US20200367625A1

US20200367625A1 - Crease free garment carrying luggage accessory

Info

Publication number: US20200367625A1
Application number: US16/417,242
Authority: US
Inventors: Anand Namasayya Hiremath
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-05-20
Filing date: 2019-05-20
Publication date: 2020-11-26

Abstract

The invention is a removable garment carrying accessory which fits inside of a luggage, receives a single or a plurality of garments, is comprised of a partially rigid flexible sheet, a hanger rod and clips to hold garments, straps to secure the garments to the said flexible sheet, and a hook to hang the accessory to a clothes rod. A cylindrical tube with garments rolled around it and a toiletry receptacle and miscellaneous items occupy the inner space of the said folded flexible sheet. The invention is designed to keep the garments substantially crease-free during travel by reducing the number of folds needed while packing the garments, make packing and unpacking a luggage quick, easy and efficient, and the said accessory to be readily usable with most luggages currently in the market thus avoiding any need to an buy entirely new luggage.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of this invention relate to a garment packing accessory that receives garments such as shirts, jackets, blouses, skirts and trousers, and which when placed inside a luggage for travel or storage substantially minimizes the creasing of garments, and makes the process of packing and unpacking a luggage markedly efficient for travel.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Transporting garments such as shirts, jackets, suits and trousers for travel currently involves packing these items in a luggage, such as a suitcase, a trunk, a duffle, garment or any other such bag. The said luggage can be used either as a carry-on or check-in item during travel or for storage purpose. The width of a luggage being smaller than the width of a shirt, blouse or jacket creates a scenario wherein the garments need folding in multiple ways, both longitudinally and horizontally which creates multiple creases especially in readily noticeable areas when the garments are worn at destination. Ironing is necessary to smooth out the creases in most cases. Packing a shirt traditionally involves buttoning the shirt and folding it in multiple ways, usually around 5 or 6 times to ensure that maximum luggage space is utilized with minimal movement of the contents. Blouses, jackets, trousers and other items similarly need folding multiple times. Attempts to address the issue of creasing, crumpling or wrinkling of garments in a luggage for transportation or storage in the past have been unsatisfactory.
From U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,766A (Deconinck), a bag is designed comprising of a rigid tray that can be pivoted between a horizontal and vertical position. A rigid support with a convex outside surface is adapted to receive the folded garments. The concave inside surface of the rigid support is used to place a traditionally folded shirt or blouse. The outer cover closes and envelopes the contents inside, including the rigid tray with its jacket and trousers placed over it. The travel bag described in Deconinck patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,766A) has several disadvantages such as, the rigid tray support is part of and therefore not detachable from the other components that form the travel bag, the convex structure being rigid prevents it from being straightened out from its convex shape to be hung along with the garments to a clothes rod, and the garments are laid on the convex rigid support without any clip or clasp attachment to secure the garments in place causing the garments to likely slide out of the rigid support;
From the U.S. Pat. No. 2,422,511 (Wolsey), a removable rigid framework is created with a rounded top and sides, the outer surface for draping the garments and interior space to hold miscellaneous items. Being a rigid framework, it is not easy to move garments in and out of the compartments when packing or unpacking.
In the U.S. Pat. No. 2,873,830A (Wilt), a free floating structure that forms a curved wall is designed to place the garments over it, and the inside space for the toiletries. The garments are held in place using a plurality of hangers attached to one wall of the suitcase. This makes it cumbersome and inefficient to pack and unpack, since each garment needs to be hung on a hanger individually and on to a clothes rod.
The U.S. Pat. No. 2,001,806A (Wheary), as in the Wilt U.S. Pat. No. 2,873,830A attached the garment hangers to one side of a suitcase, and it is cumbersome to pack the garments in one inner compartment of a suitcase.
In the Landis patent U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,674A, the Spitz patent U.S. Pat. No. 3,433,335A and others prior, a garment bag is created to receive the garments, these when folded in half horizontally result in an acute angle at the fold, causing visible creasing at the fold. Additionally, the width of the garment bag being as wide as the shirt makes it unsuitable to carry during air travel, and the soft exterior cover exposes the bag and its contents to be easily crushed by the weight of fellow passengers bags.
From the U.S. Pat. No. 9,480,316B2 (Kogelnick), a piece of luggage is described comprising a shell of partially rigid material to hold a garment to keep it crease free, and that can be rolled out, and, a core to hold other elements. The clothes hangers or a tension belt receive the garments, wherein the clothes are placed on the inner shell along the length of the case and the garments are secured to the shell of the luggage.
In the U.S. Pat. No. 7,416,066B2 (Chernoff), the device comprises a wheeled suitcase with a detachable garment bag wrapped on the outside of the suitcase. Such an arrangement make the garments susceptible to creasing when the soft garment bag is attached to outside of the suitcase.
Many garment bags with variations are cited. Some examples include Pat. No. EP0203113B1 (King and Weisbart), U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,947A (Sheiman), U.S. Pat. No. 4,854,431A (Pulichino and Tong), and U.S. Pat. No. 3,115,959A (Jaffe). Garment bags are generally made of soft fabric, are wide to fit the width of a shirt, need many hangers to hold the individuals shirts, and when folded in half horizontally form a substantially acute angle at the fold. Therefore, garment bags in general are prone to causing significant creasing, crushing from outside, and are too wide making them unsuitable for travel.
The present invention is designed to overcome the many disadvantages seen in luggages mentioned above, wherein excessive creasing of the garments is a vexing problem, and packing and unpacking is a cumbersome inefficient process. The novel invention designed keeps the garments substantially crease-free requiring only two folds and in only the invisible areas, instead of the usual 5-6 folds seen in visible areas in a traditional luggage packing. Additionally, this novel garment packing accessory is readily removable and not fixed to a luggage, making the un-packing process at destination markedly efficient, quick and easy. Additionally, any need to purchase an entirely new luggage is avoided since this novel garment carrying accessory is readily usable with existing luggages people already own.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is the creation of a garment carrying accessory that can be placed inside of a luggage, such as a suitcase, garment bag, duffle bag or any other travel case to facilitate carrying one or a plurality of garments with minimal folding and hence keeping the garments substantially crease-free, and the said accessory along with the garments can be easily taken in and out of a luggage as one unit to be hung to a clothes rod making the packing and un-packing process quick and easy, and the accessory is usable with luggages currently existing in the market thus avoiding the necessity to buy entirely new luggage.
To achieve the said objectives, this novel garment carrying accessory consists of a partially rigid flexible sheet of a size and shape to fit inside a luggage, and the said sheet is of sufficient length to receive the full length of a garment such a shirt when the garment is laid over it longitudinally, and when the partially rigid flexible sheet is folded or rolled approximately in the middle will form a curvature with a large radius over which the garment lays, while the remaining portions of the flexible sheet on either sides of the curvature form two approximate parallel surfaces, and the space between the curvature and the parallel surfaces is occupied by a cylindrical tube with garments such as trousers rolled around it, and miscellaneous items placed inside receptacles, and the whole arrangement snugly fits inside a closed luggage. In a preferred embodiment, the partially rigid flexible sheet is made of polymer plastic and is rectangular in shape. To one of the two shorter sides of the flexible sheet, along its edge, a rigid rod, wire or a bar is securely attached. To this rod, wire or bar, a single or a plurality of holding elements, such as clips, clamps or hooks, are attached as in a clothes hanger. The holding elements are movable along the rod, so the space between the holding elements, clips, clamps or hooks can be adjusted on the rod. Additionally, the holding elements can rotate 360 degrees on the axis of the rod, thereby allowing the user to individually adjust the angle of the holdings elements on the rod. A hanging element, such as a hook or a similar mechanism is also fixed to the rod which serves to hang the garment accessory to a clothes rod. In addition to the flexible sheet, in a preferred embodiment, the garment accessory also consists of a rigid tube to receive garments such as long trousers or skirts which can be gently rolled around the tube, and the said tube is preferably cylindrical, but can be oval or elliptical or any other suitable shape, and is made preferably of plastic or polymer material, and is of a length slightly shorter then the length of the shorter side of the flexible sheet, and is therefore able to fit inside the width of a luggage. Separately and preferably, the garment accessory also includes a single or a plurality of receptacles of a suitable shape and size, preferably rectangular, to receive toiletry and other miscellaneous items. Using the tube and the receptacles is optional, however using them is preferred in this embodiment, since, in the final packing assembly, these articles occupying the interior space of the curved flexible sheet help support the structure the sheet preventing it from collapsing or crushing. In a final assembly, the rolled middle portion of the flexible sheet follows the curvature and rests over the garments rolled around the rigid tube, and the two portions of the sheet on either side of the curvature form two flat parallel surfaces that rest on the receptacles and miscellaneous items placed in between them in a closed luggage.
While using the novel garment accessory, a preferred packing method for shirts, blouses, jackets or similar garments involves firstly folding the said garment lengthwise (longitudinally) in the median once, so the two front flaps lay opposed against each other with a longitudinal fold in the middle of the back portion of the garment. Then, a second fold is made at the armhole when the two sleeves of the garment are brought across diagonally to rest on top of the half folded back of the shirt garment. This folded shirt is placed on the surface of the partially rigid flexible sheet with its hanger clips or clamps facing up, and the garment collar is now attached to the hanger clip or clamp on the rod. Thus, using this accessory, only two folds are necessary and only in minimally visible areas of the garment, where as in a traditional shirt packing method, 5 to 6 folds are necessary and many of them causing creases in distinctly visible areas. A plurality of garments can similarly be folded and attached to either a single or a plurality of the hanger clips, clamps or holding elements in various combinations. The individual folded garments are layered or stacked on top of each other and attached to the hanger clips or clamps at the collar end. By moving and adjusting the space between the said hanger clips, clamps or any such holding elements on the rod, and by adjusting their angles individually by rotating them on the rod, the garments can be neatly stacked on top of each other on the flexible sheet with the collar ends attached to the hanger clips or clamps. Folding the garment in half lengthwise ensures that the width of the garment closely approximates the width (the length of the shorter side) of the partially rigid flexible sheet, and therefore fits within the width of the luggage (the length of the shorter side of back or front panel of a luggage), which is essential in a carry-on or any smaller size luggage. The garments are held in place on the partially rigid flexible sheet by a single or a plurality of straps or laces, one end of each of the straps or laces is attached to one of the longitudinal sides of the partially rigid flexible sheet, and their other free end is attached to compatible buckles or clasps which can be engaged to lock and keep the garments in place. The surface of the partially rigid flexible sheet on which the shirt garments are placed and secured will become the exterior surface, while the other surface of this sheet will become the interior surface when the sheet is rolled or folded during the packing process. By laying on the exterior surface of the flexible sheet, in a fully assembled and closed luggage, the shirt garments are in direct opposition to the interior surfaces of the luggage sides, while the inner surface of the curved flexible sheet follows the curvature of the cylindrical tube and its rolled garments. The two flat surfaces on either sides of the curved flexible sheet (sheet rolled approximately in the middle portion) which are now parallel to each other, sandwich the toiletry receptacles and miscellaneous items between them.
In yet another embodiment, the straps or laces may be replaced by one or a plurality of free flaps either extending the full or partial longitudinal length of the flexible sheet, with one of the edges of the flap attached to the edge of the flexible sheet, while the remaining free edge is attached to a closure mechanism such as a zipper, velcro or hook. By engaging the zipper, velcro or hook, the flaps will enclose and secure the garments on the flexible sheet.
When packing longer length garments such as trousers, skirts and others, preferably these garments are laid flat lengthwise and layered or stacked on top of each other, and the entire group is rolled gently as one single unit around the said cylindrical tube. This rolled garment assembly snugly occupies the curved interior space formed by rolled or folded flexible sheet in a final assembled state.
The toiletries and miscellaneous items are preferably placed inside receptacles, and the said receptacles will occupy the space and are sandwiched between the two parallel flat surfaces of the flexible sheet in the final assembly.
In the preferred assembly method of the garment carrying accessory inside a luggage, the flexible sheet is turned upside down so that the garments (9,10) which are secured onto the exterior (upper) surface of the flexible sheet (1) are facing down before being lowered into the luggage. This ensures that in a final assembled state, the garments (9,10) on the lower portion of the flexible sheet (1) are laid in direct opposition to the inner side of the back panel (21) of the luggage, the middle curved portion is in opposition to the top side (23) of the luggage, and the upper portion of the garment is in opposition to the lid or front panels (22) in a closed luggage. In this preferred method of assembly, the lower portion of the partially rigid flexible sheet (1), that is the portion of the sheet (1) farthest from the hanger rod (2), the hanger clips (4)) and its attached garments (9,10), is gently lowered into the luggage to rest on the inner side of the back panel (21) as shown in FIG. 4a , with the longitudinal length of the flexible sheet corresponding to and occupying almost the entire longitudinal length of the back panel (21). The lower shorter edge of the flexible sheet (1) is gently maneuvered as close to the bottom corner formed by the meeting of the lower side (18) and back panel (21) of the luggage body. In an upright position, the lower side (18) of the luggage is the side with the wheels attached to it. At this stage of the assembly, the top portion of the flexible sheet (1) and the garments (9, 10) secured to it and facing down, stay outside the luggage as depicted in FIG. 4a , while the lower portion of flexible sheet (1) rests on the inner back panel of the luggage body (21). The cylindrical tube (5) and its rolled garments (6) is now placed transversely inside the luggage on to the inner surface (surface now facing upwards) of the partially rigid flexible sheet (1) and maneuvered closest to the top side (23) of the luggage. The toiletry receptacles (11) and miscellaneous items are subsequently placed on inner surface of the flexible sheet next to the cylindrical tube (5) and its rolled garments (6) and towards the lower side of the luggage as shown in FIG. 4b . In the next step, the the flexible sheet (middle portion) abutting the rolled garments (6) is rolled or folded to form a smooth large radius semi-circular curvature around the rolled garments (6). The remaining upper portion of the flexible sheet (1) along with its attached hanger rod (2), hook (3), clips or clamps (4) and garments (9,10), is gently laid flat to rest over the toiletry receptacle (11) and miscellaneous items placed next to the rolled garments (6). In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 4b , the garments attached to the flexible sheet (1) lay on the exterior surface of the sheet and in direct opposition to the inner sides of the luggage, while the inner surface of the sheet (1) and the inner space is occupied by the rolled garments (6), the tube (5), the receptacles (11) and miscellaneous items. Upon closing the luggage cover or lid (22), all contents including the garments (9) sandwiched between the exterior surface of the flexible sheet (1) and the inner sides of the luggage remain well protected inside the luggage. When the luggage is made upright for travel, the curvature of the flexible sheet (1) is at the top side, and the garments (9) laying on its convex exterior convex surface are supported by the partially rigid flexible sheet (1) underneath. Also, in a upright position, the inner curved space occupied by the cylindrical tube (5) and the rolled garments (6) help support and maintain the curvature of the partially rigid flexible sheet (1) above, and the toiletry receptacle (11) and miscellaneous items below it support the rolled garments (6) and the tube (5) above.
Since the shirt and similar garments (9,10) lay on the exterior surface of the flexible sheet (1) which forms a smooth large radius curvature around the rolled garments (6), a maximum of only two folds, and only in minimally visible areas is necessary when using this garment accessory. On the other hand, a traditional shirt packing necessitates 5 to 6 folds with many folds forming in distinctly visible creases when the garment is worn. The present invention, by substantially eliminating the need for many folds, prevents excessive creasing and need for ironing or smoothing at destination. Additionally, this novel garment carrying accessory substantially improves the efficiency of packing by minimizing the number of foldings needed, and also minimizes the unpacking time by enabling the user to hang the entire accessory along with its garments as one single unit to a clothes rod. Additionally, this novel garment accessory is readily usable with existing luggages on the market today, thus avoiding any need to buy a new luggage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of the present invention showing the flexible sheet (1) and the accompanying components attached to it

FIG. 1b shows an exploded view of a portion of FIG. 1a indicated by the arrow. The clip attachment (3) to the rod (2), and the rotational and linear movements of the clip on the rod are indicated by the arrows

FIG. 1c shows a perspective view of an another embodiment of the flexible sheet (1) and the components attached to it. In this embodiment, the straps (7) and buckles (8) are replaced by free flaps (16) and zipper (17)

FIG. 2a shows top view a shirt garment laid flat on its back and ready for folding, and the arrow indicating the direction of the median fold

FIG. 2b shows top view of a shirt garment folded in half in the median at the back of the shirt, and an arrow indicating the diagonal direction of folding the sleeves at the shirt's armhole

FIG. 2c shows top view of two folded shirt garments (9,10) laid on top of the flexible sheet (1) in a layered fashion at the two sides of the flexible sheet

FIG. 2d shows top view of the folded shirt garments secured by the straps (7) and buckles (8) to the flexible sheet (1)

FIG. 3a shows top view of the trousers (6) layered on top of each other, and a cylindrical tube (5) at one end onto which the trousers are gently rolled in the direction of the arrow

FIG. 3b shows orthogonal view of the cylindrical tube (5) and trousers rolled around it (6)

FIG. 4a shows a perspective view of a luggage with the lid open and one of its side cut away, and the lower portion of the flexible sheet with its garment attachments laid inside the luggage

FIG. 4b shows a view of FIG. 4a but with the addition of a cylindrical tube (5) and toiletry receptacle (11) on the inner (upper) surface of flexible sheet in a open luggage

FIG. 4c shows a perspective view of a luggage with its lid closed and one of its sides cut away to show the folded flexible sheet and other contents packed inside the luggage

FIG. 4d shows a view of FIG. 4c when the packed luggage is in upright position ready for travel

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. The invention consists of a partially-rigid, flexible sheet (1) made of a polymer, plastic, metal, fabric, cardboard, rubber or any other suitable material. The said sheet is of a rectangular, oval, elliptical or any other suitable shape, and of predetermined dimensions, and constructed to accommodate inside a luggage such as a suitcase, trunk, garment bag, duffle bag or any other, either a carry-on or checked-in luggage, which may come in different sizes. To one of the two shorter sides (henceforth may also be called as the top side edge) of a preferred rectangular shaped flexible sheet (1), a rigid rod, wire or a bar (2) is securely attached parallel to and along its edge with an attaching arrangement that include U-clips (12), grommets and rivets (13) or similar attaching mechanism. The said rod, wire or bar is made of metal, plastic or any other suitable rigid material. To the said rod, wire or bar (2), along its length, a single or a plurality of attaching device(s) such a clip, clamp, clasp, hook or any other such mechanism (4) is attached to secure (clip) one end of a garment, such as a shirt, jacket, blouse, skirt, trouser or any other suitable garment in place. To the said rod, wire or bar (2), a single or a plurality of hanging device such as a hook (3) is attached, which is used to hang this garment carrying accessory to a clothes rod or to a peg. In one scenario, the hook (3) may also be used to secure the garment carrying accessory to the inside a suitcase by hooking it to an attaching mechanism if such an arrangement is provided by the luggage manufacturer. In the absence of such an arrangement, the said garment carrying accessory and the garments secured on it may be placed freely inside a luggage, and this scenario is the mostly likely case presently since such an attaching arrangement is not normally available in the currently marketed luggages. To the flexible sheet (1), and along its two longer side edges, one end of a single or a plurality of straps, bands or laces (7) is securely attached with a attaching arrangement such as rivets and grommets (13), and the said straps bands or laces are made of a synthetic material such as nylon, natural fabric such as cotton, or rubber or a combination of these, or any other suitable material. To the other free ends of the said straps, bands or laces (7) are attached buckles, clasps, velcro (8) or any such fasteners, and by inter-locking or engaging the said fasteners (8) from both sides of the flexible sheet (1), the garments placed on the flexible sheet (1) can be securely held in place. In an alternate embodiment, a single or a plurality of bands or laces may encircle the flexible sheet (1) and the garments to hold the garments securely onto the sheet (1). In yet another alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 1c , free flaps of a suitable length may be attached along the edges of the two longitudinal sides of the flexible sheet (1), and the free edges of the said flaps are attached with a zipper, velcro, clasp, hook or any other closure mechanism. By bringing the flaps together and engaging the zipper or a similar closure mechanism, the flaps envelope and enclose the garments laid on the flexible sheet (1) and hold them securely in place.
FIG. 1b shows an exploded view of the rigid rod, wire or bar (2) and an attaching device such as a clip, clamp, clasp, hook or any other such attaching mechanism (4). In the exploded view, a single attaching device (4), namely a clip is shown attached to a rigid rod (2). In this preferred embodiment, the clip (4) is able to rotated 360 degrees on the axis of the rigid rod as depicted by the arrow (14) in this figure. The clip (4) can also be slid horizontally along the rigid rod in either direction as indicated by the arrow (15). In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of such clips or attaching devices (4) are provided on both sides of the hanging device (3), and the said clips or attaching devices (4) can be rotated independently to any desired angle, as well as moved independently along the rod (2) to adjust the distance between each of them.
FIG. 1c is an alternate embodiment showing free flaps (16) attached along the edges of the two longitudinal sides of the flexible sheet (1). Along the free ends of the said flaps, a closure mechanism such as a zipper, velcro, clasp, hook or any other (17) is attached, which when engaged will bring the flaps together to envelope and secure the garments on the flexible sheet (1). The free flaps may be of any suitable material such as natural fabric, synthetic, rubber, paper, cardboard, plastic or any combination thereof, and of a suitable length and shape to secure the garments on the flexible sheet (1).
FIGS. 2a to 2d shows the preferred process of folding and securing shirt garments (9,10) on to the flexible sheet (1).
FIG. 2a shows a long sleeved shirt (same applies to a short sleeved shirt) laid on a flat surface with the two front flaps of the shirt facing up and the sleeves spread out. The arrow indicates the direction of folding the shirt lengthwise in the median, thus halving the width of the shirt. The two front flaps and the two sleeves now lay in direct opposition by this fold.
FIG. 2b shows the manner of folding the two shirt sleeves at the armhole, by bringing them diagonally over to lay on the folded back half of the body of the shirt as indicated by the direction of the arrow. No visible crease is formed by this fold since this fold is along the armhole of the shirt.
FIG. 2c shows two folded shirts (9,10) placed over each other and on to the flexible sheet (1), and each attached at the collar to attaching devices, in this case hanger clips (4). Additionally, FIG. 2c also shows the straps (7) with a closure mechanism such as a buckle or clasp (8) attached to their free ends, which when engaged secure the garments in place on the flexible sheet (1). In this preferred packing method, one folded shirt (10) is layered over the other folded shirt (9) with each one attached at the collar to a clip (3) located on either side of the hook (3), and their collar fronts facing each other. A plurality of the the such attaching devices (4) enable a plurality of garments to be attached to them (4) on both sides of the hook (3) in an alternating fashion and neatly layered on top of each other. In a setting where more garments need packing than clips available, it is feasible to attach a plurality of garments to a single attaching device (4). In an alternate embodiment, the straps (7) and buckles (8) may be replaced by flaps (16) and zippers (17), and in yet another embodiment by a single or a plurality of elastic band(s) or lace(s) which encircle the flexible sheet (1) and the garments (9,10) to hold them together.
FIG. 2d shows a folded shirt (9) placed on the flexible sheet (1) and secured in place with the straps (7) and the buckles (8) engaged.
FIG. 3a shows an example of a plurality of trousers (6) laid lengthwise, layered or stacked on top of each other on a flat surface. A rigid tube (5), preferably cylindrical in shape, is placed at one end on to which the stacked trousers are rolled in the direction indicated by the arrow. A single or a plurality of any long length garments can similarly be packed by rolling around the tube (5). The tube (5) is preferably made of a suitable rigid material such as polymer, plastic, metal, cardboard, paper or rubber, and of any other suitable shape and size.
FIG. 3b shows the side view of the rigid cylindrical tube (5) and the garments (6) rolled around it, and ready to be placed on the flexible sheet (1) inside a luggage.
FIG. 4a shows a perspective view of a luggage with its lid (22) open and one of its sides cut away to expose the lower portion of the flexible sheet (1) and a shirt garment (9) that has been gently laid to rest on the inner back panel of the luggage body (21). As shown in this preferred packing method, the garment (9) faces down and is in direct opposition to the inner side of the back panel of the luggage body. The edge of the lower shorter side of the flexible sheet (1) is maneuvered to bring this edge closest to the bottom corner formed by the meeting of back panel (21) and the lower side (18) edges of the luggage. The remaining top portion of the flexible sheet (1), that is the portion with hanger clips (4), rod (2) and hook (3) remains outside the luggage at this stage of the packing process and near the top side (23) of the luggage as shown.
FIG. 4b is a perspective view of a luggage with its lid open and one of its sides cut away to expose the cylindrical tube (5), the garments (6) rolled around it, and a toiletry receptacle (11) placed next to it on the inner surface (facing up) of the flexible sheet (1) inside a luggage. The tube (5) and its rolled garments (6) are placed transversely near the top side (23) of the luggage, and the rounded shape of the rolled garments snugly fits in the space created by the semi-circular curve formed by rolling or folding the flexible sheet (1) over it. The toiletry receptacle and miscellaneous items occupy the remaining space on the lower portion of the flat surface of the flexible sheet towards the lower side of the luggage (18). An arrow indicates the direction of the folding of the flexible sheet (1) around the rolled garments (6) and the tube (5). A large radius semi-circular curve is formed around the rolled garments, and the inner surface of the flexible sheet (1) is closely hugging the rolled garments (6) as shown in the figure. In this preferred packing method, the garments attached to the flexible sheet (9) remain on the exterior convex surface of the sheet (1) when the luggage is made upright, thus preventing their collapse below. These garments (9) on the exterior (outer) surface of the sheet (1) also remain separated from the rolled trousers (6) and the cylindrical tube (5) which are located on the inner surface of the sheet (1), preventing any direct contact with each other, thus minimizing any excessive creasing that can result from friction.
FIG. 4c is a perspective view of a luggage with one of its sides cut away to expose a garment carrying accessory fully assembled and packed inside a luggage, and with the luggage lid or front panel (22) closed. In this preferred packing method, the curved middle portion of the flexible sheet (1) and the garments (9) on its exterior surface abuts the top side of a luggage (23), while the remaining two flat upper and lower portions of the sheet (1) on either side of the curved middle portion form two flat parallel surfaces that abut the sides of the lid or front panel (22) and the back panel (21) respectively. These two parallel surfaces enclose the toiletry receptacle (11) with other miscellaneous items in between them as shown. Also shown in the figure is the location of the garments (9) attached the flexible sheet (1) which lay sandwiched between the inner sides of the luggage and the exterior surface of the flexible sheet (1) when the luggage lid (22) is closed.
FIG. 4d is a perspective view of a the fully assembled luggage shown in FIG. 4c in an upright position ready for travel and one of its side cut away to expose the contents inside. In this preferred packing method using this garment carrying accessory, when the luggage is in an upright position, the curved portion of the flexible sheet (1) remains at the top side (23) of the uprighted luggage, and the garments (9) lay on its convex exterior surface following the large radius curvature of the flexible sheet (1) and the two parallel flat surfaces on either side of the curvature. The cylindrical tube (5) and its rolled garments (6), and the toiletry receptacle (11) with other miscellaneous items sit snugly in the interior space formed the curved and two parallel sides of the flexible sheet (1).
In an alternate embodiment, the hanging element (3) attached to the rod (2), may be directly attached to the partially rigid flexible sheet (1).
In yet another alternate embodiment, the hanging element (3) may be used to secure the entire garment carrying accessory to the inside of a luggage if such an attaching arrangement is provided by a luggage manufacturer.
In yet another alternate embodiment, the buckles or clasps (8) may be substituted with Velcro or magnetic fasteners to secure the garments on to the flexible sheet (1).
The general principles of this invention, the garment carrying accessory, are disclosed in the detailed descriptions of a preferred embodiment, and are not intended to limit the present design and utility model. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various substitutions to the invention are possible, and any obvious substitution without deviation from the general concept of the present utility model shall be protected within the scope of the present invention.
It is also obvious, numerous variations exist not only in the garment shapes and sizes, but also in the packing methods including the steps involved the packing process, and/or the placement of or the variety of the contents inside a luggage. For any particular user of this garment carrying accessory, one or a combination of these may become a suitable and preferred method for packing a luggage.

Process of Packing and Unpacking

In this preferred method, when packing garments such as a shirt, jacket or blouse, the garment is folded lengthwise in half approximately in the median as shown in FIG. 2a and indicated by an arrow. The halved width of the shirt garment shown in FIG. 2b now approximately equals the width (length of the shorter side) of the flexible sheet (1) shown in FIG. 2c . The said sheet and the garment can both comfortably fit inside the width of a luggage. After the median fold is made, the two sleeves are folded at the armhole by bringing them over diagonally as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2b to lay on top of the back half of the folded shirt which is shown in FIG. 2d . This folded garment is now laid lengthwise on the (upper or exterior surface) flexible sheet (1), and secured at the collar end by attaching it to a hanger clip or clamp (4) as shown in FIG. 2c . The waistline in the case of a trouser, skirt or a similar long length garment can be secured to the clip as well. The straps (7) on either side of the sheet (1) with buckles or clasps (8) at their free ends now encircle the garments, and when the buckles or clasps (8) are engaged keep the garments in place on the flexible sheet (1). This assembly is now gently placed inside the luggage such that the lower portion of the flexible sheet (1) and the garments on it rest on the inner side of the back panel (21) of the luggage. The garments (9 and 10) and the exterior surface of the flexible sheet (1) on which the garments lie, are oriented such that the garments face down as shown in FIG. 4c and abut the inner side of the back panel (21) of the luggage. The lower edge of the flexible sheet (1) is maneuvered to lies closet to the corner formed by the meeting of the back panel (21) and the lower side (18) if the luggage. The remaining upper portion of the flexible sheet (1) and the garments (9,10) lay outside the luggage at this stage as shown in FIG. 2a . Separately, and as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b , trousers, skirts and similar long length garments (6) are laid flat and rolled on to the tube (5). The tube and the garments rolled over it is now placed on the inner smooth surface (facing upward) of the flexible sheet (1) inside the luggage and closest to the top side (23) of the luggage as shown in FIG. 4b . The top side is the side with the luggage handle and this side assumes the top position when the luggage is made upright for travel as shown in FIG. 4d . In the next step, also shown in FIG. 4b , a single or a plurality of toiletry receptacles (11) of a suitable sizes and shapes and miscellaneous items are placed towards the lower side (18) of the luggage, to snugly occupy the remainder of the space next to the tube (5) and the rolled garments (6). In this preferred packing process, this becomes the lower side when the luggage is made upright for travel. Following this, the flexible sheet (1) along with its attached garments (9 and 10) is now rolled or folded around the rolled garments (6) and the tube (5) as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4b forming a large radius semi-circular curvature as shown in FIG. 4c . The curved portion of the sheet (1) is the approximate middle portion of the longitudinal length of the sheet, and the curved portion also abuts the top side (23) of the luggage as shown in FIG. 4c . The remaining portion (upper portion) of the flexible sheet (1) with the rod (2), clips (4) and the hook (3) attached to its top edge, and the garments (9, 10) on its exterior surface (now facing up) is laid flat to rest on the toiletry receptacles (11) and miscellaneous items. When the luggage cover or lid (22) is closed, as shown in FIG. 4c and FIG. 4d , the lower portion of the flexible sheet (1) is faces the inner side of back panel (21) of the luggage, the upper portion of the flexible sheet (1) faces the lid or the front panel (22), and the curved middle portion of the flexible sheet faces the inner top side (23) of the luggage as shown in FIGS. 4c and 4d . The upper and lower portions of the sheet (1) are flat and parallel, and the space between them is occupied by the toiletry receptacle (11) and miscellaneous items. The inner concave space formed by the curved middle portion of the sheet (1) is occupied by the rolled garments and the tube (5). The shirt and similar garments (9,10) secured to the sheet (1) lay in the space between the inside sides of the luggage and the exterior surface of the flexible sheet. When the luggage is in an upright position, the middle portion of the shirt garments remain on top of the convex (exterior) surface of the partially rigid flexible sheet (1), and by being supported by the rigidity of the flexible sheet (1) underneath, do not collapse down due to gravity. By this preferred arrangement of the contents, any significant creasing of the garments, or crushing of the contents is avoided.
The purposeful design to achieve a large radius curvature by the partially rigid flexible sheet (1) helps minimize the number of folds required in packing a shirt garment, limiting the folds and hence the creases to the least visible areas, thus eliminating a very common creasing problem seen with packing garments inside a luggage.
At destination, the unpacking process is easy, and involves only opening the luggage lid, moving the upper portion of flexible sheet to expose the rolled garments (6) and the toiletry receptacles (11) and miscellaneous items, removing these items out of the luggage, and lastly removing the flexible sheet with its attached garments as one single unit out of the luggage to be hung to a clothes rod by the hook (3). Since any additional creasing is avoided when the garments and the flexible sheet (1) are straightened and hung as one single unit, the garments can be left attached to the accessory until needed at a later time.
In an alternate embodiment, the hanging element (3) which is attached to the rod (2) in preferred embodiment, may be directly attached to the partially rigid flexible sheet (1). This hanging element (3) may also be used to secure the garment carrying accessory to the inside of a luggage if an attaching arrangement is provided by a luggage manufacturer.
In yet another embodiment, the buckles or clasps (8) may be substituted with Velcro or magnetic fasteners to secure the garments in place on the flexible sheet (1).
The description of the packing process and the contents while using the novel garment carrying accessory is a preferred method, however numerous variations in the contents, the placement of the contents and steps and a combination thereof exist in the packing process, and which may be found most convenient and efficient by each user and therefore adapted as such.
The advantages of the present invention are obvious and include easier packing and unpacking of garments into a luggage and arriving at destination with substantially crease (wrinkle) free clothing. Unpacking at destination is quick, and easily accomplished by removing the flexible sheet (1) together its attached garments, straight out of the luggage in one swoop to be hung on to a clothes rod with the hook. The garments can easily stay crease free while clipped to the flexible sheet for use at a later date, since the garments are folded only minimally to cause any substantial visible creasing. Additionally, the invention also avoids the problem of creasing and crumpling of the garments seen in traditional packing, when the garments collapse on one another and settle to the bottom of a luggage, when the luggage is placed upright for travel.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS OF DRAWING

- 1 Partially rigid, flexible, non-collapsible sheet
- 2 Rigid rod, wire or bar, also called hanger rod
- 3 Hanging element, such as a hook, also called hanger hook
- 4 Holding element, such as a clip or clamp, also called hanger clip or clamp
- 5 Tube, cylindrical, oval or any other shape
- 6 Trousers
- 7 Strap, band or a lace, made of synthetic material like nylon, rubber or fabric or a combination thereof
- 8. Closure mechanism, such as buckle, clasp, velcro, hook or magnetic
- 9. Garment (shirts, jackets, blouses) to be over the semi-rigid flexible non-collapsible sheet (1)
- 10. Garment (shirts, jackets, blouses) layered over garment 9
- 11. Receptacles, such as a toiletry kit
- 12. U-clip
- 13. Attaching device, such as rivet and grommet
- 14. Rotational movement of a clip or clamp around the rod, wire or a bar (2)
- 15. Arrow shows horizontal movement of clip or a clamp on the rod, wire or bar (2)
- 16. Flap, made of synthetic material, natural fabric, rubber or a combination thereof
- 17. Closure mechanism, such as a zipper, velcro, band, tie or any other fastener
- 18. Lower side of luggage, side to which wheels are attached and the lower side when luggage is in upright position
- 19. Luggage handle
- 20. Luggage wheels attached to lower side of luggage (18)
- 21. Back panel of a luggage body when laid down for packing or unpacking
- 22. Luggage cover or lid, or front panel of a luggage body
- 23. Top side of luggage, the side with handle attachment, and the top side when luggage is in upright position

Claims

The invention claimed is:

1. A luggage accessory designed of at least a partially rigid, flexible, non-collapsible sheet to hold the at least a single, or preferably a plurality of garments, and to be used inside a luggage, to minimize the number of folds required in packing garments, and hence minimize the creasing in garments

2. Wherein the partially rigid flexible sheet is made of plastic, polymer, metal, fabric, rubber, cardboard or any other material of predetermined flexibility, and having a predetermined shape, and predetermined size to fit inside a luggage, the luggage being a suitcase, trunk, garment bag, duffel bag or any other such device used for travel or storage

3. Wherein to one of the sides of the partially rigid flexible sheet as claimed in claim 2, a rigid element, such as a rod, wire or bar is attached alongside its edge

4. Wherein to the rod, wire or bar as claimed in claim 3, a hanging element such as a hook is attached

5. Wherein the rod, wire or bar as in claim 3 is single or a plurality arranged in in a ladder pattern

6. Wherein a single or a plurality of holding elements, such as the clips, clamps or hooks are attached to the rod, wire or bar claimed in claim 3 to hold one end of a garment, or the said holding elements are attached directly to the partially rigid flexible sheet claimed in claim 2

7. Wherein the holding elements, such as clips, clamps or hooks claimed in claim 6 are movable along the length of the rod, wire or bar claimed in claim 3 and the space between each holding element is adjustable, or, in an alternate embodiment the holding element(s) may remain firmly fixed to the rod, bar or wire claimed in claim 3 and therefore immovable

8. Wherein the holding elements, such as clips, clamps or hooks claimed in claim 6, turn 360 degrees around the axis of the rod, bar or wire claimed in claim 3 so the angle of each of the holding element is adjustable, or remain fixed on the said rod, bar or wire and incapable of turning in an alternate embodiment

9. Wherein a single or a plurality of straps or laces are attached to one or both longer sides of the partially rigid flexible sheet claimed in claim 2, and to each of free ends of the strap or lace an interlocking mechanism such as a clip or clasp is attached which when engaged keeps the garments secured in place on the said partially rigid flexible sheet

10. Wherein, in an alternate embodiment, along the longer side of the partially rigid flexible sheet claimed in claim 2, a single or a plurality of flaps is attached along one or both sides of the partially rigid flexible sheet claimed in claim 2, and when the flaps are brought together and closed will enclose and hold the garments securely in place between the said flaps and the said flexible sheet

11. Wherein the entire assembly including the partially rigid flexible sheet claimed in claim 2 and its attachments, and the garments secured on it is easily movable in and out of the luggage as a single unit during the packing and unpacking process

12. Wherein the partially rigid flexible sheet claimed in claim 2 and its attachments, and the garments secured on it can be removed as one single unit from the luggage during unpacking and hung as one unit to a clothes rod with the aid of the hanging element claimed in claim 4

13. Wherein, in an alternate embodiment, the hanging element claimed in claim 4 may be attached to an attaching mechanism inside a luggage permanently, or is detachable and removable along with the entire garment carrying accessory from a luggage

14. Wherein, in an alternate embodiment, the hanging element claimed in claim 4 may be directly attached to the partially rigid flexible sheet claimed in claim 2, instead of to the rod, wire or bar claimed in claim 3

Whereby the present accessory and the packing process is designed to pack garments neatly inside a luggage to keep them substantially crease-free during travel or storage, and additionally, the accessory is also designed to quickly and easily pack and unpack the garments for travel or storage.

Whereby the present device and the process is also designed for packing and storing garments and other miscellaneous items by the retail trade for display or storage.