US20230172330A1

US20230172330A1 - Modular luggage organizer systems

Info

Publication number: US20230172330A1
Application number: US17/505,070
Authority: US
Inventors: Juan Emilio Phillips; Long Hoang
Original assignee: Travelpro Products Inc
Current assignee: Travelpro Products Inc
Priority date: 2019-05-01
Filing date: 2020-04-30
Publication date: 2023-06-08
Also published as: WO2020223472A1

Abstract

A modular luggage organization system may include a luggage container, a door, and a first coupling platform. The luggage container may define an interior space. The door may be coupled to the luggage container and movable between an open and closed position to respectively reveal and cover an interior of the luggage container. The first coupling platform may be positioned on an interior side of the door and may include a first frame defined by a first zipper half. The system may further include a plurality of insert units. Each insert unit may include a second coupling platform including a second frame defined by a second zipper half that is configured to interchangeably couple to the first coupling platform of the luggage container. The first zipper half and each of the second zipper halves may include a same number of teeth along corresponding zippable lengths.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This is a § 371 national phase application of International Application No. PCT/US2020/030695, filed Apr. 30, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/841,318, filed May 1, 2019, both of which are incorporated herein by referenced in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Luggage generally includes a container into which items may be positioned for ease of transport. Some luggage containers may be worn, such as backpacks, or carried in hand, such as suitcases. Rollable luggage is another type of luggage container that includes wheels allowing the user to roll the luggage along surfaces to reduce the energy required to transport the luggage and its contents.
Some luggage containers include organization systems that allow a user to separate contained items within the interior of the container. For example, dividers may be located within the interior of a luggage container. Other organization systems used to separate contained items includes interior pockets. Some luggage containers provide flexibility with respect to organizational features by allowing such features to be removed in situations when the feature is not desired.
What is needed are luggage containers offering greater variation in available organization systems.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a modular luggage organization system may include a luggage container, a door, and a first coupling platform. The luggage container may define an interior space. The door may be coupled to the luggage container and movable between an open and closed position to respectively reveal and cover an interior of the luggage container. The first coupling platform may be positioned on an interior side of the door and may include a first frame defined by a first zipper half. The system may further include a plurality of insert units. Each insert unit may include a second coupling platform including a second frame defined by a second zipper half that is configured to interchangeably couple to the first coupling platform of the luggage container. The first zipper half and each of the second zipper halves may include a same number of teeth along corresponding zippable lengths.
In one example, the first frame and the second frame each extend along a perimeter having substantially same the length and dimensions.
In the above or another example, the second zipper halves may each extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end of each second zipper half is positioned at a same location with respect to the dimensions of the second frame of the other second coupling platforms.
In any of the above examples or another example, the first zipper half may extend along a first zipper tape between a first end and a second end, wherein each of the second zipper halves extend along a second zipper tape between a respective first end and second end. The first zipper tape adjacent to the first end and second end of the first zipper half may overlap, and the second zipper tape adjacent to the first end and second end of each of the second zipper halves may also overlap a same length as the overlap of the first zipper tape. In a further example, the overlap is about a quarter inch.
In any of the above examples or another example, the plurality of insert units comprise different configurations of organization features.
In any of the above examples or another example, the luggage container may comprise a plurality of luggage containers, each comprising a first coupling platform configured to interchangeably couplable to each of the second coupling platforms of the plurality of insert units. In some embodiments, the first and second zipper halves comprise plastic zipper teeth or nylon coil zipper teeth.
In any of the above examples or another example, the first frame may extend along an interior side of the door. The first zipper half may further extend along an interior perimeter of the door. In a further example, the first zipper half may extend along a first zipper tape between a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end may be positioned about midway along a side of the interior perimeter of the door, adjacent to a hinge connection between the door and the luggage container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the described embodiments are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The described embodiments, however, both as to organization and manner of operation, may be best understood by reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A & 1B illustrate an insert unit according to various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 2A & 2B illustrate an insert unit according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a modular luggage organizer system including an insert unit that is interchangeably couplable to a plurality of luggage containers according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a modular luggage organizer system comprising an insert unit that is interchangeably couplable to a plurality of luggage containers having different configurations according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a modular luggage organizer system including a plurality of interchangeable insert units with respect to a luggage container according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of the modular luggage organizer system including a plurality of interchangeable insert units with respect to a luggage container according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 7A illustrates a luggage article after an insert unit has been coupled to a spinner container according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 7B illustrates a luggage article after coupling of an insert unit and a luggage container comprising a spinner container according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 8B illustrates a luggage article after coupling of an insert unit and luggage container comprising a rollerboard container according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 8A illustrates a luggage article after coupling of an insert unit and a rollerboard container according to various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 9A & 9B illustrate an insert unit according to various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 10A & 10B illustrate an insert unit according to various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 11A & 11B illustrate an insert unit according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a modular luggage organizer system including a plurality of interchangeable insert units with respect to a luggage container according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 13 illustrates magnified views of various features of coupling platforms according to various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 14A & 14B illustrate an interchangeable insert unit including a coupling platform according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 15 illustrates an interchangeable luggage article including a coupling platform configured to interchangeably couple insert units comprising the corresponding coupling platform illustrated in FIGS. 14A & 14B according to various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 16A-16G illustrate coupling of the interchangeable insert unit illustrated in FIGS. 14A & 14B and an interchangeable luggage article having a coupling platform similar to that illustrated in FIG. 15 according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 17 illustrates an interchangeable insert unit including a coupling platform according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 18 illustrates an interchangeable luggage article including a coupling platform configured to interchangeably couple insert units having the corresponding coupling platform illustrated in FIG. 17 according to various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 19A-19C illustrate simplified views of a partial coupling of the interchangeable insert illustrated in FIG. 17 and the interchangeable luggage article illustrated in FIG. 18 according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 20 illustrates an interchangeable insert unit including a coupling platform according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 21 illustrates an interchangeable luggage article including a coupling platform configured to interchangeably couple insert units having the corresponding coupling platform illustrated in FIG. 20 according to various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 22A-22C illustrate simplified views of a partial coupling of the interchangeable insert illustrated in FIG. 20 and the interchangeable luggage article illustrated in FIG. 21 according to various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 23A & 23B illustrate an interchangeable insert unit including a coupling platform according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 24 illustrates an interchangeable luggage article including a coupling platform configured to interchangeably couple insert units having the corresponding coupling platform illustrated in FIGS. 23A & 23B according to various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 25A & 25B illustrate an interchangeable insert unit including a coupling platform according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 26 illustrates an interchangeable luggage article including a coupling platform configured to interchangeably couple insert units having the corresponding coupling platform illustrated in FIGS. 25A & 25B according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 27 illustrates an interchangeable insert unit including a coupling platform according to various embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 28 illustrates an interchangeable luggage article including a coupling platform configured to interchangeably couple insert units having the corresponding coupling platform illustrated in FIG. 27 according to various embodiments described herein.

DESCRIPTION

Current luggage containers lack flexible organization systems that provide multiple options for different styles of packing compartments for use in the same luggage container or in multiple luggage containers, which may include different lines of luggage containers.
Described herein are modular luggage organizer systems and methods of making and using the same. The system may include a plurality of organizer units, which may also be referred to as insert units, configured to removably attach to one or more luggage containers. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of organizers units, each configured to interchangeably couple with a luggage container. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of luggage containers, each configured to interchangeably couple with an organizer unit. In a further embodiment, the system includes a plurality of organizer units, each configured to interchangeably couple with a plurality of luggage containers. The organizer units, luggage containers, or both may include different lines or configurations such that organizer units comprising different configurations of organization features may be interchangeably used with different types of luggage containers.
The organizer units may include a coupling platform configured to mate with a coupling platform of a luggage container. A coupling platform may include a frame defining a coupling interface along which one or more attachment structures may be positioned to removably couple attachment structures of a corresponding coupling platform.
In various embodiments, a luggage container may include a coupling platform configured to interchangeably couple a plurality of organizer units, each comprising a corresponding coupling platform to which the two couple. The organizer units may comprise the same or different organizational feature arrangements. Thus, a luggage container may be configured to interchangeably couple a plurality of organizational inserts to allow the user to customize the container space with different organizational features. Such interchangeability also allows a user to replace lost or damaged organization units without replacing the luggage container. In various embodiments, an organization unit may include a coupling platform configured to interchangeably couple a plurality of luggage containers, each comprising a corresponding coupling platform to which the two couple. The luggage containers may comprise the same or different luggage configurations, e.g., suitcases or rollables. Thus, an organization unit may be configured to interchangeably couple a plurality of luggage containers to allow the user to customize the container space with different organizational features. Such interchangeability also allows a user to replace lost or damaged luggage containers without replacing the organization unit.
FIGS. 1A-13 illustrate various embodiments organizer units 10, luggage containers 50, modular luggage organizer systems 2, and features thereof wherein like characters generally indicate like features.
FIGS. 1A & 1B illustrate an insert unit 10 according to an embodiment. The insert unit 10 comprises an accessory organizer 100 for providing an additional compartment with respect to a luggage container. The insert unit 10 includes a coupling platform 12 for removably coupling the insert unit 10 to a corresponding coupling platform of a luggage container. The coupling platform 12 comprises a frame 14 positioned on a first side of the insert unit 10. The frame 14 is configured to provide a coupling interface comprising an attachment structure 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 14 includes a plurality of attachment structures 16 comprising zipper teeth aligned to form a zipper half 17. The zipper half 17 is configured to couple to a corresponding zipper half of a luggage container coupling platform to couple the insert unit 10 to the luggage container. The zipper half 17 includes first and second ends 18 a, 18 b. The ends 18 a, 18 b comprise open ends allowing for separation of the insert unit 10 from a corresponding zipper half. As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the zipper half 17 may extend along the frame 14 such that the first and second ends 18 a, 18 b overlap or extend beyond each other.
The organizer features of the accessory organizer 100 insert unit 10 includes a rectangular or square shaped compartment 20 having sidewalls 22. The sidewalls 22 meet at rounded edges. In another embodiment, sidewall 22 may meet at edges comprising other dimensioned or shaped edges, such as a straight angled edge. A cover 24 is positionable over the interior space defined by the sidewalls 22 and a base 23 to cover the same. One or more attachment structures 26 are positioned along one or more sidewalls 22 and corresponding portions of the cover 24 to couple the cover 24 over the interior space of the compartment 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment structures 26 include first and second zipper halves that are attached at closed ends. The first zipper half extends along three sides of an upper portion or rim of the sidewalls 22 and the second zipper half extends along three sides of a perimeter of the cover 24 to provide a u-shaped opening. The first and second zipper halves are configured to mateably mesh to couple the cover 24 along the rim as illustrated in FIG. 1A. The attachment structures 26 may include one or more sliders 25 for joining or separating teeth of the zipper halves. Two sliders 25 are included in the illustrated embodiment. FIG. 1B illustrates each slider 25 positioned at a closed end of the zipper halves. FIG. 1A illustrates each slider 25 after being slid along the zipper halves to join the same. This multiple slider configuration allows either or both sliders 25 to be used to join or separate the zipper halves.
A hinge 18 is attached between the cover 24 and a sidewall 22 to allow the cover 24 to swing between a closed position (FIG. 1A) and open positions (see, e.g., FIG. 1B). In some embodiments, the hinge 28 may comprise a material binding between the cover 24 and sidewall 22. The compartment 20 may include a fabric material, such a synthetic polymer fabric, providing a lining. In the illustrated embodiment, a mesh material is provided along a portion of the cover 24 to increase breathability between the compartment 20 and an interior space of a luggage container and provide to see into the compartment 20.
FIGS. 2A & 2B illustrate an insert unit 10 according to an embodiment. The insert unit 10 comprises a packing cube organizer 200. The insert unit 10 includes a coupling platform 12 for removably coupling the insert unit 10 to a corresponding coupling platform of a luggage container. The coupling platform 12 comprises a frame 14 positioned on a first side of the insert unit 10. The frame 14 is configured to provide a coupling interface comprising an attachment structure 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 14 includes a plurality of attachment structures 16 comprising zipper teeth aligned to form a zipper half 17. The zipper half 17 is configured to couple to a corresponding zipper half of a coupling platform of a luggage container to couple the insert unit 10 to the luggage container. The zipper half 17 includes first and second ends 18 a, 18 b. The ends 18 a, 18 b comprise open ends allowing for separation of the insert unit 10 from a corresponding zipper half. As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the zipper half 17 may extend along the frame 14 such that the first and second ends 18 a, 18 b overlap or extend beyond each other.
The organizer features of the packing cubes organizer 200 insert unit 10 includes a rectangular or square shaped compartment 20 including a coupling platform 12, which may be configured as described above with respect to the compartment of accessory organizer 100 shown in FIGS. 1A & 1B, wherein like numbers reference like features. The packing cubes organizer 200 also includes one or more packing cubes, each comprising a compartment 20 a, 20 b. The illustrated embodiment includes two packing cubes comprising similarly sized compartments 20 a, 20 b; however, other embodiments may include fewer or additional compartments 20 a, 20 b with similar or different sized compartments. Each compartment 20 a, 20 b includes sidewalls 22 a, 22 b that meet at rounded edges. In another embodiment, sidewalls 22 a, 22 b may meet at edges comprising other dimensioned or shaped edges, such as a straight angled edge. Each compartment 20 a, 20 b includes a cover 24 a, 24 b positionable over an interior space defined by the sidewalls 22 a, 22 b and a base 23 a, 23 b to cover the same. One or more attachment structures 26 a, 26 b are positioned along one or more sidewalls 22 and corresponding portions of the cover 24 a, 24 b of each compartment 20 a, 20 b to couple the respective covers 24 a, 24 b over the interior space of the compartment 20 a, 20 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment structures 26 a, 26 b of each compart 20 a, 20 b includes first and second zipper halves that are attached at closed ends. The first zipper half extends along three sides of an upper portion or rim of the sidewalls 22 a, 22 b and the second zipper half extends along three sides of a perimeter of the cover 24 a, 24 b to provide each compartment 20 a, 20 b with a u-shaped opening. The first and second zipper halves of each compartment 20 a, 20 b are configured to mateably mesh to couple the cover 24 a, 24 b along the rim as illustrated in FIG. 2A. The attachment structures 26 a, 26 b may include one or more sliders 25 a, 25 b for joining or separating teeth of the zipper halves. The illustrated embodiment includes two sliders 25 a, 25 b associated with each pair of zipper halves. FIG. 2B illustrates the two sliders 25 a, 25 b of each compartment 20 a, 20 b positioned at a closed end of the respective pair of zipper halves. FIG. 2A illustrates the sliders 25 a, 25 b after being slid along the zipper halves to join the same. This multiple slider configuration allows either or both sliders 25 a, 25 b or the respective attachment structures to be used to join or separate the respective zipper halves.
Each compartment 20 a, 20 b includes a hinge 18 a, 18 b attached between the cover 24 a, 24 b and a sidewall 22 to allow the cover 24 a, 24 b to swing between a closed position (FIG. 2A) and open positions (see, e.g., FIG. 2B). In some embodiments, the hinges 28 a, 28 b may comprise material bindings between the respective cover 24 a, 24 b and sidewall 22 a, 22 b. The compartments 20 a, 20 b may comprise a fabric material, such a synthetic polymer fabric, providing a lining. In some embodiments, the packing cube compartments may be sewn to a top of compartment 20, such as to cover 24. In the illustrated embodiment, compartment 20 of the packing cube organizer 200 provides a larger packing volume than packing cube compartments 20 a, 20 b. In other embodiments, one or both packing cube compartments 20 a, 20 b may provide a larger packing volume than compartment 20 of the packing cube organizer 200.
FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the modular luggage organizer system 2 including an insert unit 10 that is interchangeably couplable, as indicated by arrows A and B, to a plurality of luggage containers 50. In the illustrated example, the luggage containers 50 are rollable luggage comprising spinner containers 51 a, 51 b, each fitted with four, two-wheel swivel casters 52 on its base 54. The example insert unit 10 shown in FIG. 3 comprises a packaging cube organizer 200 as described above with respect to FIGS. 2A & 2B, however, other configurations of insert units 10 may be used.
The luggage containers 50 include an interior space 56 defined by sidewalls 57 a, 57 b, 57 c, 57 d, 57 e. A handle 58 may be provided for gripping to allow a user to manipulate the spinner container 51 a, 51 b. A rim 59 defines an opening into the interior space 56. A door 60 is attached to the rim 59 via a hinge 61 and is pivotable thereon between open positions and a closed position wherein the door 60 covers the opening to the interior space 56.
The luggage containers 50 each include a coupling platform 62 for removably coupling A, B the respective luggage container 50 to the corresponding coupling platform 12 of the insert unit 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling platforms 62 are located along interior sides 63 of the doors 60. In other embodiments, a coupling platform 62 may be located at other locations as described in more detail elsewhere herein. The coupling platforms 62 each comprise a frame 64 positioned on an interior side 63 of the door 60. The frames 64 of the illustrated spinner containers 51 a, 51 b extend along or adjacent to a perimeter of the door 60. The frame 64 of each of the coupling platforms 62 provides a coupling interface comprising attachment structures 66 including a plurality of zipper teeth aligned to form a zipper half 67. The footprint of the frames 64 are substantially the same as that of the frame 14 of the insert unit 10. Each zipper half 67 includes a first end 28 a and second end 28 b, each comprising an open end to allow separation of the coupling platform 62 from the corresponding coupling platform 12 of the insert unit 10. As described in more detail below, e.g., with respect to FIG. 13 , some embodiments may include a zipper half 67 that extends along the frame 64 such that the first and second ends 68 a, 68 b overlap or extend beyond each other. As also described in more detail below, e.g., with respect to FIG. 13 , one or more sliders (not shown) may also be provided along the zipper halves 67 to join or separate the zip halves 67 from the corresponding zipper half 17 of the insert unit 10. In some embodiments, one or more sliders may be provided on the zipper half 17 of the insert unit 10. The insert unit 10 may be coupled to the coupling platforms 62 of the luggage containers 50 by lining up first ends 18 a, 68 a within a slider and translating the slider along the length of the zipper halves 17, 67 to join the same. FIG. 7A illustrates the luggage after the insert unit 10 has been coupled A, B to one of the spinner containers 51 a.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the modular luggage organizer system 2 comprising an insert unit 10 that is interchangeably couplable, as indicated by arrows C and D, to a plurality of luggage containers 50 having different configurations, e.g., different types or lines of luggage containers. In the illustrated example, the insert unit 10 comprises an accessory organizer 100 as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A & 1B; however, other configurations of insert units 10 may be used. The luggage containers 50 are interchangeable with respect to the insert unit 10 and comprise a spinner container 51, as described with respect to FIG. 3 , and another type of rollable luggage container comprising a rollerboard container 61 having two wheels 62 mounted along an exterior edge of its base 54, allowing the luggage to be tilted onto the wheels 62 and pulled by a user. Other types and configurations of luggage containers 50 may also be used.
The rollerboard container 81 includes an interior space 56 defined by sidewalls 57 a, 57 b, 57 c, 57 d, 57 e. A handle 58 may be provided for a user to grip and manipulate the rollerboard container 81. A rim 59 defines an opening into the interior space 56. A door 60 is attached to the rim 59 via a hinge 61 and is pivotable thereon between open positions and a closed position to cover the opening to the interior space 56. The rollerboard container 81 includes a coupling platform 62 comprising same or substantially same features to that of the spinner container 51 embodiment of the luggage container 50, as described above with respect to FIG. 3 . The footprint of the frame 64 located on the rollerboard container 81 is substantially the same as that of the frame 64 of the spinner container 51 and the frame 14 of the insert unit 10. The insert unit 10 may be coupled to the coupling platforms 62 of the luggage containers 50 by lining up first ends 18 a, 68 a within a slider and translating the slider along the length of the zipper halves 17, 67 to join the same. FIG. 7B illustrates the luggage after coupling C of the insert unit 10 and the luggage container 50 comprising the spinner container 51, and FIG. 8B illustrates the luggage after coupling D of the insert unit 10 and luggage container 10 comprising the rollerboard container 81.
The rollerboard container 81 comprises a door 60 defining a larger perimeter than the door of the spinner container 51. Thus, the frame 14 of the rollerboard container 81 is offset along the interior side 63 of the door 60 and defines a perimeter extending along or adjacent to three perimeter edges of the interior side 63 of the door 60 but offset from a forth perimeter edge of the interior side of the door. In this embodiment, the interior side 63 of the door 60 includes a pocket 84 extending below the frame 64 and further includes an attachment structure 86 for closing the pocket 84, which, in this embodiment, comprises a zipper.
As introduced above and elsewhere herein, frames 64 of luggage containers 50 and frames 14 of insert units 10 may comprise attachment structures 16, 66 for coupling the same. Attachment structures 16, 66 may include a plurality of mateable teeth forming respective zipper halves 17, 67 that extend along a zippable path having length and dimensions that define the frame 14, 64. The luggage containers 50 illustrated in FIGS. 4 & 3 (e.g., spinner containers 51, 51 a, 51 b and rollerboard container 61) are interchangeable with respect to the insert unit 10, which may comprise multiple insert units 10. Each zipper half 67 is configured to mate with the corresponding zipper half 17 of the coupling platform 12 of the insert unit 10 to couple A, B the insert unit 10 to the respective luggage container 50. The frames 64 of interchangeable luggage containers 50 preferably define substantially the same zippable mating length and dimensions. Similarly, frames 17 of corresponding insert units 10 preferably define substantially the same zippable mating length and dimensions.
Frames 64 of interchangeable luggage containers 50 may define substantially the same dimensions. For example, frames 67 interchangeable luggage containers 50 may extend along substantially the same paths to define substantially the same perimeter dimensions. Start positions of the zipper halves 67 may also be the same across interchangeable luggage containers 50. For example, the first end 68 a may comprise the start position and the first ends 68 a of interchangeable luggage containers 50 may be located at substantially the same position with respect to location within the frame 64. The end position of the zipper half 67 with respect to the zippable mating length may also be substantially the same across interchangeable luggage containers 50. For example, the second end 68 b may comprise the end position of zipper mating and the second ends 68 b of interchangeable luggage containers 50 may be located at substantially the same position with respect to location within the frame 64. The zipper halves 67 of interchangeable luggage containers 50 may also comprise the same number of teeth. For example, the zippable mating length between the first ends 68 a and the second ends 68 b of the zipper halves 67 of interchangeable luggage containers 50 may comprise the same or substantially the same number of teeth.
The modular luggage organizer systems 2 illustrated in FIGS. 3 & 4 may also include a plurality of insert units 10, such as a plurality of accessory organizers 100, packing cube organizers 200, other organizer configurations, or combinations thereof, that are interchangeably couplable with a plurality of luggage containers 50 (see, e.g., FIG. 3 ) or different types or lines of luggage containers (see, e.g., FIG. 4 ).
FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the modular luggage organizer system 2 including a plurality of interchangeable insert units 10 with respect to a luggage container 50. The example insert units 10 include a packing cube organizer 200, as described above with respect to FIGS. 2A & 2B, and an accessory organizer 100, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A & 1B; however, other configurations of insert units 10 may be used, such as those described herein. The example luggage container 50 comprises a spinner container 51, as described above with respect to FIG. 3 . The insert units 10 are interchangeable with respect to the spinner container 51 such that they may be interchangeably coupled, as indicated by lines E and F, to the spinner container 51. The insert units 10 may be coupled to the coupling platform 62 of the spinner container 51 by lining up first ends 18 a, 68 a within a slider and translating the slider along the length of the zipper halves 17, 67 to join the same. FIG. 7A illustrates the luggage after coupling F of the packing cube 200 and the spinner container 51, and FIG. 7B illustrates the luggage after coupling F of the accessory organizer 100 and the spinner container 51.
FIG. 6 illustrates another example of the modular luggage organizer system 2 including a plurality of interchangeable insert units 10 with respect to a luggage container 50. The example insert units 10 include a packing cube organizer 200, as described above with respect to FIGS. 2A & 2B, and an accessory organizer 100, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A & 1B; however, other configurations of insert units 10 may be used, such as those described herein. The example luggage container 50 comprises a rollerboard container 81, as described above with respect to FIG. 4 . The insert units 10 are interchangeable with respect to the rollerboard container 81 such that they may be interchangeably coupled, as indicated by lines G and H, to the rollerboard container 81. The insert units 10 may be coupled to the coupling platform 62 of the rollerboard container 81 by lining up first ends 18 a, 68 a within a slider and translating the slider along the length of the zipper halves 17, 67 to join the same. FIG. 8A illustrates the luggage after coupling G of the packing cube 200 and the rollerboard container 81, and FIG. 8B illustrates the luggage after coupling F of the accessory organizer 100 and the rollerboard container 81.
As introduced above, the frame 14 of interchangeable insert units 10 preferably comprise substantially the same dimensions. For example, frames 14 of interchangeable insert units 10 may extend along substantially the substantially the same paths to define substantially the same perimeter dimensions. Start positions of the zipper halves 17 may also be substantially the same across interchangeable inserts units 10. For example, the first end 18 a may comprise the start position and the first ends 18 a of interchangeable insert units 10 may be located at substantially the same position with respect to location within the frames 14. The end position of the zipper halves 17 with respect to the zippable mating length may be substantially the same across interchangeable insert units 10. For example, the second end 18 b may comprise the end position of zipper mating and the second ends 18 b of interchangeable insert units 10 may be located at substantially the same position with respect to location within the frames 14. The zipper halves 17 of interchangeable insert units 10 may also comprise the same number of teeth. For example, the zippable mating length between the first ends 18 a and the second ends 18 b of the zipper halves 17 of interchangeable insert units 10 may comprise the same or substantially the same number of teeth.
In further embodiments, the modular luggage organizer systems 2 illustrated in FIGS. 5 & 6 include a plurality of interchangeable luggage containers 50, such as a plurality of spinner containers 51, rollerboard containers 81, other types of luggage containers, or combinations thereof, that are interchangeably couplable with a plurality of different types of insert units 10. In some such embodiments wherein the modular luggage organizer system 2 comprises interchangeable insert units 10 and interchangeable luggage containers 50, frames 14 of interchangeable insert units 10 and frames 64 of interchangeable luggage containers 50 preferably comprise substantially the same dimensions. For example, interchangeable insert units 10 and luggage containers 50 may each comprise frames 14, 64 that extend along substantially the same paths to define substantially the same perimeter dimensions. Start position of zipper halves 17, 67 may similarly correspond such that first ends 18 a, 18 b are located at substantially the same position with respect to their location within the frames 14, 64. The end position of the zipper halves 17, 67 may also be substantially the same such that second ends 18 b, 68 b are located at substantially the same position with respect to their location within the frames 14, 64. The zipper halves 17, 67 may also comprise substantially the same number of teeth such that the zippable mating length between the first ends 18 a, 68 a and the second ends 18 b, 68 b of the zipper halves 17, 67 comprise substantially the same number of teeth.
FIGS. 9A & 9B illustrate another insert unit 10 according to an embodiment. The insert unit 10 comprises a comprehensive organizer 300 for providing additional compartmentalization with respect to a luggage container. The insert unit 10 includes a coupling platform 12 for removably coupling the insert unit 10 to a corresponding coupling platform of a luggage container as described above with respect to organizer 100.
The organizer features of the comprehensive organizer 300 insert unit 10 includes a rectangular or square shaped compartment 20 having sidewalls 22. The sidewalls 22 meet at rounded edges. In another embodiment, sidewall 22 may meet at edges comprising other dimensioned or shaped edges, such as a straight angled edge. A cover 24 is positionable over the interior space defined by the sidewalls 22 and a base 23 to cover the same. Attachment structures 26 are positioned along upper portions of one or more sidewalls 22 and corresponding portions of the cover 24 to couple the cover 24 over the interior space of the compartment 20. As shown, the attachment structures 26 include first and second zipper halves that are attached at closed ends. The first zipper half extends along three sides of an upper portion or rim of the sidewalls 22 and the second zipper half extends along three sides of a perimeter of the cover 24 to provide a u-shaped opening. The first and second zipper halves are configured to mateably mesh to couple the cover 24 along the rim as illustrated in FIG. 9A. The attachment structures 26 may include one or more sliders 25 for joining or separating teeth of the zipper halves. Two sliders 25 are included in the illustrated embodiment. In FIG. 9B, the sliders 25 are not visible and are positioned at closed ends of the zipper halves. FIG. 9A illustrates each slider 25 after being slid along the zipper halves to join the same. This multiple slider configuration allows either or both sliders 25 to be used to join or separate the zipper halves.
A hinge 18 is attached between the cover 24 and a sidewall 22 to allow the cover 24 to swing between a closed position (FIG. 9A) and open positions (see, e.g., FIG. 9B). In some embodiments, the hinge 28 may comprise a material binding between the cover 24 and sidewall 22. The compartment 20 may include a fabric material, such a synthetic polymer fabric, providing a lining. The fabric material may be provided in combination with clear PVC and mesh. Two zippered pockets 29 a, 29 b may be sewn onto a top of the insert unit 10. The top zippered pocket 29 a may comprise or be lined with clear PVC or similar material in order to act as a guard from dirty clothing permeating an odor and toiletries or wet clothing soiling the lining material. The lower zippered pocket 29 b may comprise mesh and lining material to provide additional organization for smaller items.
FIGS. 10A & 10B illustrate another insert unit 10 according to an embodiment. The insert unit 10 comprises a suiter organizer 400 for packing a suit or a dress in a luggage container for wrinkle-free travel. The insert unit 10 includes a coupling platform 12 for removably coupling the insert unit 10 to a corresponding coupling platform of a luggage container as described above with respect to organizer 100.
The organizer features of the suiter organizer 400 insert unit 10 includes a rectangular or square shaped compartment 20 having sidewalls 22. The sidewalls 22 meet at rounded edges. In another embodiment, sidewall 22 may meet at edges comprising other dimensioned or shaped edges, such as a straight angled edge. A cover 24 is positionable over the interior space defined by the sidewalls 22 and a base 23 to cover the same. Attachment structures 26 are positioned along upper portions of one or more sidewalls 22 and corresponding portions of the cover 24 to couple the cover 24 over the interior space of the compartment 20. As illustrated, the attachment structures 26 include first and second zipper halves that are attached at closed ends. The first zipper half extends along three sides of an upper portion or rim of the sidewalls 22 and the second zipper half extends along three sides of a perimeter of the cover 24 to provide a u-shaped opening. The first and second zipper halves are configured to mateably mesh to couple the cover 24 along the rim as illustrated in FIG. 10A. The attachment structures 26 may include one or more sliders 25 for joining or separating teeth of the zipper halves. Two sliders 25 are included in the illustrated embodiment. In FIG. 10B, the sliders 25 are not visible and are positioned at closed ends of the zipper halves. FIG. 10A illustrates each slider 25 after being slid along the zipper halves to join the same. This multiple slider configuration allows either or both sliders 25 to be used to join or separate the zipper halves.
A hinge 18 is attached between the cover 24 and a sidewall 22 to allow the cover 24 to swing between a closed position (FIG. 10A) and open positions (see, e.g., FIG. 10B). In some embodiments, the hinge 28 may comprise a material binding between the cover 24 and sidewall 22. The compartment 20 may include a fabric material, such a synthetic polymer fabric, providing a lining. A hanger loop 30 is provide within the compartment 20 for securing a hanger. A retention strap 32 and clip 34 are provided along the interior side of the cover 24 for retaining a suit or dress. A fold plate 35 is removably couplable to the lid via a hinge 28 c. The hinge 28 c includes a zipper half configured to mate with a corresponding zipper half extending along an interior edge of the cover 24. The fold plate 35 includes a retention strap 36 equipped with a hook and loop fastener 37 for retaining a suit or dress. A foam roll 38 is provided along the non-hinged end of the fold plate 35.
FIGS. 11A & 11B illustrate an insert unit 10 according to an embodiment. The insert unit 10 comprises a wet organizer 500 for separating wet or dirty clothing but may find use in organization of other items. The insert unit 10 includes a coupling platform 12 for removably coupling the insert unit 10 to a corresponding coupling platform of a luggage container as described above with respect to organizer 100.
The organizer features of the suiter organizer 400 insert unit 10 includes a rectangular or square shaped compartment 20 having sidewalls 22. The sidewalls 22 meet at rounded edges. In another embodiment, sidewall 22 may meet at edges comprising other dimensioned or shaped edges, such as a straight angled edge. A cover 24 is positionable over the interior space defined by the sidewalls 22 and a base 23 to cover the same. Attachment structures 26 are positioned along upper portions of one or more sidewalls 22 and corresponding portions of the cover 24 to couple the cover 24 over the interior space of the compartment 20. As illustrated, the attachment structures 26 include first and second zipper halves that are attached at closed ends. The first zipper half extends along three sides of an upper portion or rim of the sidewalls 22 and the second zipper half extends along three sides of a perimeter of the cover 24 to provide a u-shaped opening. The first and second zipper halves are configured to mateably mesh to couple the cover 24 along the rim as illustrated in FIG. 11A. The attachment structures 26 may include one or more sliders 25 for joining or separating teeth of the zipper halves. Two sliders 25 are included in the illustrated embodiment. In FIG. 11B, the sliders 25 are not visible and are positioned at closed ends of the zipper halves. FIG. 11A illustrates each slider 25 after being slid along the zipper halves to join the same. This multiple slider configuration allows either or both sliders 25 to be used to join or separate the zipper halves.
A hinge 18 is attached between the cover 24 and a sidewall 22 to allow the cover 24 to swing between a closed position (FIG. 11A) and open positions (see, e.g., FIG. 11B). In some embodiments, the hinge 28 may comprise a material binding between the cover 24 and sidewall 22. The compartment 20 may include a fabric material, such a synthetic polymer fabric, providing a lining. The lining material may be utilized in combination with clear PVC or similar. For example, the cover 24 may include a clear PVC that acts as a window to see into the compartment 20. The entire compartment 20 may also be lined with clear PVC in order to act as a guard from dirty clothing permeating an odor or wet clothing soiling the lining material.
FIG. 12 illustrates another example of the modular luggage organizer system 2 including a plurality of interchangeable insert units 10 with respect to a luggage container 50. The example insert units 10 include an accessory organizer 100, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A & 1B, a packing cube organizer 200, as described above with respect to FIGS. 2A & 2B, a comprehensive organizer 300 as described above with respect to FIGS. 9A & 9B, a suiter organizer 400 as described above with respect to FIGS. 10A & 10B, and a wet organizer 500 as described above with respect to FIGS. 11A & 11B. Notably, fewer or additional as well as other configurations of insert units 10 may be used. The example luggage container 50 comprises a rollerboard container 81, as described above with respect to FIG. 4 .
The insert units 10 are interchangeable with respect to the rollerboard container 81 such that they may be interchangeably coupled, as indicated by lines I, J, K, L, M to the rollerboard container 81. The insert units 10 may be coupled to the coupling platform 62 of the rollerboard container 81 by lining up first ends 18 a, 68 a (see FIGS. 4 & 9A-11B) within a slider and translating the slider along the length of the zipper halves 17, 67 to join the same.
In further embodiments, the modular luggage organizer system 2 illustrated in FIG. 12 includes a plurality of interchangeable luggage containers 50, such as a plurality of rollerboard containers 81, a plurality of spinner containers 51 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A & 3B), or a plurality of both types of luggage containers 50. In these or other embodiments, the modular luggage organizer system 2 includes a plurality of other interchangeable luggage containers 50, which may include other or multiple types and configurations of luggage containers 50, such as other rollable luggage configurations, suitcases, backpacks, handbags, carrying bags, or duffel bags, for example. In an above or another embodiment, the modular luggage organizer system 2 illustrated in FIG. 12 includes multiple interchangeable insert units with respect to one or more of the organizer 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 insert units 10. For example, the modular luggage organizer system 2 may include a plurality of interchangeable accessory organizers 100, packing cube organizers 200, comprehensive organizers 300, suiter organizers 400, wet organizers 500, or combination thereof.
As introduced above, frames 14 of interchangeable insert units 10 preferably comprise substantially the same dimensions. For example, the frames 14 of the organizer 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 insert units 10 may extend along substantially the substantially the same paths to define substantially the same perimeter dimensions. Similarly, the frames 14 of the interchangeable insert units 50 preferably comprise substantially the same perimeter dimensions as the corresponding frame 64 of the luggage container 50, or plurality of interchangeable luggage containers. For example, the interchangeable insert units 10 and luggage container 50, which may comprise a plurality of the same or different types of luggage containers, depicted in FIG. 12 may each comprise frames 14, 64 that extend along substantially the same paths to define substantially the same perimeter dimensions. Start position of zipper halves 17, 67 may similarly correspond such that first ends 18 a, 18 b (see FIGS. 4 & 9A-11B) are located at substantially the same position with respect to their location within the frames 14, 64. The end position of the zipper halves 17, 67 may also be substantially the same such that second ends 18 b, 68 b (see FIGS. 4 & 9A-11B) are located at substantially the same position with respect to their location within the frames 14, 64. The zipper halves 17, 67 may also comprise substantially the same number of teeth such that the zippable mating length between the first ends 18 a, 68 a and the second ends 18 b, 68 b (see FIGS. 4 & 9A-11B) of the zipper halves 17, 67 comprise substantially the same number of teeth.
FIG. 13 illustrates magnified views of various features of coupling platforms 12, 62 according to an embodiment. Portions of a luggage container 50 and an insert unit 10 are shown separated as indicated by coupling arrow N. Magnified views of end portions of the zipper halves 17, 67 are shown in isolation boxes extending from the respective frames 14, 64 of the coupling platforms 12, 62. The attachment structures 16, 66 comprising zipper teeth are aligned to form corresponding zipper halves 17, 67. The zipper halves 17, 67 are attached with zipper tape 89 a, 89 b. A slider 90 is provided adjacent to first end 68 a and includes a puller 91 for manipulating the slider 90. To join the zipper halves 17, 67, an insertion pin 92 provided adjacent to the first end 18 a of zipper half 17 is inserted into slider 90 and passed into retention box 93. The slider 90 may be pulled toward second ends 18 b, 68 b using puller 91 to mesh the zipper teeth along the zippable length of the frames 14, 64 defined between the first ends 18 a, 68 a and second ends 18 b, 68 b until stops 94 a, 94 b are reached adjacent to the second ends 18 b, 68 b. In various embodiments, the zipper halves 17, 67 comprise plastic zipper halves configured to ensure that the same number of zipper teeth extend along both zipper halves 17, 67. With respect to the same number of zipper teeth, the zippable length will contain the same or substantially the same number of zipper teeth on each zipper half for the same length of the zipper halves 17, 67. The number of teeth correspond along a distance defining the zipper length with one of the zipper halves 17, 67 being offset from the other. In some embodiments, nylon coil zipper may be used with controlled manufacturing processes that control the number of zipper teeth on both zipper halves 17, 67 of all interchangeable frames 14, 64. In various embodiments, with continued reference to FIGS. 1A-13 , a number of teeth along corresponding lengths of interchangeable and/or mateable zipper halves 17, 67 of interchangeable inserts 10 and interchangeable luggage containers 50 is substantially the same. As used herein, substantially the same number of teeth means within one tooth or preferably the same at a one to one basis along corresponding lengths. The lengths of the respective zipper halves 17, 67 of interchangeable inserts 10 and interchangeable luggage containers 50 may be greater than or equal to 50 cm, 70 cm, 90 cm, 110 cm, 130 cm, or 150 cm wherein the number of teeth is substantially the same along the length of each half 17, 67. The spacing of the zipper teeth is referred to as the pitch. In order for mateable zipper halves 17, 67 of interchangeable inserts 10 and interchangeable luggage containers 50 to work in tandem, the pitch should not vary drastically between the two halves 17, 67. Variation in pitch between teeth of mateable zipper halves 17, 67 of interchangeable inserts 10 and interchangeable luggage containers 50 is preferably 1 mm or less, more preferably only fraction of a millimeter, such as less than or equal to 0.6 mm or less than or equal to 0.1 mm. In an above or another embodiment, the pitch between teeth of mateable zipper halves 17, 67 of interchangeable inserts 10 and interchangeable luggage containers 50 may vary plus or minus 0.05 mm. Variation in pitch between interchangeable zipper halves 17, 67 of interchangeable inserts 10 and interchangeable luggage containers 50 may also preferably vary 1 mm or less. For example, in an above or another embodiment, variation in pitch between interchangeable zipper halves 17, 67 of interchangeable inserts 10 and interchangeable luggage containers 50 is 1 mm or less, more preferably only a fraction of a millimeter, such as less than or equal to 0.6 mm or less than or equal to 0.1 mm. In an above or another embodiment, the pitch between teeth of interchangeable zipper halves 17, 67 of interchangeable inserts 10 and interchangeable luggage containers 50 may vary plus or minus 0.05 mm. In one example, a difference in sum pitch between interchangeable zipper halves 17, 67 of interchangeable inserts 10 and interchangeable luggage containers 50 is less than 2 cm, less than 1 cm, less than 5 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm. In this or another example, a difference in sum pitch between mateable zipper halves 17, 67 of interchangeable inserts 10 and interchangeable luggage containers 50 is less than 2 cm, less than 1 cm, less than 5 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm. In addition to a same or substantially the same number of teeth being provided for interchangeable zipper halves 17, 67, integral to functionality and quality of attachment with respect to corresponding insert units 10 and luggage containers 50, the first and second ends 18 a, 18 b, 86 a, 86 b defining the start and end of the zippable lengths are located in substantially the same spot on each interchangeable frame 14, 64. In various embodiments, the modular luggage organizer system 2 includes one or more, which may include all, of the above features, and which may be considered essential to achieving high-level sustained functionality, especially with respect to accessories that are manufactured and sold separately, such as at different points in time, and not available for quality control testing in conjunction with the specific coupling platform 12, 62 to which the frame 14, 64 is to couple.
As shown in FIG. 13 , some embodiments may also include overlap of zipper tape. The overlap increases closure around the perimeter of the frame 14, 64 and provides a clean look. Example overlaps may include a quarter inch or more, such as between a quarter inch to about 5 inches, or about a half inch or more. In other embodiments, first ends 18 a, 68 a and second ends 18 b, 68 b do not overlap but rather define a gap therebetween or align end 18 a, 68 a to end 18 b, 68 b or edge to edge.
The illustrated embodiments exemplify an attachment mechanism comprising interlocking strips of teeth disposed along the interchangeable luggage containers and inserts; however, some embodiments of the modular luggage organizer system or components thereof may include other attachment mechanisms, in addition to or in place of zippers, comprising snaps, clips, hook and loop, rails and groves, magnets, or other attachment structures. For example, in one embodiment, interchangeable insert units may include an attachment structure comprising a hook strip and luggage containers may include a loop strip, or vice versa, wherein the insert units and luggage container may be coupled by attaching the hook and loop strips.
In some embodiments, interchangeable frames may include zipper halves comprising multiple zipper strips, each comprising a portion of the zipper half for coupling to a zipper half of a corresponding coupling platform. In one embodiment, luggage containers may include multiple frames, each comprising a zipper half for coupling to a corresponding zipper half of an interchangeable insert unit. Each of the frames may be configured for interchangeable coupling with a plurality of insert units. Thus, the luggage container may utilize multiple frames to allow further customization of luggage space. For example, the multiple frames may comprise same or different configurations to couple larger or smaller insert units or to couple insert units at multiple locations simultaneously or alternatively.
FIGS. 14A & 14B illustrate an interchangeable insert unit 10 including a coupling platform 12 according to one embodiment. The coupling platform 12 is positioned along a coupling, or lower side, of the insert unit 10 and includes a plurality of mating structures 16. As shown by comparison of FIGS. 14 & 14B, the mating structures 16 include a flap 610 pivotably attached along a first end 610 a to a perimeter of the coupling platform. A mating strip 611 a extends along an underside of the flap 610 at a second end 610 b of the flap 610. The mating strip 611 a includes a mating half of a hook and loop, or Velcro, material. The mating structures 16 also include mating strip 611 b comprising a corresponding mating half of a hook and loop material configured to mate with mating strip 611 a when the flap 610 pivots to a position along the lower side of the insert unit 10. Mating strip 611 b may extend along all, as illustrated, or a portion of a length corresponding to that of mating strip 611 a. The mating structures 16 also include a plurality of corner hooks 612. In the illustrated embodiment, four corner hooks 612 are shown; however, in some embodiments, the coupling platform 12 may include fewer corner hooks 612. The corner hooks 612 typically include a rigid material such as rigid plastics, polypropylene board, wood, aluminum, or other rigid material. The corner hooks 612 may be flexibly attached to the coupling platform 12 to provide a limited pivot of inwardly positioned ends of the hooks 612. In the illustrated embodiment, the corner hooks 612 are attached along a perimeter of the lower side of the insert unit 10.
FIG. 15 illustrates an interchangeable luggage container 50 including a coupling platform 62 configured to interchangeably couple insert units comprising the coupling platform illustrated in FIGS. 14A & 14B. The coupling platform 62 is positioned along an interior side 63 of a door 60 and comprises a plurality of mating structures 66. The mating structures 66 include a loop 660 that extends across a portion of the interior side 63 of the door 60. In some embodiments, the loop 660 may extend across all or a majority of a length of the door 60, as shown. In other embodiments, the loop 660 may extend across less than half of the length of the door 60. The loop 660 is attached to the interior side 63 of the door 60 along two sides to provide first and second opposed opening 660 a, 660 b and form a loop therebetween together with a lower side of the insert unit 10. In some embodiments, the loop 660 may extend along all or a majority of the width of the door 60, as shown. In other embodiments, the loop 660 may extend along less than half of the width of the door 60. The illustrated loop 660 is centrally located along the length of the door 60 and is offset with respect to the door 60, wherein the first opening 660 a positions proximate to a perimeter of the coupling platform 62 and the second opening 660 b is spaced apart a greater distance from an opposing portion of the perimeter. In further embodiments, multiple loops 660 may be provided along the height of the door 60. The mating structures 66 of the exemplary coupling platform 62 also include one or more corner loops 662. While four corner loops 662 are shown, in some embodiments, the coupling platform 62 may include fewer or additional corner loops 662. The corner loops 662 are attached to a perimeter of the coupling platform 62 at two ends, corresponding to adjacent edges of a corner of the lower side of the insert unit 10 to provide first and second opposed opening 662 a, 662 b and form a loop therebetween together with a lower side of the insert unit 10.
FIGS. 16A-16G illustrate coupling of the interchangeable insert unit 10 illustrated in FIGS. 14A & 14B and an interchangeable luggage container 50 having a coupling platform 62 similar to that illustrated in FIG. 15 except that the coupling platform 62 shown in FIG. 15 also includes a zipper half 67 for interchangeably coupling insert units comprising coupling platform frames as described above, e.g., in FIG. 12 .
In FIG. 16A, the second end 610 b of the flap 610 is shown pivoted from the lower side of the insert unit 10 and into alignment with the loop 660, as indicated by arrow 16A. In FIG. 16B, the second end 610 b of the flap 610 is shown inserted through the first opening 660 a of the loop 660 and partially translated toward the second opening 660 b, as indicated by arrow 16B. FIG. 16C illustrates the insert unit 10 and luggage container 50 after the second end 610 b of the flap 610 has been translated through the loop 660 and further extended beyond the second opening 660 b of the loop 660. The flap 610 may be pivoted toward the lower side of the insert unit 10, as indicated by arrow 16C. As described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 16E-16G, when the second end 610 b of the flap 610 is extended through the second opening 660 b of the loop 660, the corner hooks 612 positioned along a first end of the platform 12 may be pulled through the two corresponding corner loops 662 to securely hook the first end of the platform 12. FIG. 16D illustrates the insert unit 10 coupled to the luggage container 50 after the two corner hooks 612 along the second end of the platform 12 have also been pulled through the two corresponding corner loops 662 and the flap 610 has be pivoted against the lower side of the insert unit 10 such that the mating strips 611 a, 611 b engage to mate.
FIGS. 16E-16F illustrate simplified isolated views of a mating of a corner hook 612 and a corner loop 662 as introduced above. In FIG. 16E, a corner of the lower side of the insert unit 10 is folded back to expose a hook end of the corner hook 612 and the corner hook 612 is brought into proximity of the corner loop 662, as indicated by arrow 16E. In FIG. 16F, arrow 16F indicates unfolding of the corner to position the corner hook 612 proximate a first end 662 a of the corner loop 662 and then further translating the hook end of the corner hook 612 through the corner loop 660 between the first end 662 a and second end 662 b of the corner loop 600 to hook the corner hook 612 at the corner loop 660. FIG. 16G illustrates the corner hook 612 (shown in ghost) hooked through the corner loop 662.
FIG. 17 illustrates an interchangeable insert unit 10 including a coupling platform 12 according to another embodiment. The coupling platform 12 includes a plurality of mating structures 16 that include a plurality of perimeter flaps 614 pivotably attached at first ends 614 a to a perimeter of the coupling platform 10 or lower side of the insert unit 10. The perimeter flaps 614 extend along a majority of the perimeter and, in the illustrated embodiment, along at least a portion of all sides of the perimeter. However, in some embodiments, perimeter flaps 614 may extends along less than half of the perimeter and/or less than all sides. The perimeter flaps 614 typically include a rigid material such as rigid plastics, polypropylene board, wood, aluminum, or other rigid material. The perimeter flaps 614 may be flexibly attached to the coupling platform 62 to provide a limited pivot of inwardly positioned first ends 614 a off the perimeter flaps 614.
FIG. 18 illustrates an interchangeable luggage container 50 including a coupling platform 62 configured to interchangeably couple insert units comprising the coupling platform illustrated in FIG. 17 . The coupling platform 62 includes a frame 64 positioned along an interior side 63 of a door 60 and a plurality of mating structures 66. The mating structures 66 include perimeter pockets 664 that extend along a perimeter of the interior side 63 of the door 60. The perimeter pockets 664 extend along a length at a perimeter location corresponding to the perimeter flaps 614 when the coupling platforms 12, 62 are aligned. The perimeter pockets 664 are attached to a perimeter of the coupling platform 62 or interior side 63 of the door 60 along at least two sides to provide an opening 664 a to an interior pocket space. As shown, the perimeter pockets 664 are attached along three sides to provide outwardly positioned openings 664 a.
FIGS. 19A-19C illustrate simplified isolated views of a mating of a perimeter flap 614 and a perimeter pocket 664 for coupling the insert unit 10 and luggage container 50. In FIG. 19A, perimeter flap 614 is brought into proximity of the perimeter pocket 664. In FIG. 19B, a portion of the lower side of the insert unit 10 is folded back to expose the perimeter flap 614 and the perimeter flap 614 is brought into proximity of the perimeter pocket 664, as indicated by arrow 19B. In FIG. 19C, arrow 19C indicates unfolding to position the perimeter flap 614 proximate to the opening 664 a of the perimeter pocket 664 and then further translating the perimeter flap 614 through the opening 664 a and securely into the interior or the pocket space of the perimeter pocket 664.
FIG. 20 illustrates an interchangeable insert unit 10 including a coupling platform 12 according to one embodiment. The coupling platform 12 is positioned along a coupling, or lower side, of the insert unit 10 and includes a plurality of mating structures 16. The mating structures include a resilient perimeter that may be flexed while maintaining rigidity and return to a pre-flexed shape when flexing stress is removed. For example, a resilient wire, such as a steel wire, may be incorporated along the perimeter a lower side of the insert unit 10. The mating structures 16 also include a plurality of bifurcated corners, each comprising a mating corner 618 and a body corner 620. Mating corners 618 include the resilient perimeter along the coupling or lower side of the coupling platform 62 or insert unit 10 and may include a rigid and/or resilent material. Body corners 620 extend above the mating corners 618 and include a lower side (not visible) that opposes an upper side 618 a of the mating corners 618 (see FIG. 22A). The body corners 620 may be rigid or flexible.
FIG. 21 illustrates an interchangeable luggage container 50 including a coupling platform 62 configured to interchangeably couple insert units comprising the coupling platform illustrated in FIG. 20 . The coupling platform 62 includes a frame 64 positioned along an interior side 63 of a door 60 and a plurality of mating structures 66. The mating structures 66 include corner pockets 668 positioned at corners of the coupling platform 62 or interior side 63 of the door 60. The corner pockets 668 are attached along adjacent edges of respective corners of the coupling platform 62 or interior side 63 of the door 60 along at least two sides to provide an opening 668 a into an interior pocket space. As shown, each corner pocket 668 is attached along the perimeter of the coupling platform 62 along two adjacent sides forming a respective corner of the lower side of the insert unit 10 to provide inwardly positioned openings 664 a.
FIGS. 22A-22C illustrate simplified views of a partial coupling of the interchangeable insert unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 20 and the interchangeable luggage container 50 illustrated in FIG. 21 .
In FIG. 22A, mating corner 618 is flexed downward, away from body corner 620, and is aligned with corner pocket 688 and opening 688 a thereof. The mating corner 618 may be brought into proximity of the opening 688 a, as indicate by arrow 22A.
In FIG. 22B, the mating corner 618 is shown inserted through opening 688 a and partially extended into the interior space of the corner pocket 688 and the resilient perimeter partially returned to an original unstressed or less stressed conformation.
FIG. 22C illustrates the mating corner 618 fully extended into the interior space of the corner pocket 688 and the resilient perimeter returned to its original unstressed or less stressed conformation with the body corner 620 positioned above the corner pocket 618. In some embodiments, the resilient perimeter includes resiliently flexible portions adjacent to the mating corners 618 to allow the mating corners to be flexed for insertion into corner pockets 668. In one example, the mating corners 618 may be rigid without resilient flexibility.
FIGS. 23A & 23B illustrate an interchangeable insert unit 10 including a coupling platform 12 according to various embodiments described herein. The coupling platform 12 is positioned along a coupling, or lower side, of the insert unit 10 and includes a plurality of mating structures 16. The mating structures 16 include a flap 610 and mating strips 611 a, 611 b similar to those described above with respect to FIGS. 14 & 14B. The mating structures 16 also include additional mating strips 622 that extend along lateral sides, flanking flap 610. The mating strips 622 include a mating half of a hook and loop, or Velcro, material configured to mate with a corresponding mating half positioned on a coupling platform of a luggage container. The mating strips 622 extend along the full width of the coupling platform 12 or lower side of the insert unit 10. In other embodiments, fewer or additional mating strips 622 may be used and/or mating strips 622 may not extend along the full width of the coupling platform 12 or lower side of the insert unit 10. The mating structures 16 also include one or more snaps 623. As shown, a snap 623 is positioned at each of four corners of the coupling platform 12 or lower side of the insert unit 10. The snaps 623 are also positioned within or are surrounded by mating strips 622. However, some embodiments may include fewer or additional snaps 623, which may be positioned at additional or other locations. Each snap 623 comprises a mating half of a snap pair configured to mate with a corresponding mating half positioned on a coupling platform of an interchangeable luggage container.
FIG. 24 illustrates an interchangeable luggage container 50 including a coupling platform 62 configured to interchangeably couple insert units having a coupling platform 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 23A & 23B. The coupling platform 62 is positioned along an interior side 63 of a door 60 of the luggage container and comprises a plurality of mating structures 66. The mating structures 66 include a loop 660 similar to that described above with respect to FIG. 15 that is configured to mate with flap 610 of a corresponding coupling platform 12 of an interchangeable insert unit 10 (see FIGS. 23A & 23B) in a manner similar to that described above with respect to FIGS. 16A-16D. The mating structures 16 also include mating strips 672 that extend along lateral sides, flanking loop 660, of the coupling platform 62 or interior side of the door 63. The mating strips 672 include a mating half of a hook and loop, or Velcro, material configured to mate with a corresponding mating half positioned on a corresponding coupling platform of an insert unit. For example, the mating strips 672 are dimensioned and positioned to align with a corresponding mating strip 622 of a corresponding coupling platform 12 of an interchangeable insert unit 10 (see FIGS. 23A & 23B). The mating structures 66 also include one or more snaps 673, each comprising a mating half of a snap pair. As shown, a snap 673 is positioned at each of four corners of the coupling platform 62 or interior side 63 of the door 60 and are positioned to align and mate with snaps 623 of a coupling platform 12 of an interchangeable insert unit 10 as described above with respect to FIGS. 23A & 23B.
FIGS. 25A & 25B and FIG. 26 illustrate another embodiment of corresponding coupling platforms 12, 62 for interchangeably coupling insert units 10 and luggage containers 50 similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 23A & 23B and FIG. 24 , but that do not include snaps 623, 673.
FIG. 27 illustrates an interchangeable insert unit 10 including a coupling platform 12 configured to couple corresponding coupling platforms 62 as shown with respect to the interchangeable luggage container 50 illustrated in FIG. 28 . Coupling platform 12 includes mating structures 16 including a plurality of mating strips 622 that extend along a length of the coupling platform 12 or lower side of the insert unit 10. Coupling platform 62 includes mating structures 66 including a plurality of mating strips 672 that extend along a length of the coupling platform 62 or interior side of the door 60. The mating strips 622, 672 each include a mating half of a hook and loop, or Velcro, material configured to mate with a corresponding mating half positioned on the corresponding coupling platform 12, 62. The mating strips 622, 672 are dimensioned and positioned to align when the coupling platforms 12, 62 are aligned for coupling. In other embodiments, other dimensions, arrangements, and/or numbers of corresponding mating strips 622, 672 may extend along the length and/or width of the coupling platforms 12, 62 for coupling and decoupling the coupling platforms 12, 62.
It is to be appreciated that the embodiments may include fewer or additional mating structures than shown in the illustrated embodiments. In some embodiments, the identity of corresponding mating structures described herein with respect to an insert unit or luggage container may be switched such that an insert unit includes a mating structure described with respect to a luggage container and the luggage container includes the corresponding mating structure described with respect to the insert unit. The coupling platforms described herein may be applied to any insert unit configuration, including any of those described herein. Corresponding coupling platforms may typically be decoupled in a similar reverse manner as described for coupling.
The illustrated embodiments exemplify luggage containers including coupling platforms positions along an interior side or perimeter of a door panel; however, some embodiments may include coupling platforms at other locations. For example, a luggage container may include attachment structures such as a zipper half, hook, loop, pocket, snaps, or hook and loop strips along the interior side of the sidewalls, e.g., along the perimeter of the rim or within the container, configured for interchangeable coupling to corresponding coupling platforms of a plurality of insert units as described herein. In another example, a luggage container may include attachment structures along an exterior side of a sidewall, base, or door configured for interchangeable coupling to corresponding coupling platforms of the plurality of insert units. Such coupling platforms may comprise frames and attachment structures configured as described herein.
In another example, a luggage container may be configured to interchangeably couple a plurality of insert units along an exterior side of a door, side, or base of the luggage container. In some such examples, attachment structures may be located within a compartment that may be selectively opened and closed to reveal the attachment structures. For instance, an exterior side of the door may include a front compartment that may be unzipped to reveal the compartment. A zipper strip may be located within the compartment for interchangeable coupling with a corresponding coupling platform of a plurality of insert units via mating of the zipper strip of the door with a zipper strip of the corresponding coupling platforms. In one embodiment, interchangeable insert units and luggage containers are configured to form an organization space between the corresponding coupling platforms. For example, items may be contained between abutting surfaces of the insert units and the luggage container. In one such configuration, an opening may be provided between the abutting surfaces to reveal the organization space. For example, corresponding frames or zipper halves thereof may extend around a perimeter wherein the end points of the perimeter do not meet or overlap but rather define a gap therebetween. In one example, the gap may be provided prior to complete coupling of the frames. In another example, an opening defined by a gap between end points of corresponding frames or zipper halves thereof may be equipped with secondary attachment structures such as snaps, clips, hook and loop, or other attachment structures, such as those identified herein, configured for selectable opening and closing of the opening.
As introduced above, some embodiments may include luggage containers having multiple coupling platforms configured for interchangeable coupling to corresponding coupling platforms of a plurality of insert units, which in some embodiments may include interchangeability of insert units between the multiple locations. For example, a luggage container may include a first zipper half along a perimeter of an interior side of the door and one or more second zipper halves located along a perimeter of the opening, such as the rim, or within the container, the exterior side of a wall, base, or door, each configured for interchangeable coupling to a corresponding coupling platforms of a plurality of insert units. Thus, one embodiment of a luggage container may include a first zipper half and a second zipper half positioned with respect to the luggage container as to define a substantially same frame shape and dimensions at different locations.
The various coupling platforms exemplified in the drawings with respect to the rollerboard container include frames that are offset from a perimeter of the door. However, in some embodiments, a rollerboard container may include a frame that is not offset or that is offset in a different manner. For example, the frame may be offset from two, more, or all perimeter edges of an interior side of a door. Similarly, a door of a spinner container may include a frame that is offset or spaced apart from a perimeter of the door in a similar or different manner than described herein with respect to the door of the rollerboard container. Furthermore, as described above and elsewhere herein, luggage containers may include coupling platforms comprising frames located at other locations.
This specification has been written with reference to various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments. However, it will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art that various substitutions, modifications, or combinations of any of the disclosed embodiments (or portions thereof) may be made within the scope of this specification. Thus, it is contemplated and understood that this specification supports additional embodiments not expressly set forth in this specification. Such embodiments may be obtained, for example, by combining, modifying, or reorganizing any of the disclosed steps, components, elements, features, aspects, characteristics, limitations, and the like, of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments described in this specification. For example, some embodiments of insert units may not be configured for interchangeability. In a further embodiment, insert units described herein may be integrated or integral with a luggage container. Notably, the present disclosure is not limited to rollable luggage containers and those having skill in the art will appreciate upon reading the present disclosure that the teachings with respect to the modular luggage organizer system disclosed herein may be applied to additional types of luggage and configurations thereof. For example, the modular luggage organizer system may in include suitcases, backpacks, handbags, carrying bags, duffel bags, or other luggage containers.
Various elements described herein have been described as alternatives or alternative combinations, e.g., in a lists of selectable features or conditions. It is to be appreciated that embodiments may include one, more, or all of any such elements. Thus, this description includes embodiments of all such elements independently and embodiments including such elements in all combinations.
The grammatical articles “one”, “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this specification, are intended to include “at least one” or “one or more”, unless otherwise indicated. Thus, the articles are used in this specification to refer to one or more than one (i.e., to “at least one”) of the grammatical objects of the article. By way of example, “a unit” means one or more units, and thus, possibly, more than one unit is contemplated and may be employed or used in an application of the described embodiments. Further, the use of a singular noun includes the plural, and the use of a plural noun includes the singular, unless the context of the usage requires otherwise. Additionally, the grammatical conjunctions “and” and “or” are used herein according to accepted usage. By way of example, “x and y” refers to “x” and “y”. On the other hand, “x or y” refers to “x”, “y”, or both “x” and “y”, whereas “either x or y” refers to exclusivity.
Any numerical range recited herein includes all values and ranges from the lower value to the upper value and it is intended that all such values are expressly enumerated in this specification. These are only examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values and ranges between and including the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application. Numbers modified by the term “approximately” or “about” are intended to include +/−10% of the number modified.
The present disclosure may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be had to the following claims rather than the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention. Further, the illustrations of arrangements described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description. Many other arrangements will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other arrangements may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A modular luggage organization system, the system comprising:

a luggage container defining an interior space;

a door coupled to the luggage container and movable between an open and closed position to respectively reveal and cover an interior of the luggage container;

a first coupling platform positioned on an interior side of the door, the first coupling platform comprising a first frame defined by a first zipper half; and

a plurality of insert units, wherein each insert unit comprising a second coupling platform including a second frame defined by a second zipper half configured to interchangeably couple to the first coupling platform of the luggage container,

wherein the first zipper half and each of the second zipper halves include a same number of teeth along corresponding zippable lengths.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first frame and the second frame each extend along a perimeter having substantially same the length and dimensions.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second zipper halves each extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end of each second zipper half is positioned at a same location with respect to the dimensions of the second frame of the other second coupling platforms.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first zipper half extends along a first zipper tape between a first end and a second end and wherein each of the second zipper halves extend along a second zipper tape between a respective first end and second end, wherein the first zipper tape adjacent to the first end and second end of the first zipper half overlaps, and wherein the second zipper tape adjacent to the first end and second end of each of the second zipper halves overlaps a same length as the first zipper tape.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the overlap is about a quarter inch.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of insert units comprise different configurations of organization features.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the luggage container comprises a plurality of luggage containers, each comprising a first coupling platform configured to interchangeably couplable to each of the second coupling platforms of the plurality of insert units.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second zipper halves comprise plastic zipper teeth.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second zipper halves comprise nylon coil zipper teeth.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first frame extends along an interior side of the door.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first zipper half extends along an interior perimeter of the door.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first zipper half extends along a first zipper tape between a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end and the second end are positioned about midway along a side of the interior perimeter of the door, adjacent to a hinge connection between the door and the luggage container.

13. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second zipper halves each extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end of each second zipper half is positioned at a same location with respect to the dimensions of the second frame of the other second coupling platforms.

14. The system of any one of claim 1, 2, or 13, wherein the first zipper half extends along a first zipper tape between a first end and a second end and wherein each of the second zipper halves extend along a second zipper tape between a respective first end and second end, wherein the first zipper tape adjacent to the first end and second end of the first zipper half overlaps, and wherein the second zipper tape adjacent to the first end and second end of each of the second zipper halves overlaps a same length as the first zipper tape.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the overlap is about a quarter inch.

16. The system of any one of claim 1, 2, or 13-15, wherein the plurality of insert units comprise different configurations of organization features.

17. The system of any one of claim 1, 2, or 13-16, wherein the luggage container comprises a plurality of luggage containers, each comprising a first coupling platform configured to interchangeably couplable to each of the second coupling platforms of the plurality of insert units.

18. The system of any one of claim 1, 2, or 13-17, wherein the first and second zipper halves comprise plastic zipper teeth.

19. The system of any one of claim 1, 2, or 13-17, wherein the first and second zipper halves comprise nylon coil zipper teeth.

20. The system of any one of claim 1, 2, or 13-19, wherein the first frame extends along an interior side of the door.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the first zipper half extends along an interior perimeter of the door.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the first zipper half extends along a first zipper tape between a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end and the second end are positioned about midway along a side of the interior perimeter of the door, adjacent to a hinge connection between the door and the luggage container.