Luggage Securing Device

Abstract

A dual strap securing mechanism that secures two items to one another for transport. A first embodiment uses a two-part flexible strap that secures two luggage items together. The two-part flexible strap can be used to secure luggage together, or to secure a person to a shopping cart. An alternative embodiment uses a locking mechanism that attaches to a rigid support bar, or flexible support strap, on a secondary luggage item. The locking mechanism tightly secures the secondary luggage item to the extension handle on the primary luggage items such that it is prevented from sliding laterally and falling off the primary luggage item. The locking mechanism is implemented as a rigid bar assembly that secures to a rigid support bar on the secondary luggage item, or to a flexible support strap on the secondary luggage item. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism is implemented as a rigid bracket assembly that is secured to a flexible support strap while the secondary luggage item. In another alternative embodiment, the support bar secures the secondary luggage item to the extension handle on the primary luggage item via a hook and loop strap secured to a rigid support bar, or flexible support strap.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This invention relates in general to luggage, and more particularly it relates to an apparatus and method for securing a secondary luggage item to a primary luggage item such that the secondary luggage item is prevented from slipping when the primary luggage item is in motion.

2. Background of the Invention

As most people are aware, there are a number of substantial inconveniences that most travelers experience. A substantial for most travelers is the number of luggage items that they must take with them on their journey. More recently, due to security concerns, problems associated with luggage have been exacerbated. For example, airlines now have limitations on the size of luggage items, and on their weight. As a result, individuals often have to take more items of luggage than they had to take in the past due to size and weight limitations. This has created a further problem in that when carrying luggage to and from terminals, the increased number of luggage items makes it more difficult for an individual to transport their belongings.

In response to the inconvenience associated with transporting many smaller luggage items, individuals have begun the practice of securing smaller luggage items to larger wheeled items of luggage. This is helped with the original problem, but has created new problems. In particular, when a primary luggage item has secondary luggage items secured to it, the secondary luggage item typically has a loose connection to the primary luggage item and is prone to falling off when the primary luggage item is being moved. In most cases this is an inconvenience, however, there are cases where this can cause serious problems. Today, many travelers carry expensive laptop computers with them that can be severely damaged if dropped. Likewise, many individuals may be carrying expensive photographic equipment that can be susceptible to damage if dropped. In these cases, loosely securing a secondary luggage item to the primary luggage item may in fact create substantial unnecessary expense for the traveler. It would be desirable to have a method of safely and easily securing secondary luggage items containing expensive and/or delicate equipment to the primary luggage item such that damage during transport could be avoided.

Another problem associated with attachment of secondary luggage items to primary luggage items arises when individuals are transporting pets or other live animals. Transporting live animals is usually done via special luggage items or pet carriers that are designed to provide comfort and proper ventilation for the animals. In most cases, these pet carriers are relatively small and would be secured along with other secondary luggage items to the primary luggage item. This creates a special problem due to the possibility that the animal might be injured if the pet carrier either falls off the primary luggage item, or moves violently due to swinging freely from the extension handle from the primary luggage item. As a result, conventional carriers for animals are dangerous when loosely secured to a primary luggage item as is commonly done today. It would be desirable to have a method of safely securing conventional pet carriers to a private luggage item such that the animal inside the carrier is not put at risk.

While the prior art has provided the basic means to secure one luggage item to another, it has failed to provide a method of safely and securely attaching a secondary luggage item to her primary literature such that during movement the secondary mortgage item does not slide off of the primary luggage item.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides a multiple part flexible strap that secures first and second luggage items together for transport. Alternatively, the same flexible strap can be used to secure a purse to a shopping cart. An alternative embodiment uses a locking mechanism that attaches to a rigid support bar, or flexible support strap, on a secondary luggage item. The locking mechanism tightly secures the secondary luggage item to the extension handle on the primary luggage items such that it is prevented from sliding laterally and falling off the primary luggage item. The locking mechanism is implemented as a rigid bar assembly that secures to a rigid support bar on the secondary luggage item, or to a flexible support strap on the secondary luggage item. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism is implemented as a rigid bracket assembly that is secured to a flexible support strap while the secondary luggage item. In another alternative embodiment, the support bar secures the secondary luggage item to the extension handle on the primary luggage item via a hook and loop strap secured to a rigid support bar, or flexible support strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a prior art wheeled luggage with an extension handle. The luggage functions as a primary luggage item.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of another prior art luggage item. This secondary luggage item is smaller than the primary luggage item, and is typically secured to it.

FIG. 1C is perspective view of a prior art primary luggage item with a secondary luggage item secured to it.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention that illustrates the secondary luggage item secured to the extension handle of the primary luggage item with a locking mechanism.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the secondary luggage item with a rigid support bar.

FIG. 3B is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the secondary luggage item with a rigid support bar.

FIG. 3C is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the secondary luggage item with a rigid support bar, and a locking mechanism securing the secondary luggage item to the extension handle of the primary luggage item.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of a locking mechanism secured to a rigid support bar.

FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of an alternative preferred embodiment of a locking mechanism secured to a flexible support strap.

FIG. 5B illustrates a side cross sectional end view of an alternative preferred embodiment of a locking mechanism secured to a flexible support strap.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of a hook and loop locking mechanism securing a rigid support bar or a flexible support strap to the extension handle of a primary luggage item.

FIG. 7A is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a flexible retention strap for securing a secondary luggage item to a primary luggage item.

FIG. 7B is a top view of the flexible retention strap of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a top view of the flexible retention strap FIG. 7A secured to the extension handle of a primary luggage item.

FIG. 7D is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the flexible retention strap FIG. 7C shown securing a secondary luggage item to a primary luggage item.

FIG. 7E is a top view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the flexible retention strap of FIG. 7A that uses dual secondary straps.

FIG. 7F is a top view of the alternative preferred embodiment of the flexible retention strap of FIG. 7E shown securing a secondary luggage item to the extension handle of a primary luggage item with the dual secondary straps.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative method of using the preferred embodiment of FIG. 7A that secures a purse or other small item to a shopping cart, or luggage cart at an airport.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Prior to a discussion of the figures, an overview of the invention will be presented. As discussed above, typical travelers carry multiple items of luggage with them. As the number of luggage items increases, it becomes increasingly difficult for an individual traveler to manage all of these items when moving through a terminal, or traveling to and from an airport. Travelers often set secondary luggage items on top of primary wheeled luggage items. In turn, this can create problems when secondary luggage items fall off of primary luggage items. The invention seeks to eliminate these problems by providing a method of properly securing a secondary luggage item to the primary luggage item.

The invention provides a method of firmly securing a secondary luggage item to a primary luggage item such that the secondary luggage item will not slide laterally during movement of the primary luggage item. As a result, the secondary luggage item is prevented from inadvertently sliding off of the primary luggage item.

Broadly viewed, the invention provides a locking mechanism that secures the secondary luggage item to the extension handle of the primary luggage item. By securing the secondary luggage item to the extension handle of the primary luggage item, the locking mechanism prevents lateral movement of the secondary mortgage item, thereby preventing it from sliding off of the primary luggage item.

Having discussed the invention in general, we turn now to a detailed discussion of the drawings.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a prior art wheeled luggage 1 with an extension handle 2. For the purpose of this invention, the luggage 1 functions as the primary luggage item 1. Primary luggage items 1 typically have wheels 3 attached to luggage body 2. Extension handles 4 are typically stored within the luggage body 2 until needed. This type of primary luggage item 1 is commonly used.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of another prior art luggage item: a secondary luggage item 5. The secondary luggage item 5 is typically smaller than the primary luggage item 1. For convenience, when a traveler is transporting luggage, the secondary luggage 5 item usually rests on top of the primary luggage item 1. The traveler can then move both luggage items by pulling the extension handle 4 on the primary luggage item 1.

For ease of discussion, secondary luggage item 5 is illustrated in this figure as a pet carrier. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that any item of luggage can function as a secondary luggage item 5 when secured to a primary luggage item 1. For example, a briefcase used to transport a laptop computer, an item of luggage used to transport photographic equipment, etc., can also be a secondary luggage item 5. The distinguishing characteristic of a secondary luggage item 5 is that it is mounted on the primary luggage item 1 for transport.

While it would be desirable to prevent any secondary luggage item 5 from slipping off of a primary luggage item 1, there are some luggage items that are more important to protect. For example, the pet carriers, computer briefcases, and photographic equipment luggage, contain valuable items that can be physically injured in the cases of pets, or physically damaged in the case of expensive equipment such as computers, cameras, or other valuable items. In this situation, when the secondary luggage item 5 slides off of the primary luggage item 1, irreparable damage may be done to the contents of the secondary item 5.

This is especially true in the case of pet carriers which may contain animals that are not only costly, but also may contain animals which are of substantial emotional value to their owner. In the case of the carriers, they are typically manufactured from cloth materials 6 which have a variety of straps 8 to provide support and to facilitate carrying by hand. This particular type of luggage is also different in that typically as a substantial amount of mesh material 7 to facilitate ventilation for the animal within.

FIG. 1C is perspective view of a prior art primary luggage item 1 with a secondary luggage item 5 mounted on it. In many cases, due to the physical structure of the secondary luggage item 5, the secondary luggage item 5 merely rests on top of the primary luggage item 1 and leans against extension handle 4. In this situation, is very easy for secondary luggage item 5 to slide laterally and fall off of luggage item 1. This will often result in damage to the goods inside of secondary luggage item 5, or physical injury to an animal inside of secondary luggage item 5.

This figure also illustrates how some items of secondary luggage 5 can be loosely secured to extension handle 4. As shown in this figure, if a secondary luggage item 5 happens to have a carrying strap 8 that is capable of fitting around extension handle 4, the carrying strap can be used to add additional stability to the secondary luggage item 5. However, this configuration adds only marginally to the stability of secondary luggage item 5. Since the carrying strap 8 does not securely attach secondary luggage item 5 to extension handle 4, the secondary luggage item 5 can still slide laterally. In the case of an animal carrier, the secondary luggage item 5 can slide laterally off of the edge of the primary luggage item 1 and injure the animal within.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention that illustrates the secondary luggage item 5 secured to the extension handle 4 of the primary luggage item 1 with a locking mechanism 10. In this figure, the locking mechanism 10 is secured to the secondary luggage item 5 via screws 11. In addition, the locking mechanism 10 provides a pressure fit against extension handle 4 to prevent secondary luggage item 5 from moving laterally. As a result, an animal carried within secondary luggage item 5 will be saved from injury due to lateral sliding of the secondary luggage item 5. Likewise, other types of secondary luggage items 5, such as those carrying expensive equipment (i.e. computers, cameras, etc.) will also be saved from damage.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the secondary luggage 5 item a support bar 9 attached to the side. Also shown are attachment points 12 which provide the means to engage the locking mechanism 10. The support bar 10 can be implemented as a rigid support bar or as a flexible strap. The attachment points 12 can be nuts attached to the support 10, or threaded apertures for receiving screws 11.

FIG. 3B is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the secondary luggage item 5 with a support bar 10. The support bar 10 can be incorporated into the secondary luggage item 5 at the point of manufacture, or added to it as an aftermarket feature. Further, the support bar 10 can also be a pre-existing strap, as described in more detail below.

FIG. 3C is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the invention showing a secondary luggage item 5 with a support bar 9, and a locking mechanism 10 securing the secondary luggage item 5 to the extension handle 4 of the primary luggage item 1. As shown in this figure, locking mechanism 10 is secured to attachment points 12 on a support bar 9 via screws 11. Locking mechanism 10 has a rigid layer 13 that preferably extends around the posts of extension handle 4 such that it cannot move laterally. Once the locking mechanism 10 is secured to the support bar 9, secondary luggage item 5 is prevented from laterally sliding. In addition to rigid layer 13, an optional pliant layer 14 can also be added. Preferably, pliant layer 14 is fabricated from a frictional or rubberized material that will resist slippage, and also prevent scratching of the extension handle 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of a locking mechanism 10 secured to a rigid support bar 9. In this embodiment, the screws 11 are threaded into attachment points 12 to firmly secure extension handle 4 between support bar 9 and locking mechanism 10.

FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of an alternative preferred embodiment of a locking mechanism 10 secured to a flexible support bar 9. In this embodiment the locking mechanism 10 further includes a bracket 15 that extends outward from locking mechanism 10. When the locking mechanism 10 is secured to flexible support bar 9, the bracket 15 on locking mechanism 10 is slid under flexible support bar 9. Then screws 11 secured to the bracket 15. This embodiment allows the locking mechanism 10 to be used with a prior art secondary luggage item 5 as a flexible strap on the side.

FIG. 5B illustrates a side cross-sectional end view of the alternative preferred embodiment FIG. 5A in which the locking mechanism 10 is secured to a flexible support bar 9. This view better illustrates how the bracket 15 Works in conjunction with the screw 11 to encircle the flexible support bar 9.

FIG. 6 is a top view of another preferred embodiment that uses a hook and loop locking mechanism 10 to securing a rigid or flexible support bar 9 to the extension handle 4 of a primary luggage item 1. An advantage of this embodiment is that a very simple structure can be used. In particular, a hook and loop strap 16 can be used to secure the support bar 9 to the locking mechanism 10.

FIG. 7A is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a flexible retention strap 17 for securing a secondary luggage item 5 to a primary luggage item 1. As shown in this figure, flexible retention strap 17 has an elongated primary strap 18. The elongated primary strap 18 is sized such that it can securely fit around secondary luggage items having a variety of sizes. At opposing ends of the elongated primary strap 18 are first and second hook and loop segments 19 and 20 (segment 20 is illustrated below in regard to FIG. 7B). When securing a secondary luggage item 5, the first and second hook and loop segments 19, 20 are secured together to retain the secondary luggage item 5 in place.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that flexible retention strap 17 can be fabricated from any suitable material. For example, it can be made from cloth, canvas, leather, or synthetic materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, etc. The only requirement is that the material used should have sufficient strength and durability to accomplish its purpose. Likewise, the flexible retention strap 17 should preferably be aesthetically pleasing. For example, it can be made from high-quality leather or other similar natural material, from cloth with attractive patterns and colors, from synthetic materials with attractive patterns and colors, etc. To this end, the color and fashion style used are only limited by imagination of the designer.

Also shown in this figure is secondary strap 21 the secondary strap 21 is attached to primary elongated strap 18 at attachment point 22. The method used to secure the secondary strap 21 to the primary elongated strap 18 will vary based on the material used to fabricate the flexible retention strap 17. For example, if the flexible retention strap 17 is fabricated from cloth material, such as canvas, then the secondary strap 21 would preferably be sewn onto the primary elongated strap 18. Likewise, if the flexible retention strap 17 is fabricated from synthetic material, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, then the primary elongated strap 18 and secondary strap 21 would be secured by means appropriate for that material, such as adhesives, chemical bonding, heat bonding, etc. The type material that flexible retention strap 17 is fabricated from little dictate the appropriate method of securing its components together.

The secondary strap 21 also as opposing ends that are not secured to the primary elongated strap 18. The purpose of secondary strap 21 is to secure the flexible retention strap 17 to the extension handle 4 of the primary luggage item 1. Secondary strap 21 also as first and second hook and loop segments 23 and 24 (hook and loop segment 24 is illustrated below in regard to FIG. 7B).

FIG. 7B is a top view of the flexible retention strap 17 of FIG. 7A. This figure further illustrates the positions of hook and loop segments 19, 20 relative to one another. Likewise, this figure also illustrates the positions of hook and loop segments 23, 24 relative to one another.

FIG. 7C is a top view of the flexible retention strap 17 of FIG. 7A secured to the extension handle 4 of a primary luggage item 1. This figure illustrates the first step in securing a secondary luggage item 5 the primary luggage item 1. Preferably, secondary strap 21 is secured to the extension handle 4 of primary luggage item 1, and snuggly secured by hook and loop segments 23, 24.

FIG. 7D is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the flexible retention strap 17 of FIG. 7D shown securing a secondary luggage item 5 to a primary luggage item 1. In this step, the secondary luggage item 5 is placed on top of the primary luggage item 1, and hook and loop segments 19, 20 are then secured together such that the secondary luggage item 5 is snugly and securely held to handle extensions 4. When this configuration is used, the surface of secondary strap 21 that contacts handle extensions 4 has a rubberized surface to reduce the possibility of slippage.

Principal advantages of this embodiment are that the flexible retention strap 17 can be very inexpensively manufactured from common materials, it can be easily folded for storage, it requires only a single part, and does not have to be assembled in any way. In addition, an advantage provided by the hook and loop material is that the primary elongated strap 18 and the secondary strap 21 can be adjusted when secured together such that a single flexible retention strap 17 can secure a wide variety of luggage items having varying sizes and shapes.

FIG. 7E is a top view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the flexible retention strap 17 of FIG. 7A that uses dual secondary straps 21. In this embodiment, the dual secondary straps 21 prevent any slippage that might occur in the embodiments using a single secondary strap 21.

FIG. 7F is a top view of the alternative preferred embodiment of the flexible retention strap 17 of FIG. 7E shown securing a secondary luggage item 5 to the extension handle 4 of a primary luggage item 1 with the dual secondary straps 21. As can be seen from this figure, the use of independent secondary straps 21 prevents any movement of the secondary strap around the extension handle 4.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative method of using the preferred embodiment of FIG. 7A that secures a purse 27 or other small item to a shopping cart 26 at a store, or a luggage cart at an airport. In this figure, the flexible retention strap 17 is merely rotated 90 degrees. Then the primary elongated strap 18 is secured to the shopping cart 26 in the same manner that it would have secured to a secondary luggage item 5. Once the elongated strap 18 is secured to the shopping cart 26, a purse 27 is placed in the shopping cart 26 and the secondary strap 21 is secured to the purse 27. At this point the purse is firmly secured to the shopping cart 26 such that the possibility of theft is reduced. In this figure, a secondary strap 21 is inserted through the hand grip 28 of the purse 27.

Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the secondary strap 21 can be oriented in a vertical plane for attachment to a purse 27 while the elongated strap 18 is oriented in a horizontal plane for attachment to the sides of a shopping cart 26.

The exact same device that was used to secure luggage while traveling, can also be used to safely secure a purse for shopping cart while shopping. However, as a practical matter it may be preferable to have two different sizes available: one to accommodate smaller items, such as briefcases and purses, and a second larger size to accommodate larger items of luggage. Of course, any number of appropriate sizes can be made available based on consumer demand.

While specific embodiments have been discussed to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations in the embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the components of the invention can be fabricated from any suitable material. Likewise, the crews can be replaced with any suitable securing mechanism, etc. Therefore, the invention shall be limited to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A multi-item securing device, comprising:

a locking mechanism;

means to secure the locking mechanism to a first item; and

means to secure a second item to the locking mechanism such that the first item and the second item are secured to one another, the second item will remain substantially in a fixed relation to the first item when the first item is moved.

2. A device, as in claim 1, wherein:

the locking mechanism is a flexible retention strap, further comprising: an elongated primary strap having first securing means at it's proximal and distal ends, the elongated primary strap further having sufficient length such that it can wrap around a secondary item and be secured to the secondary item by the first securing means; a secondary strap having second securing means at its proximal and distal ends, the secondary strap further having sufficient length such that it can be secured to a primary item; the elongated primary strap and the secondary strap secured to one another in a fixed relationship such that when the elevated primary strap is attached to a secondary item, and the secondary strap is attached to the primary item, the primary and secondary items are held in relationship to one another such that movement of the secondary item in relation to the primary item is minimized when the primary item is moved.

3. A device, as in claim 2, wherein:

the surface of the elongated primary strap that contacts the secondary item has a pliant surface, and/or the surface of the secondary strap that contacts the primary item has a pliant surface;

whereby the pliant surfaces prevent slippage of the primary item and the secondary item in relation to one another.

4. A device, as in claim 2, wherein:

the elongated primary strap and/or the secondary strap are fabricated from fabric, cloth, canvas, leather, or synthetic material.

5. A device, as in claim 2, wherein:

the elongated primary strap is sized to extend around, and secure to a secondary item of luggage; and

the secondary strap is sized such that it can be secured to a primary item of luggage.

6. A device, as in claim 2, wherein:

the elongated primary strap is sized to extend around, and secure to, a secondary item of luggage or a purse; and

the secondary strap is sized such that it can be secured to a primary item of luggage or a shopping cart.

7. A device, as in claim 1, wherein:

the locking mechanism is a flexible retention strap, further comprising: an elongated primary strap having first securing means at it's proximal and distal ends, the elongated primary strap further having sufficient length such that it can wrap around a secondary item and be secured to the secondary item by the first securing means; at least two secondary straps, each having second securing means at its proximal and distal ends, the secondary straps further having sufficient length such that they can be secured to a primary item; the elongated primary strap and the secondary straps secured to one another in a fixed relationship such that when the elevated primary strap is attached to a secondary item, and the secondary straps are attached to the primary item, the primary and secondary items are held in relationship to one another such that movement of the secondary item in relation to the primary item is minimized when the primary item is moved.

8. A device, as in claim 7, wherein:

the surface of the elongated primary strap that contacts the secondary item has a pliant surface, and/or the surfaces of the secondary straps that contact the primary item have pliant surfaces;

whereby the pliant surfaces prevent slippage of the primary item and the secondary item in relation to one another.

9. A device, as in claim 7, wherein:

the elongated primary strap and/or the secondary straps are fabricated from fabric, cloth, canvas, leather, or synthetic material.

10. A device, as in claim 7, wherein:

the elongated primary strap is sized to extend around, and secure to, a secondary item of luggage; and

the secondary straps are sized such that they can be secured to a primary item of luggage.

11. A device, as in claim 7, wherein:

the elongated primary strap is sized to extend around, and secure to a secondary item of luggage or a purse; and

the secondary straps are sized such that they can be secured to a primary item of luggage or a shopping cart.

12. A device, as in claim 1, further comprising:

the locking mechanism a rigid bar, further comprising: a rigid bar sized to securely fit against the extension handle of a first luggage item; means to secure the rigid bar to a second luggage item when the rigid bar rests against the extension handle of the first luggage item sucks that the first luggage item and the second luggage item our securely held in place in relation to one another;

whereby movement the primary and secondary luggage items in relation to one another is minimized when the primary luggage item is moved.

13. A device, as in claim 12, wherein:

the rigid bar it is secured to the extension handle via pressure fit.

14. A device, as in claim 12, wherein:

the rigid bar is secured to the extension handle and the secondary luggage item via a flexible strap.

15. A method of securing two items together, including the steps of:

securing a locking mechanism to a first item;

securing the locking mechanism to a second item such that the first and second items are secured together in fixed relationship to one another

such that when the first item is moved, the second item that is secured to it will not slide in relation to the first item when the first item is moved.

16. A method, as in claim 15, including the additional steps of:

securing first and second straps to one another such that the first strap has sufficient length to encircle the second item, and the second strap has sufficient length to secure to the first item.

17. A method, as in claim 15, including the additional steps of:

using a plurality of second straps, each secured to the first strap, and attaching each of the second straps to the first item.