Suitcase with Integrated Pull-Out Carrier

Abstract

The invention relates generally to suitcases and bags for storage of cameras or other objects. More specifically, the system combines a suitcase and an integrated pull-out carrier. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the system integrates a backpack component, having an approximately cubic shape and optimized for storage of cameras and camera accessories, with a suitcase component of substantially the same size and shape of the backpack into a single unit. When separated, the two components are designed to perform as fully functional individual units.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following co-pending applications, with some common inventors, and the same assignee. The teachings of the following applications listed below are herein incorporated by reference:

U.S. application Ser. No.: not yet assigned, filed Sep. 22, 2008, entitled “Suitcase Handle Camera Mount.”

U.S. application Ser. No.: not yet assigned, filed Sep. 22, 2008, entitled “Suspension Divider Insert.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to suitcases and bags for storage of cameras or other objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Camera bags and cases are common and range from simple cases supplied by camera manufacturers to correspond to a particular model of camera, to bags and full-sized suitcases with multiple compartments adapted to take varying sizes of cameras, lenses, filters, flashes, lighting equipment and other accessories useful to professional and serious amateur photographers.

Professional photographers working outside a portrait studio require fast, convenient and sequential access to the contents of their bags and cases. These photographers also consider mobility, flexibility and versatility critical overall characteristics that must be part of the design and manufacture of the cases and bags that they invest in.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a suitcase equipped with a separate, but fully integrated pull-out carrier features the desired qualities and characteristics described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the system combines a suitcase and an integrated pull-out carrier. The system seamlessly integrates a carrier optimized for storage of cameras and camera accessories within a suitcase as a single unit.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the system integrates a backpack component, having an approximately cubic shape and optimized for storage of cameras and camera accessories, with a suitcase component of substantially the same size and shape of the backpack into a single unit. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a first lid fixedly attached to the backpack serves as the lid for the system when configured as single unit (i.e. when the backpack is placed into the suitcase), and also, as the lid for the backpack when used alone. A second lid, fixedly attached to the suitcase serves as the secondary lid for the suitcase when used alone. As such, the two components, a suitcase and backpack are designed to be scamlessly integrated for use as a single unit. When separated, the two components are designed to perform as fully functional individual units.

It should be noted that although the system as described herein as a suitcase and backpack, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the system may be adapted for use with any two bags or cases, including but not limited to the following: bags, satchels, purses, suitcases, hard cases, soft cases, backpacks, side packs, messenger bags, rolling duffle bags, and rolling backpacks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate the design and utility of embodiments of the invention, in which similar elements are referred to by common reference numerals and in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrates a suitcase and integrated pull-out carrier with primary lid in open and closed positions in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a suitcase with secondary lid in an open position and pull-out carrier with primary lid in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a suitcase with secondary lid in an open position and pull-out carrier with primary lid in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate pull-out carrier in a stand alone configuration with backpack straps attached in an in-use position, and also, backpack straps detached in stored position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of specific embodiments of the invention. The embodiments are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or as a limitation on the scope of the invention. In addition, an aspect described in conjunction with a particular embodiment of the invention is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiment of the invention.

Turning to the drawings, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrates a suitcase 100 and backpack 120 (not shown in FIG. 1) with primary lid 115 in open and closed positions in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1A, suitcase 100 features retractable handle 105, suitcase wheels 107, and primary lid 115. As shown in FIG. 1B, when primary lid 115 is in an open position, compartment storage 110 can be accessed. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, compartment storage 110 and primary lid 115 are fixedly attached to backpack 120. As described and illustrated, backpack 120 is seamlessly integrated with suitcase 100 and appears concealed even when primary lid 115 is in an open position.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, primary lid 115 closes onto backpack 120 via a zipper, but any other closing mechanism can be utilized, particularly any common closure utilized by the travel and storage bag and case industry.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, compartment storage 110 can be removed from backpack 120 and placed for usage into suitcase 100. Compartment storage 110 can be temporarily affixed to either suitcase 100 or backpack 120 using any type of fastening means well known in the industry, including but not limited to: zippers, Velcro®, adhesives, snaps, clasps, buttons, fasteners, straps, strings or any other similar mechanism or structure.

FIG. 2 illustrates suitcase 100 with secondary lid 125 in an open position and backpack 120 with primary lid 115 in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2, suitcase 100 features retractable handle 105, suitcase wheels 107, suitcase storage compartment 135, and secondary lid 125. Secondary lid 125 closes onto suitcase 100 via a zipper, but any other closing mechanism can be utilized. In a preferred embodiment, secondary lid 125 utilizes the same closing mechanism as primary lid 115. These closing mechanisms may include, but are not limited to: zippers, Velcro®, adhesives, snaps, clasps, buttons, fasteners, straps, strings or any other similar mechanism or structure.

Secondary lid 125 can be a soft lid or hard lid, manufactured from a variety of materials to meet desired aesthetics and functionality. As shown, secondary lid 125 is physically connected suitcase 100 by straps, but any fastening mechanism can be utilized, including but not limited to: zippers, Velcro®, adhesives, snaps, clasps, buttons, fasteners, straps, strings or any other similar mechanism or structure. When the system described is utilized as a single unit, secondary lid 125 can be stored inside suitcase 100, conveniently stored and ready for use when backpack 120 and suitcase 100 are in use individually. Alternatively, secondary lid 125 may be removable and not physically connected to suitcase 100.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, backpack 120 features compartment storage 110, primary lid 115, and backpack straps 130. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, backpack 120 features a first zipper and second zipper around the perimeter. A first zipper is utilized as a closing mechanism for primary lid 115 to backpack 120. A second zipper is utilized to secure backpack 120 to the zipper of suitcase 100. Conveniently, the zipper of suitcase 100 also serves as the closing mechanism for secondary lid 125 to suitcase 100.

It should be noted that although primary lid 115, fixedly attached to backpack 120, serves as the outer lid for the system, in an alternative embodiment of the system contemplated within the scope of the invention, a first lid attached to suitcase 100 is designed to serve as the outer lid for the system while a second lid attached to backpack 120 serves as the inner lid when backpack 120 is enclosed in suitcase 100 for use as a single unit.

FIG. 3 illustrates suitcase 100 with secondary lid 125 in a closed position and backpack 120 with primary lid 115 in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, suitcase 100 features retractable handle 105, suitcase wheels 107, and secondary lid 125. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, backpack 120 features primary lid 115, backpack straps 130, strap clips 140, and D-rings 145.

Alternatively, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, strap clips 140 and D-rings 145 may be replaced with any other type of engaging means, including but not limited to the following: magnetic mechanism, buckles, clips, snaps, latches, books, friction mechanism, tension mechanisms, locks, cable ties, Velcro®, or any other similar type of engaging mechanism or structure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate backpack 120 in a stand alone configuration with backpack straps 130 attached in an in-use position, and also, backpack straps 130 detached in a stored position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

As shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4A illustrates backpack 120 in a stand alone configuration with backpack straps 130, and strap clips 140 attached to D-rings 145 w in an in-use position. As shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4B illustrates backpack 120 in a stand alone configuration with backpack straps 130 detached from D-rings 145 in a stored position. Backpack 120 features pocket 155 for strap storage and pocket closure 160. Pocket closure 160 may utilize Velcro®, zipper, or any other common closure mechanism known in the industry.

As previously note, backpack 120 can be any type of bag, case or carrier integrated into suitcase 100. As such, for alternative embodiments that include bag, cases or other carriers, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that backpack straps 130 can be replaced with any other type of strap, handle or belt commonly used with travel bags and cases.

Claims

1. A travel and storage system, comprising:

a first enclosure that forms an outer carrier; and

a second enclosure of substantially the same size and shape of said first enclosure that forms an inner carrier, wherein said inner carrier is stored within said outer carrier.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said outer carrier includes a first zipper around a perimeter of said outer carrier.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said inner carrier includes a second zipper and a third zipper around a perimeter of said inner carrier.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said second zipper of said inner carrier engages with said first zipper of said outer carrier when said inner carrier is stored within said outer carrier.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein said third zipper of said inner carrier engages with a first zippered door, wherein said first zippered door is attached to said inner carrier.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein said first zipper of said outer carrier engages with a second zippered door, where said second zippered door is attached to said outer carrier.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said outer carrier is adapted for usage as a suitcase.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said suitcase includes at least one set of wheels.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein said suitcase includes a retractable handle

10. The system of claim 1, wherein said inner carrier is adapted for usage as a backpack.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein said backpack includes at least one backpack strap.

12. A travel and storage system, comprising:

a suitcase; and

a backpack of substantially the same size and shape of said suitcase, wherein said backpack is integrated with said suitcase.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said suitcase includes a first zippered lid.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said backpack includes a second zippered lid.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein said suitcase includes a first zipper around a perimeter of said suitcase.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said backpack includes a second zipper and a third zipper around a perimeter of said backpack.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said second zipper of said backpack engages with said first zipper of said suitcase when said backpack is integrated said suitcase.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein said third zipper of said backpack engages with said second zippered lid, wherein said second zippered lid is fixedly attached to said backpack.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein said first zipper of said suitcase engages with a first zippered lid, wherein said first zippered lid is fixedly attached to said suitcase.

20. A camera bag system, comprising:

a suitcase, having an approximately cubic shape; and

a backpack of substantially the same size and shape of said suitcase, wherein said backpack is stored within said suitcase and comprises compartment storage optimized for storage of camera equipment.