US20160213111A1

US20160213111A1 - Collapsible case

Info

Publication number: US20160213111A1
Application number: US14/604,269
Authority: US
Inventors: Jonathon C. Aiello
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-01-23
Filing date: 2015-01-23
Publication date: 2016-07-28

Abstract

A case capable of being reconfigured from a collapsed configuration, wherein the closet case is collapsed in a vacuum-sealed manner to an expanded configuration, wherein the case is arranged as a standing closet including a hanger bar or drawer-like structure including one or more shelves for hanging and storing enclosed items.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to luggage, and, more particularly, to a collapsible carrying case.

BACKGROUND

Luggage is used for transporting items such as articles of clothing, personal items, etc. For travelling and storing purposes, it is desirable to have a carrying case which compact while providing a suitable amount of storage space. For example, an individual travelling by airplane may wish to carry his or her items in a case which complies with the Federal Aviation Administration's size requirements associated with carry-on luggage.
In addition, upon arrival at his or her destination, the user may wish to have a carrying case capable of storing items in a hanging fashion or in a compact manner (e.g., under a bed). However, conventional garment bags may only be made compact, easier to transport, and suitable for storage in a small space (e.g., an overhead compartment) by folding the garment bag in half, necessarily forming a crease in the bag, thus wrinkling the contents enclosed therein. In addition, due to their larger size, such bags are cumbersome to carry for the periods of time typically associated with air travel.
Therefore, a carrying case is needed to store items in a compact manner which is shaped and sized for convenient transportation and storage in small spaces, while offering a storage compartment providing convenient access to the stored items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be more readily understood from the detailed description of exemplary implementations presented below considered in conjunction with the attached drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary closet case in a collapsed configuration, according to implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary closet case in an expanded closet configuration, according to implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary closet case in an expanded drawer configuration, according to implementations of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an exemplary transition of an outer shell portion of a closet case, according to implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a closet case in a collapsed configuration, according to implementations of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary track and latch system corresponding to a closet case, according to implementations of the present disclosure.

It is to be understood that the attached drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the disclosure and may not be to scale, and are not intended to be limiting in terms of the range of possible shapes and/or proportions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a case or container, herein referred to as a “closet case” capable of being reconfigured from a collapsed configuration, wherein the closet case is collapsed in a vacuum-sealed manner (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6) to an expanded configuration, wherein the closet case is arranged as a standing closet including a hanger bar or drawer-like structure including one or more shelves for storing and hanging enclosed items (as shown in FIGS. 2-5B). In an implementation, the closet case includes multiple collapsible rods configured to expand and collapse to transition the closet case between the expanded and collapsed configurations. According to implementations of the present disclosure, the closet case may be expanded into a closet-like structure (also referred to as the “expanded closet configuration”, as shown in FIG. 2) or a drawer-like structure (also referred to as the “expanded drawer configuration”, as shown in FIG. 3).
In an implementation, the closet case may be reconfigured from the expanded configuration (e.g., the expanded closet configuration or the expanded drawer configuration) to the collapsed configuration by collapsing the multiple collapsible rods and compressing the closet case using a vacuum sealing operation. In an implementation, the closet case includes a port for connection or cooperation with a device configured to remove at least a portion of the air within a cavity of the closet case. As used herein, the removal of at least a portion of the air within the cavity of the closet case is referred to as vacuum sealing the closet case. In an implementation, to transition the closet case from the collapsed (i.e., compressed) configuration to the expanded configuration, the port of the closet case may be used to insert air into the cavity of the closet case. Upon reintroduction of air into the cavity (via a suitable air input device (e.g., a pump) connectable to the port), the collapsible rods may be expanded to establish the expanded configuration of the closet case.
In addition to a pump, air may be introduced and exhausted from the cavity by any suitable mechanisms, such as the squeezing out of the air in the cavity. In an implementation, the closet case may include a built-in air generator and vacuum device, such as those used in connection with a conventional inflatable air mattress, which can be used to introduce air into the cavity and remove air from the cavity.
Advantageously, vacuum sealing the closet case enables a compression of the closet case and its contents into the collapsed configuration, wherein the closet case is suitable for storage in a small space, without significant disruption of the items enclosed therein.
Embodiments of the present disclosure satisfy these and other needs by providing a closet case which may be configured in a compact, carry-on sized, sturdy, easily transportable configuration, while being capable of expansion into a closet-like container including a hanging bar and shelves.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more garments may be hung in the closet case when the closet case is in its expanded configuration, wherein the bag is in a substantially sturdy and upright arrangement. The closet case may then be reconfigured into the collapsed configuration by reorganizing the hanging contents of the closet case to allow for collapsing of the collapsible rods and vacuum sealing of the closet case. Advantageously, the closet case may include one or more shelves for arrangement of contents in a manner which allows for compression of the items and shelves when the closet case is in the collapsed configuration. In an implementation, the shelves may be composed of a flexible, pliable, or malleable material (e.g., a fabric or plastic netting) configured to support and hold items in the closet case when the closet case is in the expanded configuration, and collapse into a layered configuration when the closet case is in the collapsed configuration.
The closet case may be loaded or packed with one or more items (e.g., articles of clothing). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, collapsing the collapsible rods establishing the interior cavity of the closet case and vacuum sealing of the cavity allows the closet case to be converted from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration.
FIG. 1 shows an exemplary closet case 10 in its collapsed configuration. The closet case 10 includes a body having a first end portion 20, a second end portion 30, and a vacuum port 40. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 30 may be rectangular in shape, although one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that alternative shapes may be used in conjunction with the present disclosure. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 30 may be composed of any suitable material capable of forming a sturdy structure to enable the closet case to stand in the expanded configuration (as shown in FIG. 2), including, but not limited to canvas, polyester, rubber, vinyl, leather, cloth, nylon, composite, and/or tapestry.
As shown in FIG. 3, an interior cavity formed between the first end portion 10 and the second end portion 20 may include one or more collapsible rods 60 configured to extend and remain rigid in order to maintain the closet case 10 in the expanded configuration. In an implementation, the collapsible rods 60 may be any suitable rod capable of collapsing in size upon application of a force, such as, for example, a telescopically collapsing rod. In an implementation, the collapsible rods 60 may include a mechanism for locking in an extended position, to increase the rigidity of the structure formed by the rods 60 and to lock the closet case 10 its expanded configuration (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). In implementation, the closet case 10 may include four collapsible rods 60 extending perpendicularly from the corners of the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 30.
In an implementation, the closet case 10 may include a hanging bar or rod 50 extending between the inner surfaces of the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 30, as shown in FIG. 2. The hanging rod 50 may also be a collapsible rod capable of expanding and collapsing when the closet case is transitioned between configurations. As shown in FIG. 2, the hanging rod 50 is configured to allow articles to hang thereupon, such as a cloth hanger, a flat metal hanger, or a foam hanger. The hanging rod 50 may be configured to accommodate one or more hangers of a sturdy material that may be compressed and flattened when the air is removed from the cavity (e.g., a foam hanger). In an implementation, the hanging bar 50 may be affixed in a permanent manner between the first outer end 20 and the second outer end 30. In an implementation, the hanging bar 50 may be separately attachable to the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 30 when the closet case 10 is placed in its expanded configuration (e.g., by placing the hanging bar 50 in slots arranged on the inner surfaces of the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 30).
In an implementation, an outer surface of at least one of the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 30 may include one or more wheels configured to enable the closet case to be rolled by a user. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, an underside surface of one or more of the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 30 may include wheels or other suitable mechanism to enable the closet case to be rolled. In an implementation, one or more of the wheels may include a locking mechanism to allow a user to lock one of the sides while sliding out another side of the case. In an example, the wheels may include a roller assist (e.g., an electronically motorized mechanism) to allow a user to more easily roll the closet case 10. In another example, the closet case 10 may include a stair assist mechanism (e.g., a belt around the surface of the wheel or back wheels that rotate) to enable the closet case 10 to more easily be moved up or down stairs.
In a fully extended configuration, all of the wheels may be locked to keep the case from rolling. In an implementation, an outer surface of at least one of the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 30 may include a handle for interaction by a user. In an implementation, the handle (not shown) may be positioned on an opposite outer surface of the closet case 10 relative to the wheels. In an implementation, the handle may be extendable (and retractable) to permit a user to roll the closet case from an upright standing position.
With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in an implementation, the closet case 10 may include an outer shell portion 80 configured to extend between the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 30 such that an internal cavity is formed. The outer shell portion 80 may operate like a curtain, such that the outer shell portion 80 may be extended from one end portion (e.g., first end portion 20 in FIGS. 4A and 4B) to the other end portion (e.g., second end portion 30 in FIGS. 4A and 4B) by a closing or pulling action 90. As shown in FIG. 4B, the outer shell portion 80 may be extended by the action 90 to form a connection or attachment with the opposite end portion (e.g., the second end portion 30 of FIG. 4B) and creating the enclosed cavity of the closet case 10.
In an implementation, the outer shell portion 80 may extend along one or more of the collapsible rods 60 when the closet case is in the expanded configuration. In implementations of the present disclosure, the outer shell portion 80 may be composed of any suitable material, such as a collapsible material (e.g., a flexible plastic or cloth material). In an implementation, the outer shell portion 80 may be attached to an opposite end following action 90 by a suitable fastener, such as a zipper, clamp, clasp, mating Velcro pieces, a magnetic fastener, etc. In implementation, the movable components (e.g., the curtain) may be controlled by a motorized pulley and track system wherein the curtain may be closed in an automated fashion (e.g., by a user pushing a button to operate the motor and activate the curtain opening or closing operation). In an example, the closet case 10 may be opened and closed using a motorized pulley system. In another implementation, a motorized pulley system may be used to operate the closet case 10 in conjunction with a track (e.g., a track configured for placement under a bed or other suitable storage area).
In an implementation, when transitioned into the collapsed configuration (as shown in FIG. 5), the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 30 may be configured to attach or connect to one another via a suitable fastening mechanism (e.g., clips, clasps, clamps, mating components, latches, magnets, etc.). In the collapsed configuration, the closet case may be vacuum sealed such that the outer shell portion forms a lining that creates a substantially air tight seal around the perimeter of the closet case (e.g., along an edge formed where the inner surfaces of the surface of the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 30 contact one another. In an implementation, air is prevented from entering along the edges of the closet case 10 when the closet case 10 is in its collapsed configuration.
In an implementation, the closet case 10 may be arranged such that it operates like a standing closet (as shown in FIG. 2) or like a drawer (as shown in FIG. 3). In an implementation, the closet case 10 is configured to include both the hanging bar 50, as shown in FIG. 2 and the one or more shelves 70, as shown in FIG. 3. In an implementation, the drawer may include multiple shelves configured to slide in and out of the closet case 10.
In an implementation, the drawer-like expanded configuration shown in FIG. 3 may be achieved by the extension of the collapsible rods 60 to an upright and locked position. In an implementation, air pressure may be used to raise and lower the rods 60 and maintain the rods 60 in their erect position. In an implementation, the closet case 10 may include a safety rod extending lengthwise along an inside edge of the closet case 10. The safety rod may be anchored on one end and include a pivot point to allow a user to lift the other end portion upward to a locked position in connection with the other end portion. According to implementations, the closet case 10 may have any number of shelves 70 positioned within the internal cavity of the closet case 10.
According to implementations of the present disclosure, the closet case 10 may be configured to cooperate with a corresponding track system including a track 90, as shown in FIG. 6. The track 90 may include a female component (e.g., a latch portion) 100 whereupon the closet case 10 may be connected to the track 90. In an implementation, the track 90 may be configured to extend under another object (e.g., a bed), such that the closet case 10 may be caused to move along the track 90 and into a storage position. In an implementation, the track 90 may be configured to be self-closing, prevent slamming, and provide an easy gliding action for the closet case 10. In an implementation, the female component 100 is arranged at end of the track 90 and is configured to mate with a male component of the closet case 10, allowing the closet case 10 to snap, connect, or engage with the track 100.
In an implementation, the female component 100 may include a swivel point that rotates and flips upward when the track 90 is fully extended. The swivel point is configured to allow a user to slide the closet case 10 on its flat thinner side into a storage location (e.g., under a bed). In an implementation, when a user slides the closet case 10 along the track 90 and reaches an end of the track 90, the closet case 10 is caused to flip upward and rotate, thereby allowing the closet case 10 to be extended from under or out of a storage location (e.g., a bed).
In an implementation, a suitable component may be provided with the closet case 10 to perform the vacuum sealing operation. The component may be configured to cooperate with the vacuum port.
According to implementations of the present disclosure, the closet case 10 may include a shut off valve with an indicator (e.g., a red blinking light) to notify a user when the closet case 10 is over-filled to prevent breaking or damage to the closet case 10. In an implementation, the closet case 10 may include a safety shut off sensor to detect the presence of an object at an edge of the closet case 10 (e.g., a hand in between the two outer closing ends).
In an implementation, an exemplary closet case may be configured as a closet case having a drawer component, as described above. For example, the drawer may be located inside the closet case (e.g., located at a bottom of the closet case, seal downward and then slide up on its side before the closet case shuts). In another example, the drawer may be dimensioned such that it is slightly smaller than a side width of the closet case, so that the drawer does not flip upward when the case is shut. In yet another example, the closet case may include an area for storing hard objects (e.g., shoes)
It is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative of the disclosure and that many variations of the above-described embodiments can be devised by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. It is therefore intended that all such variations be included within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A case comprising:

a first outer portion comprising a port;

a second outer portion coupled to the first outer portion by a plurality of collapsible rods; and

an outer shell portion coupled to the first outer portion and the second outer portion; wherein a cavity is formed by the outer shell portion, the first outer portion and the second outer portion, and wherein the port is configured to cooperate with a device configured to remove air from the cavity and reconfigure the case from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration.

2. The case of claim 1, wherein the plurality of collapsible rods are collapsed when the case is in the collapsed configuration.

3. The case of claim 1, further comprising a hanging bar extending between the first outer portion and the second outer portion.

4. The case of claim 1, further comprising one or more shelves arranged within the cavity.

5. The case of claim 1, further comprising one or more fasteners on at least one of the first outer portion or the second outer portion to couple the first outer portion and the second outer portion when the case is in the collapsed configuration.

6. The case of claim 1, wherein removal of the air from the cavity via the port creates a vacuum seal within the case and compresses one or more items enclosed within the cavity.

7. The case of claim 1, wherein introduction of air into the cavity via the port transitions the case from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration.

8. The case of claim 1, wherein the outer shell portion couples to the first outer portion and the second outer portion to form the enclosed cavity configured to be vacuum sealed upon removal of air via the port.

9. The case of claim 1, wherein one of the first outer portion or the second outer portion comprises a component configured to couple to a latch of a track system.

10. The case of claim 1, wherein the case in the expanded configuration comprises a closet-like structure comprising a hanging bar arranged in the cavity.

11. The case of claim 1, wherein the case in the expanded configuration comprises a drawer-like structure comprising shelves arranged in the cavity.

12. The case of claim 1, further comprising one or more wheels.

13. The case of claim 1, further comprising one or more handles.