '0 article is decreased due to incorporation of the head cushioning means by less than about 5o/ and more preferably less than about 1%

10. An artide of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the head cushioning means is inflatable and optionally deflat able. '5

11. An artide of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the head cushioning means may be fabricated from a resilient material that is capable of assuming an expanded and a non-expanded form. 30

12. An article of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the head cushioning means is attached toward an edge of the article of luggage thereby limiting impingement on a cent ral region of the art ide.

13. An article of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the head 5 cushioning means is attached to a region of the artide of luggage such that interference with the user is lowered or minimized.

14. An artide of luggage according to any one of aims 1 to 13 wherein the head cushioning means isfoldable and/or rollable. 90

15. An article of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 14 comprising a means of attachment wherein the head cushioning means is attached (and optionally permanently attached) to the art ide of luggage. 95 16. An article of luggage according to claim 15 wherein the means of attachment attaches to the interior of the art ide.

16 WO 2013/016768 PCT/AU2012/000906

17. An artide of luggage according to any one of aims 1 to 16 comprising an aperture in a wall of the artide. )0

18. An artide of luggage according to daim 17 configured such that the contents of the artide are not accessible when the aperture is opened to allow deployment of the head cushioning means.

19. An art ide of luggage according to any one of aims 1 to 18 configured so asto allow for )5 the deployed head cushioning means to be laid on a surface of the artide while still maintaining attachment to the main body of the artide.

20. An artide of luggage according to any one of aims 1 to 19 comprising anchoring means adapted to secure an edge or surface of the head cushioning means to the main body of the 10 artide of luggage.

21. An artide of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 20 configured such that the main opening or an ancillary opening is not required to be opened to deploy the head cushioning means. 15

22. A head cushioning means adapted or configured to attach an article of luggage.

23. A head cushioning means according to claim 22 or daim 23 comprising means for attachment to afitting on the article of luggage. '20

24. A head cushioning means according to daim 24 wherein the fitting is afitting that is not dedicated to the attachment of the head cushioning means. 17