Hard-Sided Suitcase Featuring Hard-Sided Pockets

Abstract

A hard-sided suitcase may include a plurality of polycarbonate shells for forming storage compartments of the hard-sided suitcase, wherein at least one of the plurality of polycarbonate shells is utilized for forming a hard-sided zipper pocket. The hard-sided suitcase may include a zipper mechanism for connecting a pair of polycarbonate shells to form a main storage compartment and for providing access to the main storage compartment. The hard-sided suitcase may include a second zipper mechanism for connecting the hard-sided zipper pocket to one of the polycarbonate shells forming the main storage compartment. When the second zipper mechanism is opened, the hard-sided zipper pocket may be in an open position, and when the second zipper mechanism is closed, the hard-sided zipper pocket may be in a closed position. The hard-sided zipper pocket may be held open and at angle with respect to the suitcase via a flexible, pocket lining.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND PRIORITY

The present patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 61/299,766, filed Jan. 29, 2010, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to luggage, and more particularly to a hard-sided suitcase featuring hard-sided pockets for carrying and storing various types of articles.

BACKGROUND

In today's, society, consumers have a variety of different options when it comes to storing their personal belongings and/or other articles. For example, consumers can use suitcases, briefcases, computer cases, beauty cases, business cases, travel bags, and a host of other types of cases. People often spend considerable resources to ensure that they have suitcases which are spacious, durable, and easy to transport. However, in addition to desiring a suitcase which is spacious, durable, and easy to transport, people also desire suitcases which offer a significant amount of protection and/or security for their belongings stored in the suitcase. Traditional suitcases are often made of fabrics or other similar materials which are easily torn or allow belongings stored within them to be easily destroyed, crushed, or otherwise damaged. This is especially true when the belongings are stored in pockets located outside the primary storage compartment of the suitcase.

SUMMARY

A hard-sided suitcase may include a plurality of polycarbonate, ABS, PVC, plastic, metal or other shells for forming storage compartments of the hard-sided suitcase. A left and right shell may form a main storage compartment. A smaller shell may be interconnected to the side or top of either the left or right shell, such as via a zipper attachment, an expandable zipper attachment, a gusset, flexible material, or other attachments. The smaller shell may form part of a hard-sided zipper pocket. During use, the small shell may be unzipped and then open at angle with respect to either the left or right shell—exposing a primary open pocket for the storage of items therein. Also, a secondary pocket may be exposed, such as a secondary pocket made of a netting or other see through material. The small shell may be held open and in place with respect to either the left or right shell by an expandable gusset or pocket interior lining made of flexible and/or collapsible material.

In one aspect, a hard-sided suitcase may be provided. The hard-sided suitcase may include a plurality of polycarbonate, ABS, PVC, plastic, metal or other shells for forming storage compartments of the hard-sided suitcase, wherein at least one of the plurality of polycarbonate or other shells is utilized for forming a hard-sided, and wherein at least one of the plurality of polycarbonate or other shells is utilized for forming a hard-sided zipper pocket. The hard-sided suitcase may include a zipper mechanism for connecting at least one pair of the plurality of polycarbonate or other shells to form a storage compartment of the storage compartments and for providing access to at least one storage compartment of the storage compartments. The hard-sided suitcase may include a second zipper mechanism for connecting the hard-sided zipper pocket to at least one of the plurality of polycarbonate or other shells. When the second zipper mechanism is opened, the hard-sided zipper pocket may be in an open position, and when the second zipper mechanism is closed, the hard-sided zipper pocket may be in a closed position.

In another aspect, a hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket may be provided. The hard-sided suitcase may include a left shell and a right shell configured to form a main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase, and a zipper mechanism configured to connect the left and right shells to form the main storage compartment and provide access to the main storage compartment. The hard-sided suitcase may include a small shell configured to be smaller than the left and right shells. The small shell may be interconnected with an adjacent shell via an expandable gusset. The adjacent shell may be one of the left and right shells. The hard-sided suitcase may further include a second zipper mechanism configured to openly interconnect the small shell with the adjacent shell. During use, the second zipper mechanism, upon being opened, may allow the small shell to be opened with respect to the adjacent shell at an angle, and the small shell may be held in place and at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell via the expandable gusset. As a result, the small shell may form an outer side of the hard-sided zipper pocket and the adjacent shell may form an inner side of the hard-sided zipper pocket.

In another aspect, a hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket may be provided. The hard-sided suitcase may include a left shell and a right shell configured to form a main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase. The left and right shells may be manufactured from polycarbonate or other thermoplastic based material. The hard-sided suitcase may include a zipper mechanism configured to openly interconnect the left and right shells with respect to each other and provide access to the main storage compartment. The hard-sided suitcase may include a small shell configured to be smaller than the left and right shells. The small shell may be interconnected with an adjacent shell via a flexible zipper pocket lining or expandable gusset or other flexible, fabric material. The adjacent shell may be one of the left and right shells. The hard-sided suitcase may include a second zipper mechanism configured to openly interconnect the small shell with the adjacent shell such that the second zipper mechanism, upon being opened, may allow the small shell to be opened with respect to the adjacent shell at an angle. The small shell may be held open and at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell via the flexible zipper pocket lining or expandable gusset. As a result, the small shell may form an outer side of the hard-sided zipper pocket and the adjacent shell, or a portion thereof, may form an inner side of the hard-sided zipper pocket.

Advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention which have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its details are capable of modification in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are presently discussed, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a hard-sided suitcase featuring hard-sided zippered pockets according to the present embodiments;

FIG. 2 depicts the hard-sided suitcase of FIG. 1 with a hard-sided zippered pocket in an open position; and

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary method of manufacture and assembly of the hard-sided suitcase.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to a hard-sided suitcase for carrying and/or storing different types of articles. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to other types of hard-sided suitcases. Referring to the drawings, an embodiment of a hard-sided suitcase 10 for storing articles is illustrated. The term “suitcase” as used herein is intended to encompass a variety of different types of luggage. For example, the suitcase can be a traditional suitcase, a briefcase, a laptop bag/case, a computer bag/case, a business case, a travel bag, a beauty case, or a variety of other types of luggage. Of course, the aforementioned types of suitcases are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the suitcase to the listed varieties.

The hard-sided suitcase 10 can include front, back, side, and top and bottom portions. The suitcase 10 can include two hard-sided shells 20, which can be utilized to form one or more storage compartments for the hard-sided suitcase 10. Outer portions of the hard-sided shells can form at least a portion of the front, back, sides, top and bottom portions. The inner portions of the hard-sided shells can be lined with various types of fabrics or other similar features and can include one or more pockets, which can be open and closed through zipper mechanisms or other mechanisms for opening and closing pockets. A suitable lining material is nylon, although of course any other materials can be used. The two of the hard-sided shells can be utilized to form a primary compartment. One or more other hard-sided shells can be utilized to form secondary compartments as well.

Notably, the shells can be comprised of a thermoplastic composition or other similar composition. In an embodiment, the shells can be comprised of a polycarbonate composition, which can include adding one or more other substances to the composition, such as ABS plastic and the like. The polycarbonate composition is lightweight and can enable the shells to be flexible, while maintaining a generally rigid form. When stressors are applied to the shells, the polycarbonate composition can allow the shells to absorb the impact from the stressors and cause the shells to flex to accommodate the stressors. After the stressors have been removed, the polycarbonate composition can enable the suitcase to return to its original shape.

The hard-sided shells 20 can be connectable to one another through the use of a zipper 30 or other fastening mechanism such as, but not limited to, snap fasteners, buttons, and buckles. Each side of the zipper 30 can include a plurality of metal, plastic, nylon, or other teeth, which can be stitched or otherwise attached to corresponding pieces of fabric tape. The fabric tape can be comprised of ballistic nylon or other similar materials. One fabric tape can be stitched or otherwise fastened to an edge of one of the hard-sided shells and the other fabric tape can be fastened to an edge of another hard-sided shell. The zipper 30 can include one or more sliders 40, which can be configured to hold at least a portion of the plurality of teeth on each side of the zipper. Once the slider is slid across the plurality of teeth, it can be utilized to connect the edges of the hard-sided shells together, which forms a seal for the storage compartments within the shells.

In one embodiment, the zipper 30 can be slid across the entire edges of the hard-sided shells. Such a configuration would allow the compartments to be entirely or almost entirely separated upon completely unzipping the edges from one another. However, in another embodiment, the suitcase can have a hinge, preferably along the bottom portion of the suitcase. The hinge can permanently connect at least a portion (such as the bottom portion) of the edges of the hard-sided shells together. The remaining portions of the edges that are not connected by the hinge can be connectable via the zipper mechanism. By utilizing the hinge, this can allow the hard-sided shells to remain at least partially connected to one another, particularly in the event that the zipper 30 fails.

Additionally, the suitcase 10 can include one or more telescoping or fixed handles for carrying, pulling, pushing, and/or lifting the suitcase. The handles can include a telescoping handle 50. The telescoping handle 50 can be connected to a top portion or other portion of a hard-sided shell so as to allow for easy transportation of the suitcase. The telescoping handle 50 can be operated by a lock button. The handle 50 can include trolley tubes, which can extend through a portion of the hard-sided shell to which it is attached. This allows for additional structural support and allows the handle to undergo a greater amount of stress. In an embodiment, the trolley tubes can be encased within the storage compartment into a protrusion along the backside of the hard-sided shell. The encasing can be performed laying a fabric, plastic, or other material across the trolley tubes so as to ensure a continuous or partially continuous surface, such as a flat or netted surface. Once the trolley tubes are encased, a flat surface can be created across the trolley tubes. This allows one to pack the compartment of the suitcase without having to pack around the trolley tubes, while also ensuring a more uniform compartment space. One or more carry handles 60 can also be provided. For example, one carry handle 60 can be provided on each of the top and side of the suitcase 10 on a large suitcase, whereas only one carry handle 60 may be sufficient on the top of a smaller suitcase 10, such as a briefcase.

The suitcase 10 can also be configured to include a plurality of wheels 70 for transporting the suitcase. In one configuration, two wheels can be connected to a bottom portion of a hard-sided shell, preferably along the opposite ends of the bottom of the shell. In another configuration, another set of wheels can be connected to a bottom portion of another hard-sided shell so as to allow for four wheels positioned at the four ends of the bottom of the suitcase. Any number of wheels and any position for placement of the wheels can be utilized as well. For example, one wheel can be placed on a bottom portion of one hard-sided shell and two wheels can be placed on a bottom portion of another hard-sided shell. Such a positioning allows for greater stability and for easier transportation of the suitcase. In an embodiment, the wheels can be plated with chrome or another similar material, or be hub capped plated. Placing the wheels with chrome or other similar materials can enable the wheels to rotate along a variety of surfaces in a smooth and easy motion by minimizing friction and drag along the surfaces. The wheels may be manufactured from rubber, nylon, plastic, polymers, metal, or other materials. The wheels may have bearings or packed bearings.

Furthermore, the suitcase 10 can be configured to have one or more expandable portions, which can be utilized to expand one or more storage compartments of the suitcase. The expandable portion can be connected to at least one of the hard-sided shells either at an edge of the shell or otherwise and can be made of fabric such as nylon or other materials which can expand. Notably, the expandable portion can be secured in a non-expanded state by utilizing a zipper or other similar securing mechanism. When an individual pulls a slider to open the zipper for the expandable portion, the expandable portion expands so as to increase the storage capacity of the suitcase. If the individual would like to return the suitcase to its original size, the individual merely needs to close the zipper mechanism using the slider mechanism. In an embodiment, the suitcase 10 includes a locking mechanism 80 for preventing unauthorized access to one or more compartments of the suitcase. The locking mechanism 80 can be a combination lock, padlock, key code lock, biometric lock, which, for example, can be configured to read fingerprints or other physical identifiers, and/or other types of locks. The locking mechanism may be built into a side of one or more hard-sided shell, or be freely attachable and/or removable.

In another embodiment, at least one of the hard-sided shells can be configured to be a pocket 90 or other similar storage mechanism. By utilizing a hard-sided shell for the pocket, belongings or other articles stored therein can have a greater level of protection than traditional suitcase pockets, which are often made of fabrics or other materials. The hard-sided shell used for creating the pocket 90 can be connectable to another one of the hard-sided shells used for other storage compartments via a zipper mechanism 100. The zipper mechanism can be attached to the hard-sided shell via fabric tape or other type of tape traditionally used with zippers. The fabric tape, which can be made of ballistic nylon or other similar materials, can be directly stitched into the hard-sided shell. Additionally, nylon, polyester, vinyl, or other fabric can be stitched around, glued, or otherwise attached to the hard-sided shell forming the pocket. The zipper mechanism 100 can include an expansion gusset or other zipper pocket lining 110. In an embodiment, the zipper can be configured to go completely around the pocket so that when an individual completely unzips the zipper, the pocket 90 can be detached from the suitcase 10. In another embodiment, a bottom portion of the pocket can have a hinge. The hinge can be utilized to enable at least the bottom portion of the pocket to remain connected to the suitcase at all times. The portions of the pocket which are not hinged to the suitcase can be connected to the suitcase by utilizing the zipper mechanism.

By utilizing a hard-sided shell for the pocket 90, it enables a user to store items in the compartment of the pocket without having to encroach on the primary storage compartments of the suitcase. Additionally, the hard-sided shell provides significant protection for the items stored within the pocket. The hard-sided shell used for the pocket can also contain additional pockets within the primary pocket. For example, these additional pockets can be traditional zippered pockets that can be lined across the inside of the hard-sided pocket or otherwise. The suitcase can be configured to contain any number of pockets, with at least a portion of which being comprised of a hard-sided shell.

The pocket 90 can also be used for decoration, so that a user can personalize their luggage. For example, the pocket 90 can be provided in a different color to the main body of the suitcase 10. Alternatively, or in addition, a logo, picture, decorative pattern or any other decoration can be provided on the pocket 90. This can enable a manufacturer to provide the shells 20 in a relatively small range of colors, but to enable consumers to select a large number of different pocket colors or decorations. The colors may include black, blue, red, yellow, orange, green, silver, any other color, or combinations thereof. The pockets 90 may also have different configurations to suit different items that a user may wish to store. For example, one large pocket may be provided, or the area can be split into two vertically extending narrow pockets, two horizontally extending shorter pockets, or any combination of differently sized and shaped pockets. If the pocket 90 is provided with a zipper that extends completely therearound, the user can change the pockets 90 at will, whereas if the pocket is attached to the suitcase 10 by a hinge, the pocket 90 is selectable upon initial purchase of the suitcase.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hard-sided suitcase 10 may include a left and right hard shell 20. The left and right hard shells 20 may be interconnected by one or more zippers 30. In one embodiment, the left and right hard shells 20 may be interconnected with an expandable zipper arrangement or an expandable gusset. The right hard shell 20 may be interconnected with a telescoping handle 50 and have one or more handles 60 on a top surface that are configured to provided for manual lifting of the hard-sided suitcase 10. The bottom of the left and right hard shells 20 may have a front and rear wheel set 70.

Each wheel set may have two or more rotatable wheels. Either or both of the left and right hard shells 20 may have an embedded or otherwise attached locking mechanism 80 for locking the left and right hard shells 20 together. The locking mechanism may be operated by manually entering a code, by key, by finger print reader, or other means.

The left hard shell 20 may be interconnected with a third, smaller hard shell. The third hard shell may be configured as a pocket shell 90. The pocket shell 90 may be smaller in size than the left hard shell 20. The pocket shell 90 may have a smaller width, a smaller height, and a smaller depth than the left hard shell 20. The pocket shell 90 may be interconnected with the left hard shell 20, the right hard shell 20, or other adjacent shell via a zipper attachment 100. The zipper attachment 100 may be an expandable zipper attachment or expandable gusset.

As shown in FIG. 2, during use, the pocket shell 90 may be opened from the surface of the left or adjacent, larger hard shell 20 via the zipper arrangement. The pocket shell 90 may have an interior expandable gusset or pocket lining 110. The expandable gusset or pocket lining 110 may be made of flexible and compressible fabric material, such as nylon. The expandable gusset or pocket lining 110 may define an open pocket that may be used to store items. The open pocket may be open on the top to facilitate manual placement of items into the open pocket in an unencumbered manner.

In one embodiment, the expandable gusset or pocket lining 110 may be partial or extend approximately half way the height of the pocket shell 90. The expandable section 110 may operate to collect and hold items, or operate with the hard pocket shell 90 to form an open pocket. The interior of the pocket area may include one or more zipper arrangements. Each interior zipper arrangement may be opened to reveal another storage area that is flush with an adjacent hard shell 20 or the pocket shell 90. After the placement of item(s) into the pocket, the expandable gusset or pocket lining 110 may collapse into the pocket area and be enclosed by the pocket shell 90 once the zipper arrangement with the adjacent hard shell 20 is closed.

I. Exemplary Embodiments

In one embodiment, a hard-sided suitcase may have a hard-sided zipper pocket. The hard-sided suitcase may include a left shell and a right shell configured to form a main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase, and a zipper mechanism configured to connect the left and right shells to form the main storage compartment and provide access to the main storage compartment. The hard-sided suitcase may include a small shell configured to be smaller than the left and right shells. The small shell may be interconnected with an adjacent shell via an expandable gusset. The adjacent shell may be one of the left and right shells. The hard-sided suitcase may further include a second zipper mechanism configured to openly interconnect the small shell with the adjacent shell. During use, the second zipper mechanism, upon being opened, may allow the small shell to be opened with respect to the adjacent shell at an angle, and the small shell may be held in place and at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell via the expandable gusset. As a result, the small shell may form an outer side of the hard-sided zipper pocket and the adjacent shell may form an inner side of the hard-sided zipper pocket.

The expandable gusset may form a front and back side of the hard-sided zipper pocket, and the hard-sided zipper pocket may be a four sided, open pocket. The left, right, and small shells may be manufactured from polycarbonate or a mixture thereof such that they retain there shape during use. The small and adjacent shells may be interconnected with a bottom hinged portion that has a hinge and facilitates the small shell opening at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell.

The second zipper mechanism may be directly or indirectly interconnected with the small shell. For instance, the second zipper mechanism may be sewn directly to the small shell, or indirectly connected by being sewn directly to a support frame on the small shell. The second zipper mechanism may be directly or indirectly interconnected with the adjacent shell. For instance, the second zipper mechanism may be directly attached to the adjacent shell via a length of flexible fabric, such as nylon, stitched to both the second zipper mechanism and the adjacent shell. The length of flexible fabric may be between approximately 0.1 inches and approximately 2.0 inches. In one embodiment, the length of flexible fabric may be approximately equal to or greater 0.5 or 1.0 inches.

The flexible fabric interconnecting the adjacent shell with the second zipper mechanism may be interconnected with or attached to a secondary, interior mesh pocket. The secondary mesh pocket may be opened and closed by an interior zipper mechanism within or in the vicinity of the hard-sided zipper pocket.

In another embodiment, a hard-sided suitcase may have a hard-sided zipper pocket. The hard-sided suitcase may include a left shell and a right shell configured to form a main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase. The left and right shells may be manufactured from polycarbonate or other thermoplastic based material. The hard-sided suitcase may include a zipper mechanism configured to openly interconnect the left and right shells with respect to each other and provide access to the main storage compartment. The hard-sided suitcase may include a small shell configured to be smaller than the left and right shells. The small shell may be interconnected with an adjacent one of the left and rights shells via a flexible zipper pocket lining.

The hard-sided suitcase may include a second zipper mechanism configured to openly interconnect the small shell with the adjacent shell such that the second zipper mechanism, upon being opened, allows the small shell to be opened with respect to the adjacent shell at an angle. The small shell may be held open and at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell via the flexible zipper pocket lining. As a result, the small shell may form an outer side of the hard-sided zipper pocket and the adjacent shell, or a portion thereof, may form an inner side of the hard-sided zipper pocket.

Also, the flexible zipper pocket lining may form a front and back side of the hard-sided zipper pocket such that the hard-sided zipper pocket may be a four sided, open pocket. The small and adjacent shells may be interconnected with a bottom hinged portion that facilitates the small shell opening at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell. The second zipper mechanism may be interconnected with the small shell, such as via a rim or frame, and the second zipper mechanism may be interconnected with the adjacent shell, such as via a length of flexible fabric stitched to a surface of the adjacent shell.

The flexible fabric interconnecting the adjacent shell may also be interconnected with, attached to, or include a secondary interior pocket. The secondary interior pocket may be opened and closed by an interior zipper mechanism within or in the vicinity of the hard-sided zipper pocket. The secondary interior pocket may be manufactured from netting or other see through material.

The height of the small shell may be less than a height of the adjacent shell, the width of the small shell may be less than a width of the adjacent shell, and the depth of the small shell may be less than a depth of the adjacent shell. The small shell may have other dimensions.

II. Exemplary Method

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method of manufacturing a hard-sided suitcase 300. The method 300 may include manufacturing a right and left hard shell 302, interconnecting the right and left hard shells via a zipper arrangement 304, manufacturing a small hard shell to form at least part of a hard shell zipper pocket 306, interconnecting the small hard shell to a surface of the right and/or left hard shell 308, and adding accessories to the hard-sided suitcase 310. The method 300 may include additional, fewer, or alternate actions.

The method 300 may include manufacturing a right and left hard shell 302. The right and left hard shells may be manufactured from ABS plastic, PVC, metal, plastic, forms of thermoplastic, polycarbonate, or any combination thereof or any combination of other plastics known in the art. The hard shells may be smooth and configured to be devoid of sharp corners. The hard shells may retain their shape during use and/or when the suitcase is empty. In one embodiment, the right and left hard shells may be configured to have the same or substantially the same shape and/or storage capacity. Alternatively, one of the hard shells may be larger than the other.

The method 300 may include interconnecting the right and left hard shells via a zipper arrangement 304. The zipper arrangement may be stitched or otherwise attached to the hard shells. The zipper arrangement may be stitched to a frame or rim extended around the exterior of either or both of the left and right hard shells. In one embodiment, the zipper arrangement may be an expandable zipper arrangement or gusset section that expands the size of the main storage container during use.

The method 300 may include manufacturing a smaller, pocket hard shell intended to define a hard-sided zipper pocket 306. The small hard shell may be manufactured from ABS plastic, PVC, metal, plastic, forms of thermoplastic, polycarbonate, or any combination thereof or any combination of other plastics known in the art. The small hard shell may be smooth and configured to be devoid of sharp corners. The small hard shell may retain its shape during use and/or when the suitcase is empty.

The method 300 may include interconnecting the small hard shell to a surface of an adjacent one of the right or left hard shells 308 either directly and/or indirectly. For instance, the small hard shell may be attached to an adjacent hard shell via a bottom hinge in the vicinity of a bottom hinge portion of the hard-sided suitcase. The small hard shell may also be openly interconnected with the adjacent shell via an zipper arrangement, an expandable zipper arrangement, a gusset, fabric, or other means. During use, an interior pocket lining portion sewn or otherwise attached to both the small hard shell and the adjacent shell may hold the small hard shell open and at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell, facilitating the placement of items into the open pocket area for storage.

The method 300 may include adding accessories to the hard-sided suitcase 310. For instance, fixed handles, telescoping handles, locking devices, wheels and other attachments may be added to the hard-sided suitcase. Additional, fewer, or alternate accessories may be added to the suitcase, including those discussed herein.

The arrangements described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other arrangements will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other arrangements may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Thus, although specific arrangements have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific arrangement shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments and arrangements of the invention. Combinations of the above arrangements, and other arrangements not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular arrangement(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments and arrangements falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hard-sided suitcase, the hard-sided suitcase comprising:

a plurality of polycarbonate shells for forming storage compartments of the hard-sided suitcase, wherein at least one of the plurality of polycarbonate shells is utilized for forming a hard-sided zipper pocket;

a zipper mechanism for connecting at least one pair of the plurality of polycarbonate shells to form a storage compartment of the storage compartments and for providing access to at least one storage compartment of the storage compartments; and

a second zipper mechanism for connecting the hard-sided zipper pocket to at least one of the plurality of polycarbonate shells, wherein the second zipper mechanism, upon being opened, causes the hard-sided zipper pocket to be opened, and wherein the second zipper mechanism, upon being closed, causes the hard-sided zipper pocket to be closed.

2. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, wherein the hard-sided zipper pocket comprises an expansion gusset and the second zipper mechanism, upon being opened, causes the hard-sided zipper pocket to be opened at an angle with respect to the at least one pair of the plurality of polycarbonate shells that form the storage compartment.

3. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, wherein the hard-sided zipper pocket comprises an open pocket.

4. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the plurality of polycarbonate shells utilized for forming the hard-sided zipper pocket is attached to one of the at least one pair of the plurality of polycarbonate shells that form the storage compartment via a bottom hinged portion that facilitates opening and closing the hard-sided zipper pocket.

5. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, wherein the second zipper mechanism is interconnected with the at least one of the plurality of polycarbonate shells utilized for forming the hard-sided zipper pocket via a rim, and the second zipper mechanism is interconnected with one of the at least one pair of the plurality of polycarbonate shells that form the storage compartment via a length of flexible fabric, the length of flexible fabric being approximately equal to or greater than half an inch.

6. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 5, wherein the length of flexible fabric interconnecting the second mechanism with one of the at least one pair of the plurality of polycarbonate shells that form the storage compartment is attached to a secondary interior mesh pocket located within the hard-sided zipper pocket, the secondary interior mesh pocket being opened and closed by an interior zipper mechanism.

7. A hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket, the hard-sided suitcase comprising:

a left shell and a right shell configured to form a main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase;

a zipper mechanism configured to connect the left and right shells to form the main storage compartment and provide access to the main storage compartment;

a small shell configured to be smaller than the left and right shells, the small shell being interconnected with an adjacent shell via an expandable gusset, the adjacent shell being one of the left and right shells; and

a second zipper mechanism configured to openly interconnect the small shell with the adjacent shell, wherein the second zipper mechanism, upon being opened, allows the small shell to be opened with respect to the adjacent shell at an angle, the small shell being held in place and at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell via the expandable gusset, such that the small shell forms an outer side of the hard-sided zipper pocket and the adjacent shell forms an inner side of the hard-sided zipper pocket.

8. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of claim 7, wherein the expandable gusset forms a front and back side of the hard-sided zipper pocket, the hard-sided zipper pocket being a four sided, open pocket.

9. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of claim 7, wherein the left, right, and small shells are manufactured from polycarbonate or a mixture thereof such that they retain there shape during use.

10. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of claim 7, wherein the small and adjacent shells are interconnected with a bottom hinged portion that facilitates the small shell opening at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell.

11. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of claim 7, wherein the second zipper mechanism is interconnected with the small shell via a support frame, and the second zipper mechanism is interconnected with the adjacent shell via a length of flexible fabric stitched to the adjacent shell, the length of flexible fabric extending approximately equal to or greater than half an inch from an exterior of the adjacent shell.

12. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of claim 11, wherein the flexible fabric interconnecting the adjacent shell is attached to a secondary interior pocket within the hard-sided zipper pocket, the secondary interior pocket being opened and closed by an interior zipper mechanism within or in the vicinity of the hard-sided zipper pocket.

13. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of claim 7, wherein a height of the small shell is less than a second height of the adjacent shell, and a width of the small shell is less than a second width of the adjacent shell.

14. A hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket, the hard-sided suitcase comprising:

a left shell and a right shell configured to form a main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase, the left and right shell being manufactured from polycarbonate or other thermoplastic based material;

a zipper mechanism configured to openly interconnect the left and right shells with respect to each other and provide access to the main storage compartment;

a small shell configured to be smaller than the left and right shells, the small shell being interconnected with an adjacent shell via a flexible zipper pocket lining, the adjacent shell being one of the left and right shells; and

a second zipper mechanism configured to openly interconnect the small shell with the adjacent shell, wherein the second zipper mechanism, upon being opened, allows the small shell to be opened with respect to the adjacent shell at an angle, the small shell being held open and at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell via the flexible zipper pocket lining, such that the small shell forms an outer side of the hard-sided zipper pocket and a portion of the adjacent shell forms an inner side of the hard-sided zipper pocket.

15. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of claim 14, wherein the flexible zipper pocket lining forms a front and back side of the hard-sided zipper pocket, the hard-sided zipper pocket being a four sided, open pocket.

16. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of claim 14, wherein the small and adjacent shells are interconnected with a bottom hinged portion that facilitates the small shell opening at an angle with respect to the adjacent shell.

17. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of claim 14, wherein the second zipper mechanism is interconnected with the small shell via a rim, and the second zipper mechanism is interconnected with the adjacent shell via a length of flexible fabric stitched to a surface of the adjacent shell.

18. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of claim 17, wherein the length of flexible fabric interconnecting the adjacent shell with the second zipper mechanism is attached to a secondary pocket located on an interior side of the hard-sided zipper pocket, the secondary pocket being opened and closed by an interior zipper mechanism within or in the vicinity of the hard-sided zipper pocket.

19. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of claim 18, wherein the secondary pocket is manufactured from netting or see through material.

20. The hard-sided suitcase having a hard-sided zipper pocket of claim 14, wherein a height of the small shell is less than a second height of the adjacent shell, and a width of the small shell is less than a second width of the adjacent shell.