Expandable luggage armor

Abstract

A protective luggage cover having a tailored shape approximating, in overall dimension, a piece of luggage. The cover has a front and rear panel of essentially the same shape and size, connected to one another by an intermediate/perimeter panel of resilient fabric, e.g. Spandex, such as is typically used in fabrication of a diver's wet suit. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, both the front and back panel are fabricated from the same resilient fabric, as this intermediate panel; and, the front panel is fitted with a zipper, or a hook and loop-like fastener, to permit direct access to the luggage contents without removal of the protective cover from the piece of luggage.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/131,587, filed Jun. 10, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an article of manufacturer. More specifically, this invention is directed to a form fitting, expandable cover for the protection of luggage from dirt and abuse. In the preferred embodiments of this invention this protective cover comprise a series of panels, which are permanently seamed to one another. This protective cover includes flexible panels (e.g. expandable), which are arranged relative to one another, to accommodate different size luggage, and yet permit inspection of the contents thereof without removal of the protective cover from such luggage.

2. Description of the Prior Art

There has always been a need to protect one's luggage from exposure to natural elements, general wear-and-tear, and overall deterioration, just as there has always been a need for luggage to effectively protect the contents placed within. The need to protect luggage from such adverse conditions has increased more so due to the rising cost of quality-crafted luggage and, the subsequent cost of maintenance/repair thereof from such abuse. These costs are compounded by the fact that some luggage items are manufactured with natural materials, such as leather, and are more susceptible to damage and deterioration under conditions normally encountered in airline travel. The use of protective covers for various items, including luggage, to increase the useful life of the product is well-known.

The following patents are representative of protective luggage cover concepts which have been proposed over the last several years: U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,765 (to Schrecongost, issued Oct. 26, 1993); U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,796 (to Trevino, issued Aug. 28, 2001); U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,991 (to Tsai, issued Oct. 9, 2001); U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,562, (to Oh, issued Oct. 28, 2003); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,093,699 (to Yu, issued Aug. 22, 2006).

In its simplest form, the protective cover is a sack (Trevino '796 Patent), which can be used to cover the luggage, and secured thereto with a draw string. Other early contrivance for protection of luggage can comprise a sheet of material (Schrecongost '756 Patent), which is held in place around a piece of luggage with a series of adjustable straps. More recently, these protective luggage cover concepts have evolved to include the integration thereof within the luggage itself, (Oh '562 Patent); and, an expandable protective luggage cover, wherein an expandable panel thereof is constrained and released by means of a mechanical mechanism or fastener associated with one panel of the cover, to accommodate different size luggage, (Yu '699 Patent).

In each instance, the protective cover is either of a fixed dimension, which may be oversized or undersized for the piece of luggage, and mechanically conformed to cover all, or a portion of the luggage surface. These prior art covers can be retained on the luggage by means of a mechanical fastener or a draw string; or, alternatively, the cover is dedicated in size and shape to specific piece of luggage, with some limited expansion permitted. Notwithstanding the protection afforded the luggage provided by the above contrivances, the practical utility of such covers is limited because they do not permit ready access to the contents of the luggage without removal thereof, and, where such access is permitted, these covers are of complex construction and unduly expensive.

Accordingly, there continues to exist a need for a protective luggage cover which can be readily adapted to various sizes of luggage, without the need for complex fasteners, and yet provide both ease of access to the contents of the luggage without removal thereof from the luggage. Moreover, such protective cover should also shield the surface of the luggage from dirt and physical abrasion, while cushioning the contents thereof from the shock of impact from mishandling.

OBJECTIVES OF THIS INVENTION

It is the object of this invention to remedy the above as well as related deficiencies in the prior art.

More specifically, it is the principle object of this invention to provide a protective luggage cover that is both attractive, readily conforms to different size luggage and permits access to the contents of the luggage without removal of the cover from the luggage.

More specifically, it is the principle object of this invention to provide a protective luggage cover having an expandable profile to accommodate luggage of differing thickness/depth.

It is another object of this invention to provide a protective luggage cover having an access panel on the front panel thereof to allow for inspection and/or removal of contents from the luggage, without removal of the protective cover from the luggage.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a protective luggage cover wherein the interior surface of such cover, which is proximate to the surface of the luggage, includes an impact absorbing padding.

It is still yet another object of this invention to provide a protective luggage cover wherein the interior surface of such cover, which is proximate to the surface of the luggage, includes a slip resistant element to prevent the cover from sliding over the surface of the luggage and, thus, prevention of displacement thereof once in place.

Additional objects of this invention include the addition of graphic and/or pictorial images to the surface of the protective cover to enhance differentiation and identification thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above and related objects are achieved by providing a protective luggage cover comprising a tailored shape approximating, in overall dimension, a piece of luggage. The cover has a front and back panel of essentially the same shape and size, separated from one another by an intermediate/perimeter panel of resilient fabric, e.g. Spandex, such as is typically used in fabrication of a diver's wet suit. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, both the front and back panel are fabricated from the same resilient fabric, as this intermediate/perimeter panel; and, the front panel fitted with a zipper or other fastener to permit direct access to the luggage contents without removal of the protective cover.

The width of this intermediate/perimeter panel of resilient fabric is preferable smaller (generally 25% to 50%) than the width of the luggage for which it is designed; and, yet sufficient to stretch to accommodate ease of placement of the cover over the luggage. In one of the preferred embodiments of this invention, a fabric laminate, of the type used in wet suits, is used for the intermediate band. In this preferred embodiment, the interior surface of the intermediate/perimeter panel of fabric is devoid of a fabric facing so as to allow for the rubber-like core (e.g. neoprene) to directly contact the luggage surface, thereby further enhancing the slip resistance of the protective cover via-a-vis the luggage surface. This intermediate band is further provided with one or more openings corresponding to the luggage handles, wheels and tow handle.

In another of the preferred embodiment of this invention, the design of the protective cover can be tailored to a specific luggage design, and provide for complimentary accessories to further enhance both the fit of the cover and enhanced protection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a protective luggage cover of this invention, prior to installation on a piece of luggage.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a protective luggage cover of FIG. 1, as it is being installed on a piece of luggage.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a protective luggage cover of FIG. 1, as installed on a piece of luggage, when viewed from below.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a protective luggage cover of FIG. 1, as installed on a piece of luggage, when viewed from the front.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a protective luggage cover of FIG. 4, with the front flap partially unzipped thereby permitting access to the piece of luggage without removal of the protective cover.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The protective luggage cover of this invention comprises an expandable fabric shell that is tailored to fit over a piece of luggage. The protective luggage cover of this invention is intentionally undersized, relative to a piece of luggage for which it is intended; and, yet conforms to the luggage for which it is intended, as a result of the resilient stretchable panels from which it is fabricated. More specifically, the protective cover is preferably fabricated from a resilient expandable fabric, such as fabrics woven from a Spandex yarn, and/or from a diver's wet suit material comprising a Spandex derived fabric/Neoprene laminate. Spandex is classified as an elastomeric fiber. An elastomer is a natural or synthetic polymer that, at room temperature, can be stretched and expanded to twice its original length. After removal of the tensile load it will immediately return to its original length.

FIG. 1 depicts a protective luggage cover (10) of this invention, in its folded condition. The cover is readily compacted and can be stored within the luggage itself (e.g. luggage pocket), and, thereafter readily accessed and installed as needed.

FIG. 2 depicts one of the preferred embodiments of this invention wherein the protective luggage cover (10) is being installed on a piece of luggage (11) for which it has been configured. In this embodiment of the invention the protective cover comprises a fabric shell (12) having a front panel (14), a rear panel (16) and an intermediate/perimeter panel (18) connecting each of these front and rear panels. The front panel (14) is typically sized to approximate the front of a piece of luggage for which it is designed. The same is generally true for the rear and perimeter panels, respectively. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, the front (14), rear (16) and perimeter panel (18) dimensions (surface area) are at least 10% smaller than the corresponding surface of the luggage for which it is intended to protect. Depending upon the mechanical properties of the resilient fabric and/or the tightness of the resilient fabric weave, the panels of the protective cover can be undersized by as much as 25 to 50%, relative to the corresponding area of the luggage surface for which it is intended to protect.

In FIG. 2. the perimeter panel (18), which connect the front (14) and back (16) panels together, is provided with a series of apertures to permit the installation of the cover (10) on the luggage (11), and without interference with the functional elements of the luggage (e.g. extendable handle (19), wheels (30), etc.). More specifically, the protective cover (10) is installed on the luggage (11) by slipping the bottom of cover over the top of the luggage until it fully covers the luggage.

As is illustrated in FIG. 3, the bottom of the cover is anchored in place by means of form fitting apertures which slip over the wheels (30) in the base (32) of the luggage (11). The bottom of the protective cover also sufficiently open to allow for extension of the luggage base support means (34).

FIG. 4 illustrates the protective cover (10) installed on the luggage (11). FIG. 5 illustrates the front panel (14) of the protective cover partially open to permit access to the luggage (11). In FIG. 5, the front panel (14) includes a releasable fastener (15) (e.g. zipper) for opening an closing the front panel after the protective cover has been installed on the luggage

As above noted, in the foregoing installation, each of the panels of the protective cover are undersized, and because of there resiliency, provide a form-fitting second skin for the luggage. In order to minimize the movement of the protective cover on the luggage, the perimeter panel (18) preferable comprises a slip resistant surface/material in contiguous contact with the luggage. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, the perimeter band (18) comprises a wet suit like material which is essentially devoid of a interior finish or skin thereof. Thus, once the protective cover is installed on the luggage, it does not slip or slide around relative to the luggage on which it has been placed.

To assist in identification/differentiation of one's luggage from that of a fellow traveler, custom graphics and artwork (not shown) can be imprinted on the front panel of the protective cover. Alternatively, the cover can be imprinted with the logo of a sports team, college or university mascot, a picture of one's pet or simply some tasteful geometric design. This decorative front panel can also be simply plain and offered in a variety of colors to match or compliment the luggage. Alternatively, the protective cover can be imprinted with a bar code containing personal information of the owner to assist in identification and possible sorting of the luggage at its destination.

Claims

1. A protective luggage cover comprising:

A. a front panel comprising a resilient fabric like material;

B. a rear panel comprising a resilient fabric like material; and

C. a perimeter panel comprising a resilient fabric like material, which connects the front and rear panel to one another along their corresponding linear dimensions wherein at least one of said front panel, said rear panel and said perimeter panel are undersized relative each of said corresponding surface of said luggage by at least about 10%, and at least one of said panel is further provided with a slip resistant surface in contiguous relation to a surface of said luggage.

2. The protective luggage cover of claim 1, wherein said perimeter panel comprises a resilient fabric like material having a slip resistant surface in contiguous relation to a corresponding surface of said luggage

3. The protective luggage cover of claim 1, wherein said perimeter panel includes a series of apertures on each end thereof for access to a luggage handle from said luggage on one end thereof, and for free movement of wheels on said luggage, on the other end thereof.

4. The protective luggage cover of claim 1, wherein said perimeter panel includes an installation apertures on one end thereof of sufficient size to allow for placement of said protective cover over one end of said luggage.

5. The protective luggage cover of claim 1, wherein said front panel included means for releasable disengagement of said from panel from said protective cover to permit free access to said luggage without removal of said protective cover.

6. The protective luggage cover of claim 1, wherein at least one of said front panel, said rear panel and said perimeter panel includes indicia for identification or differentiation of said luggage from another of similar size and/or color.

7. The protective luggage cover of claim 6, wherein at least one of said front panel, said rear panel and said perimeter panel includes indicia selected from the group consisting of a sports name and/or logo, a school name and/or logo, a professional name and/or logo and commercial name and/or logo, a personal name and/or photo and any combination thereof.

8. The protective luggage cover of claim 6, wherein at least one of said front panel, said rear panel and said perimeter panel includes indicia in the form of a bar code containing personal information of an owner of said luggage

9. The protective luggage cover of claim 6, wherein at least one of said front panel, said rear panel and said perimeter panel includes indicia for promotion of sponsorship or affiliation.

10. The protective luggage cover of claim 1, wherein at least one of said front panel, said rear panel and said perimeter panel includes padding associated with an interior surface thereof to cushion said luggage from an impact.