WO2016025906A1

WO2016025906A1 - Hybrid structured luggage

Info

Publication number: WO2016025906A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/045397
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jesse Potash; Gaston BLANCHET; Ilan Ben MEIR; Shay Cohen; Shlomi AVITAL; Amit Nir; Guy SILBERSTEIN
Original assignee: Trunkster, Llc
Priority date: 2014-08-14
Filing date: 2015-08-14
Publication date: 2016-02-18

Abstract

Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems, methods, and apparatuses for facilitating travel. In one implementation, luggage for facilitating travel includes a cage, a side panel assembly, and a door. The cage has a set of opposing rails connected with one or more bars, and the rails each including a track. The side panel assembly is engaged to the set of opposing rails, and the side panel assembly includes a set of side panels and corresponding bumpers. The door is slidably engaged to the set of rails along the tracks.

Description

HYBRID STRUCTURED LUGGAGE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §1 19 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/037,573, entitled "Hybrid Structured Luggage" and filed on August 14, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to storage devices, such as luggage, and more particularly to luggage that facilitates travel.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Travel is often cited as a favorite pastime. However, many aspects of traveling are frustrating and taxing, detracting from the enjoyment of the journey. For example, packing a suitcase aggravates many travelers. After fitting articles into the suitcase, many travelers struggle with closing and zipping the suitcase. These challenges are further exacerbated when the traveler arrives at the airport only to learn that the suitcase exceeds the weight threshold. The traveler then must choose between battling with the suitcase to attempt to quickly remove enough articles to sufficiently lower the weight or pay often exorbitant fees.

[0004] Because airlines continue to raise fees for checking suitcases, many travelers choose to carry on the suitcase. However, conventional suitcases may be cumbersome and include flimsy handles, such that moving the suitcase through the airport to the gate is awkward and difficult, particularly when in a hurry. Once the traveler arrives at the gate, the traveler often has to maneuver around obstacles with the suitcase to locate elusive power outlets for charging user devices prior to boarding the flight.

[0005] All these frustrations culminate in an infuriating experience for the traveler when the suitcase fails to arrive at the destination. Many conventional suitcases fail to address these issues and instead opt to include superfluous gimmicks or sacrifice aesthetics for utility. It is with these observations in mind, among others, that various aspects of the present disclosure were conceived and developed. SUMMARY

[0006] Implementations described and claimed herein address the foregoing problems, among others, by providing hybrid structured luggage. In one implementation, luggage includes a cage, a side panel assembly, and a door. The cage has a set of opposing rails connected with one or more bars, and the rails each including a track. The side panel assembly is engaged to the set of opposing rails, and the side panel assembly includes a set of side panels and corresponding bumpers. The door is slidably engaged to the set of rails along the tracks.

[0007] In another implementation, luggage includes a frame and a door. The frame extends from a proximal end to a distal end and defines an interior configured to hold one or more articles. The door is mounted to the frame for movement between an open position and a closed position, and the door providing zipperless access to the interior when moved to the open position.

[0008] In another implementation, luggage includes a handle having an elongated body. A sensor grip is disposed on the handle and has a plurality of load cells configured to determine a weight of the luggage by measuring a force exerted against the sensor grip in response to a gravitational pull on the luggage. A user interface is in communication with the sensor grip and configured to provide feedback on the weight of the luggage.

[0009] Other implementations are also described and recited herein. Further, while multiple implementations are disclosed, still other implementations of the presently disclosed technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative implementations of the presently disclosed technology. As will be realized, the presently disclosed technology is capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of an example hybrid structured luggage. [0011] Figure 2 is the same view as Figure 1 with the door in an open position. [0012] Figure 3 shows a back perspective view of the luggage of Figure 1.

[0013] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the luggage of Figure 1.

[0014] Figures 5A-5B depict top and bottom views, respectively, of the luggage of Figure 1 .

[0015] Figure 6 is a back perspective view of a proximal end of the luggage of Figure 1.

[0016] Figure 7 shows a front perspective view of a proximal end of the luggage of Figure 1.

[0017] Figures 8A-8B depict example packing mechanisms for an interior of the hybrid structured luggage.

[0018] Figures 9A-9B illustrate movement of the door from a closed position to an open position.

[0019] Figure 10 shows an isometric view of an example cage from a frame of the hybrid structured luggage.

[0020] Figure 1 1 is a detailed view of a proximal edge of a rail of the cage of Figure 10.

[0021] Figure 12 shows an isometric view of an example side panel assembly from a frame of the hybrid structured luggage.

[0022] Figure 13 illustrates an isometric view of side panels of the side panel assembly of Figure 12, with a detailed view of engaging tabs shown.

[0023] Figure 14 shows an isometric view of a bumper of the side panel assembly of Figure 12, with a detailed view of a proximal edge of the bumper shown.

[0024] Figure 15 depicts an isometric view of the cage engaged to the side panel assembly.

[0025] Figure 16 is a detailed view of the portion of Figure 15 shown in the box with broken lines.

[0026] Figure 17 shows an isometric view of an example back panel of the hybrid structured luggage. [0027] Figure 18 illustrates the back panel engaged to the cage, with a detailed view of the proximal edge.

[0028] Figure 19 is a cross sectional detailed view of a portion of the frame.

[0029] Figure 20 shows a bottom perspective view of the cage engaged to the back panel with a cavity for the door formed by an interior lining and the back panel.

[0030] Figure 21 is a detailed view of the cavity formed by the interior lining and the back panel.

[0031] Figure 22 shows an example door for the hybrid structured luggage.

[0032] Figure 23-24 illustrate detailed views of the door of Figure 22.

[0033] Figure 25 depicts an example base assembly of the hybrid structured luggage.

[0034] Figures 26A-26B show isometric and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the hybrid structured luggage with the door and side panel assembly removed for clarity.

[0035] Figure 27 illustrates an example telescope handle assembly for the hybrid structured luggage.

[0036] Figure 28 shows an example bridge assembly for the hybrid structured luggage.

[0037] Figures 29-30 depict front and back perspective views, respectively, of an example scale handle for the hybrid structured luggage.

[0038] Figures 31A-31 B illustrate an example push button for a door release for the hybrid structured luggage.

[0039] Figures 32A-32B show detailed cross sectional views of an example door release using the push button of Figures 31A-31 B.

[0040] Figures 33A-33B show detailed cross sectional views of another example door release using the push button of Figures 31A-31 B.

[0041] Figure 34 illustrates another example push button for a door release for the hybrid structured luggage. [0042] Figure 35 shows a detailed cross sectional view of an example door release using the push button of Figure 34.

[0043] Figure 36 illustrates a cross sectional view of an example door lock.

[0044] Figures 37A-37B show another example door lock in an unlocked position and locked position, respectively.

[0045] Figures 38A-38B show another example door lock in an unlocked position and locked position, respectively.

[0046] Figures 39A-39B show another example door lock in an unlocked position and locked position, respectively.

[0047] Figure 40 is an example travel monitoring system, including a travel monitor running on a computer server, computing device, or other device coupled with a network, for tracking luggage and facilitating travel.

[0048] Figure 41 is an example of a computing system that may implement various systems and methods discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Aspects of the present disclosure involve apparatuses, systems, and methods for facilitating travel. In one aspect, hybrid structured luggage is provided. The hybrid structured luggage comprises a frame made from a lightweight, impact resistant, highly durable material supported by a rigid cage. A bumper encases the rigid cage, providing impact and sound absorption. Thus, the hybrid structured luggage provides structure for storing and protecting articles, while being lightweight so as to avoid wasting weight that may otherwise be used for articles and to facilitate movement.

[0050] The hybrid structured luggage may further include a sliding door, a power bank, a built in scale, a tracker, and a control handle. The sliding door provides zipperless entry for faster access to an interior of the luggage and for easy closing of the luggage. The power bank includes one or more power sources that permit a traveler to charge one or more user devices. The built in scale includes a sensor for measuring a weight of the luggage and an interface providing feedback to the traveler regarding the weight. The tracker communicates a geographical location of the luggage to a user device over a network. Finally, the control handle is configured to facilitate use and maximize space in the interior. These features, among others, eliminate the aggravations of travel associated with conventional suitcases, as well as provide other advantages.

[0051] The various apparatuses, systems, and methods disclosed herein facilitate travel and storage. The example implementations discussed herein reference the portable luggage. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed technology is applicable to other stationary or portable storage or travel apparatuses.

[0052] To begin a detailed description of example hybrid structured luggage 100, reference is made to Figures 1 to 9B. In one implementation, the luggage 100 includes a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104. When the luggage 100 is placed in an upright orientation, the distal end 104 is disposed on a surface, such as a floor, as shown in Figure 1 . In one implementation, the luggage 100 includes a frame 106 extending between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104. The luggage 100 may further include a user assembly 108, a base assembly 1 10, a door 1 12, a control handle 1 14, and one or more wheels 1 16.

[0053] The luggage 100 may be a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, the luggage 100 may be sized and shaped for carrying onto a flight and/or for checking for a flight. In one particular exemplary implementation, a smaller version of the luggage 100 configured for carry onto a flight may have a weight of approximately 7-8 pounds with a dimension of approximately 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches and a interior capacity of approximately 43 liters. In another particular exemplary implementation, a larger version of the luggage 100 configured for checking for a flight may have a weight of approximately 9-10 pounds with a dimension of approximately 27 inches by 19 inches by 1 1 inches and a interior capacity of approximately 86 liters. However, other weights, dimensions, and interior capacities are contemplated.

[0054] The luggage 100 may be made using a combination of materials to provide a lightweight, impact and scratch resistant, highly durable luggage. The materials may include, without limitation, metals, plastics, and/or the like. In one particular exemplary implementation, the luggage 100 is made using a combination of aluminum and polycarbonate. The luggage 100 may further have a variety of aesthetic features, such as finishing, designs, colors, fabrics, textiles, textures, and/or the like. For example, the luggage 100 may have a matte, debossed finish. [0055] As can be understood from Figures 1-2, in one implementation, the door 1 12 is configured to move between a closed and open position, shown in Figures 1 and 2 respectively. When the door 1 12 is in the open position, an interior 120 configured to hold one or more articles is exposed, and when the door 1 12 is in the closed position, the articles are sealed within the interior 120.

[0056] The door 1 12 may move between the open and closed positions in a variety of manners. In one implementation, the door 1 12 slides along a length of the frame 106 into the interior 120. For example, the door 1 12 may be released from the proximal end 102 and slide distally along the length of the frame 106 into the interior 120. In another implementation, the door 1 12 slides transverse to a length of the frame 106. In still other implementations, the door 1 12 may roll, fold, or otherwise collect near the proximal end 102, the distal end 104, or anywhere along a length of the frame 106. The luggage 100 may include one or more collectors 1 18 providing a cavity into which the door 1 12 may recede to protect the door 1 12 and prevent interference with articles held within the interior 120 during movement.

[0057] The door 1 12 moves between the open and closed positions with a quick, smooth motion. In one implementation, the door 1 12 automatically moves between the open and closed positions. One or more motors may automatically move the door 1 12 in response to input, for example, via an open/close button, received from a traveler. In another implementation, the door 1 12 may be manually moved between the open and closed positions. For example, a door release may be manually triggered to disengage the door 1 12 for pulling to the open position, and the door 1 12 may be pulled to the closed position where it is re-engaged with the door release. In one implementation, the luggage 100 includes one or more door locks to securely house articles within the interior 120 and prevent theft or tampering. The one or more door locks may include, without limitation, United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved combination lock, padlock, and/or the like.

[0058] The door 1 12 may include one or more door releases to secure the door 1 12 in the closed position and release the door 1 12 to the open position. In one implementation, the door release provides a single hand closure to compress articles within the interior 120 and secure the door 1 12. To secure the door 1 12 in the closed position, the door 1 12 may be secured at one or more ends of the luggage 100. For example, the door 1 12 may be secured near the proximal end 102 to facilitate closure when the luggage 100 is positioned in the upright position or a horizontal position with the length of the frame 106 extending from the proximal end 102 to the distal end 104 along a surface. It will be appreciated, however, that the door 1 12 may be secured near the distal end 104 and/or along a length of the frame 106. In some implementations, the door 1 12 may include a plurality of sections that may engage each other to close the door 1 12.

[0059] In one implementation, the door 1 12 comprises a single sheet of flexible, durable material. The single sheet of material may be stamped, etched, or otherwise manipulated to create a plurality of ribs. In another implementation, the door 1 12 includes a body formed by a plurality of panels. The panels may be linked at seams to form the unified body in a variety of manners, including, but not limited to, hooks, paired engaging features (e.g., male and female components), adhesives, thermoplastic bonding, welding, and/or the like, the panels enable the door 1 12 to :easily maneuver around corners of the frame 106; have an increased turn radius; and/or or to roll, fold or otherwise retract.

[0060] In one implementation, the door 1 12 provides a fast zipperless access to the interior 120 through one swift motion independent of an orientation of the luggage 100. For example, the door 1 12 facilitates access to the interior 120 in the upright orientation, the horizontal orientation, and other orientations.

[0061] The door 1 12 may be made from a variety of materials to provide a rigid exterior and a corrugated, malleable interior that is both durable and waterproof, as well as to withstand the wear of baggage handling and provide enhanced level of theft protection. Such materials may include, without limitation, plastics, metals, and/or the like. For example, the door 1 12 may be made from polyethylene and/or polypropylene.

[0062] Similarly, the frame 106 is configured to absorb impact, withstand a side load, flex and return to its shape, and/or the like. The frame 106 is lightweight, impact and scratch resistant, highly durable, and provides structure to the luggage 100.

[0063] In one implementation, the frame 106 comprises a rigid cage with flexible durable covers. More specifically, as can be understood from Figures 3-4, in one implementation, the frame 106 includes a side panel assembly 122 and a back panel 124 extending from the proximal end 102 to the distal end 104 along a length of the luggage 100 and between the side panel assembly 122. The frame 106 further includes a cage having a pair of opposing rails connected with distal and proximal bars. The door 1 12 is slidably engaged to tracks in the rails of the cage to move between the open and closed positions. In one implementation, the collector 1 18 is a lining disposed along the base assembly 1 10 and the back panel 124 to create a recess into which the door 1 12 may retreat when moved to the open position.

[0064] The side panel assembly 122, in one implementation, includes a pair of opposing side panels and bumpers disposed over the rails. The bumpers provide impact and sound absorption, as well as seal the frame 106, such that the luggage 100 is waterproof. To dispel any moisture that penetrates the outer layers of the luggage 100, in one implementation, the frame 106 includes on or more outlets 130.

[0065] The cage, side panels, and bumpers of the frame 106, the back panel 124, and the collector 1 18 may be made from a variety of materials, as described herein. For example, the cage may be an aluminum extrusion welded cage, the side panels may be made from a polypropylene injection, the bumpers may be made from an injected elastomer, the back panel 124 may be a polypropylene injection, and the collector 1 18 may be a polycarbonate extrusion. The frame 106 may further include a dashboard panel made, for example, from a polypropylene injection and disposed at the proximal end 102 extending transverse to the back panel 124.

[0066] In another implementation, the frame 106 includes a rigid housing formed by side surfaces connected with opposing surfaces at the proximal and distal ends 102 and 104 and with a back surface. The housing may be made from a variety of rigid materials, such as, a reinforced polypropylene body. The frame 106 further includes a pair rectangular sliding rails with rounded corners disposed in an interior of the housing at the side surfaces. Bumpers may be disposed along the corners of the rails for impact absorption. The rails may be made from an aluminum extrusion and the bumpers from an injected elastomer, for example. The door 1 12 is slidably engaged to a track in each of the rails to move between the open and closed positions.

[0067] In still another implementation, the frame 106 is a flexible structure including a pair of opposing rails that may be, for example, aluminum extrusion bent frames. The side panel assembly 122 including a pair of opposing side panels and outer covers disposed over the rails. The side panels may be made from polypropylene injection and the covers from an injected polypropylene. The back panel 125 extends from the proximal end 102 to the distal end 104 along a length of the luggage 100 and between the side panel assembly 122. The back panel 124 may be, for example, a polypropylene injection. The door 1 12 is slidably engaged to a track in each of the rails to move between the open and closed positions. The frame 106 may further include a dashboard panel made, for example, from a polypropylene injection and disposed at the proximal end 102 extending transverse to the back panel 124.

[0068] As can be understood from Figures 1 -5B, in one implementation, the base assembly 1 10 is disposed at the distal end 104 with the wheels 1 16 mounted to a distal surface 136 of the base assembly 1 10. The wheels 1 16 are robust, ribbed, and omni-directional, thereby enabling the luggage 100 to glide smoothly and quietly over a variety of surfaces and terrains.

[0069] Turning to Figures 4-7, in one implementation, the luggage 100 includes one or more handles to facilitate movement and maneuvering of the luggage 100. For example, the frame 106 may include one or more handles 128 to facilitate movement between various orientations of the luggage 100 and the control handle 1 14 to facilitate movement of the luggage 100 across a variety of terrains.

[0070] Many conventional suitcases have flimsy handles that are prone to jamming or breaking, take up too much space inside the suitcase, and/or are difficult to use maneuver the suitcase, particularly when in a hurry. In one implementation, the control handle 1 14 addresses these problems with a robust, side to side handle providing control and enhanced balance through a plurality of grip positions. The control handle 1 14 is further disposed within the interior 120 such that space in the interior 120 is uninterrupted interior, thereby maximizing packing capacity. In one implementation, the control handle 1 14 includes a button 132 to move the control handle 1 14 between extended and retracted positions.

[0071] The luggage 100 may further include a scale handle 126 that may be used as a cargo handle to facilitate movement. Additionally, the scale handle 126 is configured to measure a weight of the luggage 100 to prevent the last minute scramble associated with trying to meet an airline's weight threshold using conventional suitcases. In one implementation, a traveler lifts the luggage 100 using the scale handle 126. One or more sensors in the scale handle 126 measure the force applied against the scale handle 126 by lifting the luggage 100. The measured force may be used to determine the weight of the luggage 100. Stated differently, the scale handle 126 generally uses an inverse of a gravitational force to measure the weight of the luggage 100. Feedback regarding the weight is communicated to the traveler.

[0072] In one implementation, the scale handle 126 is disposed at the proximal end 102 in or near the user assembly 108, which includes various features to facilitate travel. For example, the user assembly 108 may include a power bank, a tracker, and/or on or more hidden compartments. In one implementation, the hidden compartment is located in user assembly 108 or elsewhere on the frame 106 to provide quick access to travel essentials, such as a passport, notebook, pens, removable power pack, and/or the like.

[0073] The power bank includes one or more power sources to charge user devices prior to boarding and/or during transportation. Such power sources may include, without limitation, a stationary power bank into which a traveler may plug one or more devices, a removable power bank which a traveler may remove to charge devices remote from the luggage 100, and/or the like. The power banks may be recharged using a variety of external power sources, such as, direct current (DC) power, alternating current (AC) power, solar power, and/or the like. The power banks may include one or more one or more Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports (e.g., ports 134), cable charging ports, batteries, and/or the like. In one particular exemplary implementation, the power banks have a charging capacity of approximately 15000 mAh with a charging output of approximately 3 Amps. In this example, a traveler may charge a device a plurality of times (e.g., approximately 9 times) before needing to recharge the power bank.

[0074] In one implementation, the tracker includes a controller configured to communicate with a user device over a network, as described in more detail in Figures 40-41. The tracker provides remote location-tracking of the luggage 100 using one or more of Global Positioning System (GPS) services, WiFi location tracking services, cell towers, and/or the like.

[0075] As can be understood from Figures 8A-8B, the interior 120 of the luggage 100 may include a variety of packing mechanisms to facilitate packing. For example, one or more straps 136 or shelves 138 may be provided to separate, hold, or otherwise contain one or more articles in the interior 120. It will be appreciated that the packing mechanisms shown in Figures 8A-8B are exemplary only and other packing mechanisms, such as compartments, pockets, dividers, belts, and/or the like, may be used.

[0076] For an example of the movement of the door 1 12 from the closed position to the open position, in one implementation, reference is made to Figures 9A-9B. In one implementation, the door 1 12 is slidably engaged to a cage 140 to move between the open and closed positions. Figure 9A shows the door 1 12 in the closed position with a lightly shaded portion illustrating to where the door 1 12 will slide, and Figure 9B shows the door 1 12 in the open position with the lightly shaded portion illustrating from where the door 1 12 moved. In one implementation, the closed position of the door 1 12 includes a proximal end of the door 1 12 disposed near the proximal end 102 of the cage 140 and a distal end of the door 1 12 disposed near the distal end 104 of the cage 140. When the door 1 12 moves to the open position, the distal end of the door 1 12 moves to the proximal end 102 of the cage 140 and the proximal end of the door 1 12 moves to the distal end 104 of the cage 140. The door 1 12 further moves around a length of the cage 140 from one edge at the proximal end 102 to another edge at the proximal end 102.

[0077] For a detailed description of the cage 140, reference is made to Figures 10-1 1 , which show an isometric view of the cage 140 and a detailed view of a proximal edge of a rail 200 of the cage 140, respectively. In one implementation, the cage 140 includes a pair of rails 200 connected to each other with one or more bars (e.g., a back proximal bar 204, a front proximal bar 206, and distal bars 208). The bars provide structure and support for the rails 200 and other features of the frame 106. In one implementation, the front proximal bar 206 is larger in size relative to the back proximal bar 204 to support various features of the user assembly 108.

[0078] A plane of each of the rails 200 may be oriented with respect to each other at various angles. For example, the planes of the rails 200 may be parallel or offset. The rails 200 have a contoured shape with rounded corners for smooth movement of the door 1 12 along the rails 200. In one implementation, the rails 200 each have a pair of proximal edges facing each other and forming a gap therebetween. The gap permits rods of the control handle 1 14 to extend along sides of the interior 120 into an opening 212 of a receiver 210 to engage the rail 200. Positioning the rods of the control handle 1 14 in the same plane as the rails 200 maximizes storage capacity of the interior 120 and prevents the articles within the interior 120 from interfering or otherwise obstructing movement of the control handle 1 14 between the extended and retracted positions.

[0079] In one implementation, each of the rails 200 includes a proximal surface 216 opposite a distal surface 214 and a interior side surface 218 opposite an exterior side surface 220. A track 222 is defined in each of the rails 200 extending from one proximal edge to the other. A channel 232 is defined in the interior side surface 218 to provide an opening to the track 222. The door 1 12 extends into the tracks 222 through the channels 232 to slidably engage the door 1 12 to the rails 200. In one implementation, the track 22 includes a plurality of angled surfaces to facilitate movement of the door 1 12. [0080] Each of the rails 200 may further include a distal opening 224, a lumen 226, and a proximal opening 228 to engage various features of the side panel assembly 122, the back panel 124, and/or other components of the luggage 100, as well as to provide flexibility of the cage 140. In one implementation, the distal opening 224 is disposed along the distal surface 214 adjacent to the track 222 and includes an opening defined in the exterior side surface 220. In this orientation, the lumen 226 is disposed proximal to the distal opening 224 along a length of the exterior side surface 220. A shape of the lumen 226 is formed by angles of the exterior side surface 220 and the proximal surface 216. In this orientation, the proximal opening 228 is disposed proximal to the track 222 and along the proximal surface 216 with an opening defined therein. The proximal opening 228 may include a projection 230 for engaging the side panel assembly 122.

[0081] For a detailed description of the side panel assembly 122, reference is made to Figures 12-14. In one implementation, the side panel assembly 122 includes a pair of opposing side panels 300 and associated bumpers 302. Indents 304 may be defined at the a proximal end 102 adapted to receive the user assembly 108, and an extension 306 may be disposed at the distal end 104 for engaging the base assembly 1 10.

[0082] The side panels 300 each include one or more interior surfaces 310 and one or more exterior surfaces 312. In one implementation, the interior surface 310 and exterior surface 312 a smooth planar surfaces extending between the distal end 104 and the proximal end 102. A plane of each of the side panels 300 may be oriented with respect to each other at various angles. For example, the planes of the side panels 300 200 may be parallel or offset. In one implementation, the shape of the side panels 300 mirrors the shape of the rails 200. For example, the side panels 300 may have a contoured shape with rounded corners.

[0083] In one implementation, the interior surface 310 includes one or more engaging features. One or more tabs 308 may be disposed around the interior surface 310 to engage the cage 140 and/or the back panel 124. In one implementation, the tabs 308 include a projection 316 with a ledge 318 extending therefrom. A handle panel 314 may be disposed on one or more the side panels 300 through which the handle 128 may be mounted.

[0084] The bumpers 302 mirror a shape and size of the rails 200. In one implementation, the bumpers 302 have a contoured shape with rounded corners and each have a pair of proximal edges facing each other and forming a gap therebetween, like the rails 200. The bumpers 302 provide impact and sound absorption to facilitate quiet movement of the door 1 12 and prevent wear and damage.

[0085] In one implementation, each of the bumpers 302 includes a proximal section 328 with an exterior section 320 extending at an angle distally therefrom. A flap 330 extends from the proximal section 328 at an angle distally therefrom and creating an exterior pocket between the flap 330 and the exterior section 320. In one implementation, the exterior section 320 includes a plurality of angled surfaces with an indent 322 defined therein near the exterior pocket. An engaging projection 324 extends inwardly from the exterior section 320 and includes one or more steps 326 to engage the rail 200. A proximal channel 334 and a distal channel 332 are formed by the exterior section and/or the proximal section 328 for receiving corresponding portions of the rail 200.

[0086] Turning to Figures 15-16, the cage 140 is shown engaged to the side panel assembly 122. In one implementation, the exterior section 320 of the bumper 302 extends between the exterior side surface 220 of the rail 200 and the interior surface 310 of the side panel 300, such that the rail 200 is disposed generally in the distal channel 332. The side panel 300 engages the bumper 302 with the exterior pocket formed by the flap 330 and with the indent 322. In one implementation, when the side panel 300 is engaged to the bumper 302, the flap 330 forms a continuous contour with the exterior surface 312. Additionally or alternatively, the distal opening 224 of the rail 200 may receive the tab 308 to further engage the side panel 300 to the rail 200.

[0087] In one implementation, the proximal opening 228 of the rail 200 receives and engages the engaging projection 324 of the bumper 302 using the steps 326 and the projection 230. An opening into the proximal channel 334 is formed by the engaging projection 324 and the proximal surface 216 of the rail 200 to receive and engage corresponding features of the back panel 124.

[0088] For a detailed description of the back panel 124, reference is made to Figures 17-19. In one implementation, the back panel 124 includes a panel 400 having one or more surfaces extending from the proximal end 102 to the distal end 104. Disposed near the proximal end 102, in one implementation, the back panel 124 includes a pair of shoulders 402 configured to transition smoothly into the user assembly 108. [0089] The back panel 124 includes one or more engaging features, such as a proximal protrusion 408, distal engagers 406, and a plurality of tabs 404 extending along a length of the panel 400. The engaging features may be used to engage the back panel 124 with the base assembly 1 10, the user assembly 108, the cage 140, and/or the side panel assembly 122. As can be understood from Figures 18-19, in one implementation, when the back panel 124 is engaged to one or more of these features, the shoulder 402 extends into the proximal channel 334 with a projection 410 from the shoulder 402 extending into the proximal opening 228 of the rail 200. As shown in Figures 10-19, the opening 232 to the track 222 is unobstructed so that the door 1 12 may slidably engage the rails 200 and move along the track 222 smoothly.

[0090] As described herein, the collector 1 18 protects the door 1 12 when the door 1 12 is retracted into the open position. Turning to Figures 20-21 , in one implementation, the collector 1 18 includes a lining 500 extending from the proximal protrusion 408 distally along a length of the back panel 124 and along the base assembly 1 10. In one implementation, the lining 500 follows the contours of the an internal edge of the rails 200, and the back panel 124 is disposed at an external edge of a back section of the rails 200 forming a cavity 502 therebetween. The door 1 12 recedes into the cavity 502 when moved to the closed position to protect the door 1 12 and provide unobstructed smooth movement of the door 1 12.

[0091] For a detailed description of the door 1 12, reference is made to Figures 22-24. In one implementation, the door 1 12 includes a body 600 extending along a length between a proximal end 602 and a distal end 604. A handle 610 may be disposed at the proximal end 602 for a traveler to manually move the door 1 12 and/or to prevent the body 600 from retracting too far into the interior 120 of the luggage 100 when moving to the closed position. In one implementation, the handle 610 includes a projection 612 extending outwardly from a surface 614.

[0092] As described herein, when the door 1 12 is in the open position, the proximal end 602 of the door 1 12 is disposed near the distal end 104 of the luggage 100, and the distal end 604 of the door 1 12 is disposed near the proximal end 102 of the luggage 100, with the body 600 protected within the cavity 502. When the door 1 12 is in the closed position, the proximal end 602 of the door 1 12 is disposed near the proximal end 102 of the luggage 100, and the distal end 604 of the door 1 12 is disposed near the distal end 104 of the luggage 100. The body 600 may have a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, the body 600 may be thin (e.g., approximately 0.3 mm thick) and generally rectangular in shape. However, other shapes and thicknesses are contemplated.

[0093] In one implementation, the body 600 includes a plurality of panels 606 connected at seams and extending transverse to a length of the body 600. Each of the of the panels 606 may include a protruding portion 616 protruding from a surface 618. The seams are formed by the connection of the surfaces 618 and provide flexibility to the body 600 for maneuvering around the corners and contours of the rail 200.

[0094] Each of the panels 606 may include a protrusion 608 to slidably engage the rails 200 for the door 1 12 to move along the tracks 222. The protrusions 608 are separated by gaps 624 corresponding to the seams of the panels 606. The protrusions 608 may have a variety of shapes, including, without limitation, contoured, angled, spherical, cubical, pyramidal, polygonal, and/or the like. In one implementation, the protrusions 608 each extend between a proximate end 620 and a distal end 622 to form a dovetail shape.

[0095] In one implementation, the protrusions 608 are connected to the panels 606 at contoured sections 628 that extend from the surface 618. A surface 628 protrudes from the contoured sections 628 with a notch 630 extending from the surface 628. The contoured sections 628 are configured to extend through the channel 232 of the rail 200 positioning the protrusions 608 within the track 222 of the rail 200. The protrusions 608 prevent the door 1 12 from disengaging from the rails 200.

[0096] In one implementation, the protrusions 608 provide the only contact between the door 1 12 and the rails 200 to minimize friction for smooth and quiet motion. To further reduce friction, the door 1 12 may include a subset of the protrusions 608 that are larger in size relative to the remaining protrusions 608, such that the smaller protrusions 608 do not touch the track 222 or other portions of the rail 200 unless a force is applied to the door 1 12. For example, every third of the protrusions 608 may be larger than the others. In a particular, non-limiting example, the smaller protrusions 608 may be approximately 4 x 9 mm in size, and the larger protrusions 608 may be approximately 4.6 mm x 9.9 mm in size. However, other sizes are contemplated.

[0097] Turning to Figure 25, in one implementation, the base assembly 1 10 facilitates movement of the door 1 12 with one or more rollers 710, each mounted to an interior surface 700 with a roller assembly 708. The rollers 710 provide pressure against the body 600 of the door 1 12 for smooth motion and support. In one implementation, the rollers 710 are connected to a motor to turn the rollers 710 for automatic closing and opening of the door 1 12.

[0098] The base assembly 1 10 may include various engaging features, such as back engaging features 702 to engaging the back panel 124, side engaging features 706 to engage the side panel assembly 122, and/or the like. In one implementation, the base assembly 1 10 includes a stopper 704 configured to receive the handle 610 of the door 1 12 when the door 1 12 is moved to the open position.

[0099] For a detailed discussion of the user assembly 108 and the various handles (e.g., the handles 1 14, 126, and 128), reference is made to Figures 26A-30. In one implementation, a support rod 800 extends through each of the gaps in the rails 200 into the opening 212 of the receiver 210. A grip 806 of the handle 128 may be connected to a surface 802, which is connected to the support rod 800 using one or more mounts 804.

[0100] A distal end 810 of the support rod 800 may include various engaging features to securely mount the control handle 1 14. In one implementation, the control handle 1 14 is a telescoping handle having an interior rod 808 that moves within a lumen of the support rod 800 to move the control handle 1 14 proximally and distally between extended and retracted positions when the button 132 is pressed. In one implementation, to provide enhanced control and maximize a capacity of the interior 120, the control handle 1 14 includes a grip formed by a proximal portion 814 and a distal portion 812 extending between the side panels 300 along an entire length of a control handle channel 908 defined in a bridge 900. The internal rods 808 extend into the support rods 800 through openings 910 in the bridge 900.

[0101] A can be understood from Figure 28, in one implementation, the bridge 900 includes a proximal surface 902 extending between a back edge 906 and a front edge 904 with the control handle channel 908, a scale handle channel 912, and a door release channel 916 defined therein. The channels 908, 912, and 916 permit the traveler to easily grip the control handle 1 14, the scale handle 126, and the door handle 610, respectively. To dispel any moisture that collects in the bridge 900, an opening 914 directs the moisture through the outlets 130.

[0102] To weigh the luggage 100, the traveler may rotate the scale handle 126 proximally from the scale handle channel 912. As can be understood from Figures 29-30, in one implementation, the scale handle 126 includes a body 1000 with knobs 1002 extending therefrom to rotationally engage the bridge 900 within the scale handle channel 912.

[0103] To measure the weight of the luggage 100, in one implementation, the scale handle 126 includes a sensor grip 1004 configured to measure weight. The sensor grip 1004 may be changed to various weight measuring units, such as pounds and kilograms, depending on the preference of the traveler. In one implementation, the sensor grip 1004 includes load cells configured to measure an inverse of the gravitational force on the luggage 100 to determine the weight. Stated differently, the sensor grip 1004 is disposed on an underside of a grip 1006 of the scale handle 126 such that when the traveler lifts the luggage 100, the force exerted by the traveler's hand against the load cells of the sensor grip 1004 in response to the gravitational pull on the luggage 100 may be used to measure the weight of the luggage 100.

[0104] In one implementation, the sensor grip 1004 communicates with a user interface (e.g., user interface 1008) to provide feedback to the traveler regarding the weight of the luggage 100. The feedback may be, visual, audial, and/or tactile feedback and may be provided via the user interface 1008 on the scale handle 126 (e.g., via a speaker, display, etc.) or via a user device, described with respect to Figures 40-41. In one implementation, a removable battery pack 1010 is held in the body 1000.

[0105] For a discussion of various door releases to engage and disengage the door 1 12, reference is made to Figures 31A-35. In one implementation, the door handle 610 includes a push button 1 100 disposed thereon, such that when the door 1 12 is engaged in the closed position, the push button 1 100 is disposed within the door release channel 916. As illustrated in Figures 31A-31 B, to disengage the door 1 12, the push button 1 100 is pushed and the door handle 610 is pulled distally.

[0106] In one implementation, as shown in Figures 32A-32B, the door release includes a spring lever in communication with the push button 1 100 on the bridge 900 for one handed operation. When the push button 1 100 is pushed, a spring lever 1 102 is displaced along a ledge 1 106 towards a channel 1 104, thereby releasing the door handle 610 for movement. In another implementation, as shown in Figures 33A-33B, the door release includes a tab latch that disengages for one hand operation. When the push button 1 100 is pushed, a latch 1 108 of the push button 1 100 disengages from a tab 1 1 12 of a surface 1 1 10, thereby releasing the door handle 610 for movement. [0107] Turning to Figures 34-35, in one implementation, the push button 1 100 may be configured for two hand operation. As shown in Figure 34, one hand is used to push the push button 1 100 disposed on the bridge 900, and once the door release disengages to release the door 1 12 for movement, the other hand pulls the door handle 610 distally. As can be understood from Figure 35, pushing the push button 1 100 displaces a latch 1 1 14 from a locking member 1 1 16, thereby releasing the door handle 610 for movement.

[0108] For a discussion of various door locks to secure the door 1 12 to prevent theft or tampering, reference is made to Figures 36-39B. In one implementation, the door lock includes a switch 1200 that moves between an unlocked and locked position within a cavity 1202. For example, when the switch 1200 is adjacent to a stationary body 1204, the door 1 12 is in a locked position and may be secured with a lock 1210 (e.g., combination lock, padlock, and/or the like). When the switch 1200 is separated from the stationary body 1204, the door 1 12 is in an unlocked position and may be released for movement between the closed and open positions with the door release (e.g., button 1 100). As described herein, the door release may include various features 1206 and 1208 configured to release the door handle 610 for movement when the button 1 100 is pushed. In one implementation, when the switch 1200 is moved to the locked position, the switch 1200 is displaced into the door release features 1206 and 1208 to prevent the release of the door handle 610. When the switch 1200 is moved to the unlocked position, the switched 1200 is displaced from the door release features 1206 and 1208, such that the release of the door handle 610 is no longer prevented.

[0109] As showed in Figures 37A-37B, the lock 1210 may be a padlock, where the switch 1200 may only be moved when the lock 1210 is removed. Similarly, as shown in Figures 38A- 38B, the lock 1210 may be a combination lock, where the switch 1200 may only be moved when the combination entered is correct. Turning to Figures 39A-39B, in one implementation, the lock 210 may be hidden when the switch 1200 is moved to the unlocked position. In one implementation, the switch 1202 includes a static rib 1214 and a movable rib 1212 each having a hole extending therethrough. When the holes of the static rib 1214 and the movable rib 1212 align, the lock 1210 may be inserted to secure the door 1 12.

[0110] Figure 40 is an example travel monitoring system 1300, including a travel monitor 1302 running on a computer server, computing device, or other device coupled with a network 1304, for tracking luggage and facilitating travel. In one implementation, a user, such as a traveler, an administrator, or other interested party, accesses and interacts with the travel monitor 1302 via the network 1304 (e.g., the Internet). In another implementation, the user device 1306 locally runs the travel monitor 1302, and the luggage 100 connect to the user device 1306 using a wired (e.g., the USB ports 134) or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) connection.

[0111] The network 1304 is used by one or more computing or data storage devices (e.g., one or more databases 1310) for implementing the travel monitoring system 1300. The user may access and interact with the travel monitor 1302 using a user device 1306 communicatively connected to the network 1304. The user device 1306 is generally any form of computing device capable of interacting with the network 1304, such as a personal computer, workstation, terminal, portable computer, mobile device, smartphone, tablet, multimedia console, and/or the like.

[0112] A server 1308 hosts the system 1300. The server 1308 may also host a website or an application, such as the travel monitor 1302 that users visit to access the system 1300. The server 1308 may be one single server, a plurality of servers with each such server being a physical server or a virtual machine, or a collection of both physical servers and virtual machines. In another implementation, a cloud hosts one or more components of the system 1300. One or more hybrid structured luggage 100 or other luggage or storage apparatuses, the user devices 1306, the server 1308, and other resources, such as the database 1310, connected to the network 1304 may access one or more other servers for access to one or more websites, applications, web services interfaces, etc. that are used for travel monitoring and management, luggage tracking, and/or the like. The server 1308 may also host a search engine that the system 1300 uses for accessing and modifying information used for travel monitoring and management and luggage tracking.

[0113] In one implementation, the travel monitor 1302 is used to control various operations of one or more luggage 100. For example, the travel monitor 1302 may control the operations of the scale handle 126, open and close the door 1 12, and/or the like. Feedback regarding the one or more luggage 100 may be provided via the travel monitor 1302. For example, feedback from the scale handle 126 regarding the weight of one or more luggage 100 may be provided via the travel monitor 1302, and a geographical location of one or more luggage 100 may be tracked using the travel monitor 1302 and displayed with the user device 1306.

[0114] Additionally, the travel monitor 1302 may compile and manage travel data to provide a single stop for information useful during travel. Such travel data may include, without limitation, flight status, boarding tickets, itinerary, rental information, lodging information, confirmations, directions, and/or the like. The travel data may further include information on the destination, such as suggested attractions, weather, travel advisories, and/or the like.

[0115] Referring to Figure 41 , a detailed description of an example computing system 1400 having one or more computing units that may implement various systems and methods discussed herein is provided. The computing system 1400 may be applicable to the user devices 1306, the servers 1308, component of the luggage 100, or other computing devices. It will be appreciated that specific implementations of these devices may be of differing possible specific computing architectures not all of which are specifically discussed herein but will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0116] The computer system 1400 may be a general computing system is capable of executing a computer program product to execute a computer process. Data and program files may be input to the computer system 1400, which reads the files and executes the programs therein. Some of the elements of a general purpose computer system 1400 are shown in Figure 41 wherein a processor 1402 is shown having an input/output (I/O) section 1404, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 1406, and a memory section 1408. There may be one or more processors 1402, such that the processor 1402 of the computer system 1400 comprises a single central-processing unit 1406, or a plurality of processing units, commonly referred to as a parallel processing environment. The computer system 1400 may be a conventional computer, a distributed computer, or any other type of computer, such as one or more external computers made available via a cloud computing architecture. The presently described technology is optionally implemented in software devices loaded in memory 1408, stored on a configured DVD/CD-ROM 1410 or storage unit 1412, and/or communicated via a wired or wireless network link 1414, thereby transforming the computer system 1400 in Figure 41 to a special purpose machine for implementing the described operations.

[0117] The I/O section 1404 is connected to one or more user-interface devices (e.g., a keyboard 1416 and a display unit 1418), a disc storage unit 1412, and a disc drive unit 1420. In the case of a tablet device, the input may be through a touch screen, voice commands, and/or Bluetooth connected keyboard, among other input mechanisms. Generally, the disc drive unit 1420 is a DVD/CD-ROM drive unit capable of reading the DVD/CD-ROM medium 1410, which typically contains programs and data 1422. Computer program products containing mechanisms to effectuate the systems and methods in accordance with the presently described technology may reside in the memory section 1404, on a disc storage unit 1412, on the DVD/CD-ROM medium 1410 of the computer system 1400, or on external storage devices made available via a cloud computing architecture with such computer program products, including one or more database management products, web server products, application server products, and/or other additional software components. Alternatively, a disc drive unit 1420 may be replaced or supplemented by an optical drive unit, a flash drive unit, magnetic drive unit, or other storage medium drive unit. Similarly, the disc drive unit 1420 may be replaced or supplemented with random access memory (RAM), magnetic memory, optical memory, and/or various other possible forms of semiconductor based memories commonly found in smart phones and tablets.

[0118] The network adapter 1424 is capable of connecting the computer system 1400 to a network via the network link 1414, through which the computer system can receive instructions and data. Examples of such systems include personal computers, Intel or PowerPC-based computing systems, AMD-based computing systems and other systems running a Windows- based, a UNIX-based, or other operating system. It should be understood that computing systems may also embody devices such as terminals, workstations, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, personal computers, multimedia consoles, gaming consoles, set top boxes, and the like.

[0119] When used in a LAN-networking environment, the computer system 1400 is connected (by wired connection or wirelessly) to a local network through the network interface or adapter 1424, which is one type of communications device. When used in a WAN-networking environment, the computer system 1400 typically includes a modem, a network adapter, or any other type of communications device for establishing communications over the wide area network. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer system 1400 or portions thereof, may be stored in a remote memory storage device. It is appreciated that the network connections shown are examples of communications devices for and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used.

[0120] In an example implementation, data concerning the operation of the luggage 100, travel data, the travel monitor 1302, a plurality of internal and external databases (e.g., the database 1310), source databases, and/or data cache on cloud servers are stored as the memory 1408 or other storage systems, such as the disk storage unit 1412 or the DVD/CD- ROM medium 2810, and/or other external storage devices made available and accessible via a cloud computing architecture. Travel management and monitoring software and other modules and services may be embodied by instructions stored on such storage systems and executed by the processor 1402.

[0121] Some or all of the operations described herein may be performed by the processor 1402. Further, local computing systems, remote data sources and/or services, and other associated logic represent firmware, hardware, and/or software configured to control operations of the travel monitoring system 1300. Such services may be implemented using a general purpose computer and specialized software (such as a server executing service software), a special purpose computing system and specialized software (such as a mobile device or network appliance executing service software), or other computing configurations. In addition, one or more functionalities of the travel monitoring system 1300 disclosed herein may be generated by the processor 2802 and a user may interact with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) using one or more user-interface devices (e.g., the keyboard 1416, the display unit 1418, and the user devices 1306) with some of the data in use directly coming from online sources and data stores. The system set forth in Figure 41 is but one possible example of a computer system that may employ or be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0122] In the present disclosure, the methods disclosed may be implemented as sets of instructions or software readable by a device. Further, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed are instances of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged while remaining within the disclosed subject matter. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0123] The described disclosure may be provided as a computer program product, or software, that may include a non-transitory machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer system (or other electronic devices) to perform a process according to the present disclosure. A machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing information in a form (e.g., software, processing application) readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, magnetic storage medium, optical storage medium; magneto-optical storage medium, read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; or other types of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

[0124] The description above includes example systems, methods, techniques, instruction sequences, and/or computer program products that embody techniques of the present disclosure. However, it is understood that the described disclosure may be practiced without these specific details.

[0125] It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

[0126] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various implementations, it will be understood that these implementations are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, implementations in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of particular examples. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various implementations of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. Luggage for facilitating travel, the luggage comprising:

a cage having a set of opposing rails connected with one or more bars, the rails each including a track;

a side panel assembly engaged to the set of opposing rails, the side panel assembly including a set of side panels and corresponding bumpers; and

a door slidably engaged to the set of rails along the tracks.

2. The luggage of claim 1 , further comprising:

a back panel extending between the side panel assembly.

3. The luggage of claim 1 , further comprising:

a lining forming a cavity into which the may recede when slid to an open position.

4. The luggage of claim 1 , further comprising:

a user assembly disposed near a proximal end of the cage.

5. The luggage of claim 4, wherein the user assembly includes a power bank having one or more power sources.

6. The luggage of claim 5, wherein the one or more power sources includes a removable battery pack.

7. The luggage of claim 5, wherein the one or more power sources includes at least one Universal Serial Bus port.

8. The luggage of claim 1 , further comprising:

one or more handles.

9. The luggage of claim 8, wherein the one or more handles includes at least one of a control handle or a scale handle.

10. The luggage of claim 1 , further comprising:

a base assembly disposed near a distal end of the cage, the base assembly having one or more omni-directional wheels.

1 1 . Luggage for facilitating travel, the luggage comprising:

a frame extending from a proximal end to a distal end and defining an interior configured to hold one or more articles; and

a door mounted to the frame for movement between an open position and a closed position, the door providing zipperless access to the interior when moved to the open position.

12. The luggage of claim 1 1 , wherein the frame includes a cage, the door mounted to the cage for movement along one or more tracks.

13. The luggage of claim 1 1 , wherein the door moves between the open position and the closed position by at least one of: sliding, rolling, or folding.

14. The luggage of claim 1 1 , wherein the door includes a body having a plurality of panels.

15. The luggage of claim 14, wherein each of the panels includes a protrusion extending therefrom and engaged to cage of the frame for movement within a track of the cage.

16. The luggage of claim 1 1 , wherein the door recessed into a collector when moved to the open position.

17. The luggage of claim 16, wherein the collector includes a cavity defined by a liner.

18. The luggage of claim 1 1 , wherein the frame includes a cage having a set of opposing rails connected with one or more bars, the rails each including a track, a side panel assembly engaged to the set of opposing rails, the side panel assembly including a set of side panels and corresponding bumpers, the door slidably engaged to the set of rails for movement along the tracks.

19. Luggage for facilitating travel, the luggage comprising:

a handle having an elongated body;

a sensor grip disposed on the handle and having a plurality of load cells configured to determine a weight of the luggage by measuring a force exerted against the sensor grip in response to a gravitational pull on the luggage; and

a user interface in communication with the sensor grip and configured to provide feedback on the weight of the luggage.

20. The luggage of claim 19, wherein the handle is disposed near a proximal end of the luggage.

21 . The luggage of claim 19, wherein the feedback is at least one of: visual, audio, and/or tactile.