US20170354216A1 - Flexible luggage with garment bag and integral core - Google Patents
Flexible luggage with garment bag and integral core Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170354216A1 US20170354216A1 US15/181,905 US201615181905A US2017354216A1 US 20170354216 A1 US20170354216 A1 US 20170354216A1 US 201615181905 A US201615181905 A US 201615181905A US 2017354216 A1 US2017354216 A1 US 2017354216A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- luggage
- garment bag
- flexible core
- garment
- bag
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- 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
- A45C3/00—Flexible luggage; Handbags
- A45C3/004—Foldable garment carrier bags
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/008—Details; Accessories for making water- or air-tight
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- 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
- A45C13/03—Means for holding garments
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- 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
- A45C7/0059—Flexible luggage; Hand bags
- A45C7/0077—Flexible luggage; Hand bags collapsible to a minimal configuration, e.g. for storage purposes
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- 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
- A45C2007/0004—Collapsible or extensible purses, luggage, bags or the like convertible into an open planar surface, e.g. a sheet
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- 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
- A45C2013/026—Inserts
Definitions
- the garment bag may include two separable halves sharing at least one common edge, the two halves being separated and combined by a fastener.
- one half of the garment bag may include an aperture to admit one or more hooks corresponding to one or more hangers therethrough.
- the one or more panels are openable to access the corresponding interior spaces while the garment bag is wrapped around the flexible core.
- the method may further include packing an external pocket on the garment bag after rolling the flexible core.
- the core 10 includes two interior spaces 11 a and 11 b disposed opposite each other and accessed through corresponding curved panels 12 a and 12 b. It will be understood that any number of interior spaces 11 and corresponding panels 12 may be used, depending on the specific embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
- FIGS. 8-9 illustrate the luggage 100 structure rolled up. As illustrated therein, panel 12 of core 10 may be accessed while the luggage 100 is rolled up, for example from the side. This allows a user to access one of the interior spaces 11 via panel 12 , without unfastening the fastener systems 26 and 36 or unrolling the luggage 100 .
- the hanger(s) 55 are preferably strong enough to support both the garment G and the rest of the luggage 100 from a closet rack that supports standard hangers.
Landscapes
- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
Abstract
A piece of luggage may include a garment bag, and a flexible core integrated into a first end of the garment bag, the flexible core comprising one or more interior spaces to hold items. The garment bag may be configured to be wrapped around the flexible core.
Description
- The present general inventive concept relates to a piece of luggage adapted to transport garments in a secure and flexible manner.
- Heretofore all luggage of the variety commonly called “garment bags” have been of one basic design. In these traditional garment bags, clothing on a hanger is attached at one end of a long rectangular bag. The bag may be folded to reduce its size so it may be more easily carried. Shoes and other bulky objects are loaded into one end of the bag so that when the bag is folded and carried all the bulky objects are at the bottom of the bag, causing the bag to be substantially wider at the bottom than at the top. This also results in uneven weight distribution by putting much of the weight at the bottom of the garment bag.
- The traditional design of garment bags suffers from two serious flaws. First they require the clothing within to be folded which results in wrinkles and creases in the garments. Second the shape of these garment bags is such that they are very bulky and awkward to carry. Furthermore because of the awkward shape of the garment bag it is difficult to fit it into storage bins on airplanes. It is especially true that this awkward shape makes it more difficult to lift the bag over one's head which is required to fit it into the overhead compartment on an airplane.
- Traditional garment bags are popular among business travelers since, up to now, they have been the only type of luggage available to carry suits and similar formal business garments. It is common to see a majority of passengers on a commercial airline flight carrying these types of garment bags. It is also common to see business travelers carry their luggage aboard the plane and stow it in either an overhead compartment or under the seat in front of them, the two spaces provided by the airlines for luggage carried aboard flights. This helps to save time by eliminating the need to wait for checked bags after the plane has landed. It is advantageous to the passengers if their luggage fits easily into one of these two designated places. It is becoming more common for airlines to require that oversized and bulky pieces of luggage be checked into the cargo hold to avoid flight delays brought on by passengers struggling to make a piece of luggage fit into too small a space. Traditional garment bags are often too bulky to fit into either of these two designated storage sites, and so are often required to be checked, relegating it to bruising transport within an airplane's luggage hold. A further disadvantage of this design is that the bag must be folded in half to reduce it to a manageable size. This results in the clothing becoming wrinkled and not wearable in a business setting without subsequent ironing or pressing.
- A newer variation of the traditional garment bag design tries to reduce the overall size of the luggage by folding twice so that the bag is divided into three sections. While this may reduce the external size of the bag, it requires the garments to be folded in two places instead of only one, thereby increasing the problem of wrinkling.
- Other garment bags use solid compartments to hold some or all of the clothing items being transported. For example, some luggage includes solid shells to transport shoes and other items. However, this type of luggage presents its own difficulties in traveling. Since it is not flexible, it becomes difficult to push luggage with solid shells into tight spaces, for example an overhead compartment that is full of other luggage. Fitting items that are awkward shapes, for example high heeled shoes, can be difficult if the solid shell is not the right shape to hold these items. Furthermore, luggage with solid shells cannot compress down to a smaller volume if it is under-packed, which can leave a traveler carrying bulky luggage even if they have not packed much. For similar reasons, it is difficult to store this type of luggage, since even when completely empty it still takes up the same amount of space.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel garment carrying system which will minimize wrinkles, allow for easy and quick packing and unpacking, be useable with various types of luggage, fit in a more compact space than traditional garment bags, and be easier to use and store than luggage with rigid compartments.
- The present general inventive concept provides a flexible garment bag which can hold clothing without wrinkling while maintaining a convenient shape that is easy to transport.
- Additional features and utilities of the present general inventive concept will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the general inventive concept.
- The foregoing and/or other features and utilities of the present general inventive concept may be achieved by providing a piece of luggage including a garment bag, and a flexible core integrated into a first end of the garment bag, the flexible core comprising one or more interior spaces to hold items. The garment bag may be configured to be wrapped around the flexible core.
- In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible core may include a plurality of interior spaces separated with a divider.
- In an exemplary embodiment, the divider may be retractable to combine two or more of the plurality of interior spaces.
- In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible core may have a rounded shape corresponding to the shape of the garment bag when the garment bag is wrapped around the flexible core.
- In an exemplary embodiment, the garment bag may include two separable halves sharing at least one common edge, the two halves being separated and combined by a fastener.
- In an exemplary embodiment, a first half of the garment bag may include one or more pockets disposed on an outer surface thereof.
- In an exemplary embodiment, one half of the garment bag may include a loop to support one or more hangers inside of the garment bag.
- In an exemplary embodiment, one half of the garment bag may include an aperture to admit one or more hooks corresponding to one or more hangers therethrough.
- In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible core may include one or more panels corresponding to the one or more interior spaces, each panel being openable to access the corresponding interior space.
- In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more panels are formed in an outer surface of the flexible core, such that each panel has a shape matching a shape of the flexible core.
- In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more panels are openable to access the corresponding interior spaces while the garment bag is wrapped around the flexible core.
- In an exemplary embodiment, the luggage may further include a fastener system to hold the garment bag wrapped around the flexible core.
- In an exemplary embodiment, the fastener system may be configured to tighten the garment bag around the flexible core.
- In an exemplary embodiment, the garment bag may include a waterproof lining.
- The foregoing and/or other features and utilities of the present general inventive concept may be achieved by providing a method of packing a piece of luggage with a flexible core integrated into one end of a garment bag, the method including packing the flexible core, packing the garment bag, and rolling the flexible core such that the garment bag is wrapped around the flexible core.
- In an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include packing an external pocket on the garment bag prior to rolling the flexible core.
- In an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include packing an external pocket on the garment bag after rolling the flexible core.
- In an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include fastening the garment bag in place in the rolled configuration, and tightening the garment bag around the flexible core.
- These and/or other features and utilities of the present general inventive concept will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
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FIG. 1 is a view of a piece of luggage according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept; -
FIGS. 2A-2F are views of a flexible core of a piece of luggage according to exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept; -
FIG. 3 is a view of a piece of luggage with a garment bag opened according to exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept; -
FIGS. 4-6 are views of a piece of luggage being rolled up around a flexible core according to exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept; and -
FIGS. 7-8 are views of a piece of luggage rolled up and fastened shut according to exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept; -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of one end of a piece of luggage rolled up according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept; -
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process of packing and rolling up a piece of luggage according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept; and -
FIGS. 11 and 12 are rear views of pieces of luggage according to exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept. - Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present general inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below in order to explain the present general inventive concept while referring to the figures. Also, while describing the present general inventive concept, detailed descriptions about related well-known functions or configurations that may diminish the clarity of the points of the present general inventive concept are omitted.
- It will be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element may be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.
- Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.
- All terms including descriptive or technical terms which are used herein should be construed as having meanings that are obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. However, the terms may have different meanings according to an intention of one of ordinary skill in the art, case precedents, or the appearance of new technologies. Also, some terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning of the selected terms will be described in detail in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. Thus, the terms used herein are defined based on the intended meaning of the terms together with the description throughout the specification.
- Also, when a part “includes” or “comprises” an element, unless there is a particular description contrary thereto, the part can further include other elements, not excluding the other elements.
- Hereinafter, one or more exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.
- Referring to the drawings in detail,
FIG. 1 illustrates a piece ofluggage 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Theluggage 100 includes aflexible core 10 integrated into agarment bag 20.FIG. 8 , discussed in greater detail infra, illustrates an exemplary embodiment of theluggage 100 packed and ready for travel. As illustrated therein, theluggage 100 is rolled up, such that thegarment bag 20 is wrapped around thecore 10. -
FIGS. 2A-F illustrate exemplary embodiments offlexible core 10. Thecore 10 has an inside volume preferably between about 200 and about 400 cubic inches, and preferably has a width equal to or slightly less than that of thegarment bag 20. Since thecore 10 is flexible, it may compact down to a flat shape when not in use, as illustrated inFIG. 2A . As such, thecore 10 may be integrated into one end of thegarment bag 20, such thatcore 10 and thegarment bag 20 constitute one unit, without adding additional bulk. - In an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the
core 10 may have a shape with rounded edges corresponding to the shape of thegarment bag 20 when thegarment bag 20 is rolled aroundcore 10. A rounded shape ofcore 10 aids in rolling up theluggage 100, in a manner to be described in greater detail infra. This shape is illustrated for example inFIGS. 2C-2D . However, theflexible core 10 may be formed in any desired three-dimensional shape, depending on the particular exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept. For example, theflexible core 10 may be a triangular prism in shape. - The
flexible core 10 may include one or more interior spaces 11, accessible bypanels 12 built into the outside surface of theflexible core 10, such that thepanels 12 match the shape of theflexible core 10. Thesepanels 12 may be, e.g., panels held shut with zippers, buttons, snaps, Velcro™, or other fasteners that are easily opened and closed. If there are a plurality of interior spaces 11, each space 11 may be accessible from aseparate panel 12. Furthermore, one or more of thepanels 12 may include a symbol orinstruction 15 printed thereon, to inform a user that thecore 10 allows for storage of one or more items K, e.g., shoes or a shaving/makeup kit. In the exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept discussed herein with reference toFIGS. 1-12 , a single item K is described and illustrated for clarity. However, it will be understood that whenever an item K is illustrated or discussed herein, a plurality of items K may be used in the same manner. - In the exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept illustrated in
FIGS. 2A-2F , thecore 10 includes twointerior spaces curved panels 12 aand 12 b. It will be understood that any number of interior spaces 11 andcorresponding panels 12 may be used, depending on the specific embodiment of the present general inventive concept. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2C , a plurality of interior spaces 11 may be separated by adivider 13. Thisdivider 13 may also be flexible, allowing it to bend to accommodate items K with awkward shapes (e.g., high heeled shoes) held in the interior spaces 11. In an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept illustrated inFIG. 2F , thedivider 13 may also be removable or retractable, to allow two or more interior spaces 11 to be combined. For example, thedivider 13 may be held in place with fasteners along one or more edges, which may be unfastened to allow thedivider 13 to be rolled up or otherwise stored to combine interior spaces 11, as illustrated inFIG. 2F . - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , thecore 10 may be integrated into one end of a piece ofluggage 100, theluggage 100 including agarment bag 20 to hold one or more garments G, e.g., suits, dress shirts, neckties, dresses, blouses and the like. In the exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept discussed herein with reference toFIGS. 1-12 , a single garment G is described and illustrated for clarity. However, it will be understood that whenever a garment G is illustrated or discussed herein, a plurality of garments G may be used in the same manner. - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , thegarment bag 20 may be constructed with elongated side edges bounded at their ends by relatively shorter first and second garment bag end edges, 22 and 23, respectively. Thegarment bag 20 may be generally rectangular in shape, with square corners and straight edges. Alternatively, one of theshorter edges 22 and 23 (edge 22 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 ) may have a curved shape, to accommodate the shape of garments G held therein. Thegarment bag 20 preferably has a length and width suitable to accommodate many different types of garments G, and preferably has a thickness suitable to accommodate a plurality of garments G. - The core 10 may be located at an end of
luggage 100 near one of the garment bag edges 22 and 23. InFIG. 1 , thecore 10 is illustrated as being positioned at thefirst edge 22. The garment bag edge opposite the core 10 (second edge 23 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 ) may include afirst fastener system 26, to be described in greater detail infra. - As illustrated for example in
FIG. 3 ,garment bag 20 may comprise twohalves halves fastener 24. By joining the twohalves fastener 24, thehalves - The
garment bag 20 may be opened by undoing the fastener 24 (e.g., unzipping a zipper) and separating the twohalves FIGS. 3-4 , thefastener 24 may extend along a plurality ofedges garment bag 20, while the twohalves common edge 25. In this configuration, the twohalves - The
garment bag 20 may be opened to allow a user to pack one or more garments G, for example one or more suits, into thegarment bag 20. SeeFIG. 3 . After the garment(s) G are packed, thegarment bag 20 is closed by folding the twohalves fastener 24. See for exampleFIGS. 1 and 3 , illustrating thegarment bag 20 in a closed and open position, respectively.Bag half 31 may be referred to herein as an “exterior” bag half, since it forms the outer surface of theluggage 100 when theluggage 100 is rolled up, as will be described in greater detail infra. Similarly,bag half 41 may be referred to herein as an “interior” bag half. As illustrated for example inFIGS. 1 and 3 , thecore 10 may be integrated into one end of theinterior bag half 41. -
FIG. 3 illustratesgarment bag 20 fully opened by separatinghalves internal surface panels internal surface panels linings FIG. 3 ) to protectively enclose garment G, for example suits or dresses. Whengarment bag 20 is closed and theluggage 100 is subsequently rolled up,bag half 31 forms a relatively smooth continuousexternal surface 35 of theluggage 100. (See for exampleFIG. 8 ). Thus, the outwardly facingsurface 35 ofbag half 31 may be fabricated of a ruggedly durable material such as, for example, ballistic nylon. In the exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept illustrated inFIG. 3 , thefirst fastener system 26 may be included on theexterior half 31, where it is supported by the rugged material of the outwardly facingsurface 35. Theexterior surface 35 may also form a mounting point for, e.g., ahandle 38 and/or attachment points 50 for astrap 51, allowing theluggage 100 to be easily carried. Thehandle 38 and attachment points 50 are described in greater detail infra with reference toFIG. 8 . - The outwardly facing
surface 35 may further include asecond fastener system 36 disposed between the first and second ends 22 and 23 and configured to engage with thefirst fastener system 26 at one edge of thegarment bag 20, as will be described in greater detail infra. The outwardly facingsurface 35 may also include one ormore pockets 39, such that when theluggage 100 is rolled up, a user may store items (e.g., magazines, boarding passes, etc.) in the pocket(s) 39. -
Interior bag half 41 may be fabricated of a material which is less rugged and more flexible as compared to theexternal surface 35 described above, sincebag half 41 will remain safely in the inner surface of theluggage 100.Surface panel 42 may be generally smooth so as not to frictionally engage, restrict, or snag garment G enclosed thereby. - The surface panel 42 (of bag half 41) may be fabricated of a lightweight, generally smooth woven material, and may include at least one pocket 44 (illustrated for example in
FIG. 1 ) to store items such as underwear, neckties, socks and the like. Ifmultiple pockets 44 are included insurface 42,different pockets 44 may be different sizes, for example to accommodate different size items, e.g. onepocket 44 being sized to hold socks and anotherpocket 44 being sized to hold tee-shirts. While pocket(s) 44 may be structured or fabricated in a variety of ways and with a range of materials, the use of a mesh fabric provides the advantage of easily viewing contents of pocket(s) 44. Furthermore, the pocket(s) 44 may include closingdevices 45, for example zippers, to hold them shut and avoid items falling out unintentionally. In an exemplary embodiment theclosing device 45 may be an elastic band, which holds the pocket(s) 44 shut and tightly hold items contained therein while also allowing a user to insert and remove items therefrom without needing to open a zipper. Still further, if there aremultiple pockets 44 in thesurface 42, thesepockets 44 may use different types ofclosing devices 45. For example, alarge pocket 44 made to hold, e.g., shirts, may use azipper closing device 45, while asmaller pocket 44 made to hold, e.g., socks or scarves, may use anelastic closing device 45. - After opening the
garment bag 20 as described above, garment G is placed into thegarment bag 20. In an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept illustrated inFIG. 3 , garment G may be placed in theinside face 32 of theexterior half 31 of thegarment bag 20. - Once the garment G is placed in the
garment bag 20, thegarment bag 20 may be closed up by closing the opposinghalves FIG. 3 , garment G is placed in theinside face 32 of theexterior half 31 of thegarment bag 20, and then theinterior half 41 is folded over said garment G. Once the twohalves fastener 24. In an exemplary embodiment,fastener 24 is a zipper which is drawn acrossedges halves halves garment bag 20 is in the “closed” position. - Once the
garment bag 20 andcore 10 are each respectively packed with items and closed up, the user then rolls or turns thecore 10 relative to the longer dimension ofgarment bag 20, so that thegarment bag 20 is wrapped around thecore 10. The direction of wrapping will depend on the specific design or configuration of theluggage 100, but the objective is to have the morerugged surface 35 on the outside of theluggage 100 once the rolling is completed. The rolling is illustrated for example in FIGS. 4-8.FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the beginning of rolling with ¾ and side views, respectively.FIG. 6 illustrates midway through the rolling process.FIGS. 7-8 illustrate the fully rolledluggage 100. - When the rolling of
luggage 100 is completed, so thatgarment bag 20 is wrapped aroundcore 10,surface panel 32 may be in direct contact with the exterior surfaces ofcore 10.Rugged surface 35 ofgarment bag 20 then faces outwardly (with respect to the core-garment bag combination) and provides a durable and protective surface for the clothes contained inside theluggage 100. - As
garment bag 20 continues to wrap aroundcore 10,second edge 23 of thegarment bag 20 overlaps thefirst edge 22 thereof.Second edge 23 then continues aroundcore 10 to a point where thefirst fastener system 26, located for example at edge 23 (illustrated inFIGS. 1, 3, and 4 asclip components FIGS. 7 and 11 asclip components second edge 23, on whichfirst fastener system 26 is disposed, is preferably a straight line in shape as opposed to curved, to allow easy engagement withsecond fastener system 36 and distribution of force evenly across thefastener systems - Once first and
second fastener systems 26 and 36 (e.g., clips 26 a-c andclips 36 a-c) are interconnected, theluggage 100 may be tightened down. In an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept illustrated inFIG. 7 , webbing straps 37 a, 37 b, and 37 c associated withclip components garment bag 20 tightly againstcore 10 and ensure a smooth outer of theentire luggage 100. By tightening webbing straps 37 a-c, theluggage 100 may be tightened around the garment G and other items stored in thegarment bag 20 andcore 10, as well aspockets luggage 100 is carried, which keeps the garment G and items from shifting or bunching up inside of theluggage 100, thereby keeping the garment G from wrinkling. Still further, tightening the webbing straps 37 a-c minimizes the overall size of theluggage 100, which makes theluggage 100 less bulky and therefore easier to transport. As part of this minimizing, thecore 10 may be compressed to its minimum size by the tightening of the webbing straps 37 a-c. For example, if a user has no items K packed into interior space(s) 11, thecore 10 may collapse as the user tightens the webbing straps 37 a-c, thereby allowing the user to minimize the size of theluggage 100. - Although first and
second fastener systems fastener systems luggage 100 to be fastened in a rolled position. Preferably, thefastener systems luggage 100 to be tightened, as noted above. -
FIG. 8 illustrates theluggage 100 rolled up and tightened as described above. In an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the packed and rolled upluggage 100 has an overall size within the acceptable dimensions of carry-on luggage for major airlines. As illustrated therein, theouter surface 35 ofgarment bag 20 forms the outer surface of theluggage 100. Theouter surface 35 may include a carryinghandle 38, and one or more pockets 39. Theouter surface 35 may also include one or more hooks or attachment points 50 to support astrap 51, which allows theluggage 100 to be carried over a user's shoulder. Thestrap 51 is preferably removable, allowing it to be detached from the attachment points 50 when not in use, to avoid thestrap 51 from becoming tangled or caught on external objects when not in use. The attachment points 50 may be, e.g., metal or plastic D-rings to allow thestrap 51 to attach and detach therefrom, for example with clips at either end of thestrap 51. - While traveling, the user may find it desirable or necessary to access items in the
luggage 100 without having to unroll thegarment bag 20. According to exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept, this desire is easily accommodated.FIGS. 8-9 illustrate theluggage 100 structure rolled up. As illustrated therein,panel 12 ofcore 10 may be accessed while theluggage 100 is rolled up, for example from the side. This allows a user to access one of the interior spaces 11 viapanel 12, without unfastening thefastener systems luggage 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, thefastener systems luggage 100. As illustrated inFIG. 9 , ifmultiple panels 12 are accessible in this fashion (e.g., if twopanels 12 are accessible from one end or opposing ends of the core 10), multiple interior spaces 11 may be accessed. Since thecore 10 is flexible, it can be moved to allow a user to more easily access the contents of interior spaces 11. In exemplary embodiments including multiple interior spaces 11 separated by adivider 13, if thedivider 13 is retractable or removable, multiple interior spaces 11 may be accessed from onepanel 12 by retracting or removing thedivider 13. - Furthermore, as noted above the
external surface 38 of thegarment bag 20 may include one ormore pockets 39 thereon. These one ormore pockets 39 allow users to pack additional items once theluggage 100 is rolled up. Users can easily access items stored in pocket(s) 39 without unrollingluggage 100. - A method of packing the
luggage 100 is illustrated inFIG. 10 . In operation, theluggage 100 may be placed on a substantially horizontal surface such as, for example, a bed, table or floor. Thecore 10 andgarment bag 20, as well as pocket(s) 44, are suitably packed with clothing and other articles at operations S1001-S1008. As described above with reference toFIGS. 1 and 3 , thegarment bag 20 is opened at operation S1001 by separating the twobag halves garment bag 20 at operation S1002. The twobag halves garment bag 20 are fully enclosed. Items may be packed into the pocket(s) 44 at operation S1004. - The core 10 may be packed with items K (e.g., shoes) in operations S1005-S1008. Since the
core 10 is flexible, it may be moved to allow better access to the interior space(s) 11. An exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept illustrated inFIGS. 2A-2F illustrates the packing of interior spaces 11 a-11 b of thecore 10. With reference thereto, in operation S1005 ofFIG. 10 , a firstinterior space 11 a may be accessed while thecore 10 lays flat by opening acorresponding panel 12 a. Theinterior space 11 a may be packed with one or more items K (e.g., shoes, socks, etc.) in operation S1006, and then thepanel 12 a may be closed in operation S1007. If there are additional interior spaces 11 to be packed (operation S1008), operations S1005-S1007 may be repeated. In an exemplary embodiment, since thecore 10 is flexible, it may be moved to allow access to a secondinterior space 11 b through acorresponding panel 12 b, as illustrated inFIG. 2E . Once this secondinterior space 11 b is packed with one or more items K, the correspondingpanel 12 b may be closed. This process of moving the core 10 to allow access to interior spaces 11 throughcorresponding panels 12 may be repeated as necessary (operation S1008), until all the interior spaces 11 are packed with items K. - With reference to
FIG. 10 , as illustrated therein the pocket(s) 44 may be packed after thegarment bag 20 is packed, andcore 10 may be packed after thegarment bag 20 and the pocket(s) 44 are packed. However, thegarment bag 20, pocket(s) 44, andcore 10 may be packed in any order. In other words, operations S1001-S1003, S1004, and S1005-S1008 may be taken in any order desired. For example, thecore 10 may be packed according to operations S1005-S1008 first, then pocket(s) 44 may be packed according to operation S1004, and then thegarment bag 20 is packed according to operations S1001-S1003. In this latter circumstance, users may have to lift the weight of thecore 10 and all items K held therein, as well as the contents of pocket(s) 44, as part of separating and joining the bag halves 24 and 25. In either case, thegarment bag 20, pocket(s) 44, andcore 10 should be packed and closed up prior to rolling up theluggage 100. - Once the
core 10 and thegarment bag 20 are closed up, theluggage 100 is rolled up in operation S1009. The specifics of rolling this up are detailed above with reference toFIGS. 4-8 . Once theluggage 100 is rolled up, the first andsecond fastener systems fastener systems luggage 100 closed. As noted above, tightening thefastener systems luggage 100 and hold it firmly in place, keeping them from shifting or bunching up. - Once the
luggage 100 is rolled up, at operation S1012 astrap 51 may optionally be connected to it. As illustrated inFIG. 8 , thestrap 51 may be connected at attachment points 50, positioned on theouter surface 35 of theluggage 100. This exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept is illustrated inFIG. 8 . Attaching astrap 51 in this manner allows a user to carry theluggage 100, for example over their shoulder, in addition to carrying theluggage 100 by a handle 38 (also illustrated inFIG. 8 ). - The above describes exemplary embodiments of packing and rolling of the
luggage 100, which prepares theluggage 100 for travel, storage on an airplane, etc. Once a user arrives at their destination (e.g., a hotel room), they may wish to store theluggage 100. More specifically, the user may wish to store theluggage 100 without completely unpacking it, in order to keep their belongings close at hand and minimize the risk of leaving items behind in, e.g., a hotel room. In order to unpack theluggage 100, thefirst fastener system 26 is disengaged fromsecond fastener system 36, and theluggage 100 is unrolled, preferably on a horizontal surface so that theluggage 100 can lay flat when completely unrolled, to avoid wrinkling the garments G held therein. Once theluggage 100 is unrolled, the garments G can be removed by opening thegarment bag 20. - Users may find it desirable to be able to store the unrolled
luggage 100 so that it is out of the way while keeping items stored therein easily accessible. Exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12 make it possible to store theluggage 100, for example by hanging it in a closet. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a back view of theluggage 100 unrolled according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept. As illustrated therein, theluggage 100 may be unrolled and positioned such that the firstgarment bag edge 22 is above the secondgarment bag edge 23 with respect to gravity. The outer surface 35 (corresponding to the back surface of the luggage 100) may include thehandle 38, attachment points 52, andsecond fastener system 36. Theback surface 35 may also include one or more hanging points 52. Hanging point(s) 52 may include, for example, straps, clips, hooks, and the like, to allow the unrolledluggage 100 to be hung from a closet rack. - By hanging the
luggage 100 from hanging point(s) 52, theluggage 100 can hang in, e.g., a closet, taking it off of the floor and allowing for better organization of the user's clothes. The user may, for example, remove garment G from thegarment bag 20, hang it separately in a closet, and then hang theluggage 100 in the closet by hanging point(s) 52, thereby allowing easy access to item(s) K held in thecore 10, as well as the contents ofpockets - In exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept, one or
more hangers 55 may be used with theluggage 100 to support garment G held in thegarment bag 20. Thehangers 55 are preferably strong enough to support garment G and hang from a closet rack that supports standard hangers. Thesehangers 55 are also preferably made of a flexible material, such that they can match the shape of thegarment bag 20 when theluggage 100 is rolled up. Alternatively, thehangers 55 may be collapsible, such that they can be stored separately (e.g., in one ofpockets 39 and 44) and assembled when theluggage 100 is unrolled. Exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept allowing for the use ofhangers 55 are described below with reference toFIGS. 3 and 12 . - In the exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept illustrated in
FIG. 12 , thegarment bag 20 may include a hole orother aperture 46 to permit ahook 55 a of ahanger 55 to extend therethrough. InFIG. 12 , ahanger 55 is illustrated in dashed lines to indicate that thehanger 55 is held substantially inside of thegarment bag 20. As illustrated inFIG. 12 , the aperture is preferably in theouter surface 35 near one edge of the garment bag 20 (first edge 22 as illustrated inFIG. 12 ). By makingaperture 46 inouter surface 35, the relatively stronger material of theouter surface 35 may support the weight of theluggage 100 and items held therein by thehanger 55. If theaperture 46 is located at thefirst end 22 of thegarment bag 20, theaperture 46 will be covered by the rest of thegarment bag 20 when theluggage 100 is rolled up, thereby keeping any items from falling out of theaperture 46 while theluggage 100 is in transit, e.g., stored in an overhead compartment. - In the exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept illustrated in
FIG. 12 , garment G may be hung on one ormore hangers 55 inside ofgarment bag 20, and thehooks 55 a of thesehangers 55 may be pushed through theaperture 46 prior to closing thegarment bag 20. Alternatively, thehangers 55 may be separately put on the garment G after theluggage 100 is unrolled, for example if thehangers 55 are stored separately from the garment G, and then thehooks 55 a of thesehangers 55 may be pushed through theaperture 46. In either case, once unrolled theluggage 100 may be hung from the hanger(s) 55 extending through theaperture 46, such that the hanger(s) 55 support both the garment G and theluggage 100 from an object, for example a closet rack. This exemplary embodiment allows the user to store their luggage and clothes in one place. According to this exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the hanger(s) 55 are preferably strong enough to support both the garment G and the rest of theluggage 100 from a closet rack that supports standard hangers. - In another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept illustrated in
FIG. 3 , thegarment bag 20 may include ahanger loop 47 on an inner face of one of thehalves hanger loop 47 may be, for example, a strap, ring, molded plastic, etc., and is preferably flexible so that it can match the shape of theluggage 100 when thegarment bag 20 is rolled around thecore 10. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3 , thehanger loop 47 is mounted on theinner surface 32 ofouter half 31. One or more hangers 55 (illustrated inFIG. 3 in dashed lines) may be hung from thishanger loop 47, to support garment G inside of thegarment bag 20. In this exemplary embodiment, theluggage 100 may be hung from hanging point(s) 55 inside of a closet, as noted above, with the added advantage that a user does not need to remove garment G from thegarment bag 20. According to this exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the hanger(s) 55 need to only be strong enough to support the garment G. Since the hanger(s) 55 do not need to be strong enough to support theluggage 100 in addition to the garment G, they may be made of a more flexible material, allowing them to more easily conform to the shape of theluggage 100 when it is rolled up. As such, in this exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, a user may put garment G into thegarment bag 20 already onhanger 55, hang thehanger 55 fromhanger loop 47, and roll up theluggage 100 as described above with reference toFIG. 10 . - In exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept in which garment G may be packed into
garment bag 20 with ahanger 55, theluggage 100 may be packed vertically. That is, theluggage 100 may be hung on an object (e.g., a closet rack), either by hangingpoints 52 or ahanger 55 through anaperture 46, and garment G may be packed intogarment bag 20 and pocket(s) 44 may be packed prior to rolling up theluggage 100. The process of packing theluggage 100 is substantially the same as described above with reference toFIG. 10 , and so is not duplicated here. Users may find it advantageous to pack theluggage 100 vertically if, for example, they do not have a convenient horizontal surface to lay theluggage 100 out on. - Although a few embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (18)
1. A piece of luggage, comprising:
a garment bag; and
a flexible core integrated into a first end of the garment bag, the flexible core comprising one or more interior spaces to hold items;
wherein the garment bag is configured to be wrapped around the flexible core.
2. The luggage of claim 1 , wherein the flexible core includes a plurality of interior spaces separated with a divider.
3. The luggage of claim 2 , wherein the divider is retractable to combine two or more of the plurality of interior spaces.
4. The luggage of claim 1 , wherein the flexible core has a rounded shape corresponding to the shape of the garment bag when the garment bag is wrapped around the flexible core.
5. The luggage of claim 1 , wherein the garment bag includes two separable halves sharing at least one common edge, the two halves being separated and combined by a fastener.
7. The luggage of claim 5 , wherein a first half of the garment bag comprises one or more pockets disposed on an outer surface thereof.
8. The luggage of claim 5 , wherein one half of the garment bag includes a loop to support one or more hangers inside of the garment bag.
9. The luggage of claim 5 , wherein one half of the garment bag includes an aperture to admit one or more hooks corresponding to one or more hangers therethrough.
10. The luggage of claim 1 , wherein the flexible core includes one or more panels corresponding to the one or more interior spaces, each panel being openable to access the corresponding interior space.
11. The luggage of claim 10 , wherein the one or more panels are formed in an outer surface of the flexible core, such that each panel has a shape matching a shape of the flexible core.
12. The luggage of claim 10 , wherein the one or more panels are openable to access the corresponding interior spaces while the garment bag is wrapped around the flexible core.
13. The luggage of claim 1 , further comprising a fastener system to hold the garment bag wrapped around the flexible core.
14. The luggage of claim 13 , wherein the fastener system is configured to tighten the garment bag around the flexible core.
15. The luggage of claim 1 , wherein the garment bag comprises a waterproof lining.
16. A method of packing a piece of luggage with a flexible core integrated into one end of a garment bag, the method comprising:
packing the flexible core;
packing the garment bag; and
rolling the flexible core such that the garment bag is wrapped around the flexible core.
17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising:
packing an external pocket on the garment bag prior to rolling the flexible core.
18. The method of claim 17 , further comprising:
packing an external pocket on the garment bag after rolling the flexible core.
19. The method of claim 16 , further comprising:
fastening the garment bag in place in the rolled configuration; and
tightening the garment bag around the flexible core.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/181,905 US20170354216A1 (en) | 2016-06-14 | 2016-06-14 | Flexible luggage with garment bag and integral core |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/181,905 US20170354216A1 (en) | 2016-06-14 | 2016-06-14 | Flexible luggage with garment bag and integral core |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20170354216A1 true US20170354216A1 (en) | 2017-12-14 |
Family
ID=60572043
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US15/181,905 Abandoned US20170354216A1 (en) | 2016-06-14 | 2016-06-14 | Flexible luggage with garment bag and integral core |
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US (1) | US20170354216A1 (en) |
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US140548A (en) * | 1873-07-01 | Improvement in hand-trunks and hat-boxes | ||
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US2423297A (en) * | 1945-10-23 | 1947-07-01 | Harry H Creamer | Luggage carrier |
US2502033A (en) * | 1947-03-25 | 1950-03-28 | Beatrice P Bohn | Apparel carrier |
US3491909A (en) * | 1968-04-25 | 1970-01-27 | Gerald S Ikelheimer | Partitioned carrying case |
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US4260004A (en) * | 1978-10-27 | 1981-04-07 | Domke James G | Camera and accessory case |
US4693368A (en) * | 1986-02-19 | 1987-09-15 | Samsonite Corporation | Combination garment bag and packing case luggage article |
US5887711A (en) * | 1997-04-23 | 1999-03-30 | Mcauliffe; Jonathan William | Garment storage and transport |
US7604102B2 (en) * | 2000-12-14 | 2009-10-20 | Gearmax USA Ltd | Sports equipment bag, organizer and ventilator |
US8393450B2 (en) * | 2009-02-24 | 2013-03-12 | Meegan Lynch-Ringvold | Duffel bag with zippered partitions |
US20140209493A1 (en) * | 2013-01-28 | 2014-07-31 | Susan Jean Hale | Garment and Accessories Organizer and Shoulder Bag |
US20140262658A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | Adam Wegener | Rain Gear System |
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2016
- 2016-06-14 US US15/181,905 patent/US20170354216A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US140548A (en) * | 1873-07-01 | Improvement in hand-trunks and hat-boxes | ||
US2385053A (en) * | 1944-09-28 | 1945-09-18 | Beatrice P Bohn | Garment holding means |
US2423297A (en) * | 1945-10-23 | 1947-07-01 | Harry H Creamer | Luggage carrier |
US2502033A (en) * | 1947-03-25 | 1950-03-28 | Beatrice P Bohn | Apparel carrier |
US3491909A (en) * | 1968-04-25 | 1970-01-27 | Gerald S Ikelheimer | Partitioned carrying case |
US4171011A (en) * | 1978-08-02 | 1979-10-16 | `Totes`, Incorporated | Handbag |
US4260004A (en) * | 1978-10-27 | 1981-04-07 | Domke James G | Camera and accessory case |
US4693368A (en) * | 1986-02-19 | 1987-09-15 | Samsonite Corporation | Combination garment bag and packing case luggage article |
US5887711A (en) * | 1997-04-23 | 1999-03-30 | Mcauliffe; Jonathan William | Garment storage and transport |
US7604102B2 (en) * | 2000-12-14 | 2009-10-20 | Gearmax USA Ltd | Sports equipment bag, organizer and ventilator |
US8393450B2 (en) * | 2009-02-24 | 2013-03-12 | Meegan Lynch-Ringvold | Duffel bag with zippered partitions |
US20140209493A1 (en) * | 2013-01-28 | 2014-07-31 | Susan Jean Hale | Garment and Accessories Organizer and Shoulder Bag |
US20140262658A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | Adam Wegener | Rain Gear System |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |