US20190307215A1

US20190307215A1 - Rolling convertible luggage

Info

Publication number: US20190307215A1
Application number: US15/932,687
Authority: US
Inventors: Rasheedah N. Sharp
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-04-10
Filing date: 2018-04-10
Publication date: 2019-10-10

Abstract

A clothing transport device providing a traveler with the ability to pack clothing for travel in the most efficient manner. The clothing transport device is fully collapsible and is equipped with a plurality of pockets and zippers. Furthermore, the clothing transport device is equipped with at least on secure hidden compartment that can be accessed via the traveler's mobile device. The clothing transport device is also equipped with power sources so that the traveler can charge his/her mobile device if and when needed during the traveler's journey.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims priority, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 120, to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/483,594 filed on Apr. 10, 2017, entitled “Rolling Convertible Luggage”, which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to portable luggage. More specifically, the present invention is a convertible garment bag that allows for more efficient luggage space management.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Rollable luggage is commonly used for travel. Lugging heavy suitcases around is inconvenient, and can ruin the overall travel experience. Suitcases can vary in design, however most have a rigid body, and a rolling mechanism of some sort. Traditional suitcases can be heavy with inefficient space distribution. As an example, folding of a suit and preventing wrinkles is nearly impossible. Depending on the material used in the garment, special care may be required. Clothing that is constructed out of fabrics that are prone to creasing require additional upkeep. A garment bag is one of the most common ways of protecting clothing during transport. Various suitcases have collapsible and extendable features that allow users adapt the suitcase to fit their needs. Transporting fragile garments requires an increased level of care. As an example, some airlines accommodate their passengers by providing dedicated storage spaces where raveloers can place their garments for the duration of the flight.
The present invention aims to solve some of the problems mentioned above by integrating the features of a garment bag with the versatility of a carry-on suitcase. Garments bags are commonly used to protect clothing from wrinkles or any potential damage that may occur during transport in the garment bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a clothing transport device that can be used by a traveler to provide for more efficient packing and to help prevent clothing from being wrinkled while being transported. More particularly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide numerous compartments comprised of pockets and zippers to provide for more efficient space utilization within a clothing transport device.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a clothing transport device that may be easily transported by pulling, carrying, or shouldering.
It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a clothing transport device that fully collapsible and can be made completely flat when empty.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a clothing transport device that provides secure compartments capable of maintaining the traveler's important documents or valuable items.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a clothing transport device that provides a power source that allows a user to charge his/her cell phone.
The present invention can be rolled, hand carried, or shouldered but it is not limited to these options. The main body can be folded flat into a garment bag or erected as a duffel bag/suitcase. The user is able to insert his/her clothing into the main body, thus preventing wrinkles or any damage to the contents. The main body further comprises a plurality of handles, a zip fastener, and a plurality of zippers. In addition, various features may be added to the present invention, including but not limited to a fingerprint reader, a biometric zipper, and global positioning system (GPS) capabilities. Furthermore, a securing system of the present invention may be controlled by using the user's mobile device. The mobile application allows the user to lock, unlock, and locate the bag in the event of loss or theft. The shape of the main body resembles a cross-like design consisting of two intersecting perpendicular covers, but is not limited to this option. The plurality of zippers is positioned peripherally around the edges of main body allowing the present invention to be folded into a carry-on type of luggage. The main body can be manufactured out of a plurality of materials including but not limited to natural or synthetic leather, as well as various fabrics. In the folded configuration, two handles are attached to the first and second side of the invention, allowing the user to carry the bag by hand if desired. Various pockets may be placed on each side of the main body, providing additional storage depending on the preference of the user. More specifically, the present invention comprises a hidden pocket that can only be accessed using the user's fingerprints, allowing the user to store important travel documents, valuables, or money in a safe-like storage. The fingerprint sensor is integrated into the design of the pocket, and it is designed to be disguised and unnoticeable. The application enables a user to control the security systems of the present invention, therefore the hidden pocket may be locked and unlocked using the mobile device. Additional features that may be integrated into the present invention, include but are not limited to a USB charger equipped with a battery pack that allows users to charge their mobile devices on the go. Various photovoltaic materials may be used in the construction of the present invention, including but not limited to a solar panel film. The solar panel is positioned onto the main body of the present invention, collecting solar energy. The present invention further comprises a converter, and a plurality of batteries, providing an alternative power source.
The rolling mechanism comprises two wheels but is not limited to this option. In an alternative embodiment, the four-wheel design may be integrated into the present invention. The concealed handle further comprises a release button and a sliding mechanism. First the user pulls the handle until it is locked into position. To release the handle, the user is required to press the release button which disengages the handle and retracts into the housing. When the handle is not being used, it can be hidden inside the main body of the invention. The attachment hook is positioned at the top of the main body and can be used as a hanger, when the luggage is in the unpacked configuration. Furthermore, a strap may be attached to the main body, allowing the user to carry the invention on his/her shoulder when it is in the folded position. In another embodiment, the handle of the present invention further comprises a heating and cooling mechanism. For example, on a cold day, touching the handle may prove to be an unpleasant experience. Various materials may be used in the construction of the handle, including but not limited to memory foam. Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the unfolded device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the unfolded device, packed with clothing.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device, shown as a carry-on suitcase, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device, illustrating a possible method of folding.

FIG. 5 is a left-side view of the device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 3, shown in the packed embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 3, shown in the unpacked embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a technical illustration of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the device, shown in another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTIVE KEY

10 Clothing transport device
11 Hanging assembly
12 Carry Handle
13 Shoe Flap
14 Main body
15 Expandable compartment
16 Compartment securing means
20 Suit securing means
21 Hook
22 Expandable pocket
23 Buckle
24 Ring
25 Belt
31 Pull handle
32 Shoe flap zipper
33 Grab cover
34 Main body zipper
41 Front pocket
42 Shoulder strap
43 Rolling mechanism
44 Front zipper
51 Release button
52 Ring
81 Compartment door
82 Hidden pocket
83 Outer mesh pocket
84 Concealed compartment
91 Inner mesh pockets
92 Lid cover

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
People often look for ways of making travel more efficient and enjoyable. An important art of traveling is the packing process. A better organized luggage space allows for an improved travel experience. The present invention combines the features of a garment bag with the versatility of a carry-on luggage. Most garment bags serve a single purpose, having the additional space offered by the present invention allows for a more efficient travel arrangement.
In reference to FIG. 1-2, a clothing transport device 10 comprises a main body 14, suit securing means 20, a carrying handles 12, shoe flaps 13, and a hanging assembly 11. The hanging assembly 11 is comprised of a hook 21 and a ring 24. The main body is fully collapsible and foldable and further comprises additional features. In the garment bag embodiment, clothing (e.g., a suit) can be hung on the hanger assembly and stored within the main body 10. The clothing can be secured within the main body 10 by using the suit securing means. The suit securing means are comprised of a belt 25 and a buckle 23. The clothing transport device further comprises shoe flaps 13 equipped with expandable pockets 22 capable of maintaining a shoe in each pocket. The clothing transport device is also equipped with at least on expandable compartment 15 which can be utilized to store a laptop computer. The expandable compartment 15 is held closed by compartment securing means 16.
In reference to FIG. 3-4, the clothing transport device 10 is in the erected position, similar to a duffel bag. Shoe flap zippers 32 are located on opposite side of the clothing transport device 10 and provide access to the shoe flaps 12. The main body zipper is located on the top of the clothing transport device 10. A grab cover 33 is attached to straps 12 and is used to bring and keep the straps together while the device is being hand-held. The device can also be carried on the traveler's should by using the shoulder strap 42. If the traveler does not want to carry the device, the device can be rolled via the rolling mechanism 43. In the preferred embodiment, the rolling mechanism 43 comprises two wheels. However, more or less wheels could be used.
In reference to FIG. 5, the clothing transport device 10 is equipped with a ring 52 located on an end of the device. The ring is used to secure the shoulder strap 42 to the device. The pull handle 31 can be extended by the traveler pressing the release button 51.
In reference to FIG. 8, the clothing transport device 10 is erected in a form similar to a duffel bag. The device is equipped with hidden pocket 82. The hidden pocket is maintained inside of another pocket. The hidden pocket is secured by a locking system which may be accessed via a fingerprint sensor. It may also be access via a mobile device (e.g., a cell phone).The pull handle can be concealed within a concealed compartment 84. When concealed, the pull handle can be accessed by unzipping the compartment door 81. A Global Positioning System (GPS) can also be maintained in the concealed compartment. In a preferred embodiment, the GPS is in communication with a mobile device, thus allowing a traveler to locate the clothing transport device in the event is misplaced or lost.
In reference to FIG. 9, the clothing transport device 10 is shown unpacked (i.e., without clothing) and collapsed. The device is equipped with a lid cover 92 which provides coverage and protection to garments that are particularly long. In this embodiment, the device is equipped with mesh pockets 91. The hanging assembly 11 is comprised of an L-shaped hook 21. A hook with this particular shape can be better secured when the device is hung on a door.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A clothing transport device comprising:

a main body;

suit securing mean;

two carry handles;

at least on shoe flap;

a plurality of zippers;

a plurality of pockets;

a shoulder strap;

a rolling mechanism;

a hanging assembly; and

a pull handle;

wherein the main body is fully collapsible so that it can be laid completely flat when empty.

2. The clothing transport device of claim 1, wherein the hanging assembly comprises a hook and a ring.

3. The clothing transport device of claim 2, wherein the hook is configured to be circular thereby allowing if to be placed on a bar.

4. The clothing transport device of claim 3, wherein the at least one shoe flap is comprised of an expandable pocket.

5. The clothing transport device of claim 4, wherein the suit securing means is located within the main body and is comprised of a belt and a buckle.

6. The clothing transport device of claim 5, wherein the pull handle is contained in a housing having a door, allowing for the pull handle to be fully concealed.

7. The clothing transport device of claim 6, wherein the shape of the main body forms a cross-like design consisting of two intersecting perpendicular covers.

8. The clothing transport device of claim 7, further comprising at least one power source.

9. The clothing transport device of claim 8, wherein the at least one power source is comprised of a converter and a plurality of batteries.

10. The clothing transport device of claim 8, wherein the at least one power source comprises a solar panel.

11. The clothing transport device of claim 10, wherein the solar panel is maintained within the lining of the main body.

12. The clothing transport device of claim 11, further comprising a Global Positioning System.

13. The clothing transport device of claim 12, further comprising a hidden pocket located within one of the plurality of pockets.

14. The clothing transport device of claim 13, further comprising a security system.

15. The clothing transport device of claim 14, wherein the main body is at least partially constructed of photovoltaic material.

16. The clothing transport device of claim 15, wherein the security system is comprised of a fingerprint sensor.

17. The clothing transport device of claim 16, wherein the fingerprint sensor is located within the same pocket as the hidden pocket.

18. The clothing transport device of claim 8, wherein the at least one power source is comprised of a USB charger and a battery pack.

19. A clothing transport device comprising:

a fully collapsible main body;

suit securing mean;

two carry handles;

at least on shoe flap;

a plurality of zippers;

a plurality of pockets;

a shoulder strap;

a rolling mechanism;

a hanging assembly;

a pull handle;

a security system; and

a power source;

wherein the power source is chosen from a list consisting of a USB charger/battery pack combination, a converter/plurality of batteries combination, and solar panel film.

20. The clothing transport device of claim 19, wherein the clothing transport device is in communication with a mobile device which can perform functions on the clothing transport device.