CA2635328C

CA2635328C - Luggage bag with detachable divider

Info

Publication number: CA2635328C
Application number: CA2635328A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Emran Sheikh
Original assignee: HEYS INTERNATIONAL LTD.
Current assignee: HEYS INTERNATIONAL Ltd
Priority date: 2008-06-19
Filing date: 2008-06-19
Publication date: 2016-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2028-06-19
Also published as: CA2635328A1

Abstract

A luggage bag is disclosed including a detachable divider for dividing a main compartment into two substantially separate chambers. The detachable divider includes a plurality of storage compartments for the storage of objects.

Description

TITLE: LUGGAGE BAG WITH DETACHABLE DIVIDER

[0001] The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described in any way.

FIELD

[0002] Applicant's teachings relate to a luggage bag with a detachable divider.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The comments in this background section are not an admission that anything discussed in this section is citable as prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art.

[0004] United States Patent No. 6,000,509 to Chisholm discloses a suitcase having compartments for storing various types of articles in the distinct compartments.

[0005] United States Patent No. 6,213,267 to Miller discloses a portable luggage carrying case having a detachable carry tote portion capable of housing a lap-top computer, and various computer accessories.

[0006] United States Patent No. 7,140,479 to Mangano et al. discloses a combination garment bag and luggage bag that includes a relatively rigid outer luggage bag and a relatively flexible inner garment bag.

INTRODUCTION

[0007] The following introduction is intended to introduce the reader to this specification but not to define any invention. One or more inventions may reside in a combination or sub-combination of the apparatus elements or method steps described below or in other parts of this document. The inventor does not waive or disclaim his rights to any invention or inventions disclosed in this specification merely by not describing such other invention or inventions in the claims.

[0008] In some examples, a luggage bag includes a plurality of sides enclosing a main compartment, and a detachable divider for dividing the main compartment into two substantially separate chambers, the detachable divider including: at least one attachment means for attaching the detachable divider to at least one of the sides of the main compartment; and a plurality of storage compartments for the storage of objects. The two substantially separate chambers can be generally similar in size. The detachable divider can be generally planar and shaped to correspond with an inner cross-section of the main compartment.

[0009] The detachable divider can include first and second edges, and the means for attachment can include at least one first fastener disposed on the first edge of the detachable divider and a complementary second fastener disposed on a first side of the main compartment. The means for attachment can further include at least one first fastener disposed on the second edge of the detachable divider and a corresponding second fastener disposed on a second side of the main compartment.

[0010] The first and second sides of the main compartment can be spaced apart and generally opposing, and the first and second edges of the detachable divider can be spaced apart and generally opposing, so that the detachable divider is removably suspendable between the first and second sides of the main compartment for dividing the main compartment into two substantially separate chambers.

[0011] The luggage bag can further include at least one first attachment flap fixed to the first side of the main compartment, and the second fastener of the first side can be disposed on the first attachment flap. The luggage bag can further include at least one second attachment flap fixed to the second side of the main compartment, and the second fastener of the second side can be disposed on the second attachment flap.

[0012] The fasteners can be selected from the group consisting of snap fasteners, dome fasteners, zippers, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, frogs, clips, or any combination thereof.

[0013] The plurality of storage compartments can include zippered pockets adjacently spaced along at least one side of the detachable divider.

[0014] The detachable divider can further include a hook for hanging the detachable divider when detached from the main compartment. The hook can be disposed on a top edge of the detachable divider and can be compatible with a closet rod or a shower rod.

[0015] The detachable divider can be formed of flexible fabric or plastic material. The flexible fabric or plastic material can be water resistant. At least a portion of the flexible fabric or plastic material can be transparent.

[0016] In some examples, a luggage bag includes: a front portion including a front side, a top side, a bottom side, a left side and a right side; a rear portion connected to the front portion, the rear portion including a rear side, a top side, a bottom side, a left side and a right side, the front and rear portions being generally complementary and defining a main compartment when in a closed position; and a detachable divider including: attachment means for removably suspending the detachable divider at least between generally opposing first and second sides of the front portion or generally opposing first and second sides of the rear portion; and a plurality of storage compartments for the storage of objects.

[0017] The detachable divider can divide the main compartment into two substantially separate chambers when removably suspended between the generally opposing first and second sides of the front portion or generally opposing first and second sides of the rear portion. The two substantially separate complementary chambers can be generally similar in size.

[0018] The first side can be the top side of the front portion and the second side can be the bottom side of the front portion, and the detachable divider is removably suspendable therebetween. The first side can be the top side of the rear portion and the second side can be the bottom side of the rear portion, and the detachable divider is removably suspendable therebetween.
The first side can be the left side of the front portion and the second side can be the right side of the front portion, and the detachable divider is removably suspendable therebetween. The first side can be the left side of the rear portion and the second side can be the right side of the rear portion, and the detachable divider is removably suspendable therebetween.

[0019] The attachment means can include a plurality of fasteners. The plurality of fasteners can be selected from the group consisting of snap fasteners, dome fasteners, zippers, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, frogs, clips, or any combination thereof.

[0020] The luggage bag can further include at least one attachment flap fixed to the first side or second side of either the front portion or the rear portion, the attachment flap for removably attaching the detachable divider to the first side or second side of either the front portion or the rear portion.

[0021] The plurality of storage compartments can include zippered pockets adjacently spaced along at least one side of the detachable divider.

[0022] The detachable divider can be formed of flexible fabric or plastic material. The flexible fabric or plastic material can be water resistant. At least a portion of the flexible fabric or plastic material can be transparent.

[0023] The detachable divider can further include a hook for hanging the detachable divider when detached from the main compartment. The hook can be disposed on a top edge of the detachable divider and can be compatible with a closet rod or a shower rod.

[0024] Each of the sides of the luggage bag can include a hard case exterior.

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[0025] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of one or more inventions may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing introduction and the following detailed description provide examples or further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the applicant's teachings in any way.

[0027] FIGS. 1 A and 1 B are front perspective views of an example of a luggage bag in closed and open positions, respectively;

[0028] FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and rear views, respectively, of an example of a detachable divider;

[0029] FIGS. 3A and 3B are front perspective views of the luggage bag shown in FIGS. 1 A and 1 B in combination with the detachable divider shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B; and

[0030] FIGS. 4A and 4B are front perspective views of another example of a detachable divider shown with and without another example of a bag, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Various apparatuses or methods will be described below to provide an example of embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses or methods that are not described below.
The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or methods having all of the features of any one apparatus or method described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or method described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. The applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) reserve all rights in any invention disclosed in an apparatus or method described below that is not claimed in this document and do not abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[0032] Applicant's teachings relate to a detachable divider for use with a luggage bag having a plurality of sides enclosing a main compartment. The luggage bag can be, for example but not limited to, a suitcase, a duffel bag, a trunk, a tote bag, a carry-on bag, a sport bag, etc. The detachable divider can be used to divide the main compartment into two substantially separate chambers. The detachable divider can include at least one attachment means for attaching the detachable divider to at least one of the sides of the main compartment, and a plurality of storage compartments for the storage of objects.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1 A, an example of a luggage bag 10 is shown including a front portion 12 and a rear portion 14. The front portion 12 and the rear portion 14 can be complementary and of like size. The front portion 12 and the rear portion 14 define a main compartment in a closed position when joined along a seam 16. The seam 16 is typically a zippered seam. The luggage bag 10 can include a top handle 18 and a side handle 20. The luggage bag 10 can also include a retractable pull handle 22 suitable for guiding and moving the luggage bag 10 on wheels 24.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1 B, the front portion 12 can include a front side 26, a top side 28, a bottom side 30, a left side 32 and a right side 34. The rear portion 14 can include a rear side 36, a top side 38, a bottom side 40, a left side 42 and a right side 44. Each of the front side 26, rear side 36, top sides 28, 38, the bottom sides 30, 40, the left sides 32, 42, and the right sides 34, 44 can include a hard case exterior. A hinged joint 46 can be provided between the left side 32 and the left side 42 for connecting the front portion with the rear portion 14.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a detachable divider 50 is provided for dividing the main compartment of the luggage bag 10 into two substantially separate chambers. The detachable divider 50 can be generally planar and include a top edge 52, bottom edge 54, left side edge 56 and right side edge 58. The detachable divider 50 can be shaped to correspond with at least a portion of an inner cross-section of the main compartment of the luggage bag 10. For example, the detachable divider 50 can be shaped to correspond with an inner cross-section of the front portion 12 and/or the rear portion 14, in a direction from top to bottom and from left side to right side.

[0036] The detachable divider 50 includes a plurality of storage compartments 60 for the storage of objects (not shown). The plurality of storage compartments 60 can include, in accordance with the illustrated example, a series of zippered pockets adjacently spaced along a first side of the detachable divider, as shown in FIG. 2A. Other zippered pockets 62 can be provided on a second side of the detachable divider 50, as shown in FIG.
2B. The size and shape of the plurality of storage compartments 60, 62 can be tailored for specific objects, for example, jewelry, toiletries, shoes, etc.

[0037] The detachable divider 50 can also include a hook 64 for hanging up the detachable divider 50 when detached from the luggage bag 10. The hook 64 can be provided on the top edge 52 of the detachable divider 50. The hook 64 can be compatible with a standard closet rod or a shower rod (not shown). The hook 64 can be movable between extended (denoted 64a) and retracted positions, the retracted position allowing the hook 64 to sit flush with the top edge 52 to fit within the main compartment of the luggage bag 10.

[0038] The detachable divider 50 can be formed of flexible fabric or plastic material. The flexible fabric or plastic material can be water resistant to prevent objects housed in the storage compartments 60, 62 from getting wet. If the objects include fluid containers, such as various toiletry products, the water resistance of the flexible fabric or plastic material can also prevent the objects housed in the storage compartments 60, 62 from leaking into the main compartment of the luggage bag 10. At least a portion of the flexible fabric or plastic material can be transparent to allow for easy identification of items in the storage compartments 60, 62 in the detachable divider 50. The detachable divider 50 can be formed of a variety of materials depending on the objects to be stored. For example, the detachable divider 50 may also be formed at least partially from an impact resistant material, such as neoprene, to protect delicate items (e.g., perfume bottles, or electronic devices) in the storage compartments 60, 62 from damage.

[0039] The detachable divider 50 includes at least one attachment means for attaching the detachable divider to at least one of the sides of the luggage bag 10. Optionally, the detachable divider 50 can include at least one attachment means for attaching the detachable divider to two of the sides of the luggage bag 10. The two sides can be generally opposing, so that the detachable divider 50 is removably suspendable between the two sides of the main compartment of the luggage bag 10.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the detachable divider 50 includes first fasteners 66 disposed proximate to the top edge 52 of the detachable divider 50, and complementary second fasteners 68 disposed on the top side 38 of the luggage bag 10. The fasteners 66, 68 can be, for example but not limited to, complementary snap fasteners. The second fasteners 68 can be disposed on attachment flaps 70 provided fixed to the top side 38 internally within the main compartment of the luggage bag 10. The detachable divider 50 also includes first fastener 72 disposed proximate to the bottom edge 54 of the detachable divider 50 and a corresponding second fastener 74 disposed on the bottom side 40. The fasteners 72, 74 can be, for example but not limited to, a zipper.

[0041] In the illustrated example, using fasteners 66, 68, 72, 74 the detachable divider 50 is removably suspendable between the top side 38 and the bottom side 40 of the rear portion 14, thereby dividing the main compartment of the luggage bag 10 into two substantially separate chambers generally similar in size.

[0042] Other configurations wherein the detachable divider 50 is suspendable between two or more of the sides are possible. For example, the detachable divider 50 can include attachment means for attaching the detachable divider to three of the sides of the luggage bag 10, or attachment means for attaching the detachable divider to four sides of the luggage bag 10.

[0043] Shown merely as examples of attachment means, the fasteners 66, 68, 72, 74 can be any suitable mechanical fastening devices such as, for example but not limited to, snap fasteners, dome fasteners, zippers, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, frogs, clips, or any combination thereof.

[0044] In use, the storage compartments 60, 62 in the detachable divider 50 can be filled with a variety of objects, such as stationary, jewelry, toiletries, clothing accessories, shoes, etc. Each of the storage compartments 60, 62 can be zipped closed. Once the user has completed packing the rear portion 14 of the luggage bag 10, the detachable divider 50 can be attached to the luggage bag 10 by connecting the fasteners 72, 74 and connecting the fasteners 66, 68, thereby suspending the detachable divider 50 between the top and bottom sides 38, 40 of the luggage bag 10. Only one side of the detachable divider 50 can be attached to the luggage bag 10 to allow the user continued access to the rear portion 14 of the luggage bag 10 for further packing/unpacking.

[0045] Once the user has completed packing the rear portion 14 of the luggage bag 10, the detachable divider 50 can be attached to the luggage bag 10, dividing the main compartment of the luggage bag 10 into two substantially separate chambers of like size. The user can then focus on packing the front chamber associated with the front portion 12. Once packing is completed, the luggage bag 10 can be closed by joining seam 16.

[0046] Upon arriving at the destination, the user can open seam 16 and detach the detachable divider 50 from the luggage bag 10 by disconnecting the fasteners 72, 74 and disconnecting the fasteners 66, 68, providing full access to main compartment of the luggage bag 10. The detachable divider 50 can be laid out horizontally, or can be hung by the hook 64a from a closet rod or a shower rod. The objects can then be unpacked from the storage compartments 60, 62 of the detachable divider 50.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 4A, another example of a luggage bag 100 is shown, and for ease of reference the same numerals are used below to denote like elements or features. The luggage bag 100 takes the form of a duffel bag and includes a left side 138 and a right side 140. The left side and the right side 140 are generally opposing and spaced apart defining a main compartment therebetween.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a detachable divider 150 is provided for dividing the main compartment of the luggage bag 100 into two substantially separate chambers. The detachable divider 150 can be generally planar and include a top edge 152, bottom edge 154, left side edge 56 and right side edge 158. The detachable divider 150 can be shaped to correspond with at least a portion of an inner cross-section of the main compartment of the luggage bag 100.

[0049] The detachable divider 150 includes a plurality of storage compartments 160 for the storage of objects (not shown). The plurality of storage compartments 160 can include, in accordance with the illustrated example, a series of zippered pockets adjacently spaced along a first side of the detachable divider. The zippers can be oriented toward the top edge 152 so that the storage compartments 160 can be easily opened and accessed when detachable divider 150 is attached to the luggage bag 100. The size and shape of the plurality of storage compartments 160 can be tailored for specific objects, for example, jewelry, toiletries, shoes, etc.

[0050] The detachable divider 150 can also include a hook 164 for hanging up the detachable divider 150 when detached from the luggage bag 100. The hook 164 can be provided proximate to the left side edge 156 of the detachable divider 150. The hook 164 can be compatible with a standard closet rod or a shower rod (not shown).

[0051] The detachable divider 150 can be formed of flexible fabric or plastic material. The flexible fabric or plastic material can be water resistant to prevent objects housed in the storage compartments 160 from getting wet.
If the objects include fluid containers, such as various toiletry products, the water resistance of the flexible fabric or plastic material can also prevent the objects housed in the storage compartments 160 from leaking into the main compartment of the luggage bag 100. At least a portion of the flexible fabric or plastic material can be transparent to allow for easy identification of items in the storage compartments 160 in the detachable divider 150. The detachable divider 150 can be formed of a variety of materials depending on the objects to be stored. For example, the detachable divider 150 may also be formed at least partially from an impact resistant material, such as neoprene, to protect delicate items (e.g., perfume bottles, or electronic devices) in the storage compartments 160 from damage.

[0052] The detachable divider 150 includes at least one attachment means for attaching the detachable divider to at least one of the sides of the luggage bag 100. Optionally, the detachable divider 150 can include at least one attachment means for attaching the detachable divider to two of the sides of the luggage bag 100. The two sides can be generally opposing, so that the detachable divider 150 is removably suspendable between the two sides of the main compartment of the luggage bag 100.

[0053] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the detachable divider 150 includes first fasteners 166 disposed proximate to the left edge 156 of the detachable divider 150, and complementary second fasteners 168 disposed on the left side 138 of the luggage bag 100. The fasteners 166, 168 can be, for example but not limited to, a zipper. The detachable divider 150 also includes first fastener 172 disposed proximate to the right edge 158 of the detachable divider 150 and a corresponding second fastener 174 disposed on the right side 140 of the luggage bag 100. The fasteners 172, 174 can be, for example but not limited to, a zipper.

[0054] In the illustrated example, using fasteners 166, 168, 172, 174 the detachable divider 150 is removably suspendable between the left side 138 and the right side 140, thereby dividing the main compartment of the luggage bag 100 into two substantially separate chambers generally similar in size.

[0055] Shown merely as examples of attachment means, the fasteners 166, 168, 172, 174 can be any suitable mechanical fastening devices such as, for example but not limited to, snap fasteners, dome fasteners, zippers, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, frogs, clips, or any combination thereof.

[0056] While the applicant's teachings are described in conjunction with various embodiments, it is not intended that the applicant's teachings be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the applicant's teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

Claims

I claim:

1. A luggage bag comprising:
a first portion comprising a first side, a top side, a bottom side, a left side and a right side, each of the sides of the first portion comprising a hard case exterior;
a second portion connected to the first portion by a hinged joint, the second portion comprising a second side, a top side, a bottom side, a left side and a right side, each of the sides of the second portion comprising a hard case exterior, the first and second portions being complementary in size and shape and defining a main compartment when in a closed position and joined along a seam; and a detachable divider comprising a plurality of fasteners disposed proximate to edges of the detachable divider for removably suspending the detachable divider in the main compartment at least between two opposing ones of the top side, the bottom side, the left side and the right side of the second portion adjacent to the seam, the detachable divider further comprising a plurality of storage compartments for the storage of objects, and a hook for hanging the detachable divider when detached from the second portion, wherein, when the first and second portions are in the closed position and the detachable divider is removably suspended in the main compartment between the two opposing ones of the top side, the bottom side, the left side and the right side of the second portion, the detachable divider lies intermediate of the first and second sides of the first and second portions, respectively, so that the main compartment is divided by the detachable divider into two substantially separate chambers that are similar in volume.

2. The luggage bag of claim 1, wherein and the detachable divider is removably suspended between the top and bottom sides of the second portion.

3. The luggage bag of claim 1 or 2, wherein and the detachable divider is removably suspended between the left and right sides of the second portion.

4. The luggage bag of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of fasteners are selected from the group consisting of snap fasteners, dome fasteners, zippers, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, frogs, clips, or any combination thereof.

5. The luggage bag of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising at least one attachment flap fixed to at least one of the two opposing ones of the top side, the bottom side, the left side and the right side of the second portion, the at least one attachment flap for removably attaching the detachable divider to the at least one of the two opposing ones of the top side, the bottom side, the left side and the right side of the second portion.

6. The luggage bag of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of storage compartments comprise zippered pockets adjacently spaced along at least one side of the detachable divider.

7. The luggage bag of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the detachable divider is formed of flexible fabric or plastic material.

8. The luggage bag of claim 7, wherein the flexible fabric or plastic material is water resistant.

9. The luggage bag of claim 7 or 8, wherein at least a portion of the flexible fabric or plastic material is transparent.

10. The luggage bag of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the hook is disposed on a top edge of the detachable divider and the hook is compatible with a closet rod or a shower rod.

11. A luggage bag comprising:
a first portion comprising a first side, a top side, a bottom side, a left side and a right side, each of the sides of the first portion comprising a hard case exterior;
a second portion connected to the first portion by a hinged joint, the second portion comprising a second side, a top side, a bottom side, a left side and a right side, each of the sides of the second portion comprising a hard case exterior, the first and second portions being complementary in size and shape and defining a main compartment when in a closed position and joined along a seam; and a detachable divider comprising a plurality of fasteners disposed proximate to edges of the detachable divider for removably suspending the detachable divider in the main compartment between the top and bottom sides of the second portion adjacent to the seam, the detachable divider further comprising a plurality of storage compartments for the storage of objects, and a hook for hanging the detachable divider when detached from the second portion, wherein, when the first and second portions are in the closed position and the detachable divider is removably suspended in the main compartment between the top and bottom sides of the second portion, the detachable divider lies intermediate of the first and second sides of the first and second portions, respectively, so that the main compartment is divided by the detachable divider into two substantially separate chambers that are similar in volume.

12. The luggage bag of claim 11, wherein the detachable divider comprises at least one first fastener disposed proximate to a top edge of the detachable divider, and at least one complementary second fastener is disposed on the top side of the second portion internally within the main compartment.

13. The luggage bag of claim 12, wherein the first and second fasteners are snap fasteners.

14. The luggage bag of claim 12 or 13, wherein the at least one second fastener is disposed on at least one attachment flap provided fixed to the top side of the second portion internally within the main compartment.

15. The luggage bag of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the detachable divider comprises at least one third fastener disposed proximate to a bottom edge of the detachable divider, and a corresponding fourth fastener is disposed on the bottom side of the second portion internally within the main compartment.

16. The luggage bag of claim 15, wherein the third and fourth fasteners are a zipper.

17. The luggage bag of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the plurality of storage compartments comprise zippered pockets adjacently spaced along at least one side of the detachable divider.

18. The luggage bag of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the detachable divider is formed of flexible fabric or plastic material.

19. The luggage bag of claim 18, wherein the flexible fabric or plastic material is water resistant.

20. The luggage bag of claim 18 or 19, wherein at least a portion of the flexible fabric or plastic material is transparent.

21. The luggage bag of any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein the hook is disposed on a top edge of the detachable divider and the hook is compatible with a closet rod or a shower rod.