LUGGAGE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Disclosed is a luggage assembly configured to be traveled as a single luggage article. The luggage assembly includes a first luggage article and a second luggage article. The first luggage article includes a casing, at least one rolling wheel, a retractable handle, at least one strip and at least one first fastener. The at least one strip includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is secured to the casing. The at least one first fastener is disposed on the second end portion of the at least one strip. The second luggage article includes at least one second fastener. The second luggage article is configured to be removably secured to the casing of the first luggage article by means of the at least one strip, such that the at least one second fastener is secured to the at least one first fastener.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to luggage bags, and, more particularly, to a luggage assembly having a plurality of bags configured to be used as a single piece of luggage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For ages, different luggage items such as bags, cases and containers have been used to hold travelers' articles of use during transit. The luggage items may be used to store articles such as clothing, toiletries, a laptop computer and the like. Further, different types of luggage articles are used for carrying different types of articles. For example, preferably a traveler may carry a laptop computer only in a laptop carrier bag and clothes in a separate luggage article adapted for carrying clothes. Generally, a traveler has to carry a plurality of luggage articles during transit depending upon the articles the traveler is carrying. The plurality of luggage articles may not be easy to handle by a single person and accordingly may cause inconvenience to the traveler. For example, while checking in at an airport, handling the plurality of luggage articles may be difficult for the traveler.

Accordingly, based on the foregoing, there exists a need for a luggage assembly, which enables a traveler to easily carry a number of luggage articles in a less cumbersome manner. Further, there is a need for a luggage assembly, which is simple in construction and easy to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a luggage assembly that is configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a luggage assembly, which is capable of enabling a traveler to easily carry a number of luggage articles in a less cumbersome manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a luggage assembly, which is capable of being used as a single luggage article.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a luggage assembly, which is simple in construction and easy to use.

In light of the above objects, a luggage assembly configured to be traveled as a single luggage article is disclosed. The luggage assembly includes a first luggage article and a second luggage article. The first luggage article includes a casing, at least one rolling wheel, a retractable handle, at least one strip and at least one first fastener. The casing is configured to hold articles therein. The at least one rolling wheel is disposed at a bottom portion of the casing. The retractable handle is disposed on the casing. The retractable handle is configured to have a selective movement between a stored retracted position and an operative extended position. The retractable handle is configured to facilitate easy handling of the luggage assembly. The at least one strip includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the at least one strip is secured to the casing. The at least one first fastener is disposed on the second end portion of the at least one strip. The second luggage article is adapted to hold articles therein. The second luggage article includes at least one second fastener configured thereon. The second luggage article is configured to be removably secured to the casing of the first luggage article by means of the at least one strip, such that the at least one second fastener is secured to the at least one first fastener.

This aspect together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a luggage assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a second luggage article of the luggage assembly shown in the FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a second luggage article of the luggage assembly shown in the FIG. 1, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular luggage assembly as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

Referring to FIG. 1, a luggage assembly 100 is illustrated. More specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the luggage assembly 100 which is capable of being used as a single luggage article, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The luggage assembly 100 is configured to carry a variety of articles of use such as a laptop computer, clothes, toiletries and the like required by a traveler. The luggage assembly 100 includes a first luggage article 102 and a second luggage article adapted to be removably secured to the first luggage article 102. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second luggage article may be a laptop bag 200 which will be explained in conjunction with FIG. 2. In another embodiment of the present invention, the second luggage article may be a storage pocket 300 which will be explained in conjunction with FIG. 3. For the purpose of description, FIG. 1 illustrates the laptop bag 200 as the second luggage article removably secured to the first luggage article 102.

Now referring to FIG. 1, the first luggage article 102 includes a casing 104, at least one rolling wheel, such as a rolling wheel 106a, a retractable handle 108, at least one strip, such as a strip 110a and a strip 110b, and at least one fastener, such as a first fastener 112a and 112b.

The casing 104 is configured to hold the articles of use such as clothes, toiletries and the like. In the present embodiment of the present invention, the casing 104 is configured to have a box-like structure, as shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, the casing 104 includes a front wall 114, a rear wall (not shown) opposite to the front wall 114, a first side wall 116, a second side wall (not shown) opposite to the first side wall 116, an upper wall 118 and a lower wall (not shown) opposite to the upper wall 118. The front wall 114, the rear wall, the first side wall 116, the second side wall, the upper wall 118 and the lower wall configure a cavity (not shown) therebetween that is adapted to receive articles of use of the traveler. Although in the present embodiment, the casing 104 is configured of a cuboidal shape, the casing 104 is not limited to the particular shape as described herein. The casing 104 may be composed of at least one of leather, a nylon material, a canvas material, a plastic material, and the like. Further, the casing 104 may include a closable opening means (not shown), such as a zipper, for enabling access to the cavity of the casing 104. The closable opening means may be utilized by the traveler for receiving the articles of use such as clothes, toiletries and the like, stored in the cavity. The closeable opening is further configured for facilitating removal of the articles from the casing 104.

As shown in FIG. 1, the casing 104 is configured to have the at least one rolling wheel, such as the rolling wheel 106a disposed at a bottom portion thereof. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first luggage article 102 may include two pairs of rolling wheels. More specifically, each wheel of the two pairs of rolling wheels is disposed at one of the four corners of the lower wall of the casing 104. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first luggage article 102 may include a pair of rolling wheels disposed on two opposite corners of the lower wall that are adjacent to the rear wall of the casing 104. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a single rolling wheel, such as the rolling wheel 106a may be disposed on a central portion of the lower wall of the casing 104. In still another embodiment of the present invention, more than four wheels may be disposed on the lower wall of the casing 104. The at least one rolling wheels, such as rolling wheel 106a along with the retractable handle 108 facilitates easy conveying of the first luggage article 102 on a ground surface (not shown).

The retractable handle 108 is disposed on the casing 104. In one embodiment of the present invention, the retractable handle 108 may be disposed on the rear wall of the casing 104. In another embodiment of the present invention, the retractable handle 108 may be disposed on the front wall 114 of the casing 104. Further, the retractable handle 108 is configured to have a selective movement between a stored retracted position and an operative extended position. The retractable handle 108 may be adapted to assume such positions by utilizing various mechanisms known in the art. For example, the retractable handle 108 may be an assembly comprising a pair of telescopic rod assembly 108a having an interconnecting member 108b therebetween for enabling gripping of the retractable handle 108 by the traveler. In one embodiment of the present invention, the retractable handle 108 may configure a selective movement between a stored retracted position and an operative extended position by means of a manually activated button (not shown) disposed on or near the retractable handle 108.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the strip 110a and the strip 110b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “strips 110”) are illustrated. Further, each of the strips 110 includes a first end portion 120a and a second end portion 120b. The first end portion 120a of the each of the strips 110 is secured to the casing 104. More specifically, in the present embodiment of the present invention, the first end portion 120a of the strip 110a is secured adjacent to a first longitudinal edge 122a of the front wall 114. Similarly, the first end portion 120a of the strip 110b is secured adjacent to a second longitudinal edge 122b of the front wall 114. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first end portion 120a of the strips 110 may be secured on the rear wall of the casing 104. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the first end portion 120a of the strips 110 may be secured on at least one of the first side wall 116, the second side wall and the upper wall 118 of the casing 104. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the first end portion 120a of the strips 110 may be secured on a central portion of at least one of the front wall 114, the rear wall, the first side wall 116, the second side wall and the upper wall 118. Accordingly, the at least one strip, such as the strips 110 may be secured at any appropriate location on the casing 104 depending upon various factors, such as a size of the second luggage article, a material of the strips 110, approximate weight of the items contained inside the second luggage article and the like.

The strips 110 are configured to envelop at least a portion of the second luggage article for securely holding the second luggage article thereto. The length, width, thickness and material of the strips 110 may be selected based on size of the second luggage article, nature of the items contained inside the second luggage article and the like. Although in the present embodiment of the present invention, the invention is described with respect to a pair of strips, such as the strips 110, the principles of the present invention is not limited to the number of strips 110. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first luggage article 102 may include at least one strip disposed on at least one of the front wall 114, the rear wall, the first side wall 116, the second side wall and the upper wall 118. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the number of strips 110 utilized in the first luggage article 102 and the location thereof on the casing 104, as described and illustrated herein, is for purpose of explanation only and should not be construed as limiting to the scope of the invention. Any variation to the number of strips 110 and the location thereof on the casing 104 would lie within the scope of the present invention.

Further, the first fasteners 112a and 112b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “first fasteners 112”) are disposed on the second end portion 120b of the strips 110. In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first fasteners 112 is a snap fastener. In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first fasteners 112 may be one of a hook fastener, a loop fastener, a buckle and the like. Fasteners such as the hook fastener, the loop fastener, the buckle and the like, may be disposed on the second end portion 120b of the strips 110 in similar way as the first fasteners 112. The first fasteners 112 are configured to removably secure the second luggage article, such as the laptop bag 200 to the first luggage article 102, which will be explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first luggage article 102 may include projections, such as a first projection 124a and a second projection 124b, extending respectively from the first longitudinal edge 122a and the second longitudinal edge 122b of the front wall 114 of the casing 104. The first projection 124a and the second projection 124b are configured for supporting the second luggage article, such as the laptop bag 200, when the second luggage article is removably secured to the first luggage article 102. The first luggage article 102 may further include a platform 126 configured at a predetermined distance beneath the first end portion, such as the first end portion 120a of the strips 110, as shown in FIG. 1. More specifically, in the present embodiment of the present invention, the platform 126 may be configured to extend from a bottom edge of the front wall 114 of the casing 104. The platform 126 is configured for supporting the second luggage article thereon and accordingly the predetermined distance between the first end portion, such as the first end portion 120a of the strips 110, and the platform 126 may be determined based on dimensions of the second luggage article. Further, the rolling wheels, such as a rolling wheel 106b may be disposed on a bottom portion of the platform 126. Further in one embodiment of the present invention, the first luggage article 102 may include at least one fastener disposed on the casing 104 for securing the at least one first fastener, such as the first fastener 112a and the first fastener 112b, thereto; when the first luggage article 102 is not secured to the second luggage article.

Now referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in the present embodiment of the present invention, the second luggage article is the laptop bag 200. The laptop bag 200 includes a front wall 202, a rear wall (not shown) opposite to the front wall 202, a first side wall 204, a second side wall (not shown) opposite to the first side wall 204 and a upper wall 206. The front wall 202, the rear wall, the first side wall 204, and the second side wall configure a cavity (not shown) therebetween adapted to receive the laptop computer of the traveler. The upper wall 206 is configured to form a closeable opening of the cavity, by various means known such as but not limited to a zip fastener 208, for enabling the traveler to receive his/her laptop computer in the laptop bag 200 or retrieve the laptop computer therefrom. Further, the laptop bag 200 includes a pair of second fasteners, such as a second fastener 210a and a second fastener 210b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “second fasteners 210”). The second fasteners 210 are configured to be coupled to the first fasteners 112 disposed on the second end portion 120b of the strips 110 of the first luggage article 102 in a manner such that the laptop bag 200 is configured to be removably secured to the casing 104 of the first luggage article 102 by means thereof.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second fasteners 210 are disposed on the front wall 202 the laptop bag 200. More specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second fasteners 210a and 210b are disposed adjacent to a first longitudinal edge 212a and a second longitudinal edge 212b, respectively, of the front wall 202. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the location of the second fasteners 210, as described and illustrated herein, is for purpose of explanation only and must not be construed as limiting to the scope of the present invention.

Further, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the second fasteners 210 are complementary to the first fasteners 112 for enabling removable coupling therebetween. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the second fasteners 210 may be a snap fastener. In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the second fasteners 210 may be one of a hook fastener, a loop fastener, a buckle and the like. The second fasteners 210 are configured to removably secure the laptop bag 200 to the first luggage article 102. More specifically, the second fasteners 210 and the first fasteners 112 are configured to be compatible with each other. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first fasteners 112 and the second fasteners 210 are configured to be a pair of interlocking snap fasteners. Similarly, in another embodiment of the present invention, the first fasteners 112 and the second fasteners 210 are configured to be a pair of interlocking hook and loop fasteners.

Further, the laptop bag 200 may include a pair of attachment means, such as an attachment means 214. The pair of attachment means may be configured on the first side wall 204 and the second side wall of the laptop bag 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the attachment means 214 is configured on the first side wall 204 of the laptop bag 200. The pair of attachment means 214 is adapted for removably securing a shoulder strap (not shown) thereto for enabling a traveler to carry the laptop bag 200 on his/her shoulder when the laptop bag 200 is not secured to the first luggage article 102. The laptop bag 200 may further include handles, such as a handle 216a and a handle 216b respectively disposed on the front wall 202 and the rear wall of the laptop bag 200. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cavity of the laptop bag 200 is configured to hold clothing, apart from holding the laptop computer and accessories of the laptop computer. The laptop bag 200 may be composed of at least one of leather, a nylon material, a canvas material, a plastic material, and the like. Further, the laptop bag 200 may be configured to have various designs, shapes and colors. Moreover, the laptop bag 200 may include at least one logo disposed on at least one of the front wall 202, the rear wall, the first side wall 204, the second side wall and the upper wall 206 of the laptop bag 200.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the storage pocket 300 configured to hold articles such as clothing, toiletries and the like, is disclosed. In the present embodiment of the present invention, the storage pocket 300 is the second luggage article adapted to be removably secured to the first luggage article 102. In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage pocket 300 may be configured to be used interchangeably with the laptop bag 200. The storage pocket 300 may also be used when additional space is needed for holding articles such as clothing, toiletries and the like. The storage pocket 300 includes a front wall 302, a rear wall (not shown) opposite to the front wall 302, a first side wall 304, a second side wall (not shown) opposite to the first side wall 304 and a lid 306. The front wall 302, the rear wall, the first side wall 304 and the second side wall configure a cavity therebetween adapted to hold the articles of use of the traveler. The lid 306 may be configured to form a closeable opening over the cavity. The lid 306 facilitates receiving articles such as clothing, toiletries and the like within the cavity and also to facilitate removal of the articles from the storage pocket 300.

Further, the storage pocket 300 includes a pair of second fasteners, such as a second fastener 308a and a second fastener 308b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “second fasteners 308”). The second fasteners 308 are adapted to be secured to the first fasteners 112 disposed on the second end portion 120b of the strips 110 of the first luggage article 102 for removably securing the storage pocket 300 to the first luggage article 102. The second fasteners 308 may be structurally and functionally similar to the second fasteners 210. Further, the second fasteners 308 may be configured on the storage pocket 300 in a similar way as the second fasteners 210 are configured on the laptop bag 200. Accordingly, for brevity of the present document, the second fasteners 308 are not explained in detail.

The storage pocket 300 may further include a pair of attachment means, such as an attachment means 310 such that each of the pair of attachment means 310 is disposed on one of the first side wall 304 and the second side wall of the storage pocket 300. For example, the attachment means 310 is configured on the first side wall 304 of the storage pocket 300. The pair of attachment means 310 is adapted for removably securing a shoulder strap (not shown) thereto for enabling the traveler to easily carry the storage pocket 300 on his/her shoulder when the storage pocket 300 is not secured to the first luggage article 102. In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage pocket 300 may also be configured to hold a laptop computer apart from holding clothing and the like. The storage pocket 300 may be composed of at least one of leather, a nylon material, a canvas material, a plastic material, and the like. Further, the storage pocket 300 may be configured to have various designs, shapes and colors. Moreover, the storage pocket 300 may include at least one logo disposed on at least one of the front wall 302, the rear wall, the first side wall 304, the second side wall and the lid 306 thereof.

The luggage assembly, as described herein, is subject to many variations. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second luggage article may be at least one of a back pack, a sport bag, a static free electronic case, a hard shell brief case and the like. In another embodiment of the present invention, the luggage assembly 100 may include a rain cover for protecting the first luggage article 102 and the second luggage article from rain or water.

Various embodiments of the present invention offer following advantages. The luggage assembly, as described herein, is capable of enabling a traveler to carry a plurality of luggage articles very easily by securing the second luggage article to the first luggage article 102, thereby reducing the number of luggage articles to be carried by the traveler. Further, the luggage assembly 100 enables the traveler to have flexibility in selecting the type of luggage articles he/she wants to carry by providing various options in the second luggage article. For example, a business traveler may carry a laptop bag 200 along with the first luggage article 102 while a traveler on vacation may carry the storage pocket 300. Furthermore, the luggage assembly is simple in construction and easy to use.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A luggage assembly comprising:

a first luggage article comprising a casing configured to hold articles therein, at least one rolling wheel disposed at a bottom portion of the casing, a retractable handle disposed on the casing, the retractable handle configured to have a selective movement between a stored retracted position and an operative extended position, wherein the retractable handle is configured to facilitate easy handling of the luggage assembly, at least one strip comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the at least one strip secured to the casing, and at least one first fastener disposed on the second end portion of the at least one strip; and

a second luggage article adapted to hold articles therein, the second luggage article comprising at least one second fastener configured thereon, wherein the second luggage article is configured to be removably secured to the casing of the first luggage article by means of the at least one strip, such that the at least one second fastener is secured to the at least one first fastener.

2. The luggage assembly of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of attachment means configured on the second luggage article for removably securing a shoulder strap to the second luggage article.

3. The luggage assembly of claim 1, wherein the second luggage article is a storage pocket for holding articles.

4. The luggage assembly of claim 1, wherein the second luggage article is a laptop bag.

5. The luggage assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one first fastener and the at least one second fastener are a pair of interlocking snap fasteners.

6. The luggage assembly of claim 1 further comprising a platform configured at a predetermined distance beneath the at least one first fastener of the first luggage article, the platform adapted for supporting the second luggage article thereon.