ROLLING LUGGAGE SYSTEM

Abstract

A luggage system is shown and described. The system comprises a first piece of rolling luggage having a first laterally extendable handle assembly; a second piece of rolling luggage having a second laterally extendable handle assembly; and a connection device. The connection device comprises a first-interface mated with the first handle assembly; a second-interface releasably mated with the second handle assembly; and a connector connecting the first-interface to the second-interface.

Description

BACKGROUND

(1) Field

The present disclosure relates generally to rolling luggage and more particularly to pieces of operably connected luggage, and even more particularly, to a device for operably connecting pieces of rolling luggage.

(2) Description of Related Art

Rolling luggage is known in the art. FIG. 1 shows one example of rolling luggage 2. Luggage 2 includes a luggage compartment 4 to which wheels 6 are operably attached. An extendable handle 10 extends laterally from compartment 4. Handle 10 retracts and can be stored within compartment 4 when desired.

When traveling with one piece of rolling luggage, a traveler holds handle 10 of the luggage in one hand and pulls the luggage substantially directly behind him as he walks, applying force in the direction of arrow 8. To ensure that the luggage rolls properly, the traveler usually must turn their shoulder slightly rearwardly in the direction of the hand holding handle 10 to ensure a substantially linear arrangement of force 8, handle 10, and wheels 6.

When traveling with two pieces of rolling luggage, a traveler will hold the handle of one piece of luggage in one hand and hold the handle of the other piece of luggage in the other hand. FIG. 2a, for example, shows a traveler 1 rolling luggage 2a and 2b. Traveler 1 is moving and applying force in the direction of arrow 8. In such situations, traveler 1 cannot turn both shoulders rearwardly, and as a result is typically required to hold both arms slightly out to the side to ensure proper alignment of force 8 and handle 10 to move the luggage in the desired direction, e.g., the direction 8a and 8b. The slight elevation of the arms, in combination with the continuous adjustment of handle 10 to ensure proper direction, can become tiring to a traveler, particularly, if the traveler is required to cover large distances, e.g., from terminal to terminal in an airport. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2b, traveler 1 may attempt to position both luggage 2a and 2b rearwardly or behind the traveler's back as the traveler moves forward. This type of positioning may result in luggage collision, which may send luggage in undesirable directions, e.g., 8c or 8d. Both of the above strategies have additional shortcomings, because by occupying both of the traveler's hands, they make it very difficult for the traveler to perform other tasks, e.g., talking on the phone or reading airplane ticket information. Furthermore, both current strategies make it difficult for the traveler to navigate crowded areas.

It is to these, and additional problems, that the present invention is directed.

SUMMARY

In summary, one embodiment of the present invention includes a luggage system. The system comprises a first piece of rolling luggage having a first laterally extendable handle assembly; a second piece of rolling luggage having a second laterally extendable handle assembly; and a connection device. The connection device comprises a first-interface mated with the first handle assembly; a second-interface releasably mated with the second handle assembly; and a connector connecting the first-interface to the second-interface.

Summarizing another embodiment, the luggage system comprises a first piece of rolling luggage having a first laterally extendable handle assembly including a first pair of substantially parallel support rods having a first handle mounted therebetween. The system also includes a second piece of rolling luggage having a second laterally extendable handle assembly including a second pair of substantially parallel support rods having a second handle mounted therebetween. A connection device is positioned in between the first and second pieces of luggage. The connection device comprises a first-interface mated with at least one of the first pair of substantially parallel support rods; a second-interface releasably mated with at least one of the second pair of substantially parallel support rods. In this embodiment, the second-interface includes at least one clip defining a channel at least partially surrounding at least one of said second pair of substantially parallel support rods. The connection device also includes a connector connecting the first-interface to the second-interface. The connector includes a pair of substantially rigid beams positioned substantially parallel to one another and spaced at a distance approximately equal to the distance between the first pair of substantially parallel support rods.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a connection device for use with rolling luggage. In summary, the connection device includes a first-interface configured to releasably mate with a portion of the first handle; a second-interface configured to releasably mate with a portion of the second handle; and a connector connecting the first-interface to the second-interface.

The above summary was intended to summarize certain embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention will be set forth in more detail, in the figures and detailed description below. It will be apparent, however, that the detailed description is not intended to limit the present invention, the scope of which should be properly determined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a prior art piece of rolling luggage;

FIGS. 2a and 2b show two prior art strategies for rolling two pieces of rolling luggage;

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a system of the present invention;

FIGS. 4a and 4b show two embodiments of connection devices of the present invention;

FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c show three embodiments of connection devices of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a close-up view of a connection device of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a system of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a system of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a system of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 shows additional embodiments of interfaces of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a luggage system 20 of the present invention. In this embodiment, system 20 includes a first piece of luggage 30a and a second piece of luggage 30b. First piece of luggage 30a has a first laterally extendable handle assembly 32a, and second piece of luggage 30b has a second laterally extendable handle assembly 32b. Handle assembly 32a includes a first pair of substantially parallel support rods 34a and a first handle 36a mounted therebetween. Handle assembly 32b includes a second pair of substantially parallel support rods 34b and a second handle 36b mounted therebetween. A connection device 40 connects first luggage 30a to second luggage 30b. Connection device 40 includes a first-interface 42a mated with first handle assembly 32a, and a second-interface 42b releasably mated with second handle assembly 32b. As shown, first-interface 42a is mated with both of both pair of support rods 34a, and second-interface 42b is mated with both pair of support rods 34b, but in other embodiments others may mate first- and/or second-interfaces to other parts of the handle assemble, such as the handle itself, or to only a single support rod of the handle assembly. All such embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

A connector 44 connects first-interface 42a to second-interface 42b. In many embodiments, it may also be preferable to have first-interface 42a releasably mated to first handle assembly 32a.

FIG. 4a shows one embodiment of a connection device 60 of the present invention. Connection device 60 includes connector 62, which is in this embodiment a flexible strap. First-interface 64a and second-interface 64b are attached to strap 62. In this embodiment, first-interface 64a includes clip 66a, which defines a channel 68a sized to at least partially surround a support rod or handle of a piece of luggage. Similarly, second-interface 64b includes a clip 66b, which defines a channel 68b sized to at least partially surround a support rod or handle of a piece of luggage. While shown as a clip, first- and second-interfaces of the present invention may include other types of interfaces, for example, straps, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, clasps, magnetic fasteners, rings, etc. and any combinations thereof.

FIG. 4b shows another connection device 72 of the present invention. Connection device 72 includes connector 74, which includes a pair of substantially flexible straps 74 positioned substantially parallel to one another and spaced at a distance D approximately equal to the distance between a pair of support rods of a handle assembly. Such a spacing is preferred to facilitate attachment to support rods of rolling luggage. First- and second-interfaces 76a and 76b are shown as clips, but are inclusive of other interfaces, such as the other interfaces discussed above.

FIG. 5a shows another connection device 80 of the present invention. In this embodiment, connector 82 includes a substantially rigid beam 82. First- and second-interfaces 84a and 84b are shown as clips, but are inclusive of other interfaces, such as the other interfaces discussed above.

FIG. 5b shows another connection device 90 of the present invention. In this embodiment, connector 92 includes substantially rigid beams 92a and 92b, and a first- and second-interface 94a and 94b. First- and second-interfaces 92a and 92b are similar to as described above. Connector 92 also includes hinge 96 positioned inbetween beams 92a and 92b. Hinge 96 allows rigid embodiments of the present invention to achieve improved adjustability and storage. For example, hinge 96 allows second-interface 92b to pivot, thereby allowing for adjustable mating with handle assemblies of different widths or heights. Hinges 96 may also allow beam 92a to fold upon beam 92b, thereby facilitating storage.

FIG. 5c shows another connection device 100 of the present invention. In this embodiment, connector 102 includes a pair of substantially rigid beams 102a and 102b positioned substantially parallel to one another and spaced at a distance D approximately equal to the distance between the support rods of a handle assembly. It may also be desirable to include spacer 104 to help space rods 102a and 102b. Connector 102 also includes a pair of hinges 106. Hinges 106 are configured to allow for adjustable mating with handle assemblies of different widths or heights. First- and second-interfaces 110a and 110b are shown as clips, but are inclusive of other interfaces, such as the other interfaces discussed above.

FIG. 6 shows a close-up view of one embodiment of an interface 112 of the present invention connected to a connector 114. Positioned in between interface 112 and connector 114 is swivel 116, which allows for rotation of connector 112. Rotation of connector 112 is desirable in many embodiments to allow a single connection device to connect to, for example, either the handle or the support rod of a handle assembly. In this embodiment, swivel 116 is shown as connected to D-ring 118 at one end and clip-arm 112a at the other. However, others may prefer to attach swivels at other locations or in other ways, all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 7-9 show various systems of the present invention using various connection devices. System 120, shown in FIG. 7, shows a first piece of luggage 122a having a first laterally extendable handle assembly 124a, and a second piece of luggage 122b having a second, much shorter, handle assembly 124b. Connection device 126, which is similar to connection device 100 described in FIG. 5c, connects luggage 122a to luggage 122b. First-interfaces 128a attach to support rods 130a of luggage 122a and second interfaces attach to handle 132 of luggage 122b. First- and second-interfaces are shown as clips, but are inclusive of other interfaces, such as the other interfaces discussed above

System 140, shown in FIG. 8, shows a first piece of luggage 142a having a first handle assembly 144a, and a second piece of luggage 142b having a second handle assembly 144b. Connection device 146, which is similar to connection device 72 described in FIG. 4, connects luggage 142a to luggage 142b. First-interfaces 150a attach to handle supports 152 of luggage 142a. One of the second-interfaces, second-interface 150b attaches to handle 154 of luggage 142b and the other second-interface, second-interface 150c, attaches to support rod 156 of luggage 142b. First- and second-interfaces are shown as clips, but are inclusive of other interfaces, such as the other interfaces discussed above.

System 160, shown in FIG. 9, shows a first piece of luggage 162a having a first handle assembly 164a, and a second piece of luggage 162b having a second handle assembly 164b. Connection device 166, which is similar to either connection device 60 or 80 previously described, connects luggage 162a to luggage 162b. First-interface 168 attaches to handle 170 of luggage 162, and second-interface 168a attaches to handle support 172 of luggage 162b. First- and second-interfaces are similar to those previously described.

FIG. 10 shows, by way of example, additional interfaces, which may be either first- or second-interfaces of the present invention. For example, interface 200 is mated to support rod 202. In this embodiment interface 200 is a strap that connects to itself at position 204. Position 204 is representative of the mating of hook-and-loop type fasteners, snaps, magnets, etc. Portion 206 may optionally include an elastomeric or stretch component to allow interface 200 to securely mate with a variety support rods 202.

FIG. 10 also shows interface 210 mated to support rod 212. In this embodiment, interface 210 is a spring-like clip having a terminal end 210a biased toward body 210b. By positioning rod 212 in between end 210a and body 210b, mating to a variety of support rods may be securely achieved.

FIG. 10 also shows interface 220 mated to support rod 222. In this embodiment, interface 220 is a ring having a connection point 220a to which a connector may connect.

FIG. 10 also shows interface 230 mated to support rod 232. In this embodiment, interface 230 includes pin 234 positioned within aperture 232a defined by rod 232. Pin 234 is secured by attaching member 236 to the terminal end 234a of pin 234, thereby preventing pin 234 from traveling back through aperture 232a.

As will be appreciated from the above description and attached figures, systems of the present invention enable travelers to transport at least two pieces of luggage using only a single hand. In most embodiments, travelers will simply extend handle assemblies, align the rolling luggage, and connect the first- and second-interfaces to the handle assemblies. The traveler may then grasp the first piece of luggage and proceed on their way, at which time, the second piece of luggage will follow safely and securely behind. The system may also be quickly disassembled as desired, for example, to board a plane or store the pieces of luggage. While in most embodiments, both the first- and second-interfaces will be releasably attachable to both the first and second handle assembly, in certain embodiments of the system, one of the interfaces of the connection device may be fixed to the handle assembly, e.g., as ring positioned around a handle or support rod. In these embodiments, the connection device would remain attached to the first piece of luggage, and may be stored, for example, in a pocket on the luggage when not in use. It may also be desirable to incorporate additional pieces of luggage and additional connection devices, for example, for a baggage handler or bell hop who may be required to regularly move numerous pieces of luggage. All such embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, those of ordinary skill will recognize that any combination of the above disclosed embodiments are inclusive of the present invention.

Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of structure and function. The novel features are pointed out in the appended claims. The disclosure, however, is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts, within the principle of the invention, to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the general claims are expressed.

Claims

1. A luggage system comprising:

a first piece of rolling luggage having a first laterally extendable handle assembly;

a second piece of rolling luggage having a second laterally extendable handle assembly; and

a connection device comprising a first-interface mated with said first handle assembly; a second-interface releasably mated with said second handle assembly; and a connector connecting said first-interface to said second-interface.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said first handle assembly includes a first pair of substantially parallel support rods having a first handle mounted therebetween, and wherein said second handle assembly includes a second pair of substantially parallel support rods having a second handle mounted therebetween.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said first-interface is releasably mated to said first handle assembly.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein said first-interface is mated to at least one of said first pair of substantially parallel support rods.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein said second-interface is mated to at least one of said second pair of substantially parallel support rods.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein said second-interface is mated to said second handle.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said connector includes at least one substantially flexible strap.

8. The system of claim 2, wherein said connector includes a pair of substantially flexible straps positioned substantially parallel to one another and spaced at a distance approximately equal to the distance between said first pair of substantially parallel support rods.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said connector includes at least one substantially rigid beam.

10. The system of claim 2, wherein said connector includes a pair of substantially rigid beams positioned substantially parallel to one another and spaced at a distance approximately equal to the distance between said first pair of substantially parallel support rods.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein said at least one substantially rigid beam includes at least one hinge positioned on said at least one beam, said at least one hinge being configured to allow said second-interface to pivot, thereby allowing for adjustable mating with handle assemblies of different widths or heights.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said at least one hinge allows said connector to fold upon itself, thereby allowing for a more compact structure to facilitate storage.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein said connector includes at least one swivel positioned to allow said first-interface or said second-interface to rotate.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein said first-interface and said second-interface are selected from the group consisting of clips, straps, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, clasps, magnetic fasteners, rings and combinations thereof.

15. The system of claim 2, wherein said second-interface includes a clip defining a channel sized to at least partially surround said second pair of substantially parallel support rods or said second handle.

16. The system of claim 2, wherein said first-interface includes at clip defining a channel sized to at least partially surround said first pair of substantially parallel support rods or said first handle.

17. A luggage system comprising:

a first piece of rolling luggage having a first laterally extendable handle assembly including a first pair of substantially parallel support rods having a first handle mounted therebetween;

a second piece of rolling luggage having a second laterally extendable handle assembly including a second pair of substantially parallel support rods having a second handle mounted therebetween; and

a connection device comprising a first-interface mated with at least one of said first pair of substantially parallel support rods; a second-interface releasably mated with at least one of said second pair of substantially parallel support rods, wherein said second-interface includes at least one clip defining a channel at least partially surrounding at least one of said second pair of substantially parallel support rods; and a connector connecting said first-interface to said second-interface, wherein said connector includes a pair of substantially rigid beams positioned substantially parallel to one another and spaced at a distance approximately equal to the distance between said first pair of substantially parallel support rods.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein said connector includes at least one swivel positioned to allow said first-handle interface or said second-handle interface to rotate.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein said first-handle interface includes at clip defining a channel sized to at least partially surround said first pair of substantially parallel support rods or said first handle.

20. A device for connecting a first piece of rolling luggage having a first substantially laterally extendable handle to a second piece of rolling luggage having a second substantially laterally extendable handle, said system comprising:

a first-interface configured to releasably mate with a portion of said first handle;

a second-interface configured to releasably mate with a portion of said second handle; and

a connector connecting said first-interface to said second-interface, thereby allowing a user to roll both pieces of luggage by pulling said first piece of luggage.