US20200054107A1

US20200054107A1 - Luggage Packing System

Info

Publication number: US20200054107A1
Application number: US16/503,760
Authority: US
Inventors: Strippoli Rosemarie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-08-16
Filing date: 2019-07-05
Publication date: 2020-02-20

Abstract

A luggage packing system is provided to assist parents to ensure that they have the necessities for travelling with infants and young children. The packing system of the present invention provides a series of inserts and layers that makes items easier to locate and remove one-at-a-time without disturbing the rest of the contents of the luggage. The inserts may have varied pouch configurations adapted to store a wide variety of medications, clothing, accessories, and items. One or more elements can be particularly arranged to provide a separable, packing and organization system for clothing and accessories to be packed in a suitcase. By using the layers to pack small items of clothing and personal care items, entertainment and food, the luggage may provide a versatile suitcase for travel with an infant or young child.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an insert for a piece of luggage such as a suitcase and a packing system. In one form of the invention, a system is provided to assist parents to ensure that they have the necessities for travelling with infants and young children. The packing system of the present invention provides a series of inserts and layers that makes items easier to locate and remove one-at-a-time without disturbing the rest of the contents of the luggage. The inserts may have varied pouch configurations adapted to store a wide variety of medications, clothing, accessories, and items. One or more elements can be particularly arranged to provide a separable, packing and organization system for clothing and accessories to be packed in a suitcase. The luggage may be arranged in layers wherein infant items such as diapers, wipes, medications and toys in one layer. Another layer may include snack items such as bottles, snacks, pacifier and formula. Yet another layer may include items for entertaining a small child such as games, toys, music or similar devices. Yet another layer may include clothes. By using the layers to pack small items of clothing and personal care items, entertainment and food, the luggage may provide a versatile suitcase for travel with an infant or young child.
Suitcases and purses provide pockets or sleeves for holding items. Otherwise, they provide one or more large compartments in which all other things are to be folded and stored. Similarly, diaper bags have a few pockets to allow certain items to be placed therein while the majority of items remain loose in a large center area. In many of these suitcases, purses or diaper bags, it is difficult to see what has been packed and oftentimes, an essential item such as a medication is left at home.
When a traveler arrives in their hotel room or when children arrive at a relatives' home, they have the option of leaving the packed elements in their luggage, placing them intact in drawers in furniture or unpacked, carried and stored, all mixed together. It is difficult to find individual items within the jumble of other items in the suitcase. Sometimes the entire compartment must be emptied to locate a single item. Unpacking a typical suitcase is a chore especially during a airport inspections or during a trip where you are constantly changing location every few days. It is difficult to maintain clothing in a neat, pressed condition in the open, loose environment of a suitcase compartment.
The problem with disorganized packing has been recognized and certain devices have been developed to alleviate this burden, especially with purses. The Herwood reference (U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,667) discloses an insert for luggage or purses consisting of a packing element in the form of a page which is constructed as a thin-wall member having upwardly facing pockets and sleeves. Each page contains a plurality of attachment means along the bottom edge thereof for releasably hinging the bottom edges of the pages into a loose-leaf assembly of pages such that any page can be accessed by flipping the pages similar to the pages of a book. The pages may also be provided with fastening means on the top edges which can be joined to the hinges to form a vertical assembly. The top page in a vertical assembly or any of the pages can be provided with a hanger and stiffener, if required, for hanging the assembly in a closet or a garment bag. Conwiser (U.S. Pat. No. 2,529,724) discloses a pleated, multiple compartment kit for carrying purse contents so that they can be readily moved from purse to purse. The purse kit shown by McNary (U.S. Pat. No. 2,183,428) has straps stitched at various locations to provide sleeves for holding cosmetics and grooming aids such as combs, brushes, etc. Some overnight bags also provide separation and specific compartments for packing clothing.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The packing system of the present invention is based on a packing element in the form of multiple packing layers each of which is constructed as a thin-wall member having upwardly facing pockets, pouches and/or sleeves. The layers are retained in a shell-type outer layer that serves as the outside of the luggage. The outer layer may enclose one or more packing layers. In one form of the present invention, the outer layer may also include a zippable clear layer that allows the outer layer to be hung on a hanger while allowing each pocket or sleeve to be visible through the clear layer. Each packing layer contains a plurality of pockets or sleeves of varying sizes depending on the intended use of each packing layer. The pockets or sleeves may also be provided with zippers or loop and hook members along the top edges or areas of each individual pocket. The top surface of a packing layer can be provided with a grommet for use with a hanger and/or stiffener, if required, for hanging the assembly in a closet or a garment bag. In one form of the packing system, a packing first layer includes multiple smaller pockets or sleeves for storing small personal items for an infant or small child such as medications, bibs, wipes, diapers, ointments, combs. A second packing layer may include pockets or sleeves for containing snacks, bottles, formula, spoons or pacifiers. Another packing layer may include entertainment items for a child or infant such as plush toys, books or games. A further packing layer may include pockets or sleeves for items such as clothes.
In one form of the present invention, the packing layers include a plurality of snaps or other fasteners thereon. Each pocket or pouch includes complementary snaps or fasteners therein. This allows the user to remove individual pockets or pouches to remove items therefrom or to restock the items contained therein or even to refrigerate medications or similar items without having to remove the items from the pouch or pocket. Additionally, the use of multiple snaps or fasteners allows the user to adjust the pockets or pouches located on each individual layer or to adjust the orientation of the pockets or ouches. Similarly, if a hook and loop fastener system is used, the pockets or pouches may be readily rearranged by the user as desired.
The pockets or pouches of the present invention preferably include a rear attachment system for attachment to the packing layer or outer layer. The front of the pockets or pouches include a zipper or overlapping layer to provide a convenient closure for the pouch or pocket. Each pocket or pouch also includes at least a strip of opaque or transparent material to allow the contents of the pouch or pocket to be observed without having to open the pouch or pocket or remove the pouch or pocket from the packing layer. Finally, the pouches or pockets may be made of a canvas or waterproof material to ensure that crumbs or liquids from the contents of the pouches or pockets do not spill into the luggage.
These and many other features and attendant advantages of the invention will become apparent as the invention becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in con-junction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view in elevation of a first layer of the packing system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view in elevation of a second layer of the packing system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view in elevation of a third layer of the packing system in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are a front view in elevation of the pocket embodiments of the packing system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the back surface of the pocket in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the back sheet in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is a front view in elevation of a first layer of an alternate form of the packing system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 8 is a front view in elevation of a second layer of a packing system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 is a front view in elevation of a third layer of a packing system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 10 is a front view in elevation of a fourth layer of a packing system in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are a front view in elevation of the pocket embodiments of the packing system of FIG. 7 in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 12 is a back view in elevation of an alternate embodiment pocket of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the alternate embodiment of the back sheet of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the layers of the invention disclosed in FIG. 7 arranged for packing in a suitcase;

FIG. 15 is an alternate embodiment of a perspective view of a layer of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a layer of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the pocket of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A versatile packing system is provided in accordance with this invention. The system is based on plurality of thin-wall packing layers that can be separate layers or releasably hinged along their lower edges into an overall packing assembly. Thus, the layers can be separately packed or interconnected to be removed from a piece of luggage as a single unit. The packing layers may be lifted and removed to allow for the visualization of the items in each layer. The use of the packing layers having the separate pouches or pockets allow the user to remove a single item without disturbing anything else packed in the luggage or in any other layer. A single packing layer can be utilized for an overnight trip or a plurality of packing layers may be used for multiple evening trips. Additionally, the use of multiple packing layers facilitates the need of the user to quickly view the items that have been packed and/or need to be replenished. In a preferred form of the present invention each sleeve, pouch or pocket preferably includes a zipper or hook and loop system to close the pocket. Each pocket is also preferably at least partially transparent or translucent to allow the user to view the contents without opening the zipper member. As shown, the pocket may include a portion of the front surface 22 that is formed as a clear surface 19 and a further portion that is formed of an opaque or fabric surface 21 that obstructs the view of the contents of the pocket 18. As described below, at least one of the pockets may be formed of an insulated material to maintain the contents at a reduced temperature. As part of this pocket, a sleeve may be used for a frozen pack to assist in maintaining the reduced temperature of the contents of the pocket. Other pockets may be waterproof to ensure that the contents of the pockets do not spill into the luggage. Other pockets may be formed of a mesh material to allow for the visualization of the contents while also allowing for air to contact the contents of the pocket.
Referring now to the drawings, the packing insert assembly 10 of the present invention may include multiple packing layers 20, 30, 40 and 50. As described herein, more or fewer packing layers may be used depending on the length of the stay or the number of items needed for travel with a small child or infant. In the most basic form, the packing layers 20, 30, 40 or 50 are formed of a thin, flexible backing material such as a plastic, mesh or similar durable material. The packing layers are formed of a back sheet 12 that is sized to fit flat into most pieces of luggage. The back sheet 12 includes a plurality of shapes and sizes of pockets 18 thereon. The pockets 18 may be arranged and fixed to the back sheet 12 or may be removable and arrangeable to optimize the storage for the respective layer. In one form of the present invention described in more detail below, the pockets 18 may be fixed to the back sheet with snaps or other fasteners to allow the user to remove the desired pockets. Additionally, in another form of the present invention, an array of snaps 16 or other fasteners may be located on the front surface of the back sheet 12 as shown generally in FIG. 6. This array allows the user to position the pockets in the desired alignment and use pockets of the desired size and shape to maximize the packing space. In a preferred form of this embodiment, the snaps are arranged in a pattern to allow the user to position pockets 18 in a variety of positions along the back sheet and to also rearrange the orientation and types of pockets used depending on the needs of the user. Exemplary dimensions for the back sheet 12 include about 15 and ¼ inches by about 21 inches or 17 and ¼ inches by about 24 inches. As described herein, the important feature of the back sheet is that it fits within the majority of cavities of commonly available suitcases including the airline approved canyon suitcases.
FIGS. 1-6 are illustrative of one of the preferred configurations of the present invention. As shown, the pockets 18 may be of a variety of shapes including rectangular, square or oblong. In this embodiment, the pockets may be as small as approximately 7 inches by about 2 inches, approximately 4 inches by about 8 inches or as large as approximately 11 inches by about 17 inches. Exemplary sizes include approximately 7 inches by about 5 inches for smaller items. Another size may be about 7 inches by 2 inches for items such as combs or brushes. Another size may be about 4 inches by 8 inches for items such as medicine or ointment. Another size may be about 8 inches by about 9 inches to accommodate items such as shampoos or body wash. Yet another size may be about 9 inches by about 9 inches to accommodate items such as wipes. A further pocket size may be about 9 inches by about 4 inches to accommodate other personal items. As shown, the pockets 18 may be varied in height and width such that the face of the back sheet 12 may be two or three pockets wide and which may be aligned in about three rows in the height or lengthwise dimension. The depth of this first layer 20 may be varied by using pockets 18 of varying depth depending on the items intended to be packed by the user. Additionally, the pockets 18 to be used for medications or allergy pens may be insulated and may optionally include a sleeve for a frozen member to protect the contents from extreme temperature changes encountered during travel.
As shown in FIG. 1, this embodiment includes the first layer 20 that is arranged to accommodate a variety of smaller items that are typically packed for travel on short trips or with an infant or young child. This layer 20 is generally configured to include items for grooming, cleaning or medicating the child or infant. In the preferred form of the present invention, the first layer 20 may be about 3 inches deep. As shown in FIG. 1, the top row of the pockets 18, may include a pair of pockets having a greater width than height to accommodate items such as combs, brushes and/or grooming items. Exemplary sizes of the pockets of this row are about 6 or 9 inches wide and about 4 or 5 inches high. The second row of this embodiment includes a pair of larger pockets for items such as socks or underwear. These pockets 18 preferably include a width dimension that is smaller than the height dimension of the pockets in this embodiment. An exemplary size for these pockets is approximately 8 inches by about 9 inches. A third row is illustrated having three pockets of differing sizes wherein a pair of side pockets have smaller width than height that are configured on the side of a larger center pocket. Exemplary sizes of this row include pockets having a width of about 4 inches by approximately about 8 inches while the center pocket is approximately about 9 inches by about 9 inches. As shown, the pocket may include a portion of the front surface 22 that is formed as a clear surface 19 and a further portion that is formed of an opaque or fabric surface 21 that obstructs the view of the contents of the pocket 18. Depending on the intended use of the pocket 18, the clear surface may be positioned above or below the opaque or fabric surface 21.
FIG. 2 is illustrative of a further preferred arrangement and form of the second layer 30 of the present invention. This layer is illustrated for use with a variety of smaller items. As shown, the pockets 18 of the second layer 30 may be of a variety of shapes including rectangular, square or oblong. In this embodiment, the pockets 18 may include widths of about 7 or 9 inches and heights of about 2 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 7 inches or 9 inches. In general, this layer may be about 17 inches wide and a height of about 24 inches. This second layer 30 may include the pockets 18 arranged about two pockets wide and a height consisting of three or four pockets. Exemplary sizes include 7 inches by 2 inches for smaller items. Another size may be about 9 inches by 4 inches or 7 inches by about 5 inches. Another size may be about 9 inches by 9 inches or 7 inches by about 7 inches. In the preferred form of the present invention, the second layer 30 may be about 3 inches deep. The depth of this layer 30 may be varied by using pockets of varying depth depending on the items intended to be packed by the user.
FIG. 3 is illustrative of a preferred arrangement and form of the third layer 40 of the present invention. This layer is illustrated with a variety of items that are typically used for packing clothing and personal items such as glasses. As shown, the pockets 18 of the third layer 40 may be of a variety of shapes including rectangular, square or oblong. In this embodiment, the pockets 18 may include exemplary sizes such as about 15 inches by about 10 or 11 inches. These pockets 18 may be configured to consist of two large pockets having a plurality of interior pockets to include single larger pockets for storage of larger items. Additionally, these pockets may include one or more additional interior pockets 44 or pouches 46 to accommodate keys, glasses, pens or pencils. As shown, these interior pockets may be hidden from view through the use of opaque materials 68 to hide the contents from view without opening the pocket. In the preferred form of the present invention, the third layer 40 may be about 3 inches deep or may be deeper if it is intended to be used as the primary storage area of clothes for the user. The depth of this layer 40 may be varied by using pockets 18 of varying depth depending on the items intended to be packed by the user in this layer.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are illustrative of a preferred form of the pocket 18 of the present invention. FIG. 4A is illustrative of an open pocket having a window 68 and a peripheral zipper 64. In this embodiment, the pocket 18 is configured for horizontal alignment on the back sheet 12. As shown, the zipper 64 extends nearly the entire circumference along the peripheral edge of the pocket 18 to allow the pocket 18 to be opened without removing the pocket from the back sheet 12 as described more fully below. The pocket 18 includes a spine surface 15 oriented along a longer surface of the pocket 18 and which provides a flexible surface along which the pocket can be opened or closed. The window 68 is formed preferably of a clear or opaque plastic material to allow the user to observe the contents of the pocket 18 without having to open the pocket or remove it from the back sheet. FIG. 4B is illustrative of an alternate form of the pocket wherein the pocket 18 is designed to be aligned vertically along the back sheet 12. In this embodiment, the spine surface 15 is aligned along a shorter side of the alternate form of the pocket 18. As shown, the zipper 64 extends along the majority of the periphery of the pocket 18 and may at least partially be protected by an overlapping layer 66. Similarly, the window 68 of this embodiment extends along a portion of the front surface of the pocket 18. In a preferred form of this embodiment, the window 68 extends along approximately one-half to about two thirds of the front surface of the pocket. The window allows the user to observe the contents of the pocket without opening the pocket or removing the pocket from the back sheet. As shown, the pockets 18 of this embodiment may be about two and one-half to about 3 inches deep.
FIGS. 5 and 6 are illustrative of an embodiment having a plurality of snap members 16 to attach the pocket 18 to the back sheet 12. As shown, the snap members 16 may be arranged in a variety of configurations on the back sheet. The complementary snap members 16 of the back surface 24 of the pockets are generally located along the corners of the back surface 24 of the pocket. As shown in FIG. 6, a preferred form of this invention includes the snap members 16 arranged in a generally universal template on the back sheet 12 such that each of the different pockets may be securely arranged on the back sheet by the user to include and accommodate the desired pocket sizes for the user for each trip.
FIGS. 7-13 are illustrative of another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the first layer 20 is arranged to accommodate a variety of smaller items that are typically packed for travel with and infant or young child. This layer 20 is generally configured to include items for cleaning or medicating the child or infant. As shown in FIG. 7, the pockets 18 may be of a variety of shapes including rectangular, square or oblong. In this embodiment, the pockets may be as small as approximately 2 inches or as large as about 10 inches. Exemplary sizes may include 2.5 inches by 7.25 inches for items such as an allergy pen. Another size may be about 3 inches by 7.25 inches for items such as combs. Another size may be about 4.125 inches by 8.75 inches for items such as medicine or ointment. Another size may be about 9 inches by about 8.75 inches to accommodate items such as shampoos or body wash. Another size may be about 8.5 inches by about 9.75 to accommodate items such as wipes. A further pouch size may be about 8.75 inches by about 9.75 inches to accommodate items such as diapers. In the preferred form of the present invention, the first layer 20 may be about 3 inches deep. The depth of this layer 20 may be varied by using pockets 18 of varying depth depending on the items intended to be packed by the user. Additionally, the pockets 18 to be used for medications or allergy pens may be insulated pockets and may optionally include a sleeve for a frozen member to protect the contents from extreme temperature changes encountered during travel. As shown on FIG. 7, the pockets 18 may be configured generally in about 3 rows along the vertical dimension of the back sheet 12. As shown, the top row along the horizontal dimension, consists of a pair of smaller pockets aligned horizontally and generally adjacent to each other with a further, larger pocket horizontally positioned adjacent to the smaller pockets. The second row includes a pair of pockets having a general width of about 8 or 9 inches with a height of about 8 or 9 inches. The third row preferably includes a pair of smaller pockets having a greater vertical dimension than the horizontal dimension. These smaller pockets are aligned along the outer surface of the back sheet and are adjacent to a larger pocket that is centered along the third row. The smaller pockets of this row are generally about 4 inches wide and approximately 7 or 8 inches high. The center pocket is generally 7 or 8 inches by about 7 or 8 inches.
FIG. 8 is illustrative of a preferred arrangement and form of the second layer 30 of the present embodiment. This layer is illustrated with a variety of items that are typically used for feeding the child or infant. As shown, the pockets 18 of the second layer 30 may be of a variety of shapes including rectangular, square or oblong. In this embodiment, the pockets 18 may be as small as approximately 2 inches or as large as about 10 inches. Exemplary sizes include 2 inches by 7 or 8 inches for items such as spoons. Another size may be about 9 or 10 inches by 4 or 5 inches for items such as snacks. Another size may be about 7 or 8 inches by 5 or 6 inches for items such as snack containers. Another size may be about 9 or 10 inches by about 9 or 10 inches to accommodate items such as bottles. Another size may be about 7 or 8 inches by about 7 inches to accommodate items such as pacifiers or teething rings. Another size may be about 7 or 8 inches by about 9 or 10 inches to accommodate items such as cereal snacks. A further pouch size may be about 9 or 10 inches by about 9 or 10 inches to accommodate items such as formula. In the preferred form of the present invention, the second layer 30 may be about 3 inches deep. The depth of this layer 30 may be varied by using pockets of varying depth depending on the items intended to be packed by the user.
FIG. 9 is illustrative of a preferred arrangement and form of the third layer 40 of the alternate embodiment. This layer is illustrated with a variety of items that are typically used for entertaining the child or infant. As shown, the pockets 18 of the third layer 40 may be of a variety of shapes including rectangular, square or oblong. In this embodiment, the pockets 18 may include exemplary sizes such as about 17 inches by about 12 inches or 17 inches by about 10 inches. These pockets 18 may be configured to accommodate plush toys, books, DVDs or games or even larger or bulkier clothing or blankets. Additionally, these pockets 18 may include an additional pocket 44 to accommodate pens or pencils or even a sound machine. In the preferred form of the present invention, the third layer 40 may be about 3 inches deep. The depth of this layer 40 may be varied by using pockets 18 of varying depth depending on the items intended to be packed by the user in this layer.
FIG. 10 is illustrative of a preferred arrangement and form of the fourth layer 50 of the present embodiment. This layer is illustrated with a variety of items that are typically used for clothing the child or infant. As shown, the pockets 18 of the fourth layer 50 may be of a variety of shapes including rectangular, square or oblong. In this embodiment, the pockets 18 may include exemplary sizes such as about 17 inches by about 11 or 12 inches. These pockets 18 may be configured to accommodate the clothes of the small child or infant. In the preferred form of the present invention, the fourth layer 50 may be about 3 inches deep. The depth of this layer 50 may be varied by using pockets 18 of varying depth depending on the items intended to be packed by the user in this layer. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, a small hidden pocket 54 may be provided that is intended to store small valuable items such as a key. Unlike the other pockets 18, this pocket or pouch 54 is preferably hidden when looking at the front surface of the fourth layer 50.
FIGS. 11A and 11B are illustrative of an alternate form of the pocket 18 of the present invention. FIG. 11A is illustrative of an open pouch having a window 68 and a horizontally oriented zipper 64. In this embodiment, the pocket 18 is configured for horizontal alignment on the back sheet 12. As shown, the zipper 64 is oriented horizontally along the greater width dimension of the pocket 18 to allow the pocket 18 to be opened without removing the pocket from the back sheet 12 as described more fully below. The pocket 18 includes a flap member 17 oriented along the outer surface of the zipper to provide a protective surface along the outer surface of the zipper. The window 68 is formed preferably of a clear or opaque plastic material to allow the user to observe the contents of the pocket 18 without having to open the pocket or remove it from the back sheet 12. In this embodiment, the window extends along the greater width dimension of the pocket 18 and below the zipper 64. FIG. 11B is illustrative of an alternate form of the pocket of the present invention wherein the pocket 18 is designed to be aligned vertically along the back sheet 12. In this embodiment, the zipper 64 is aligned along the short surface of the alternate form of the pocket 18. Similarly, the window 68 of this embodiment extends along a portion of the front surface of the pocket 18 below the zipper 64. In a preferred form of this embodiment, the window 68 extends along approximately one-half to about two thirds of the front surface 22 of the pocket. As with the prior embodiment, the window allows the user to observe the contents of the pocket without opening the pocket or removing the pocket from the back sheet 12. As shown, the pockets 18 of this embodiment may have a depth of about two inches or greater.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and 12 and 13, The pockets 18 of the present embodiment preferably include a rear attachment system for attachment of the back surface 24 of the pockets 18 to the back sheet 12. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the attachment system of this embodiment may include fasteners such as snaps 16. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the attachment system may include a plurality of fasteners such as a hook and loop fastener system 26 as shown in this embodiment and described herein.
In a preferred form of the present invention shown in FIG. 13, the layers of the back sheet include a plurality of aligned hook and loop fasteners 26. Each pocket 18 includes complementary strips of hook and loop fasteners 26 thereon. This allows the user to remove individual pockets to remove items therefrom or to restock the items contained therein or even to refrigerate medications or similar items without having to remove the items from the pocket. Additionally, the use of multiple hook and loop fasteners 26 to allow the user to adjust the pockets located on each individual layer. For example, when a hook and loops system is used, one side of the hook and loop system may be arranged in horizontal and/or vertical lines along the layers. The pockets may have complementary hook and loop materials on the back surface thereon. This will allow the user to rearrange or remove the selected pockets to accommodate the needs for the current travel plans.
The back sheets can also be attached to hangers by threading the hook portions of the hangers through a grommet 62 or similar type of opening in the top of one or more layers. Similarly, a clip member such as a carabiner may be used to allow the layer to be hung from an available rod or knob. Other suggested attachment and hinging devices may be used with a slip-lock tightener such as used on various straps. The hanging structure can also be a simple central loop slipped over the shaft of a hanger or hung on a hook. Another embodiment of providing a method for carrying the layers, include snap closure rings, plastic or fabric belt strips having snap closures, hook and loop ends, buckle ends, turn-buckle ends or D-rings.
FIG. 14 is illustrative of an exploded view showing the present invention arranged with multiple layers for packing in a conventional suitcase.
FIGS. 15-17 are illustrative of another embodiment of the present invention showing a modified layer 70 for use during quick trips such as short vacations or overnights. The modified layer 70 may also be used for extended stay by utilizing multiple modified layers that are placed in conventional luggage carriers. As illustrated, this modified layer 70 includes a peripheral shell 72 that encloses and generally encapsulates the pockets 18 and pouches. The pockets 18 include clear surfaces and generally opaque surfaces. FIG. 16 illustrates the clear layer 78 of the shell 72 being folded back to allow access to the pockets 18. In this embodiment, the shell 72 further includes a sidewall 74 and a circumferential zipper 76 that extends along the circumference of the shell 70. The zipper 74 is used to close the clear layer 78 that protects and encloses the selected pockets 18 of the modified layer 70. In this embodiment, when the shell 72 is unfolded and opened or hung on a hanger, the clear layer 78 ensures that the pockets 18 remain in place and are protected while allowing the user to observe the contents of the modified layer 70. The sidewall 74 of this embodiment is made of a flexible material that allows the modified layer 70 to be folded in half and is approximately the same height as the pockets selected for the modified layer 70. The zipper 76 extends along the entire circumference or along three fourths of the circumference of the modified layer 70 to allow the clear layer to be opened and either removed or folded out of the way for access to the pockets 18. As with the prior embodiments, the back sheet portion of the modified layer 70 includes fasteners that match the fasteners on the back of the pockets whether they are snaps, hook and loop materials or other complementary methods of releasably connecting the pockets to the back sheet.
As also shown in FIGS. 15-17, a modified pocket 80 is provided. In one form of the modified pocket 80, the pocket includes an enlarged back storage area 82 with a smaller front storage area 84. The back storage area 82 is suitable for items such as clothes or blankets or other bulkier items and is preferably constructed of a breathable material such as khaki or nylon. The front storage area 84 is smaller and is suitable for toiletries, keys or other small items. The front storage area 84 is also shown as having a clear front surface to allow the user to visually observe the contents of the pocket 18 without having to open the pocket or clear layer 78. The large back storage area 82 preferably includes a circumferential zipper or a zipper that opens one half or three fourths of the pocket 18. The smaller front storage area 84 preferably includes a circumferential zipper that forms a generally u shape to allow the entire contents of the pocket to be easily removed. The back surface of the large back area preferably includes fasteners that match the fasteners on the back of the pockets whether they are snaps, hook and loop materials or other complementary methods of releasably connecting the pockets to the back sheet.
As shown in FIG. 17, the modified pocket 80 performs multiple functions of the other pockets or pouches described above. In this embodiment, the clear layer is utilized along the entire front surface of the front storage area 84 and along approximately one half of the back storage area 84. Additionally, a khaki or nylon material extends along the sidewall 74 of the modified pocket 80. The modified pocket also includes a pair of zippers 76. The first zipper extends along the front storage area 84 to allow for access to the contents thereof. The second zipper extends along the periphery of the back storage area 82 to allow for access to the contents of the back storage area 82. As described above, the depth of the modified pocket 80 may be similar to the depth of the pocket 18 described above or may be greater to accommodate more or different items than are storable with the pocket 18 described above.
It is to be realized that only preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and that numerous substitutions, modifications and alterations are permission without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. For example, although pockets are shown and described in the present disclosure, it is anticipated that a variety of pockets, pouches or other storage components may be used without departing from the present invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. A packing system comprising:

(a) A thin wall packing insert comprising a flexible backing sheet formed of a flexible material;

(b) a plurality of attachment elements provided on the backing sheet;

(c) a plurality of pocket members each having a front surface and a back surface and at least one attachment element adapted for the removable attachment to a corresponding attachment element on the backing sheet; and

(d) the plurality of the pocket members each having the front surface with an access member and transparent window thereon, the plurality of pocket members are removably attached to the backing sheet by engaging or disengaging the attachment on the back surface of the pocket member with corresponding attachment elements from the backing sheet.

2. The packing system of claim 1 in which the backing sheet includes a top opening adjusted to receive a conventional clothes hanger for hanging the packing system.

3. The packing system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of pocket members consist of pockets in a variety of different sizes and which are attachable in various configurations along the backing sheet.

4. The packing system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of pocket members include a plurality of snap members thereon which are attachable to complementary snap members on the backing sheet and the plurality of pocket members include zippers thereon.

5. The packing system of claim 1 wherein a plurality of backing sheets are provided and the plurality of backing sheets include a plurality of fastening members thereon that are oriented to engage complementary fastening members located on the plurality of pocket members.

6. The packing system of claim 1 wherein the backing sheet includes a sidewall having a zippered portion thereon.

7. A packing system comprising:

(a) A plurality of thin wall packing inserts comprising a flexible backing sheet formed of a flexible material;

(b) a plurality of attachment elements provided on the backing sheets;

(c) a plurality of pocket members each having a front surface and a back surface and at least one attachment element adapted for the removable attachment to a corresponding attachment element on the backing sheets and wherein the plurality of pocket members consist of pockets in a variety of different sizes and which are attachable in various configurations along the backing sheets; and

(d) the plurality of the pocket members further having the front surface with an access member and transparent window thereon and the plurality of pocket members are removably attached to the backing sheet by engaging or disengaging the attachment on the back surface of the pocket member with corresponding attachment elements from the backing sheet.

8. The packing system of claim 7 wherein the plurality of pocket members include a plurality of snap members thereon which are attachable to complementary snap members on the backing sheet and the plurality of pocket members include zippers thereon.

9. The packing system of claim 7 wherein the plurality of pocket members include a plurality of hook and loop members thereon which are attachable to complementary hook and loop members on the backing sheet.

10. The packing system of claim 7 wherein backing sheets further include a top opening adjusted to receive a conventional clothes hanger for hanging one or more backing sheets of the packing system on a hanger.

11. The packing system of claim 7 wherein the plurality of pocket members include zippers thereon that extend along the periphery of the plurality of pocket members.

12. The packing system of claim 7 wherein at least one of the plurality of pocket members include a pair of storage areas thereon.

13. The packing system of claim 7 wherein at least one of the backing sheet includes a sidewall having a zippered portion thereon.

14. A packing system comprising:

(b) a plurality of attachment elements provided on the backing sheets;

(c) a plurality of pocket members each having a front surface and a back surface and at least one attachment element adapted for the removable attachment to a corresponding attachment element on the backing sheets and wherein the plurality of pocket members consist of pockets in a variety of different sizes and which are attachable in various configurations along the backing sheets;

(d) the plurality of the pocket members further having the front surface with a window thereon for the visual observation of the contents therein and the plurality of pocket members are removably attached to the backing sheet by engaging or disengaging the attachment on the back surface of the pocket member with corresponding attachment elements from the backing sheet; and

(e) The plurality of pockets further including a peripheral surface having a zipper thereon to allow for access to the contents of the individual pocket.

15. The packing system of claim 14 wherein the plurality of pocket members include a plurality of snap members thereon which are attachable to complementary snap members on the backing sheet and the plurality of pocket members include zippers thereon.

16. The packing system of claim 14 wherein the plurality of pocket members include a plurality of hook and loop members thereon which are attachable to complementary hook and loop members on the backing sheet.

17. The packing system of claim 14 wherein backing sheets further include a top opening adjusted to receive a conventional clothes hanger for hanging one or more backing sheets of the packing system on a hanger.

18. The packing system of claim 14 wherein each of the plurality of pockets include a window on at least a portion thereof and a zipper extending along the entire periphery thereof.