US20030209396A1 - Soft-sided carrying case - Google Patents
Soft-sided carrying case Download PDFInfo
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- US20030209396A1 US20030209396A1 US10/337,645 US33764503A US2003209396A1 US 20030209396 A1 US20030209396 A1 US 20030209396A1 US 33764503 A US33764503 A US 33764503A US 2003209396 A1 US2003209396 A1 US 2003209396A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- compartment
- upper compartment
- carrying case
- lower compartment
- hinge
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
- A45C5/14—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage with built-in rolling means
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C3/00—Flexible luggage; Handbags
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C7/00—Collapsible or extensible purses, luggage, bags or the like
- A45C7/0018—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
- A45C7/0054—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage comprising a plurality of hinged panels to be unfolded in one plane for access purposes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/005—Hinges
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/02—Interior fittings; Means, e.g. inserts, for holding and packing articles
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/10—Arrangement of fasteners
Abstract
A soft-sided carrying case comprises a lower compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall, at least one upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, and at least one hinge pivotally joining a selected sidewall of the upper compartment to a selected sidewall of the lower compartment. The hinge permits the upper compartment to pivot about a hinge line between a folded position in which the bottom wall of the upper compartment is disposed in confronting relation with at least a portion of the top wall of the lower compartment, and an unfolded position. In at least one exemplary form, the hinge may be defined exclusively by first and second flexible layers, with each of the layers including a first longitudinal edge secured adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the lower compartment and a second longitudinal edge secured adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the upper compartment.
Description
- This application claims priority from earlier filed U.S. application Ser. No. 09/759,683, filed Jan. 12, 2001.
- The present invention relates to soft-sided carrying cases and, more specifically, to soft-sided carrying cases having at least one shiftable compartment supported by a hinge assembly, thus permitting the shiftable compartment to shift between a folded position and an unfolded position.
- Soft-sided luggage or soft-sided carrying cases are generally well known in the art. Soft-sided carrying cases typically offer one or more distinct advantages over conventional luggage. For example, soft-sided luggage is typically lighter weight than conventional luggage, it can typically be carried using a shoulder strap, it typically includes external pockets that can be accessed without completely opening the case, and, if it is well built, it is less prone to damage from improper handling.
- Despite the popularity of known soft-sided carrying cases or luggage, there is a continuing need for improvements in the art.
- Certain features and advantages in the apparatus disclosed and claimed herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed descriptions and the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a first preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the soft-sided carrying case of
claim 1 shown with the upper compartments opened to their unfolded positions; - FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating the flaps to the various compartments opened;
- FIG. 3A is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 but showing an alternate form for the panels or flaps;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device of FIGS.1-3 but illustrating an optional leg assembly;
- FIG. 5 is a view of the device of FIG. 4 but taken from a different perspective;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a second preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a third preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIGS.7A(i) through 7A(v) are enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional views of a number of alternative arrangements in the area of the hinge line, which alternative arrangements are equally applicable to any of the embodiments disclosed herein;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 7 but illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;
- FIG. 8A(i) through8A(v) are enlarged fragmentary views in perspective taken about the circumscribed portion of FIG. 8 and illustrating a number of alternative details in the area surrounding the hinge, which details are equally applicable to any of the embodiments disclosed herein;
- FIG. 8B(i) through8B(v) are enlarged fragmentary elevational views taken about the circumscribed portion of FIG. 7 and illustrating alternative details similar to those shown in FIGS. 8A(i) through 8A(v), but illustrating those details applied to the outside surface of the soft-sided carrying case;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 9 but illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 11 but illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 13 but illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 15 but illustrating all of the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of two of the upper compartments that have been separated from the balance of the soft-sided carrying case of any of the previously shown embodiments and which are being shown being attached to each other to form an additional smaller soft-sided carrying case;
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of an eighth preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 18 but illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a ninth preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 20 but illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;
- FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a tenth preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 22 but illustrating the upper compartments in partially unfolded positions;
- FIG. 24 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 23 but illustrating the upper compartments in more fully unfolded positions;
- FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of yet another preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 25 but illustrating the upper compartments in unfolded positions;
- FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case having at least one shiftable compartment supported by an improved hinge assembly according to a still further example of the invention;
- FIG. 28 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 27 but showing the shiftable compartment in an unfolded position;
- FIG. 29 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line29-29 of FIG. 28;
- FIG. 30 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 27 and 28 but showing the two shiftable compartments in an unfolded position;
- FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 27 taken from the opposite perspective;
- FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case having at least one shiftable compartment supported by an improved hinge assembly according to yet another further example of the invention;
- FIG. 33 is a fragmentary view in perspective of the carrying case of FIG. 32 showing one of the compartments in an unfolded position;
- FIG. 34 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken about the circumscribed portion of FIG. 33 and showing an exemplary two-panel fabric hinge for use on one or more of the preceding exemplary soft-sided cases;
- FIG. 35 is a fragmentary view in perspective similar to FIG. 33 but employing a detachable hinge mechanism;
- FIG. 36 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line36-36 of FIG. 35;
- FIG. 37 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective of another detachable hinge mechanism;
- FIG. 38 is a fragmentary view in perspective similar to FIGS. 33 and 35 but employing another exemplary form of a detachable hinge mechanism;
- FIG. 39 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the detachable hinge mechanism of FIG. 38 and showing the compartment in an unfolded position;
- FIG. 40 is a fragmentary view in perspective similar to FIGS. 33, 35 and38 but employing still another exemplary form of a detachable hinge mechanism;
- FIG. 41 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the detachable hinge mechanism of FIG. 40 and showing the compartment in an unfolded position;
- FIG. 42 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective illustrating one possible manner by which the hinge mechanism of FIGS. 40 and 41 may be detached;
- FIGS. 43 through 46 illustrate another soft-sided carrying case similar to those shown in FIGS. 11 through 14 and having at least two detachable compartments that may be detached from the main compartment and mated with each other to form another, smaller carrying case; and
- FIG. 47 is an elevational view of a soft-sided carrying case disposed in an upright position with one end supported on a support surface.
- The following description of the preferred embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the precise forms disclosed, but instead is intended to be illustrative of the principles of the invention so that others skilled in the art may follow its teachings.
- Referring now to FIGS.1-3 of the drawings, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is generally referred to by the
reference numeral 10. The soft-sided carrying case generally includes foursidewalls 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, and 10 d, abottom wall 10 e and a top wall 10 f (FIG. 1). Thecase 10 further includes alower compartment 12 and a pair ofupper compartments lower compartment 12 includes a plurality ofsidewalls b lower compartment 12 also includes abottom wall 12 e and atop wall 12 f (visible in FIGS. 2 and 3). The firstupper compartment 14 includes four sidewalls 14 a, 14 b, 14 c (obscured in FIG. 1 but visible in FIGS. 2 and 3), and 14 d. The firstupper compartment 14 also includes abottom wall 14 e and atop wall 14 f (thebottom wall 14 e being visible in FIGS. 2 and 3). The secondupper compartment 16 includes sidewalls 16 a, 16 b, 16 c (visible in FIG. 3), and 16 d. The second upper compartment also includes abottom wall 16 e and atop wall 16 f (visible in FIG. 2). The first and secondupper compartments lower compartment 12 by a boundary orinterface 18. - As will be outlined in greater detail below, the first
upper compartment 14 is pivotable about a first hinge line 14 g between the closed or folded position of FIG. 1 and the open or unfolded positions of FIGS. 2 and 3. Similarly, the secondupper compartment 16 is pivotable about a hinge line 16 g between the closed or folded position of FIG. 1 and the open or unfolded positions of FIGS. 2 and 3. It will be noted that the hinge lines 14 g and 16 g are generally adjacent to the interface 18 (i.e., the hinge lines 14 g and 16 g may lie in the same plane as the interface 18). - In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, it will be noted that the sidewall14 a of the first
upper compartment 14 is generally contiguous with thesidewall 12 a of the lower compartment (i.e., the sidewall 14 a of the firstupper compartment 14 is an extension of thesidewall 12 a of the lower compartment). Similarly, thesidewall 16 a of the secondupper compartment 16 is contiguous with or is an extension of thesidewall 12 c of thelower compartment 12. - The soft-
sided carrying case 10 preferably includes azipper 20 which engages each of the first and secondupper compartments upper compartments zipper 20, the first and secondupper compartments zipper 20 may be disposed along alongitudinal edge 14 h, 16 h (FIG. 1), of the first and secondupper compartments - Instead of the
zipper 20, it will be appreciated that alternate closure mechanisms may be provided in order to secure the first and secondupper compartments - Referring to FIG. 1, the soft-
sided carrying case 10 will preferably include ahandle 22, which in the preferred embodiment shown will include a pair ofstraps sided carrying case 10 by a releasable mechanism such as one ormore buckles 24, such as commercially available Litelock® buckles. Alternatively, thestraps sided case 10, such as by sewing, etc. Thestraps handle 22 using asection 25 of flexible material which is joinable using hook and loop closures or similar material as is known in the art.Additional handles wheels 30 will enable the soft-sided carrying case 10 to be wheeled in a fashion similar to a luggage cart. Thehandle 28 may be made of commercially available materials, and further will preferably have atelescoping handle 28 a enabling theentire handle 28 to be stowed in a zipper pocket in thebottom wall 10 e of the carryingcase 10. Thewheels 30 are preferably commercially available in-line skate style wheels using sealed ball bearings. Other commercially available wheels may also be used. - Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the
lower compartment 12 preferably includes one or more panels or flaps 32 a, 32 b in thetop wall 12 f of thelower compartment 12. As shown, theflaps zipper 34, which enable theflaps lower compartment 12. It will be appreciated that one or moreinterior dividers 36 may be provided as desired inside thelower compartment 12. - Each of the
bottom walls upper compartments flap zipper 38 maybe provided for each of theflaps flaps upper compartments interior dividers 40 may be provided in either of theupper compartments - It will be appreciated that the soft-
sided carrying case 10 may include additional compartments, such as side compartments or pockets (not shown) and/or end compartments or pockets (not shown), all of which are commonly used in the art. The soft-sided carrying case 10 may also include one or more mesh pockets of known construction. - The zippers used herein are preferably heavy-duty zippers, which zippers preferably have been taped as is known in the art. Further, the soft-
sided case 10 may constructed of any one of a variety of commercially available fabrics and/or materials, all of which may be chosen based on design considerations for the specific application and all of which would be known to those of skill in the art. Rip-stop materials, which are readily available, may also be used. - In operation, the soft-
sided carrying case 10 would normally be used and/or transported in the configuration of FIG. 1 with the first and secondupper compartments lower compartment 12. Thezipper 20 is shown securing theupper compartments section 25 thestraps handle 22. It will be understood that the soft-sided carrying case 10 may be readily assembled using known methods of manufacturing. - When it is desired to access the lower compartment and/or the first and second
upper compartments section 25 holding thestraps upper compartments upper compartments flaps lower compartment 12 is gained by disengaging the zippers 34 (or other closing mechanism) thus enabling theflaps 32 a and/or 32 b to be opened. - In the embodiment of FIGS.1-3 the hinge line 14 g may be defined solely by a
flexible portion 10 g of the sidewall 10 a, while the hinge line 16 g may be formed solely by aflexible portion 10 h of the sidewall 10 c, with no actual physical hinge structure being employed. It will be appreciated that theflexible portions interface 18 between thelower compartment 12 and the first and secondupper compartments - Each of the
upper compartments upper compartments upper compartments sided carrying case 10 in a manner that is known to those skilled in the art. Further, it will be understood that thebottom wall 10 e may be constructed of a relatively stiff material or a rigid material for greater durability. Such relatively stiff and/or rigid materials are known to those skilled in the art and are readily available. - Compression straps (not shown) may be provided in order to secure the upper compartments in their closed positions.
- Also, it will further be appreciated that zippers shown above may be replaced with any number of known closing or securing mechanisms, such as, by way of example and not limitation, straps, buckles, snaps, buttons, and hook and loop closure materials.
- Referring now to FIG. 3A, an alternate form for the soft-sided carrying case is shown, also designated as10 for ease of reference. The soft-
sided carrying case 10 illustrated therein is substantially similar to the soft-sided case 10 discussed above, with each of the like elements retaining the same reference characters. As shown in FIG. 3A, thelower compartment 12 includes only asingle flap 32 a with azipper 34. It will be appreciated that thelower compartment 12 may include additional access flaps (not shown), with the actual number and configuration of the access flaps being governed by design considerations. - Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, any of the embodiments of the soft-sided carrying case disclosed herein may optionally be equipped with a
retractable stand 42. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the soft-sided carrying case 10 is shown equipped with theoptional stand 42. As shown in FIG. 5, thestand 42 may include a pair oflegs leg 44 includes anupper end 44 a attached to the soft-sided carrying case 10 by apivot 44 b, while theleg 46 includes anupper end 46 a attached to the soft-sided case 10 by apivot 46 b. Across bar 48 is disposed to connect a lower end 44 c of theleg 44 to a lower end 46 c of theleg 46. Astrap 50 engages thecross bar 48 and thecase 10 in order to limit the extension of thestand 42 away from thecase 10. A pair of hook andloop retaining straps 52 are provided in order to retain thestand 42 in a retracted position against thebottom wall 10 e of the carryingcase 10 when thestand 42 is not in use. - Referring now to FIG. 6, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a second preferred embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the
reference numeral 110. For ease of reference, all elements that are the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have been increased by 100. The soft-sided carrying case 110 generally includes foursidewalls case 110 further includes alower compartment 112 and a pair ofupper compartments lower compartment 112 includes a plurality ofsidewalls lower compartment 112 also includes abottom wall 112 e. It will be noted that no top wall is shown for thecompartment 112, with the upper extent of thecompartment 112 being defined upon the closing of thecompartments - The first
upper compartment 114 includes encirclingsidewalls 114 a, abottom wall 114 e and atop wall 114 f, which may be defined by a flap or a mesh panel. The secondupper compartment 116 includessidewalls 116 a, and includes abottom wall 16 e and atop wall 16 f, which may be defined by a flap or a mesh panel. The first and secondupper compartments lower compartment 112 by one or more hinges 14 g, 16 g which lie along an interface 118 between theupper compartments lower compartment 112, and which permit pivotal movement of the upper compartments between the folded positions (i.e., with theupper compartments lower compartment 112 in the manner described above with respect to the first embodiment) and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 6. Preferably, the embodiment of FIG. 6 will include a seal 119 disposed at the interface 118 of thelower compartment 112 and theupper compartments Flaps 136 a, 136 b are provided for thecompartments flaps 136 a and 136 b being closeable with azipper 138 or similar closing mechanism. The carryingcase 110 preferably includes one or more closing buckles 120. The soft-sided carrying case 110 will also preferably include one ormore handles handles 128 being extendable. A plurality of wheels (not shown) may also be provided. - Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a third preferred embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the
reference numeral 210. For case of reference, all elements that are the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have been increased by 200. The soft-sided carrying case 210 generally includes foursidewalls top wall 210 f. Thecase 210 further includes alower compartment 212 and a pair ofupper compartments lower compartment 212 includes a plurality of sidewalls 212 a, 212 b, 212 c, and 212 d. Thelower compartment 212 also includes a bottom wall 212 e and atop wall 212 f (FIG. 8). - The first
upper compartment 214 includes a plurality ofsidewalls 214 a, abottom wall 214 e (FIG. 8) and atop wall 214 f (FIG. 7). The secondupper compartment 216 includes a plurality of sidewalls 216A, and includes abottom wall 216 e (FIG. 8) and atop wall 216 f (FIG. 7). The first and secondupper compartments lower compartment 212 by aflexible fabric hinge sidewalls sided carrying case 210, and lying generally along aninterface 218 between theupper compartments lower compartment 212. The fabric hinges 214 h, 216 h permit pivotal movement of theupper compartments upper compartments lower compartment 212 in the manner described above with respect to the first embodiment) and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 8. - An
access flap 232 a having azipper 234 is provided in thetop wall 212 f of thelower compartment 212.Flaps 236 a, 236 b are provided for thecompartments flaps 236 a and 236 b being closeable with azipper 238 or similar closing mechanism. The carryingcase 210 preferably includes one or more sections of hook andloop closure mechanisms 220. Alternatively, straps or other mechanisms may be used. The soft-sided carrying case 210 will also preferably include a shoulder strap 226 (FIG. 7), or a handle (not shown). - Referring now to FIGS.7A(i) through 7A(v), alternative details are shown for the construction of the soft-
sided carrying case 210 in the region of thehinge line 216 h. It will be understood that the details shown therein are equally applicable to thehinge line 214 h, and also are equally applicable to any of the other embodiments described herein. However, for the sake of brevity, the details will be discussed only with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8. For ease of reference, to the extent possible similar elements will retain like reference numerals through each of FIGS. 7A(i) through 7A(v). - As shown in FIG. 7A(i), a
fabric strap 217 having anupper edge 217 a and alower edge 217 b is secured to the soft-sided carrying case 210. Theupper edge 217 a is secured to theupper compartment 216 by a line ofstitching 217 c, while thelower edge 217 b is secured to the lower compartment 21 by a line of stitching 217 d. Twoadditional straps strap 219 a being stitched to theupper edge 217 a as well as to theupper compartment 216, and with thestrap 219 b being stitched to thelower edge 217 b as well as to thelower compartment 212. Preferably, the lines of stitching may be bartack stitching for greater durability in high stress areas. - As shown in FIG. 7A(ii), a
single fabric strap 217 may be employed, having anupper edge 217 a stitched at 217 c to theupper compartment 216, and further having alower edge 217 b stitched at 217 d to thelower compartment 212. - As shown in FIG. 7A(iii), a line of piping217 may be employed along the
hinge line 216 h. - As shown in FIG. 7A(iv), a
zipper 217 may be disposed along thehinge line 216 h. Thezipper 217 is preferably a #8 or #10 heavy-duty, taped, clear coil zipper. - FIG. 7A(v) is similar in all respects to FIG. 7A(i), except for the addition of a line of
stitching 217 at thehinge line 216 h which may be required when theupper compartment 216 and thelower compartment 212 are manufactured of dissimilar materials or dissimilar colors. - Referring now to FIGS.8A(i) through 8A(v), further alternative details are shown for the construction of the soft-
sided carrying case 210 in the region of thehinge line 216 h. It will again be understood that the details shown therein are equally applicable to thehinge line 214 h, and also are equally applicable to any of the other embodiments described herein. Again, for the sake of brevity, the details will be discussed only with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8. For ease of reference, to the extent possible similar elements will retain like reference numerals through each of FIGS. 7A(i) through 7A(v). - As shown in each of FIGS.8A(i) through 8A(v), a
fabric strap 217 havingedges straps 217 are only revealed upon opening of theupper compartment 216 to its unfolded position. In FIG. 8A(i), thestrap 217 is secured by one ormore fasteners 217 c, such as a snap, a rivet, a threaded bolt, a button, or any other suitable fastener, either alone or in combination with stitching. - FIGS.8A(ii) and 8A(iii) illustrate
straps 217 having different overall dimensions secured by bartack stitching. FIGS. 8A(iv) and 8A(v) illustratestraps 217 secured in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 7A(i) and (ii), albeit with the details being applied to the inside of thehinge line 216 h rather than to the outside of thecase 210. - Referring now to FIGS.8B(i) through 8B(v), illustrated therein are arrangements similar to FIGS. 8A(i) through (v), but with each of the respective arrangements being shown secured to the outside of the soft-
sided carrying case 210. - Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the
reference numeral 310. For ease of reference, all elements that are the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have been increased by 300. The soft-sided carrying case 310 generally includes foursidewalls bottom wall 310 e and atop wall 310 f. Thecase 310 further includes alower compartment 312 and a pair ofupper compartments lower compartment 312 includes a plurality ofsidewalls lower compartment 312 also includes abottom wall 312 e and atop wall 312 f(FIG. 10). - The first
upper compartment 314 includes a plurality ofsidewalls 314 a, abottom wall 314 e (FIG. 10) and atop wall 314 f. The secondupper compartment 316 includes a plurality of sidewalls 316 a, and includes a bottom wall 316 e and a top wall 316 f. The first and secondupper compartments lower compartment 312 along a pair of hinge lines 314 g, 316 g, respectively, defined in thesidewalls 310 b and 310 d of the soft-sided carrying case 310 by a two lines of stitching 314 h, 316 h, respectively. The lines of stitching 314 h, 316 h are disposed lying generally along an interface 318 between theupper compartments lower compartment 312. Other suitable hinges may be employed. Thus, theupper compartments upper compartments lower compartment 312 in the manner described above with respect to the first embodiment) and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 10. - An access flap332 a having a zipper 334 is provided in the
top wall 312 f of thelower compartment 312. Flaps 336 a, 336 b are provided for thecompartments case 310 preferably includes one or more sections of hook and loop closure mechanisms 320. Alternatively, straps or other mechanisms may be used. The soft-sided carrying case 310 will also preferably include asuitable handle 322 and or an extendible handle 328. - Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the
reference numeral 410. For ease of reference, all elements that are the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have been increased by 400. The soft-sided carrying case 410 generally includes foursidewalls bottom wall 410 e and a top wall 410 f. Thecase 410 further includes alower compartment 412 and a pair ofupper compartments lower compartment 412 includes a plurality ofsidewalls lower compartment 412 also includes a bottom wall 412 e and atop wall 412 f(FIG. 12). - The first
upper compartment 414 includes a plurality ofsidewalls 414 a, abottom wall 414 e (FIG. 12) and atop wall 414 f. The secondupper compartment 416 includes a plurality ofsidewalls 416 a, and includes abottom wall 416 e (FIG. 12) and atop wall 416 f. The first and secondupper compartments lower compartment 412 along a pair ofhinge lines 414 g, 416 g, respectively, defined in thesidewalls 410 a and 410 c of the soft-sided carrying case 410 by areleasable zippers zippers upper compartments lower compartment 412. Other suitable releasable mechanisms may be employed. Thus, theupper compartments upper compartments lower compartment 412 in the manner described above with respect to the first embodiment) and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 12. - As with the above embodiments, suitable access flaps may be provided to provide access to the various compartments. Also, carrying
case 410 preferably includes one or more closing straps 420, each of which may include one ormore buckles 421 or other suitable releasable closing mechanisms, such as straps having hook and loop closures, snaps, buttons, etc. The soft-sided carrying case 410 will also preferably include a suitable handle, such as thehandle 422. - Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the
reference numeral 510. For ease of reference, all elements that are the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have been increased by 500. The soft-sided carrying case 510 generally includes foursidewalls case 510 further includes alower compartment 512 and a pair ofupper compartments lower compartment 512 includes a plurality ofsidewalls 512 a, 512 b, 512 c, and 512 d. Thelower compartment 512 also includes a bottom wall 512 e and atop wall 512 f(FIG. 14). - The first
upper compartment 514 includes a plurality ofsidewalls 514 a, abottom wall 514 e (FIG. 14) and atop wall 514 f. The secondupper compartment 516 includes a plurality ofsidewalls 516 a, and includes abottom wall 516 e (FIG. 14) and atop wall 516 f. The first and secondupper compartments lower compartment 512 along a pair of hinge lines 514 g, 516 g, respectively, defined in thesidewalls sided carrying case 510 by lines ofstitching stitching interface 518 between theupper compartments lower compartment 512. Other suitable hinge mechanisms may be employed. Thus, theupper compartments upper compartments lower compartment 512 in the manner described above with respect to the first embodiment) and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 14. - As with the above embodiments, suitable internal and/or external access flaps may be provided to provide access to the various compartments. Also, carrying
case 510 preferably includes one or more closing straps 520, each of which may include one ormore buckles 521 or other suitable releasable closing mechanisms, such as straps having hook and loop closures, snaps, buttons, etc. The soft-sided carrying case 510 will also preferably include a suitable handle, such as thehandle 522, and/or ashoulder strap 523. - Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the
reference numeral 610. For ease of reference, all elements that are the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have been increased by 600. The soft-sided carrying case 610 generally includes foursidewalls case 610 further includes alower compartment 612 and threeupper compartments lower compartment 612 includes a plurality of sidewalls 612 a. Thelower compartment 612 also includes a bottom wall 612 e and atop wall 612 f (FIG. 16). - Each of the
upper compartments compartments lower compartment 612 by hinges 614 g, 615 g, and 616 g, respectively, disposed along aninterface 618. Thus, all three of theupper compartments upper compartments - FIG. 17 illustrates the manner by which any of the upper compartments of the previously mentioned embodiments (for example, the
upper compartments smaller carrying case 411. A handle (not shown) may be provided. - FIGS.18-21 illustrate two different configurations for a tri-fold soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of still further embodiments of the present invention, each designated as 710. The
cases 710 shown therein each include alower compartment 712 and pair ofupper compartments hinge lines cases 710 are in the folded positions of FIGS. 18 and 20. The remainder of the cases shown therein may be constructed in accordance with the teachings of the above-described embodiments. - FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a soft-sided carrying case810 having a plurality of
compartments compartments vertical hinge lines compartment 818 may pivot about ahorizontal hinge line 818 h (FIG. 23). Thecompartment 820 my be removable as shown in FIG. 23, or may pivot about ahinge line 820 h (FIG. 23). - FIGS.24-26 illustrate two additional embodiments incorporating the teachings of the present invention.
- Referring now to FIGS.27-31, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a further disclosed example of the invention is shown and is referred to by the
reference numeral 910. As shown in FIG. 27, the carryingcase 910 includes alower compartment 912 and at least one upper compartment, with a pair ofupper compartments case 910 includes anend 916, which may include a pair ofwheels 918 and afoot 920 that also functions as a handle. Thefoot 920 may perform an additional function as will be discussed in greater detail below. It will be noted that when thewheels 918 and thefoot 920 are provided, the carryingcase 910 may be positioned in a generally vertical position similar to that shown in FIG. 47. - The carrying
case 910 also may include a number of external pockets, with two such pockets 911 a, 911 b being shown. Each of the pockets 911 a and 911 b may be provided with a suitable closing mechanism such as a zipper, a hook and loop closure, or any other suitable mechanism. The carryingcase 910 also may include a retractable handle 915 (FIG. 31) of the type commonly employed in the art, and may also include one or more carrying straps or additional handles of the type commonly employed in the art. - Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, the
lower compartment 912 includes a top wall 922 (FIG. 28), abottom wall 924, and a plurality ofsidewalls top wall 922 of the lower compartment preferably includes an openable flap surrounded by a zipper (FIG. 28). Theupper compartment 913 includes a plurality of sidewalls 913 a, 913 b, 913 c (FIG. 28), and 913 d, along with atop wall 913 e and abottom wall 913 f. Similarly, theupper compartment 914 includes atop wall 928, abottom wall 930, and a plurality ofsidewalls - Each of the
upper compartments bottom wall 930, although the flap may be defined in one of the sidewalls or on one of the sidewalls and the bottom wall. It is also conceivable that the flap may extend to or be defined solely on the top wall. - It will be noted that each of the sidewalls, top walls, and bottom walls for the aforementioned
lower compartment 912 andupper compartments case 910 has the desired dimensions and may, when viewed in plan, be square or rectangular. Similarly, each of the sidewalls for the aforementionedlower compartment 912 andupper compartments - A
hinge 934 pivotally joins theupper compartment 914 to thelower compartment 912. It will be understood that theupper compartment 913 will also include a hinge (not shown). For the sake of brevity, only thehinge 934 connecting theupper compartment 914 to thelower compartment 912 will be described herein in detail. It will also be noted that theupper compartment 914 is sized so as to cover more than fifty percent (50%) of the surface area of thelower compartment 912, and such that theupper compartment 914 is significantly larger in terms of volume than theupper compartment 913. In the disclosed example, theupper compartment 914 may cover as much as sixty to seventy five percent (60% to 75%) or more of the surface area of thelower compartment 912. Theupper compartment 913, due to its smaller size, need not include thesame hinge 934 as will be described below, but instead include a more conventional hinge. - The sidewall926 a of the
lower compartment 912 includes alongitudinal edge 936, and thesidewall 932 a of theupper compartment 914 includes alongitudinal edge 938. Thehinge 934 is positioned on the carryingcase 910 so as to extend generally parallel to thelongitudinal edges hinge 934 may be disposed along other longitudinal edges of the upper and lower compartments as desired. Azipper 939 is preferably provided for securing theupper compartments zipper 939 serves to maintain theupper compartments upper compartments lower compartment 912. - Referring now to FIGS. 28 and 29, the
hinge 934 includes a pair offlexible layers layer 940 includesedges 940 a and 940 b, while thelayer 942 includes edges 942 a and 942 b. Preferably, both of the layers are manufactured of a flexible material, with a flexible fabric material being preferred. More specifically, thelayers - Preferably, the
layers top wall 922 of thelower compartment 912, with the widened sections of the edges 940 a and 942 a disposed parallel to thetop wall 922. Similarly, a generally planar widened section of theedges 940 b and 942 b are preferably sewn in a similar manner to thebottom wall 930 of theupper compartment 914, with the widened section of theedges 940 b and 942 b disposed parallel to thebottom wall 930 of theupper compartment 914. Bartack stitching may prove especially beneficial for purposes of durability. - As shown in FIG. 29, the
layers upper compartment 914 is positioned as shown in FIG. 29, thelayer 940 is stretched taut (e.g., thelayer 940 is stressed in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hinge 934). When theupper compartment 914 is in the unfolded position of FIG. 34, it will be noted that thelayer 942 may be slack. Also, when theupper compartment 914 is in the unfolded position of FIG. 29, thefoot 920 makes contact with the a stiffened section 943 (FIGS. 27 and 29). Thus, thefoot 920 helps to maintain a desired distance between the sidewall 934 a of theupper compartment 914 and the sidewall 926 a of the lower compartment. In the disclosed example, the desired distance is chosen such that thebottom wall 930 of theupper compartment 914 will remain generally parallel with thetop wall 922 of thelower compartment 912 when theupper compartment 914 is in the unfolded position. As shown in FIG. 27, thelayer 942 is sized so as to maintain theedge 936 of theupper compartment 914 closely adjacent to theedge 938 of thelower compartment 912. In this folded position, thelayer 940 may be generally slack. - Referring now to FIG. 32, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of yet another disclosed example of the invention is shown and is referred to by the
reference numeral 1010. The carryingcase 1010 includes alower compartment 1012 and at least one upper compartment, with a pair ofupper compartments case 1010 includes anend 1016, which may include a pair ofwheels 1018 and afoot 1020 that also functions as a handle. It will be noted that should thewheels 1018 and thefoot 1020 be provided, the carryingcase 1010 maybe positioned in the generally vertical position shown in FIG. 47. - The carrying
case 1010 also may include a number of external pockets, with three such pockets 1011 a-c being shown. Each of the pockets 1011 a-c may be provided with a suitable closing mechanism such as a zipper or a hook and loop closure or any other suitable mechanism. The carryingcase 1010 also may include aretractable handle 1015 of the type commonly employed in the art, and may also include one ormore carrying straps 1017, also of the type commonly employed in the art. - The
lower compartment 1012 includes atop wall 1022, abottom wall 1024, and a plurality of sidewalls 1026 a, 1026 b, 1026 c, and 1026 d. Thetop wall 1022 of the lower compartment preferably includes an openable flap surrounded by a zipper (FIG. 33). Theupper compartment 1013 includes a plurality of sidewalls 1013 a, 1013 b, 1013 c, and 1013 d, along with a top wall 1013 e and a bottom wall 1013 f. Similarly, theupper compartment 1014 includes atop wall 1028, abottom wall 1030, and a plurality of sidewalls 1032 a, 1032 b, 1032 c, and 1032 d. - Each of the
upper compartments bottom wall 1030, although the flap may be defined in one of the sidewalls or on one of the sidewalls and the bottom wall. It is also conceivable that the flap may extend to or be defined solely on the top wall. - It will be noted that each of the sidewalls, top walls, and bottom walls for the aforementioned
lower compartment 1012 andupper compartments case 1010 has the desired dimensions and may, when viewed in plan, be square or rectangular. Similarly, each of the sidewalls for the aforementionedlower compartment 1012 andupper compartments - A
hinge 1034 pivotally joins theupper compartment 1014 to the lower compartment. It will be understood that theupper compartment 1013 will also include a hinge (not shown). For the sake of brevity, only thehinge 1034 connecting theupper compartment 1014 to thelower compartment 1012 will be described herein in detail. The sidewall 1026 a of thelower compartment 1012 includes alongitudinal edge 1036, and thesidewall 1032 a of theupper compartment 1014 includes alongitudinal edge 1038. Thehinge 1034 is positioned on the carryingcase 1010 so as to extend generally parallel to thelongitudinal edges hinge 1034 may be disposed along other longitudinal edges of the upper and lower compartments as desired. Azipper 1039 is preferably provided for securing theupper compartments zipper 1039 serves to maintain theupper compartments upper compartments lower compartment 1012. - Referring now to FIGS. 33 and 34, the
hinge 1034 includes a pair offlexible layers layer 1034 includes edges 1040 a and 1040 b, while thelayer 1042 includesedges 1042 a and 1042 b. Preferably, both of the layers are manufactured of a flexible material, with a flexible fabric material being preferred. More specifically, thelayers - Preferably, the
layers edges 1040 a and 1042 a are preferably sewn to thetop wall 1022 of thelower compartment 1012, with the widened sections of theedges 1040 a and 1042 a disposed parallel to thetop wall 1022. Similarly, a generally planar widened section of the edges 1040 b and 1042 b are preferably sewn to thebottom wall 1030 of theupper compartment 1014, with the widened section of the edges 1040 b and 1042 b disposed parallel to thebottom wall 1030 of theupper compartment 1014. Bartack stitching may prove especially beneficial for purposes of durability. - As shown in FIG. 34, the
layers upper compartment 1014 is positioned as shown in FIG. 34, thelayer 1040 is stretched taut (e.g., thelayer 1040 is stressed in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hinge 1034). When theupper compartment 1014 is in the unfolded position of FIG. 34, it will be noted that thelayer 1042 may be slack. Also, when theupper compartment 1014 is in the unfolded position of FIG. 34, there may be contact between the sidewall 1034 a of theupper compartment 1014 and the sidewall 1026 a of the lower compartment. Thus, if thelayer 1040 is properly sized, thebottom wall 1030 of theupper compartment 1014 will remain generally parallel with thetop wall 1022 of thelower compartment 1012. Further, as shown in FIG. 32, thelayer 1042 is sized so as to maintain theedge 1036 of theupper compartment 1014 closely adjacent to theedge 1038 of thelower compartment 1012. In this position, thelayer 1040 may be generally slack. - Referring now to FIGS. 35 and 36, soft-
sided carrying case 1110 is shown which employs adetachable hinge 1134. Thedetachable hinge 1134 may be used with one or more of the foregoing exemplary soft-sided carrying cases. The carryingcase 1110 includes alower compartment 1112 and at least oneupper compartment 1114. The carrying case may include one or more additional upper compartments in accordance with one or more of the foregoing embodiments. Further, it will be understood that the upper compartment(s) 1114 and thelower compartment 1112 may include wheels, handles, straps, openable flaps with zippers or other suitable closing mechanisms, in accordance with one or more of the preceding examples. - The
lower compartment 1112 includes atop wall 1122, abottom wall 1124, and a plurality of sidewalls, with only a selected sidewall 1126 a being shown. Theupper compartment 1114 includes atop wall 1128, abottom wall 1130, and a plurality of sidewalls 1132 a, 1132 b, 1132 c, and 1132 d. - One or more
detachable hinges 1134 are provided for pivotally joining theupper compartment 1114 to thelower compartment 1112. In the example shown, thehinge 1134 includes astrap 1136 having a pair of ends 1138 a, 1138 b. The end 1138 a is secured to thebottom wall 1130, such as by bartack stitching. The ends 1138 a, 1138 b are provided with a hook anloop closure 1140. Aloop 1142 is secured to thelower compartment 1112. Preferably, theloop 1142 will be secured along alongitudinal edge 1144 of thelower compartment 1112. Thestrap 1136 is sized to extend through theloop 1142 and fold back upon itself, such that the ends 1138 a, 1138 b may be secured to each other using the hook andloop closure 1140. - Referring now to FIG. 37, another form of the
strap 1136 is shown, in which asnap 1146 is used in place of the hook and loop closure. It will be understood that other forms of closing or securing mechanisms may be provided, such as, by way of example rather than limitation, buttons, clips, and/or buckles. - Referring now to FIGS. 38 and 39, another form of the
strap 1136 is shown, in which abuckle 1148 is used. - Referring now to FIGS. 40, 41 and42, an elongate
cylindrical post 1150 is secured to theupper compartment 1114. Areceiver 1152 having a slot 1154 is secured to thelower compartment 1112. Thepost 1150 slides into thereceiver 1152 in a direction generally parallel to the hinge line A, which in turn is disposed parallel to the adjoining longitudinal edges of the lower andupper compartments post 1150 will include aflange 1151 to limit the insertion of thepost 1150 into thereceiver 1152. Thepost 1150 may include a web 1150 a secured to theupper compartment 1114 by bartack stitching or any other suitable attachment. Similarly, thereceiver 1152 may include a web 1152 a secured to thelower compartment 1114 by bartack stitching or other suitable means. - Referring now to FIGS. 43 through 46, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a further disclosed example of the invention is shown and is referred to by the
reference numeral 1210. The carryingcase 1210 includes alower compartment 1212 and at least one upper compartment, with a pair ofupper compartments case 1210 includes anend 1216, which may include a pair ofwheels 1218 and a foot 1220 that also functions as a handle. The carryingcase 1210 also may include a number of external pockets as desired. The carryingcase 1210 also may include aretractable handle 1215 of the type commonly employed in the art, and may also include one ormore carrying straps 1217, also of the type commonly employed in the art. - The
lower compartment 1212 includes atop wall 1222, a bottom wall 1224, and a plurality of sidewalls 1226 a, 1226 b, 1226 c, and 1226 d. Thetop wall 1222 of the lower compartment preferably includes an openable flap surrounded by a zipper (FIG. 44). Theupper compartment 1213 includes a plurality of sidewalls 1213 a, 1213 b, 1213 c, and 1213 d, along with a top wall 1213 e and abottom wall 1213 f. Similarly, theupper compartment 1214 includes atop wall 1228, abottom wall 1230, and a plurality of sidewalls 1232 a, 1232 b, 1232 c, and 1232 d. Each of theupper compartments zipper 1239 is preferably provided for securing theupper compartments zipper 1239 serves to maintain theupper compartments upper compartments lower compartment 1212. - A
detachable hinge 1234 pivotally joins theupper compartments lower compartment 1212. The sidewall 1226 a of thelower compartment 1212 includes alongitudinal edge 1236, and the sidewall 1232 a of theupper compartment 1214 includes alongitudinal edge 1238. In the example shown, thehinge 1234 is defined by a zipper, thus enabling theupper compartments upper compartments lower compartment 1212, and subsequently be attached to each other as shown in FIGS. 45 and 46 to form a second, smaller soft-sided carrying case 1210 a. - Although certain exemplary embodiments constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the invention fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
Claims (30)
1. A soft-sided carrying case comprising:
a lower compartment, the lower compartment including a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall;
at least one upper compartment, the upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall;
a hinge pivotally joining a selected sidewall of the upper compartment to a selected sidewall of the lower compartment, the hinge permitting the upper compartment to pivot about a hinge line between a folded position in which the bottom wall of the upper compartment is disposed in confronting relation with at least a portion of the top wall of the lower compartment, and an unfolded position; and
wherein the hinge includes a first fabric layer arranged to maintain the bottom wall of the upper compartment in a generally horizontal position when the upper compartment is in the unfolded position.
2. The carrying case of claim 1 , wherein the hinge includes a second fabric layer, the second fabric layer maintaining an edge of the selected sidewall of the upper compartment closely adjacent to an edge of the selected sidewall of the lower compartment.
3. The carrying case of claim 2 , wherein the first fabric layer is sized to be slack when the upper compartment is in the folded position, and further wherein the first fabric layer is sized to be stressed in a direction generally perpendicular to the hinge line when the upper compartment is in the unfolded position.
4. The carrying case of claim 1 , wherein lower compartment includes a pair of long sidewalls and a pair of short sidewalls, and wherein the selected sidewall of the lower compartment comprises one of the long sidewalls.
5. The carrying case of claim 1 , wherein lower compartment includes a pair of long sidewalls and a pair of short sidewalls, and wherein the selected sidewall of the lower compartment comprises one of the short sidewalls.
6. The carrying case of claim 1 , including a second upper compartment, the second upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall;
a second hinge pivotally joining a selected sidewall of the second upper compartment to a second selected sidewall of the lower compartment, the second hinge permitting the upper compartment to pivot about a second hinge line between a folded position in which the bottom wall of the second upper compartment is disposed in confronting relation with another portion of the top wall of the lower compartment, and an unfolded position; and
wherein the second hinge includes a first fabric layer arranged to maintain the bottom wall of the second upper compartment in a generally horizontal position when the second upper compartment is in the unfolded position.
7. The carrying case of claim 6 , wherein the first hinge line is parallel to the second hinge line.
8. A soft-sided carrying case comprising:
a lower compartment, the lower compartment including a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall;
at least one upper compartment, the upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall;
at least one hinge pivotally joining a selected sidewall of the upper compartment to a selected sidewall of the lower compartment, the hinge permitting the upper compartment to pivot about a hinge line between a folded position in which the bottom wall of the upper compartment is disposed in confronting relation with at least a portion of the top wall of the lower compartment, and an unfolded position;
the hinge defined exclusively by first and second flexible layers, each of the layers including a first longitudinal edge secured adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the lower compartment and a second longitudinal edge secured adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the upper compartment.
9. The carrying case of claim 8 , wherein the first and second flexible layers comprise a fabric.
10. The carrying case of claim 8 , wherein the first longitudinal edge of the first and second flexible layers are secured along a common seam on the lower compartment, and wherein the second longitudinal edge of the first and second flexible layers are secured along a common seam on the upper compartment.
11. The carrying case of claim 8 , wherein the first and second longitudinal edges of the first flexible layer are spaced apart a first distance, the first distance sized so that the first flexible layer is stressed in a direction perpendicular to the hinge line only when the upper compartment is in the unfolded position.
12. The carrying case of claim 11 , wherein the first and second longitudinal edges of the second flexible layer are spaced apart a second distance, the second distance sized so that the second flexible layer is generally unstressed in a direction perpendicular to the hinge line when the upper compartment is in the unfolded position.
13. The carrying case of claim 12 , wherein the first longitudinal edge of the first and second flexible layers are disposed generally parallel to the top wall of the lower compartment, and wherein the second longitudinal edge of the first and second flexible layers are disposed generally parallel to the bottom wall of the upper compartment.
14. A soft-sided carrying case comprising:
a lower compartment, the lower compartment including a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall;
at least one upper compartment, the upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall;
at least one hinge pivotally joining a selected sidewall of the upper compartment to a selected sidewall of the lower compartment, the hinge permitting the upper compartment to pivot about a hinge line between a folded position in which the bottom wall of the upper compartment is disposed in confronting relation with at least a portion of the top wall of the lower compartment, and an unfolded position;
means for maintaining the bottom wall of the upper compartment generally parallel to the top wall of the lower compartment when the upper compartment is in the unfolded position, the means defined at least in part by a flexible fabric layer carried by the hinge.
15. The carrying case of claim 14 , the means further defined by a spacing member, the spacing member carried by at least one of the selected sidewall of the upper compartment and the selected sidewall of the lower compartment.
16. The carrying case of claim 14 , wherein the selected sidewall of the lower compartment and the selected sidewall of the upper compartment together define an end, and wherein the means is further defined by a spacing member mounted to the end, the spacing member including a ground engaging surface to thereby permit the carrying case to be supported on the end in an upright position on a support surface.
17. The carrying case of claim 14 , wherein the upper compartment covers more than fifty percent of the top wall of the lower compartment when the upper compartment is in the folded position.
18. The carrying case of claim 17 , wherein the upper compartment covers at least sixty percent of the top wall of the lower compartment when the upper compartment is in the folded position.
19. The carrying case of claim 18 , wherein the means is further defined by cooperating first and second structures, the first structure carried by the selected sidewall of the lower compartment and the second structure carried by the selected sidewall of the upper compartment, the first and second structures engaging each other when the upper compartment is in the unfolded position.
20. The carrying case of claim 19 , wherein the first structure comprises a stiffened panel, and wherein the second structure comprises a foot having a ground engaging surface, the ground engaging surface cooperating with a set of wheels mounted adjacent the selected sidewall of the lower compartment to thereby permit the carrying case to be supported on an end in an upright position on a support surface.
21. A soft-sided carrying case comprising:
a lower compartment, the lower compartment including a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall;
at least one upper compartment, the upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall; and
a hinge pivotally joining a selected sidewall of the upper compartment to a selected sidewall of the lower compartment, the hinge permitting the upper compartment to pivot about a hinge line between a folded position in which the bottom wall of the upper compartment is disposed in confronting relation with at least a portion of the top wall of the lower compartment, and an unfolded position; and
the hinge including a separable connection, the separable connection permitting the upper compartment to be separated from the lower compartment.
22. The carrying case of claim 21 , wherein the separable connection of the hinge engages at least one of the top wall of the lower compartment and the bottom wall of the upper compartment so as to be accessible for separation only when the upper compartment is in the unfolded position.
23. The carrying case of claim 21 , wherein the separable connection includes a loop and a strap sized to extend through and engage the loop, the strap including a securement mechanism for maintaining the strap in engagement with the loop.
24. The carrying case of claim 23 , wherein the securement mechanism includes an item selected from the group consisting of snaps, buttons, velcro, buckles and zippers.
25. The carrying case of claim 21 , further comprising:
a second upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall; and
a hinge pivotally joining a selected sidewall of the second upper compartment to a second selected sidewall of the lower compartment, the hinge of the second upper compartment permitting the second upper compartment to pivot about a second hinge line between a folded position in which the bottom wall of the second upper compartment is disposed in confronting relation with another portion of the top wall of the lower compartment, and an unfolded position;
the second hinge including the separable connection;
the separable connection permitting both of the upper compartments to be separated from the lower compartment; and
the separable connection on both of the upper compartments arranged to cooperate with each other to permit both of the upper compartments to be joined to each other after removal from the lower compartment.
26. The carrying case of claim 25 , wherein the separable connection includes an item selected from the group consisting of snaps, buttons, velcro, buckles and zippers.
27. The carrying case of claim 21 , wherein the upper compartment includes a fastener arranged to maintain the upper compartment in the folded position.
28. The carrying case of claim 21 , wherein the separable connection includes a post and a receiver shaped to receive the post, the post disposed in the receiver when the separable connection is connected.
29. The carrying case of claim 28 , wherein the post is sized to be frictionally received within the receiver, and wherein the post is withdrawn from the receiver by shifting the upper compartment along an axis parallel to a longitudinal edge of the selected sidewall of the lower compartment.
30. The carrying case of claim 29 , wherein the post includes a limit flange.
Priority Applications (1)
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US10/337,645 US20030209396A1 (en) | 2001-01-12 | 2003-01-07 | Soft-sided carrying case |
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US09/759,683 US6644448B2 (en) | 2000-08-23 | 2001-01-12 | Soft-sided carrying case |
US10/337,645 US20030209396A1 (en) | 2001-01-12 | 2003-01-07 | Soft-sided carrying case |
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US29/179,146 Continuation-In-Part USD495879S1 (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2003-04-04 | Travel case |
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US20060037826A1 (en) * | 2004-08-06 | 2006-02-23 | Duncanson David E | Personalizing luggage |
US20060037824A1 (en) * | 2004-08-06 | 2006-02-23 | Park Sung K | Adaptable luggage |
US7240778B2 (en) | 2004-08-06 | 2007-07-10 | Umagination Labs, L.P. | Personalizing luggage |
US20070051722A1 (en) * | 2005-09-07 | 2007-03-08 | Gary Van Zee | Scent box |
US20070193842A1 (en) * | 2006-01-06 | 2007-08-23 | Williams Larry J | Realtor kit |
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US20090008202A1 (en) * | 2007-06-26 | 2009-01-08 | Dayton Douglas C | Systems and methods for mass customized luggage |
US20120145718A1 (en) * | 2010-12-14 | 2012-06-14 | Quarry Brendan E | Apparatus and kit for containing sports equipment |
US8820522B2 (en) * | 2010-12-14 | 2014-09-02 | Brendan E. Quarry | Apparatus and kit for containing sports equipment |
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US8967379B2 (en) * | 2013-03-12 | 2015-03-03 | Lf Centennial Ltd. | Tool storage and transport system |
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US20150173472A1 (en) * | 2013-12-20 | 2015-06-25 | Health Care Service Corporation | Mobile Office System |
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USD857393S1 (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2019-08-27 | Vingardevalise, Inc. | Suitcase insert |
USD793728S1 (en) * | 2016-01-20 | 2017-08-08 | The Stanley Works Israel Ltd. | Tool bag |
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US10376029B2 (en) * | 2016-08-16 | 2019-08-13 | Travelers Club Luggage, Inc. | Luggage |
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US11633027B2 (en) | 2020-01-31 | 2023-04-25 | Veto Pro Pac, Llc | Wheeled carrier with telescoping center handle |
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