GB2552265A

GB2552265A - A travel storage device

Info

Publication number: GB2552265A
Application number: GB1711425.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Heron Lesley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-07-15
Filing date: 2017-07-17
Publication date: 2018-01-17
Also published as: GB201612463D0; GB201711425D0

Abstract

A travel storage device for garments comprises a flexible body 1 for receiving a garment and a closure mechanism 8 for securing the flexible body in one of a plurality of configurations. Each configuration of the flexible body defines a different volume for holding the garment. The device at least partially encases the garment. An attachment means 2 is provided for connecting the travel storage device to a suitcase. In a first configuration the flexible body may be rolled around a garment and in a second configuration the flexible body may be folded around a garment. A sprung clip mechanism (figure 9) may be provided to hold the storage device on a suitcase.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A travel storage device Abstract Title: Travel storage device (57) A travel storage device for garments comprises a flexible body 1 for receiving a garment and a closure mechanism 8 for securing the flexible body in one of a plurality of configurations. Each configuration of the flexible body defines a different volume for holding the garment. The device at least partially encases the garment. An attachment means 2 is provided for connecting the travel storage device to a suitcase. In a first configuration the flexible body may be rolled around a garment and in a second configuration the flexible body may be folded around a garment. A sprung clip mechanism (figure 9) may be provided to hold the storage device on a suitcase.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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A TRAVEL STORAGE DEVICE

Field of Invention

The pictured embodiment of the invention provides a device for enabling easy transportation or storage of items of clothing or similar in relation to a suitcase or similar.

Summary of Invention

The present invention discloses a travel storage device for garments comprising: a flexible body for receiving a garment and a closure mechanism for securing the flexible body in one of a plurality of configurations, wherein each configuration of the flexible body defines a different volume for holding the garment and at least partially encasing the garment; and an attachment means for connecting the travel storage device to a suitcase.

In this way garments such as a coats, jumpers or scarves can be readily secured to a travel bag such as a suitcase. Typically the volume is adjusted to suit the garment, for example the travel storage device is configured to provide a smaller volume for a garment such as a scarf as opposed to a larger garment such as a coat that will require a larger volume.

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1 show isometric views of a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an isometric exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1; Figure 3 shows a reverse isometric exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1;

Figures 4 show isometric views of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention, folded for closure over a garment (not shown);

Figure 5 shows an isometric exploded view of the embodiment as shown in Figures 4;

Figure 6 shows a sketch of an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figures 4, partially open;

Figure 7 shows an isometric exploded view of the embodiment as shown in

Figures 4;

Figures 8 show isometric views of the embodiment shown in Figures 4, without the suitcase attachment means;

Figures 9 show sketches of a third embodiment of the device according to the present invention; and

Figures 10 show sketches of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Embodiment

When travelling with suitcases, users often have to carry their coats, jackets and scarves around or place them on their suitcases. Both options are inconvenient and can cause clothing to get damaged.

The device advantageously securely attaches clothing to a suitcase. The first embodiment may be more appropriate for larger items of clothing, e.g. coats and suit jackets, and the second embodiment for lighter garments, such as rain jackets, scarves and blazers.

The device thereby may be envisaged to stop clothing from being carried in airports or train stations and/or prevent them from falling off suitcases when simply been placed on top.

With adjustability, the device keeps clothing secure and in some embodiments when not in use can be folded to be flat and easily fit into the main section of a suitcase or into its front pocket.

With reference to the figures there are shown embodiments of a device according to the present invention wherein the device comprises a suitcase attachment means, a body arrangeable to close and a body closure mechanism, wherein the body may be arranged in use to close over an independent object such as clothing.

With reference to the first and second embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8 the device comprises a planar flexible body 10, and a closure mechanism comprising press-studs. Preferably the flexible body is formed from a synthetic plastic such as a thermoplastic or cellular structure such as foam.

In this way the body may be arranged to roll, clip or grip over the object and the mechanism then utilised to maintain the closure in place and without compromise.

The closure mechanism is adjustable in both embodiments, allowing a user to 15 adjust the internal sizing of the closure of the body, according to object.

In the pictured first embodiment the closure mechanism comprises a bipartite mechanism, wherein a first part of the closure mechanism comprises a plurality of male studs 4 and a female stud 8, wherein different male studs correspond to different sizings of internal space in the closed body.

In addition the closure mechanism further comprises length adjustment of the strap 5 supporting the female stud. The strap comprises a buckle 7 adjustment.

The strap is fed through a slit 6 adjacent a first narrow end of the rectangular body and attached to itself to cause a closed loop end 9.

The male studs are arranged in a longitudinal line at an intermediate point 25 between the ends, nearer to the distal end.

The attachment means comprises a pair of straps 2, which straps may be tied together around the handles of a suitcase. The straps are bonded to the body at the intermediate point 3 between the ends, adjacent the male studs.

In the second pictured embodiment the attachment means comprises two separate straps sewn into loops 14 and looped through slits 13 in the body, and distally having hook and loop material to either side correspondingly to allow joining of the straps into a joint 11 around the case handle. In this way the rolled body may be secured by the straps engaging with themselves.

The closure mechanism comprises a plurality of male studs 15 extending centrally orthogonally away from a first edge of the body, and a female stud 16, which female stud is centrally located adjacent the opposing second edge of the body, between the slits for the handles.

In this way the body may be folded over and closed using the mechanism. The studs are arranged to an inside face of the body in use, wherein the body comprises a flexible and inelastic rectangular sheet of synthetic plastic such as a sheet formed from thermoplastics.

According to the second embodiment the body comprises a flexible and inelastic sheet of thermoplastics with shorter sides than the first embodiment. The

In some embodiments the first embodiment may be formed in use with an extra part secured to the second embodiment, for example using ferromagnetic, hook and loop or hook and eye portions.

The second embodiment has the following dimensions - 30 cm by 40 cm. The first embodiment has the following dimensions - 65 cm by 30 cm.

Both embodiments are made from polypropylene with Nylon (RTM) straps.

With reference to the third embodiment the mechanism comprises a toggle adjacent one edge of the body and an elastic cord adjacent the other end, whereby in use: The user opens the device by unlatching an elastic cord from the toggle; the plastic flexible sheet body naturally unfolds; The user then places their jacket/coat in between the case’s handle and the unfolded body; The body can then be refolded over the jacket or coat; and the elasticated loop used to latch around the toggle to hold the item in place.

A waterproof cover may sit in a pouch underneath the device in use.

The fourth embodiment comprises a clip mechanism, which mechanism comprises a sprung jaw, closing onto a lower jaw, which lower jaw is attached to the case. The jaws comprise convex fingers creating an intermediate space when closed that enlarges centrally and is closed to front and rear. The jaws are shaped as hands, with fingers at the furthest edge, and a hinge at the rearmost edge.

The mechanism is formed in rigid thermoplastics with a metal torsion spring. The embodiment includes a waterproofing cover in a pouch.

In use the user would:

Place clothing in the device and use the popper buttons and/or the adjustable strap to secure the clothes in place.

Use the Velcro (RTM) straps to attach the device to the suitcase and walk around knowing clothing is secure.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are 35 deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A travel storage device for garments comprising: a flexible body for receiving a garment and a closure mechanism for securing the flexible body in one of a plurality of configurations, wherein each configuration of the flexible body defines a different volume for holding the garment and at least partially encasing the garment; and an attachment means for connecting the travel storage device to a suitcase.

2. A travel storage device according to claim 1 wherein the flexible body is rectangular.

3. A travel storage device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the attachment means includes a pair of straps that can be secured about a travel case.

4. A travel storage device according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment means has hook and loop means.

5. A travel storage device according to any preceding claim wherein the closure mechanism is adjustable.

6. A travel storage device according to any preceding claim wherein the closure mechanism includes male and female studs.

7. A travel storage device according to any preceding claim wherein the flexible body is formed from a synthetic plastics material.

8. A travel storage device according to any preceding claim wherein the flexible body is 650 mm long and 300 mm wide.

9. A travel storage device according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the flexible body is 300 mm long and 400 mm wide.

10. A travel storage device according to any preceding claim including a toggle adjustment on one edge of the flexible body.

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Application No: GB1711425.7