TRAVEL CASES WITH REMOVABLE POCKETS

Abstract

A travel case with removable inserts, the case having opposed sides joined along one edge to form a base and the opposed sides defining an edge opposed to the base with a closure mechanism cooperatively positioned along the opposing edge and defining an interior volume. A plurality of rings fixedly attached to and spaced along the base within the interior volume. Each ring has an open orientation in which at least one end is separated to form an opening in the ring and a closed orientation in which the ring forms a continuous closed mounting element. An insert includes at least one pocket and has an attachment edge with a plurality of apertures defined adjacent the attachment edge. The apertures are spaced apart a distance so as to substantially align an aperture with each ring.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/,324,127 filed 14 Apr. 2010 and Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/,372,104 filed 10 Aug. 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to travel cases such as luggage, make-up cases, jewelry cases, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Travel cases, such as luggage, make-up cases, jewelry cases, and the like, are generally used to carry a large assortment of items which, if carried loosely within an enclosed case, can be extremely confusing and difficult to find or separate from the other items. In some prior art cases a few internal pockets are provided but generally not enough to separate the large variety of items carried. For example, the case may be used to carry several different items used by women for normal make-up (e.g. lipstick, comb, etc.), several different credit cards, driver's license, etc, money including bills and coins, small items of cloths (e.g. head scarf, handkerchief, etc., note pads for phone numbers, etc. All of these items can be easily mixed within a carrying case and virtually lost when quickly needed.

It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved travel case with removable pockets.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved travel case with removable pockets that allows the number of pockets to be altered in accordance with a present need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, to achieve the desired objects and aspects of the instant invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, provided is a travel case with removable inserts. The case has opposed sides joined along one edge to form a base and the opposed sides define an edge opposed to the base with a closure mechanism cooperatively positioned along the opposing edge and defining an interior volume. A plurality of rings are fixedly attached to and spaced along the base within the interior volume. Each ring has an open orientation in which at least one end is separated to form an opening in the ring and a closed orientation in which the ring forms a continuous closed mounting element. An insert includes at least one pocket and has an attachment edge with a plurality of apertures defined adjacent the attachment edge. The apertures are spaced apart a distance so as to substantially align an aperture with each ring. To engage the insert within the case the plurality of apertures of the insert are threaded onto the aligned rings and the aligned rings are moved to the closed orientation.

Desired objects and aspects of the instant invention are further achieved in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, in which a travel case with removable inserts has opposed sides joined along one edge to form an base, the opposed sides defining an edge opposed to the base, and a closure mechanism cooperatively positioned along the opposing edge of the opposed sides to define an interior volume between the opposed sides with the closure mechanism in a closed orientation. A spine is removably affixed to the base within the interior volume with a plurality of rings fixedly attached to and spaced along the spine. Each ring has an open orientation in which at least one end is separated from the spine and a closed orientation in which the ring forms a continuous closed mounting element. An operating mechanism is carried by the spine and is constructed to permit the plurality of rings to be moved between and held in either of the open or the closed orientations. An insert includes at least one pocket and has an attachment edge with a plurality of apertures defined adjacent the attachment edge. The plurality of apertures are spaced apart a distance so as to substantially align a different aperture of the plurality of apertures with each ring of the plurality of rings. To engage the insert within the case the plurality of apertures of the insert are threaded onto the aligned rings and the aligned rings are moved to the closed orientation. In a preferred embodiment the spine is removably affixed to the base by a fastener provided along an underside of the spine and an upper surface of the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and further and more specific objects and advantages of the instant invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a travel case or bag according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the travel bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the travel bag of FIG. 1 in an open orientation;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an inset pocket according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic view of an insert pocket, similar to the insert pocket illustrated in FIG. 4, as it would appear in a collapsed orientation;

FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic view of the insert pocket of FIG. 5 as it would appear in an expanded orientation;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an open travel bag or case with an insert pocket and removable attachment spine removed therefrom; and

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the travel bag of FIG. 7 in an open orientation and with the insert pocket and removable attachment spine inserted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Turning now to the drawings, attention is first directed to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 which illustrate a travel case or bag generally designated 10. It will be understood that travel bag 10 can be of a variety of sizes from small to large, and is intended to be any bag or case used to carry items, such as a handbag, luggage, jewelry cases, accessory cases, make-up bags, carry-on bags, and the like. Travel bag 10 includes opposing side portions 12 and 14 joined to an edge to form a base 15 and a closure mechanism 16 carried by at least one other edge to hold side portions 12 and 14 adjacent one another in a closed position defining an interior volume 18. Closure mechanism 16 can be any convenient mechanism, such as snap fasteners, clips, buckles, hook and loop fasteners such as that sold under the trademark Velcro, and the like. In some instances, such as women's handbags, the closure mechanism may be simply flexible stiffened lips or edges along the at least one other edge. In the present embodiment closure mechanism 16 is a zipper which extends from one end of base 12 around the edges of side portions 12 and 14 to the opposing end of base 15. It will be understood that base 15, in many applications of the present invention, will be the bottom of the bag or case, as in the application to jewelry cases, accessory bags, and the like, but can be what would be considered the side in a piece of luggage that is laid on its back and opened in a conventional manner.

Opposing side portions 12 and 14 are movable between an open position (e.g. FIG. 3) in which they are unattached by closure mechanism 16 and spread apart to permit access to interior volume 18 and a closed position (e.g. FIGS. 1 and 2) in which they are attached together by closure mechanism 16. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that open is any position other than closed. For example, a smaller make-up bag may open no further than uncoupling the closure mechanism and spreading apart the top edges of the opposing side portions. On large bags or cases, such as full luggage, it is desirable for the opposing sides 12 and 14 to be laid flat, essentially in a common plane, in the open position. Thus, opposing sides 12 and 14 must hinge at base 15 to permit approximately ninety degrees of movement. The degree of opening or separation of side portions 12 and 14 will be determined by the type of bag or case and the use to which the bag or case will be put.

Referring specifically to FIG. 3, travel bag 10 also includes a spine 20 carried by bag 10 generally overlying base 15 within volume 18 intermediate opposing side portions 12 and 14. Spine 20 includes binder rings 22 carried thereby and movable between an open orientation and a closed orientation. Typically two or more rings 22 will be employed and spaced along the length of spine 20 which extends at least a portion of the length of base 15. Rings 22 can be semi-circular, square, oblong, or substantially any “ring” shape as may be practicable or desired for a specific application. The term “ring” being used herein to define any of the shapes described above or hereafter in this disclosure. In a specific embodiment, rings 22 extend from spine 20 and are formed of two separable pieces, designated 22a and 22b. In the open orientation pieces 22a and 22b are separated into half rings with a space between the upper ends. In the closed orientation the upper ends of pieces 22a and 22b abut so as to form a continuous ring 22. In the closed orientation the rings form a continuous closed mounting element, as will be understood from the following description. An operating mechanism is carried by spine 20 which permits rings 22 to be handily moved between and held in either of the open or the closed orientations. The operating mechanism can include or be similar to, for example, the well known mechanism used in a traditional 3-ring notebook. Rings 22 can alternatively each be a single element with one end pivotally mounted in spine 20 and the other end releasably securable to spine 20.

Still referring to FIG. 3 with additional reference to FIG. 4 an insert 25 is illustrated. Insert 25 is preferably formed in a shape matching the shape of interior volume 18 although it will be understood that other shapes may be used in specific applications. Insert 25 includes a backing 27 with an attachment edge 28 and one or more carrying pockets 30. Pockets 30 are preferably formed of transparent or translucent material to allow contents to be easily viewed and identified or located. Pockets 30 may include closure mechanisms such as clips snaps, zippers, Velcro, and the like or they may simply be stiffened somewhat to provide automatic and natural closure. In the application illustrated the closure mechanisms are zippers 32. Single or multiple pockets 30 can be formed or provided on backing 27 as suggested by the intended use.

Attachment edge 28 includes reinforced apertures 34 spaced to match or align with rings 22. Apertures 34 are preferably reinforced with the use of grommets or similar apparatus. With specific reference to FIG. 3, insert 25 can be positioned within volume 18 of travel bag 10 and attached to travel bag 10 by means of rings 22. With rings 22 in the open orientation, apertures 34 can be threaded onto one of pieces 22a or 22b of each of rings 22 (one ring piece per aperture) and rings 22 can subsequently be moved to the closed orientation to securely hold inset 25 within volume 18. It will be understood that single or multiple inserts 25 can be carried within bag 10 and secured by rings 22. It will also be understood that inserts 25 can be provided in a variety of forms and shapes and multiple inserts secured within bag 10 can be the same or a variety of inserts depending upon the application and/or use. When ease of access is desired, rings 22 can be moved to the open orientation and some or all of inserts 25 can then be removed.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 5 and 6, pockets 30 in insert 25 may be formed, for example, with expandable pleats 36 formed therein, so as to be movable between a collapsed orientation (illustrated schematically in FIG. 5) and an expanded orientation (illustrated schematically in FIG. 6). Also or alternatively, it will be understood that pockets 30 may be formed with one or more stretchable or elastic portions so as to provide an expanded orientation.

In the specific embodiment illustrated, base 15 is preferably strengthened, by reinforcing material, such as a base plate 40 (see FIG. 1) having a first surface juxtaposed to base 15 and spine 20 and an opposing surface which can include, for example, support feet 42 or can include wheels and the like, depending upon the bag or case size and use.

Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8 a somewhat different travel case or bag generally designated 10′ is illustrated. It will be understood that travel bag 10′ can be of a variety of sizes from small to large, and is intended to be any bag or case used to carry items, such as a handbag, luggage, jewelry cases, accessory cases, make-up bags, carry-on bags, and the like. Travel bag 10′ includes opposing side portions 12′ and 14′ joined to an edge to form a base 15′ and a closure mechanism 16′ carried by at least one other edge to hold side portions 12′ and 14′ adjacent one another in a closed position defining an interior volume 18′. Closure mechanism 16′ can be any convenient mechanism, such as snap fasteners, clips, buckles, hook and loop fasteners such as that sold under the trademark Velcro, and the like. In the present embodiment closure mechanism 16′ is a zipper which extends from one end of base 12′ around the edges of side portions 12′ and 14′ to the opposing end of base 15′. It will be understood that base 15′, in many applications of the present invention, will be the bottom of the bag or case, as in the application to jewelry cases, accessory bags, and the like, but can be what would be considered the side in a piece of luggage that is laid on its back and opened in a conventional manner.

Opposing side portions 12′ and 14′ are movable between an open position (e.g. FIGS. 7 and 8) in which they are unattached by closure mechanism 16′ and spread apart to permit access to interior volume 18′ and a closed position in which they are attached together by closure mechanism 16′. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that open is any position other than closed. For example, a smaller make-up bag may open no further than uncoupling the closure mechanism and spreading apart the top edges of the opposing side portions. On large bags or cases, such as full luggage, it is desirable for the opposing sides 12′ and 14′ to be laid flat, essentially in a common plane, in the open position. Thus, opposing sides 12′ and 14′ must hinge at base 15′ to permit approximately ninety degrees of movement. The degree of opening or separation of side portions 12′ and 14′ will be determined by the type of bag or case and the use to which the bag or case will be put.

Also illustrated in FIG. 7 are a spine 20′ and an insert 25′, separated from bag 10′ in this illustration. Spine 20′ is designed to be carried by bag 10′ in a generally overlying position on base 15′ within volume 18′ intermediate opposing side portions 12′ and 14′. Spine 20′ includes binder rings 22′ carried thereby and movable between an open orientation and a closed orientation. Typically two or more rings 22′ will be employed and spaced along the length of spine 20′ which extends at least a portion of the length of base 15′. Rings 22′ can be semi-circular, square, oblong, or substantially any “ring” shape as may be practicable or desired for a specific application. In a specific embodiment, rings 22′ extend from spine 20′ and are formed of two separable pieces. In the open orientation the pieces are separated into half rings with a space between the upper ends. In the closed orientation the upper ends of the pieces abut so as to form a continuous ring 22′. An operating mechanism is carried by spine 20′ which permits rings 22′ to be handily moved between and held in either of the open or the closed orientations. The operating mechanism can include or be similar to, for example, the well known mechanism used in a traditional 3-ring notebook. Rings 22′ can alternatively each be a single element with one end pivotally mounted in spine 20′ and the other end releasably securable to spine 20′.

Spine 20′, in this specific embodiment, is removable from base 15′ and bag 10′. A fastener or fasteners are provided along the underside of spine 20′ and the upper surface of base 15′ for engaging spine 20′ in the overlying relationship to base 15′. In the present embodiment the fastener or fasteners are hook and loop fasteners such as that sold under the trademark Velcro. Other fasteners, such as snaps, clips and the like can be used. The major purpose is to facilitate easy and convenient installation, and removal, of spine 20′ into a semi-fixed engagement with base 15′ within bag 10′.

Insert 25′, illustrated separate from bag 10′ in FIG. 7 and installed or engaged within bag 10′ in FIG. 8, is preferably formed in a shape matching the shape of interior volume 18′ although it will be understood that other shapes may be used in specific applications. Insert 25′ includes a backing with an attachment edge and one or more carrying pockets. The pockets may be formed of transparent or translucent material to allow contents to be easily viewed and identified or located. It will be understood, however, that insert 25′ may be a single pocket with no backing included for certain applications. Also, the pockets may include closure mechanisms such as clips snaps, zippers, Velcro, and the like or they may simply be stiffened somewhat to provide automatic and natural closure. Single or multiple pockets can be formed or provided on the backing or without specific backing as suggested by the intended use.

Insert 25′ includes an attachment edge with reinforced apertures 34′ spaced to match or align with rings 22′. Apertures 34′ are preferably reinforced with the use of grommets or similar apparatus. With specific reference to FIG. 8, insert 25′ can be positioned within volume 18′ of travel bag 10′ and attached to travel bag 10′ by means of rings 22′. With rings 22′ in the open orientation, apertures 34′ can be threaded onto one of each of rings 22′ (one ring per aperture) and rings 22′ can subsequently be moved to the closed orientation to securely hold inset 25′ within volume 18′. It will be understood that single or multiple inserts 25′ can be carried within bag 10′ and secured by rings 22′. It will also be understood that inserts 25′ can be provided in a variety of forms and shapes and multiple inserts secured within bag 10′ can be the same or a variety of inserts depending upon the application and/or use. When ease of access is desired, rings 22′ can be moved to the open orientation and some or all of inserts 25′ can then be removed.

Thus, a new and improved travel case with removable inserts each formed with one or more pockets has been disclosed. The new and improved travel case is designed to have one or more inserts engaged therein that allow the number of pockets to be altered in accordance with a present need. Further, each insert can be designed for a specific purpose or for general use. Also, the inserts can be quickly and easily installed or removed and can be easily and conveniently removed temporarily for obtaining items stored in the pockets. In a preferred embodiment, a spine with multiple insert mounting rings is designed to be removably carried in a bag or case. The spine and insert mounting rings can generally be temporarily and removably mounted in substantially any bag or case to allow the easy and convenient installation of one or more inserts each with one or more pockets.

Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof which is assessed only by a fair interpretation of the following claims.

Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same, the invention claimed is:

Claims

1. A travel case with removable inserts comprising:

a travel case having opposed sides joined along one edge to form a base, the opposed sides defining an edge opposed to the base, and a closure mechanism cooperatively positioned along the opposing edge of the opposed sides to define an interior volume between the opposed sides with the closure mechanism in a closed orientation;

a plurality of rings fixedly attached to and spaced along the base within the interior volume, each ring having an open orientation in which at least one end is separated to form an opening in the ring and a closed orientation in which the ring forms a continuous closed mounting element; and

an insert including at least one pocket and having an attachment edge with a plurality of apertures defined adjacent the attachment edge, the plurality of apertures being spaced apart a distance so as to substantially align a different aperture of the plurality of apertures with each ring of the plurality of rings.

2. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 1 and further including a spine affixed to the base within the interior volume with the plurality of rings being fixedly attached to and spaced along the spine, each ring having an open orientation in which at least one end is separated from the spine and a closed orientation in which the ring forms a continuous closed mounting element.

3. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 2 and further including an operating mechanism carried by the spine, the operating mechanism being constructed to permit the plurality of rings to be moved between and held in either of the open or the closed orientations.

4. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 2 wherein the spine and plurality of rings fixedly attached to the spine are removable from the base and the interior volume.

5. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 1 wherein the opposed sides of the travel case are hinged at the base to permit approximately ninety degrees of movement whereby the opposing sides can be opened to lie approximately flat on a surface.

6. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of apertures of the insert are threaded onto the aligned rings of the plurality of rings and the aligned rings are moved to the closed orientation.

7. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 1 wherein each aperture of the plurality of apertures of the insert is reinforced with a grommet.

8. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one pocket of the insert includes a closure mechanism cooperatively positioned along opposing edges to define an interior volume in a closed orientation.

9. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 1 further including a plurality of inserts, each insert including at least one pocket and having an attachment edge with a plurality of apertures defined adjacent the attachment edge, the plurality of apertures being spaced apart a distance so as to substantially align a different aperture of the plurality of apertures with each ring of the plurality of rings.

10. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 1 wherein the insert has a shape approximately the same as the travel case.

11. A travel case with removable inserts comprising:

a travel case having opposed sides joined along one edge to form a base, the opposed sides defining an edge opposed to the base, and a closure mechanism cooperatively positioned along the opposing edge of the opposed sides to define an interior volume between the opposed sides with the closure mechanism in a closed orientation;

a spine affixed to the base within the interior volume with a plurality of rings fixedly attached to and spaced along the spine, each ring having an open orientation in which at least one end is separated from the spine and a closed orientation in which the ring forms a continuous closed mounting element, and including an operating mechanism carried by the spine, the operating mechanism being constructed to permit the plurality of rings to be moved between and held in either of the open or the closed orientations; and

an insert including at least one pocket and having an attachment edge with a plurality of apertures defined adjacent the attachment edge, the plurality of apertures being spaced apart a distance so as to substantially align a different aperture of the plurality of apertures with each ring of the plurality of rings.

12. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 11 wherein the spine and plurality of rings fixedly attached to the spine are removable from the base and the interior volume.

13. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 11 wherein the opposed sides of the travel case are hinged at the base to permit approximately ninety degrees of movement whereby the opposing sides can be opened to lie approximately flat on a surface.

14. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 11 wherein the plurality of apertures of the insert are threaded onto the aligned rings of the plurality of rings and the aligned rings are moved to the closed orientation.

15. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 11 wherein each aperture of the plurality of apertures of the insert is reinforced with a grommet.

16. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 11 wherein the at least one pocket of the insert includes a closure mechanism cooperatively positioned along opposing edges to define an interior volume in a closed orientation.

17. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 11 further including a plurality of inserts, each insert including at least one pocket and having an attachment edge with a plurality of apertures defined adjacent the attachment edge, the plurality of apertures being spaced apart a distance so as to substantially align a different aperture of the plurality of apertures with each ring of the plurality of rings.

18. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 11 wherein the insert has a shape approximately the same as the travel case.

19. A travel case with removable inserts comprising:

a travel case having opposed sides joined along one edge to form a base, the opposed sides defining an edge opposed to the base, and a closure mechanism cooperatively positioned along the opposing edge of the opposed sides to define an interior volume between the opposed sides with the closure mechanism in a closed orientation;

a spine removably affixed to the base within the interior volume with a plurality of rings fixedly attached to and spaced along the spine, each ring having an open orientation in which at least one end is separated from the spine and a closed orientation in which the ring forms a continuous closed mounting element, and including an operating mechanism carried by the spine, the operating mechanism being constructed to permit the plurality of rings to be moved between and held in either of the open or the closed orientations; and

an insert including at least one pocket and having an attachment edge with a plurality of apertures defined adjacent the attachment edge, the plurality of apertures being spaced apart a distance so as to substantially align a different aperture of the plurality of apertures with each ring of the plurality of rings.

20. A travel case with removable inserts as claimed in claim 19 wherein the spine is removably affixed to the base by a fastener provided along an underside of the spine and an upper surface of the base.