US20220175103A1

US20220175103A1 - Extendable luggage

Info

Publication number: US20220175103A1
Application number: US17/544,051
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Zahabian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-12-07
Filing date: 2021-12-07
Publication date: 2022-06-09

Abstract

Luggage in which the main storage compartment is extendable. The compartment cover is also extendable, comprising material that covers the opening of the main storage compartment through which the compartment is packed with items.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. Application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/122,271, filed Dec. 7, 2020, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

This invention relates to luggage for carrying clothing and other personal items while traveling, and more particularly to luggage configured to modify its storage volume.

BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Luggage for storing clothing and other personal items while traveling commonly has a hard or rigid shell that cannot be expanded. However, some luggage includes a feature by which the volume of the main storage compartment may be expanded, for example by providing a strong flexible strip of material between front and rear portions of the main compartment. The strip may be folded and stored, for example using a zipper that couples the front portion directly to the rear portion. If more space is needed in the luggage, the zipper can be unzipped to allow the strip of material to unfold and increase the volume of the main compartment. Generally the material strip provides only a couple of inches of additional depth to the main compartment. This may be sufficient to provide convenient additional storage space for a relatively small amount of new items acquired when traveling. But if a comparatively large amount of additional space is needed, for example if the storage space needs to be doubled, the most common solutions include shipping items home in the box, or buying a new piece of luggage to carry the new items until the traveler returns home. This may be problematic, for example if the traveler is on a tight budget, or if shipping options are limited, or traveling storage containers are unavailable or undesirable.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an extendable luggage system includes a bottom section having a bottom, a plurality of sidewalls, a top opening and a side opening, the plurality of sidewalls coupled to the bottom, a top section having a top, a plurality of sidewalls a bottom opening, and a side opening, the plurality of sidewalls coupled to the top, the top section slidably coupled to the bottom section with the side opening of the top section and the side opening of the bottom section defining a front opening, a cover storage device coupled to a bottom surface of the bottom, and a cover coupled to the cover storage device, the cover designed to slidably cover the front opening, where the bottom section, the top section, and the cover define an interior volume.
The system may also include where the top section is designed is smaller than the bottom section.
The system may also include where the cover includes a flexible material.
The system may also include where the cover includes a plurality of rigid horizontal slats. Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
In one aspect, an extendable luggage system includes a bottom section having a bottom, a left side, a right side, and a back side, the back side permanently coupled at right angles to the left side and the right side, and the bottom permanently coupled at right angles to the back side, the left side, and the right side, a top section having a top, a left side, a right side, and a back side, the back side permanently coupled at right angles to the left side and the right side, and the top permanently coupled at right angles to the back side, the left side, and the right side, the top section slidably coupled to the bottom section with the left sides disposed in parallel planes adjacent to each other, the right sides disposed in parallel planes adjacent to each other, and the back sides disposed in parallel planes adjacent to each other, where a free edge of each of the left sides, the right sides, the top, and the bottom define an opening, a cover storage device permanently coupled to a bottom surface of the bottom, and a cover permanently coupled at a bottom end to the cover storage device and slidably coupled to the left and right sides of the bottom section and the top section, where the bottom section and the top section when slidably coupled together and with the cover extended from the free edge of the bottom to the free edge of the top defining an interior volume as a luggage storage compartment.
The system may also include a plurality of sliding member pairs permanently coupled to the back, left, and right sides of the top section and the bottom section, or permanently coupled to the edges of the top section and the bottom section where the back, left, and right sides meet, or a combination of both, slidably coupling each of the sliding members permanently coupled to the top section to a corresponding sliding member of the bottom section.
The system may also include a plurality of casters permanently coupled to the bottom side of the bottom, and a cover locking mechanism permanently coupled to at least one of the cover and the free edge of the top. Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
The system may also include where the cover is designed to roll up in the cover storage device.
The system may also include further includes an extension device permanently coupled to the bottom section and operatively coupled to the sliding members permanently coupled to the top section. Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
It is an object of the present invention to provide extendable luggage.
It is an object of the present invention to provide extendable luggage with a cover designed to cover an opening that can change sizes.
It is an object of the present invention to provide extendable luggage with casters that allow the luggage to roll.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows three perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a piece of luggage without being extended, partly extended, and fully extended.

FIG. 2 shows three perspective views of an exemplary embodiment showing the luggage storage compartment cover being extended to fully enclose the compartment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment, with the storage compartment fully extended and the cover partly extended.

FIG. 4 is a cutaway perspective view of the bottom of an embodiment, showing an exemplary means for rolling up, storing, and unrolling the compartment cover.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the top of an embodiment, showing the compartment cover being extended and locked.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the central portion of an embodiment illustrating the compartment extending mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. The embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the claims. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.
Referring now to FIG. 1, three perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a piece of luggage are shown, from left to right without being extended 102, partly extended 104, and fully extended 106. Casters 108 are coupled to the bottom corners of the embodiment for rolling the luggage on a flat surface. The main storage compartment of the embodiment is defined by an interior space formed by a top section 110 slidably coupled to a bottom section 112 and the compartment cover 114 closed.
The bottom section 112 comprises a bottom 118 permanently coupled at right angles to the bottom edges of three sides: a bottom section left side, right side, and back side. The left and right sides are also permanently coupled at right angles to the back side, where the edges of the left and right sides meet the edges of the back side. A plurality of sliding members 116 are permanently coupled to the back, left, and right sides, or the edges where they meet, or both, for slidably coupling to corresponding sliding members 116 of the top section 110.
The top section 110 comprises a lid 120 permanently coupled at right angles to the top of a top section left side, right side, and back side. The left and right sides are also permanently coupled to the back side at right angles. A plurality of sliding members 116 are permanently coupled to the top section back, left side, and right side, disposed at positions matching those on the bottom section 112 when the top and bottom sections 110, 112 are assembled together. The top and bottom sections 110, 112 are thereby slidably coupled to corresponding sliding members 116 permanently coupled to one of the top and bottom sections 110, 112.
In embodiments, the top section 110 may be configured with a perimeter slightly larger than the perimeter of the bottom section 112, so that the top section 110 can slide over the outside surface of the bottom section 112. If so, the sliding members 116 are disposed on the inside of the top section 110, positioned to engage corresponding sliding members 116 disposed on the outside of the bottom section 112. Alternatively, the top section 110 may be configured with a perimeter slightly smaller than the perimeter of the bottom section 112, so that the top section 110 slides into the bottom top section 110. If so, the sliding members 116 are disposed on the outside of the top section 110, positioned to engage corresponding sliding members 116 disposed on the inside of the bottom section 112.
The sliding members 116 may be disposed at any convenient location along the perimeter of the top and bottom sections 110, 112. For example, tubes having a circular or other matching cross section may be affixed at the vertical edges of the top and bottom sections 110, 112. In embodiments in which the top section 110 has a perimeter slightly larger than the perimeter of the bottom section 112, the tubes disposed along the edges of the top section 110 may be configured with a cross sectional area slightly larger than the diameter of the tubes of the bottom section 112, so that the top section 110 tubes slide over the bottom section 112 tubes as the top section 110 slides over the bottom section 112. The sliding members 116 of the top section 110 are positioned to engage corresponding sliding members 116 of the bottom section 112 when the top section 110 slides over the bottom section 112.
Conversely, in embodiments in which the top section 110 has a perimeter slightly smaller than the perimeter of the bottom section 112, the tubes disposed along the edges of the top section 110 may be configured with a cross sectional area slightly smaller than that of the tubes of the bottom section 112, so that the tubes of the bottom section 112 slide over the tubes of the top section 110 as the top section 110 slides into the bottom section 112. The sliding members 116 of the top section 110 are positioned to engage corresponding sliding members 116 of the bottom section 112 when the top section 110 slides into the bottom section 112.
Alternatively or in addition, rails may be affixed vertically to the sides of the bottom section 112 and the top sections 110 at any location along their respective perimeters, disposed such that the rails of the top section 110 slidably engage corresponding rails of the bottom section 112 when the top and bottom sections 110, 112 are assembled together, in like manner as described previously with regard to tubular sliding members 116 disposed at the vertical edges of the top and bottom sections 112.
In embodiments when the top and bottom sections 110, 112 are assembled together, the top section 110 may be raised or lowered by sliding the top section 110 while keeping the bottom section 112 stationary, or by moving the top and bottom sections 110, 112 in opposite directions. When the top and bottom sections 110, 112 are in a preferred relative position, they may be locked together to maintain that position. Any convenient mechanism may be used both to raise and lower the top section 110, and to lock it into place. For example, any convenient type of ratchet or jack mechanism may be used to raise and lower the top section 110. Such a ratchet or jack may be operated by a foot pedal or hand crank or the like (not shown). Any convenient type of friction lock, clamp lock, metal pins inserted in holes in the structural members, or the like may be used to lock the sliding members 116 in a preferred extension position.
The compartment cover 114 that covers the luggage storage compartment may be made of any appropriate type of cover material. In embodiments, the compartment cover 114 material may be taken up and let out from a spool-like mechanism 122 coupled to the bottom 118 of the luggage. From there, it may be extended to any height the luggage may be extended to. In embodiments, the compartment cover 114 may be locked to the luggage top by any appropriate type of locking mechanism 124. For example, a latch, buckle, or other locking mechanism known in the art may be used. The locking mechanism 124 may secured to the luggage top by a lock, such as a combination lock, or a lock opened by a key.
In embodiments, the compartment cover 114 may be made of a material that is rigid when extended to cover the storage compartment opening 202. For example, a plurality of interlocking horizontal bars, sticks, or slats may be included in the compartment cover 114 material which provides a substantially rigid compartment cover 114 when in use. Such a compartment cover 114 may operate similarly to the roll-top of a roll-top desk. The slats of such a compartment cover 114114 may engage slots formed in vertical structural members bordering the storage compartment opening 202. A slot may also be formed in a horizontal structural member bordering the front edge of the lid 120. Other covering arrangements may alternatively be used.
FIG. 2 shows three perspective views of an exemplary embodiment showing the luggage storage compartment cover 114 being extended to fully enclose the compartment. As shown, the luggage remains without being extended 102 as the compartment cover 114 is extended to cover the compartment opening 202. It is noted the compartment cover 114 may be extended to cover the compartment opening 202 whether the luggage is without being extended 102, fully extended 106, or partly extended 104.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary embodiment, with the storage compartment fully extended 106, and the compartment cover 114 partially extended. Two luggage extension locking mechanisms 124 are shown where the front vertical structural members of the bottom section 112 of the luggage meet the front vertical structural members of the top section 110. In this configuration, two more locking mechanisms 124 may be disposed in corresponding locations of the rear vertical structural members of the top and bottom sections 110, 112. In addition, the spool-like mechanism 122 for rolling and unrolling of the compartment cover 114 is also shown attached to the bottom 118 of the luggage. The spool-like mechanism 122 may be motorized, or it may be manually operated. If motorized, operating power may be provided by a cord plugged into a mains outlet and operatively coupled to the motor. Alternatively or in addition, a battery may be included in the luggage operatively coupled to the motor. The battery may be rechargeable, replaceable, or both.
FIG. 4 is a close-up cutaway perspective view of the bottom 118 of an embodiment, showing a cutaway view of exemplary means for rolling up, storing, and unrolling the compartment cover 114. In embodiments, some or all of the casters 108 may have a locking mechanism to keep them from rolling, such as a foot-operated lever coupled to a friction brake (not shown).
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the top of an embodiment, showing the compartment cover 114 being extended and locked. The locking mechanism 124 is shown in an unlocked state when the compartment cover 114 is partially open, and in a locked state when the compartment cover 114 completely covers the luggage storage compartment.
FIG. 6 is a close-up perspective view of the central portion of an embodiment with the luggage compartment extended, showing the compartment extending mechanism. As previously described, two of the luggage extension locking mechanisms 124 are shown where the front vertical structural members of the bottom section 112 of the luggage meet the front vertical structural members of the top section. In this configuration, two more locking mechanisms 124 may be disposed in corresponding locations of the rear vertical structural members of the top and bottom sections 110, 112.
When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective “another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An extendable luggage device comprising:

a bottom section having a bottom, a plurality of sidewalls, a top opening and a side opening, the plurality of sidewalls coupled to the bottom;

a top section having a top, a plurality of sidewalls a bottom opening, and a side opening, the plurality of sidewalls coupled to the top;

the top section slidably coupled to the bottom section with the side opening of the top section and the side opening of the bottom section defining a front opening;

a cover designed to cover the front opening;

wherein the bottom section, the top section, and the cover define an interior volume.

2. The extendable luggage device of claim 1, further comprising a cover storage device coupled to a bottom surface of the bottom.

3. The extendable luggage device of claim 1, wherein the cover is designed to slidably cover the front opening.

4. The extendable luggage device of claim 1, further comprising a cover locking mechanism coupled to at least one of the cover and the top of the top section.

5. The extendable luggage device of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a flexible material.

6. The extendable luggage device of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of rigid horizontal slats.

7. An extendable luggage system comprising:

a cover storage device coupled to a bottom surface of the bottom; and

a cover coupled to the cover storage device, the cover designed to slidably cover the front opening;

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the top section is smaller than the bottom section.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the bottom section is smaller than the top section.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the cover comprises a flexible material.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the cover is designed to roll up in the cover storage device.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of rigid horizontal slats.

13. An extendable luggage system comprising:

a bottom section having a bottom, a left side, a right side, and a back side, the back side permanently coupled at right angles to the left side and the right side, and the bottom permanently coupled at right angles to the back side, the left side, and the right side;

a top section having a top, a left side, a right side, and a back side, the back side permanently coupled at right angles to the left side and the right side, and the top permanently coupled at right angles to the back side, the left side, and the right side;

the top section slidably coupled to the bottom section with the left sides disposed in parallel planes adjacent to each other, the right sides disposed in parallel planes adjacent to each other, and the back sides disposed in parallel planes adjacent to each other, wherein a free edge of each of the left sides, the right sides, the top, and the bottom define an opening;

a cover storage device permanently coupled to a bottom surface of the bottom; and

a cover permanently coupled at a bottom end to the cover storage device and slidably coupled to the left and right sides of the bottom section and the top section;

wherein the bottom section and the top section when slidably coupled together and with the cover extended from the free edge of the bottom to the free edge of the top defining an interior volume as a luggage storage compartment.

14. The system of claim 13 further comprising:

a plurality of sliding member pairs permanently coupled to the back, left, and right sides of the top section and the bottom section, or permanently coupled to the edges of the top section and the bottom section where the back, left, and right sides meet, or a combination of both, slidably coupling each of the sliding members permanently coupled to the top section to a corresponding sliding member of the bottom section.

15. The system of claim 14, further comprising:

an extension device permanently coupled to the bottom section and operatively coupled to the sliding members permanently coupled to the top section.

16. The system of claim 13 further comprising:

a plurality of casters permanently coupled to the bottom side of the bottom; and

a cover locking mechanism permanently coupled to at least one of the cover and the free edge of the top.