Flexible and Transparent Articles of Luggage

Abstract

Disclosed is an article of luggage having a structure that comprises flexible and transparent sidewalls supported by a rigid frame that creates the base shape of the device. In a first embodiment, the luggage article comprises a rollerboard luggage article having roller wheels, a rectangular frame, upstanding sidewalls and an open upper having a removable cover. The sidewalls and cover are transparent and further comprise securable pockets and luggage handles. In a second embodiment, a handheld luggage article is disclosed having a base rectangular frame, handle straps, transparent sidewalls and a transparent cover flap. Finally, a pet carrying embodiment is disclosed in a similar fashion as the handheld embodiment, where further retractable flaps are provided that cover vented panels along each of the luggage article's transparent sidewalls. The disclosed embodiments provide a set of transparent and flexible luggage carriers that facilitate visual inspection and personalization.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/527,451 filed on Aug. 25, 2011, entitled “Lucid Luggage with Lucid Labels.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to articles of luggage and travel bags. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an article of luggage that includes a frame structure and a flexible, transparent body structure that facilitates inspection of articles therein and a means to uniquely personalize the luggage for a particular user's taste.

Traveling individuals in today's society enjoy the ability to travel long distances in shorter times than ever in history, including the luxury of choosing from a broad range of transportation types depending on the demands, tastes and preferences of the traveler. These means of travel include transit by airplane, via railway, by ship, omnibus or further via a traveler's personal vehicle. The former vehicle types generally involve gathering larger groups of individuals and transporting them in an economical and safe manner. Consistently providing this safe environment has led to the implementation of greater safety measures and inspection processes prior to boarding the given transporting vehicle. It is common in modern airports to be subjected to both physical inspection and inspection of traveler carry-on articles brought onto the plane. This ensures individuals are not traveling with hazardous or dangerous materials that can compromise safety of the plane or passengers on board. Similar checks have been instituted in larger railway and bus transportation centers. The ability to inspect passengers is a growing requirement, and extends beyond pure safety measures. Notably and in a similar procedure, passengers boarding cruise ships are frequently subjected to luggage inspection to ensure no contraband or forbidden materials are brought onboard. This allows authorities to monitor for illegal, improper or prohibited items that are either safety related or against the policy of the transporter. It is submitted that passenger traveling in modern society is becoming increasingly regulated with respect to personal inspection and the scrutiny with which personal items are treated, a trend that will continue to evolve and grow as more sophisticated means of travel and are developed, and as greater volumes of passengers desire to travel worldwide.

The act of inspecting passenger luggage items is a burdensome and frustrating task in modern airports. Inspecting luggage requires sophisticated technology that is capable of penetrating opaque materials to provide authorities with a view of the luggage interior contents. Most existing luggage articles are comprised of opaque materials that are designed for ruggedness or style, and are not readily adapted to being inspected without X-ray scanners and modern, sophisticated imagery technology. The present invention provides an article of luggage that is adapted to provide a means of visually inspecting the luggage contents without the aid of scanners or other technology, wherein the contents can be quickly viewed, examined and accepted, facilitating the traveler's passage through security check points and improving his or her travel experience.

A further consideration relating to passenger luggage on modern carriers is the general lack of capacity within interior airplane and bus luggage compartments. Travelers quite frequently find fitting standard rollerboard suitcases and larger articles of luggage in airplane overhead compartments a difficult task, as airplanes often travel at maximum capacity when possible. Many individuals prefer not to check their luggage and carry the article onto the plane, which quickly crowds the overhead luggage compartments, while further the compartments on older or smaller airplanes are limited in their capacity to accept larger roll-on luggage. These common luggage types include rigid or semi-rigid structures that house personal items and protect them from penetration and impact damage, but lack the ability to easily conform to a confined area when necessary. The present invention is provided, in combination with having a means to readily inspect interior items, having a collapsible and flexible structure that does not act as a rigid shell over the luggage items. The flexible material deforms as necessary to allow inserting into confined luggage compartments without limiting the passenger in such situations.

Finally, it is recognized that individuals prefer to personalize items that they own, or further to match accessories with a particular taste, look or fashion. Many luggage articles are available that suit personal choice, however most do not incorporate a transparent structure that facilitates inspections therethrough, while most transparent articles of luggage are clear, hard shell plastic suitcases or bags not suitable for use as travel luggage. The present invention is provided to address the needs yet unfulfilled in the art and one that improves a traveler's experience and ability to choose a personalized article of luggage. The present invention provides a soft-shelled, flexible article of luggage that comprises of a transparent thick plastic material attached to a rigid frame that constitutes the backbone or structure of the device. The material may be adorned in a number of different colors or styles while remaining transparent, while further the size and structure of the bag may take several forms to create a set of matched transparent and flexible luggage.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to luggage articles. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications, and generally relate to hardened articles of luggage having a degree of transparency or inspection facilitating means. The forgoing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 3,861,504 to McGraw discloses a transparent luggage liner that surrounds and segments articles within a suitcase, and further allows these articles to be easily removed and visually inspected. The device comprises a combination suitcase and an interior liner having substantially the same dimensions as the suitcase interior. A closure member is provided on the liner, along with a handle means for grasping and removing the liner from within the suitcase once filled and installed. Inspection of the items is then facilitated without requiring the items to be individually removed, disturbed and handled by inspection personnel. The McGraw device, while providing a means to easily inspect luggage articles, provides an interior liner that requires the user to first open the exterior suitcase, as opposed to providing a suitcase luggage article having transparency in and of itself.

Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,990 to Humiston, Jr. discloses an article of inspectable luggage that comprises a transparent roll-up or fold-up luggage article. The device includes enclosed compartments that may be unrolled or unfolded for inspection purposes and for reduced storage space, wherein the interior of the compartments is used to house clothing articles and other luggage items while traveling. The device comprises a flexible material backer that attaches to a plurality of flaps that detachably fasten to the flexible backer and condense into a rolled form once fastened together. Similar to the McGraw device, the Humiston, Jr. device provides a transparent and flexible luggage device that is adapted to surround luggage articles and facilitate visual inspection therethrough upon unrolling the luggage. The present invention pertains to several articles of luggage having a more rigid frame structure and panels that include inherent transparency. The luggage article is one of a soft outer vinyl material shell that is transparent and provides a flexible outer covering that can be colored in a number of fashions while still providing visual inspection therethrough.

Another such device is U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,302 to Godshaw, which discloses an article of luggage having an outside face forming the luggage exterior that is made of clear plastic material covered by a removable opaque flap. The flaps are removable to allow for looking into the luggage item for inspection purposes. The opaque panel further includes interior pockets for storage of additional items between the transparency and the opaque material without causing contents to spill when opening the opaque flap during an inspection period. The Godshaw device relates to a standard article of luggage having clear windows or portholes for visually assessing the interior contents of the luggage article. The transparent windows are covered by an opaque flap, while the flaps further double as a storage means, providing pockets within the flap interior surface for storing articles. The present invention pertains to a completely transparent luggage article that comprises flexible, clear plastic material and a structure that is suited for supporting the flexible material such that the luggage article is appropriate for durable transport of personal items while traveling.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,485 to Sartena discloses an improved handbag or purse having a sidewall formed of a transparent panel that can be selectively exposed to allow inspection and viewing of items within the bag. An opaque flap, in a similar fashion as the Godshaw device, provides a means to shroud the transparent panel during periods of normal use. The flap covers the panel and the closure of the bag. When accessing the bag contents, the flap is lifted to allow visualization of the bag contents for easy selection and locating of items therein, or further to facilitate inspections of the bag. Similar to the Godshaw device, the Sartena device is one having a side panel transparency, rather than disclosing an entire article of luggage having flexible and transparent material.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 7,296,665 to Morszeck discloses a suitcase having two articulating and joined case shells that share a common line of connection and are joinable by a closure means, as is typical of as standard suitcase having two opposing shells. Frame elements are provided along the shell edges, while the shells themselves are comprised of a transparent plastic material that is of hardened, structural material that forms an interior cavity for luggage articles when the shells are joined. The plastic material of Morszeck is one of hardened material, forming a shell that outlines the interior boundaries of the suitcase for storage purposes. While describing a transparent suitcase having a plastic construction, the Morszeck device contrasts that of the present invention, which provides a flexible structure that does not contemplate opposing shells, but a flexible, transparent material that is supported on a frame and taking the shape of several different forms of luggage to form an entire set if desired when traveling. The Morszeck device is one that protects the suitcase contents with a hardened shell structure, while the present invention provides an expandable and collapsible transparent outer material to accommodate luggage articles and facilitate inspection thereof.

The present invention provides a means of transporting luggage items within a flexible and transparent carrying case. The flexible yet rugged nature of the case material allows the cases to be placed in crowded overhead bins and luggage compartments, while providing a means of visually inspecting the luggage interior contents without opening the case. The material is further capable of supporting a number of different colors or patterns while remaining largely transparent, providing matching luggage or personalized luggage whiling providing the inherent inspection and stowage benefits. It is therefore submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing transparent and flexible luggage devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of luggage articles now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new article of luggage that can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when passing through security checkpoints while traveling and facilitating luggage article stowage in cramped quarters.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved article of luggage device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an article of luggage that provides a transparent yet rugged outer material that is supported by a rigid frame structure establishing the structure of the luggage article.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an article of luggage that is comprised of a transparent yet flexible material that conforms to the tight confines of passenger travel spaces and stowage areas.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an article of luggage that provides a material that can be personalized using colors or patterns, and further provide a matching set of luggage to suit personal tastes.

A final object of the present invention is to provide an article of luggage that includes several embodiments, including different sized rollerboard suitcases, handbags and further animal carriers, each of which provide a transparent, flexible and rugged case within the spirit of the disclosed invention.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows an overhead perspective view of the rollerboard embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the rollerboard embodiment of the present invention in a rolling and working position.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the handbag embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the animal carrier embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the flexible and transparent luggage article. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for facilitating ease of travel for a user, including areas requiring inspection and condensed stowage of luggage articles. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention in closed state. The embodiment of the device comprises a rollerboard suitcase 11 having an internal frame 13 that creates the structure of the device, case sidewalls 12 forming rectangular upstanding portion and two opposed faces that close off the open ends of the rectangular portion, and further a set of roller wheels 14 for wheeling the case with a heavy load of luggage articles therein. One of the opposing faces may be hinged from a sidewall and further securable about its perimeter utilizing an appropriate securing means along a line of connection 18. Side handles 17 and an extendable upper hand 16 form user grips for lifting, rolling and otherwise handling the device. Along the faces 12 may further comprise one or more pockets having securable openings 15. The features and design of the case sidewalls and faces are readily recognizable to one skilled in the art of luggage or suitcase devices. The present invention provides a luggage article having such features, wherein the sidewalls and faces are formed of transparent, flexible material that is both rugged and adapted to accept a color or pattern thereon during manufacturing. The frame 13 provides the backing structure for the device, while the flexible material provides a means to condense or expand the size of the suitcase depending on content and stowage requirements. The transparency further provides a means to visually inspect the luggage contents from the exterior of the case without opening.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a second, side view of the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein a rollerboard luggage article is being pulled along its roller wheels. As shown, the device provides a flexible yet transparent outer covering 12 supported by a rigid frame element 13. The frame supports the covering 12, along with a set of roller wheels 14 and an extendable pull handle. 16. It is desired that the case material be comprised of a thick, plastic or vinyl material that is inherently transparent and rugged enough to withstand impacts, shearing and puncture loads while being handled by airport and transportation personnel and further when contacted by adjacent luggage items in confined areas. A line of connection 18 is formed around the covering outer perimeter to provide a means to open the luggage article when entering or retrieving articles. It is contemplated that the transparent material may facilitate visual inspection of the luggage article and may further reduce the likelihood of delays when passing through security checkpoints.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown another embodiment of the present luggage article of the present invention, wherein a handbag embodiment 21 is disclosed. In this embodiment, the device comprises a frame structure 13 supporting upstanding sidewalls 12 forming an enclosed bag with an open upper. The upper is securable along a secured line of connection 18, while the sidewalls 12 may further comprise pockets and further openings thereto 15. Attached to opposing sidewalls 12 is a first and second handle 16 that form together, while a shoulder strap may further be supplied for improving overall handling and carrying of the bag while in transit. The sidewalls and pockets form a transparent covering over contents placed within the handbag 21, facilitating visual inspection without necessitating the bag entire contents be emptied and individually inspected. Similar to the rollerboard embodiment, the handbag is comprised of a thick, transparent plastic or vinyl material that is inherently transparent and sufficient to withstand transportation, content and handling loads.

Referring finally to FIG. 4, there is shown an animal carrier embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device comprises an internal frame 13 supporting a largely rectangular structure having a transparent and flexible base, sidewall and upper. The walls, base and upper comprise the same transparent material 12 of the previous embodiments, while further providing rollable flaps 33 along the sidewall and upper portion to expose a breathable panel 32 that allows a pet carried within the carrier interior to breathe adequately and not feel enclosed. The flaps 33 cover the panels 32 when deployed, and are secured therearound utilizing a zip fastener 34 or similar attachment means about the periphery of the panel 32. When opening the panel to allow air flow into the carrier, the panel material is rolled into a stowed state and is tied using a ribbon tie or similar means of securing the rolled material in a rolled and stowed state. In this way, the transparent carrier can transform from an enclosed structure to one having breathable side and upper surface panels 32. To place a pet or animal into the carrier, one of the sidewalls or the upper surface may is hingeable, allowing clearance to insert or withdraw the pet as necessary.

The modern traveler is faced with increased burdens during transit as it relates to security checkpoints, inspection stops and further cargo restrictions. At the airport or train station, security staff personnel may direct a traveler to open the individual's bag or suitcase to inspect its contents. This process is tedious and may delay other traveler's ability to traverse the security checkpoint with efficiency, which can lead to travelers missing their flight or train departures. Also, when a bag is delivered to a traveler from the plane's cargo hold, it is conveyed into a circling holding at the facility's baggage claim. During retrieval, a user with a standard black or blue opaque suitcase may find it difficult to distinguish his or her bag among the many other similarly designed cases making their way around the baggage claim carrousel. Rapid identification of one's bag based not only on bag design, but it's readily visible contents facilitates retrieval and reduces the likelihood of mistakenly taking the wrong luggage or having one's own luggage be taken. Further still, when a standard bag is opened, loose articles and health and beauty products may be inverted or in a position to spill upon opening the case, causing spilled items, leakage and possible ruined personal items. A bag that facilitates vision of such articles prior to opening the case can foresee these issues and prevent calamity prior to opening the case for retrieval of items.

The present invention provides a means to solve these long felt needs in the art, while providing such a device with the desire to provide a flexible, rugged structure that includes inherent transparency. The use of a thick, flexible plastic or vinyl material provides clarity of internal items, while allowing the case to adapt to confined luggage compartments, overhead bins and rough handling during transit. It is desired to provide such a structure while contemplating several embodiments that may be utilized when traveling, including different sized rollerboard suitcases, handbags, duffle bags and even animal carriers. The basis for these embodiments includes a rigid frame, flexible outer covering and a transparency that allows ready visualization of interior contents without opening the luggage article. The material of each embodiment may further be designed to allow a traveler to voyage in style, providing a matching color, pattern or ornamentation along the transparent material that suits the traveler's preference.

It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) An article of luggage, comprising:

a frame supporting a plurality of sidewalls that form a carrying case having an interior volume;

said interior volume being accessible through a securable opening;

said case having a handle;

said sidewalls comprising a transparent, flexible and durable material adapted to readily allow visual inspection therethrough, resist tearing and expand or contract based on said interior volume contents and exterior loads.

2) The device of claim 1, wherein said transparent, flexible and durable material is a vinyl material.

3) The device of claim 1, wherein:

said frame and said sidewalls for a relatively rectangular structure having an upper and lower face;

said frame connected to said lower face;

said upper face being hingeable to a sidewall and removably securable around a line of connection defined by said sidewalls adjacent to said upper face hinge.

4) The device of claim 3, therein said rectangular frame further comprises a set of roller wheels opposing an extendable handle for pulling said case using said roller wheels.

5) The device of claim 1, wherein:

said frame forms a largely rectangular and horizontal structure and said sidewalls extend upwardly therefrom to form a handbag;

said sidewalls terminating along a securable line of connection.

6) The device of claim 1, wherein said:

said frame forms a largely rectangular and horizontal structure in connection with a lower face,

said lower face connecting along its periphery to said sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom to an upper face to form a rectangular animal carrying case;

at least one sidewall further comprising a breathable panel that allows airflow into said interior volume.

7) The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one panel further having a rollable panel flap of the same material of said sidewalls, said panel flap connected adjacent to said breathable panel and securable thereover or rollable into a stowed state.