COMPACT LUGGAGE

Abstract

A portable storage device comprising an openable outer enclosure, an inner storage compartment which is compressible by evacuation of air from the compartment and a pump integrated into the outer enclosure for evacuating the inner storage compartment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of storage devices and in particular travel bags suitable for transport of luggage, such as suitcases. More specifically the present invention relates to a portable storage device such as a suitcase with at least one compartment which allows more compact storage of items.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There have previously been suitcase designs with compartmentalized storage chambers for articles. Users who require portable storage to pack articles for travel may use such designs. Articles may comprise clothing which, when packed, occupy relatively large volumes. Some prior designs offer compartmentalized storage chambers that allow users to pack articles in an effective and efficient manner for ease of retrieval. However the volumetric packing efficiency of these prior designs is limited. The volume of space occupied by the articles can quickly fill the available capacity in many storage designs.

To effectively store articles in a storage device such as a suitcase, a user generally must compress the articles in order to minimize their volume. The elastic forces of the fibres of the clothing do not allow the clothing to retain a minimum storage configuration without some additional manual force applied to compress them into the storage chambers of the case. In other fields of use, for example for long-term storage to obtain maximum storage efficiency some designs have been developed that rely on placing clothing in pre-made vacuum bags that can compress clothing when attached to an external vacuum source such as a vacuum cleaner.

However there is still a need for more compact storage of travel items within a suitcase.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a portable storage device comprising an outer enclosure or casing, an inner storage compartment compressible by evacuation of air from the compartment and a pump for evacuating the inner storage compartment. Desirably the pump is built in.

With prior art vacuum storage bags that require a separate vacuum pump in order to achieve compression of the articles, their effectiveness and convenience of use is limited as vacuum sources are not readily available when a user is in transit. With the present invention storing articles of travel in a compressed manner in a storage device such as a suitcase, without the disadvantage and inconvenience of using separate bags and separate vacuum units, is a substantial improvement in travel convenience. Articles of clothing to be stored inside a suitcase can be kept together in the confines of the suitcase with little or no wrinkling. The present invention provides suitcases that can accommodate more contents than would be usual within a given volume. For example a greater amount of contents such as clothing can be packed into the suitcase without any substantial change to the outer dimensions of the suitcase itself. The suitcase can be opened, and the vacuum released, and then closed again and the vacuum reapplied even when in transit.

This provides the advantage of reducing the volume of the inner compartment allowing further items to be stored in the device. Having a built in pump obviates the need for a separate pump to evacuate air from the storage compartment. A further advantage is that items such as articles of clothing may be stored with little or no wrinkling. The pump may be a manually operable pump for example by foot or by hand for example a manually reciprocated pump. The inner storage compartment will typically be substantially airtight so that when vacuum is applied, the reduced pressure is held by it.

The inner compartment is desirably attached to the pump. For example a valve arrangement may be use to interconnect the pump to the inner compartment. Desirably the inner compartment is detachable and so is detachably fitted to the pump via the valve arrangement.

The pump may comprise an extendable handle which slideably fits inside an outer housing and wherein the outer housing is recessed into the storage device, for example in the outer enclosure thereof. For example the outer housing may slideably fit inside a recess in the outer enclosure. Applying a pumping action to the handle applies suction to the (optionally removable) inner compartment and thus allows air to be removed from the inner storage compartment.

The handle desirably has dual functionality namely (i) operating as a normal handle to allow the device to be gripped manually for example for lifting, pushing or pulling and (ii) being operable to remove air from the inner storage compartment. For example the handle may comprise a mechanism to allow it be switched between these two functions.

Such functionality allows the device to be easily switched between modes/functions while in transit. The device can be pushed or pulled while in transit. Operating the switching mechanism then allows (further) pumping to be applied to the device if necessary, without the need for any further external equipment.

The inner storage compartment may be removable from the outer enclosure. This allows for easier packing of bulky items into the inner storage compartment which it turn allows for the volume of the bulky items to be reduced by removing air from the inner compartment.

The inner compartment of the storage device may further comprise a means for fixing the inner compartment to the outer enclosure, for example an inner face to the outer enclosure. Any suitable means for releasably attaching one to the other may be used.

The means for fixing may comprise an opening with a one-way valve to allow evacuation of the inner compartment by a pump or other means. This allows the inner compartment to be fixed in place to the outer enclosure to facilitate the pumping of air from the inner compartment. Fixing the inner compartment to the outer enclosure in this manner ensures that there is an air-tight connection which allows for effective evacuation of air from the inner compartment.

The storage device may further comprise a removable non-compressible compartment. This compartment is suitable for storing items which cannot be compressed or items that it is not desirable to apply a compressive force.

The storage device may be wheeled, for example it may further comprise wheels substantially recessed into the outer enclosure. This provides for easier storage of the device in restricted spaces, for example in air craft cabins.

The outer enclosure of the storage device may be formed from lightweight material such as polypropylene. This has the advantage of being lightweight and durable. The outer enclosure may be constructed so as to be flexible or rigid.

The inner storage compartment may be made from a plastics material, for example polyurethane. This has the advantage of being lightweight and waterproof.

The inner storage compartment may be substantially cuboid in shape. In general the inner storage compartment will have at least one dimension, which is greater than that of the outer enclosure. For example the inner storage compartment may have a height that is greater than the internal height of the (closed) outer enclosure. This means that when filled and before evacuated it accommodates a greater amount of contents than would allow the outer enclosure to close. However when evacuated the inner storage compartment will have reduced dimensions (for example reduced height) that allow it to be accommodated within the outer enclosure.

The inner storage compartment may be rigid, for example have a rigid rim about its length and breadth (and desirably its periphery), which prevents the compartment from becoming amorphous when evacuated. The rigidity, for example the rim, keeps the periphery of the compartment in shape by preventing it from collapsing (but still allowing a compression in the direction of the height of the compartment) in these dimensions when evacuated and allows the compartment to maintain its shape thus allowing the compartment to be removably inserted into, for example slot into and out of, the outer enclosure. In this respect the inner storage compartment can be considered an insertable cartridge which is sufficiently rigid to allow it to retain its peripheral shape so as to easily insertable and removable, yet which has a (vacuum) collapsible dimension (for example in the height direction) for allowing more compact storage.

The storage device may further comprise a stabiliser that may be deployed to stabilise the device (against toppling over) when pumping is taking place. Desirably the stabiliser is stowable, for example substantially recessed in the device, when not in use. The stabiliser may comprise a foot plate or flat area, for example moveable from a position substantially parallel to the outer enclosure to a position substantially perpendicular to the outer enclosure. This has the advantage of stabilising the device when a pumping action is applied to the device. It can also further stabilise the device in an upright position whether or not pumping is taking place. It may simply be a foot plate (of any type) onto which the foot of a user can be placed for stabilising the storage device during pumping evacuation of the air.

The storage device may have outer dimensions of up to about 50 cm×40 cm×20 cm. This has the advantage of being within an approved upper size limitation for cabin baggage for travel on European airlines.

The device may further comprise a scale to display the weight of the device and its contents when the device is suspended by the handle. This has the advantage of allowing a user to determine the weight of the device and its contents. This can be particular useful if the device is to be transported as cabin baggage onto an aircraft where strict weight restrictions apply.

The invention may further comprise a portable storage device comprising an outer enclosure enclosing a main storage area consisting of two substantially rectangular shaped parts attached and hinged on one side; an inner storage compartment which is compressible by evacuation of air from the compartment; a pump integrated into the outer enclosure for evacuating the inner storage compartment; a further non-compressible inner storage compartment which is accessible through an opening in one part of the outer enclosure allowing access to the compartment without opening the main storage area. Such an arrangement provides the advantage of allow quick access to items without the need to open the main storage area. This is particular advantageous if the storage device is stowed in a space restricted area for example an overhead baggage store in an aircraft.

It will be appreciated that the present invention discloses the above concepts and others in the detailed description below (including features disclosed with reference to specific embodiments). The present invention encompasses each and every combination of those features.

The invention extends to a storage device, such as a suitcase, substantially as described herein, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable storage device of the invention in the form of a suitcase and in a closed configuration;

FIG. 2 is a close up view of the top end of the device with the handle shown in an unextended or retracted configuration;

FIG. 3 is a view of the device in a partially open configuration showing the outside of the outer enclosure and with the handle shown in an extended configuration;

FIG. 4 is a view of the device in a fully open configuration showing the inside of the device;

FIG. 5 is a view of the device in a fully open configuration showing the non-compressible compartment removed from the device.

FIG. 6 is a view of the device in an open configuration showing the compressible compartment removed from the outer enclosure.

FIG. 7 is a view of the device in an open configuration showing the compressible compartment removed from the outer enclosure. The compressible compartment is shown in an open uncompressed state;

FIG. 8 is a view of the device in a configuration suitable from pumping air from the compressible compartment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a storage device 1 of the invention in the form of a suitcase and in a closed configuration. The device 1 comprises a front outer enclosure or casing portion 2, a rear outer enclosure or casing portion 3, handles 4 for lifting the device 1 and an openable cover 5 on the top end of the device 1. The cover 5 is openable separately from the storage device 1 itself and also the main internal storage compartment 9 (see FIG. 4) and allows access to items within the storage device 1.

The two portions 2,3 of the casing may be opened relative to each other. A lock 6 is provided which provides a means of securely closing the device 1. The lock 6 may be a lock 6 of the type approved for travel luggage by the Transport Security Administration (TSA). The external dimensions of the device 1 may be within an upper size limitation for cabin baggage allowed by European airlines. For example, the external dimensions of the device 1 may be up to 50 cm×40 cm×20 cm.

The outer casing 2,3 portions of the device 1 may be produced from lightweight, strong materials such as injection moulded or vacuum formed polypropylene. Handles 4 may be fixed to the outer casing 2,3 by way of machined mounting points. The mounting points may be aluminium.

FIG. 2 shows a switch 7 on the rear of the device 1 which allows for an extendable handle 8 mechanism to be switched between a function allowing the handle 8 to be used as a normal handle (for example in the extended position of FIG. 3) and thus the device 1 to be pushed or pulled by the user and an evacuation function which allows the user to reciprocate the handle 8 to remove air from a compressible inner storage compartment 9 through a vent 10 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) in the outer casing 2,3.

With the switch 7 in an “On” position, the handle 8 acts as a pump. Air can be removed from the compressible compartment 9 by performing a pumping action using the extendable handle 8 of the device 1. With the switch 7 in an “Off” position, the handle works as a conventional handle for the storage device 1. The pumping action will be described in further detail below.

FIG. 3 is a view of the device 1 in a partially open configuration showing the outside of the outer casing 2,3 and with the handle shown in an extended configuration. The handle further comprises a handgrip 11 attached to a telescopic pole 12 which slideably fits inside an outer housing 13. The outer housing 13 is recessed into the storage device, in the outer enclosure thereof. In the embodiment the outer housing 13 slideably fits inside a recess 14 in the outer casing 2,3. When the extendable handle 8 is in its unextended position, the handgrip 11 is adapted to be substantially flush with the surface of the outer casing 2,3. FIG. 3 further shows, a stabiliser 15 which is arranged as a fold out component, and acts as a stand or foot plate, which can be used to stabilise the device 1 when the pumping action is taking place. It is envisaged that, the stabiliser 15 may be pulled down from the outer casing 2,3 such that a flat area 16 is perpendicular to the side of the device 1 when the device 1 is in an upright position. Placing a foot on the flat area 16 or otherwise applying a downward force on the flat area 16 allows the device 1 to be further stabilised when a pumping action is being applied to the handle of the device 1. The fold out component 15 allows for easy control when the pump is being used and further provides added stability when standing the device upright as it allows the bag to be secured by placing a foot on the flat area 16. The flat area may be a foot plate of any type onto which the foot of a user can be placed for stabilising the storage device during pumping evacuation of the air.

FIG. 4 shows the device 1 in an open configuration. The compressible inner storage compartment 9 can be seen as well as the separate (and desirably non-compressible) compartment 17. The separate compartment 17 may be arranged so as to slide in and out of the device 1, for example for ease of access thereto.

A zip 18 or other opening on one side of the compressible inner storage compartment 9 allows items to be placed in and removed from the compartment. FIG. 4 shows the compressible inner compartment in a compressed state. In an uncompressed state, the compartment 9 may be approximately 2.5 times the volume of the outer case. This compartment 9 is airtight when zipped. The compartment may be made of a plastic material, for example polyurethane.

FIG. 5 again shows the device 1 in an open configuration. The non-compressible compartment 17 is seen removed form the outer casing 2,3. The non-compressible compartment 17 may be removed easily from the main storage area 19. It may comprise an openable lid 20. The non-compressible compartment 17 may be further accessible via opening 5 in the outer casing 2,3 of the suitcase. The compartment may further comprise a lipped edge 24 to ensure that items will not spill from the compartment if removed quickly. The opening 5 in the outer casing 2,3 allows easy access from the top of the device 1. This is particularly suitable for gaining access to items when a user is on the move. It is further suitable for providing access to items when the device 1 is stored in overhead compartment, as it allows access to items without opening the main storage area 19.

FIG. 6 shows the compressible compartment 9 removed from the outer casing 2,3. Once again, the compressible compartment is shown in a compressed state. The compressible compartment may be fixed to the outer casing 2,3 on a raised mount 25 on the inner wall of the outer casing 2,3. The mount 25 further comprises a one-way valve 26 which allows air to be removed from the compressible compartment without letting air escape back in to the compressible compartment. The inner storage compartment may further have a rigid rim 32 about its length and breadth (and desirably its periphery) which prevents the compartment from becoming amorphous when evacuated. The rigid rim allows the compartment to maintain a substantially rectangular shape in these dimensions thus allowing the compartment to be removeably inserted into, for example slot into and out of the outer enclosure. The inner storage compartment may be an insertable cartridge which is sufficiently rigid to allow it to retain its peripheral shape so as to be easily insertable and removable, yet which has a (vacuum) collapsible dimension (for example in the height direction) for allowing more compact storage.

The action of compressing and decompressing the compressible compartment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The compressible inner storage compartment 9 is unzipped and opened. Items, for example clothing, to be stored are placed into the compartment 9. The compartment 9 is placed into the open outer casing 2,3. The compartment 9 is fixed to the raised mount 25 on the inner wall of the outer casing 2,3 with a corresponding receiving mount 27 which is located on the opposing side to the openable side of the compartment 9. This receiving mount 27 also comprises a one way valve 28, which allows air to be removed from the compartment 9. Desirably the compartment 9 is detachable and so is detachably fitted to the pump via the valve 26 arrangement.

The switch 7 is placed in the “ON” position and the fold out component 15 should be folded out. With the compartment 9 connected to the outer casing 2,3, pulling the handle from its position where it is flush with the top surface of the outer casing 2,3 to a position where it is fully extended, has the effect of drawing air from the compartment 9, through the one way valve 28 and out through a vent 10 or other opening 5 on the side of the outer casing 2,3. Air is prevented from returning to the compartment 9 by the one way valve 28. Thus, the compartment 9 is compressed by the removal of air. Repeating this motion draws more air from the compartment 9 and thus the compartment 9 is further compressed. The compartment 9 may have its volume reduced by about 50% to about 75% compared to its uncompressed volume by performing such action. In this way, further items may be placed into the device 1 than would otherwise be accommodated thus utilizing the added capacity created by reducing the volume of the compressible compartment. The amount of volume reduction achievable will depend on the nature of the items within the compressible compartment.

There is a further possibility of removing air from the compartment 9 by placing a suction device, for example a vacuum cleaner, at the vent 10 on the side of the outer casing 2,3 and allowing the vacuum cleaner to suck air from the compartment 9 through the vent 10.

It is envisaged that the compressible storage compartment 9, pump mount 25 and handle/pump component 8 could also be transferred to other baggage types for example, low cost cloth luggage to rucksacks and even beach baggage. The compartment 9 may be dimensioned to be suitable for use in many types of backpacks or travel bags. The compartment 9 may be dimensioned to be suitable for use in many types of backpack, travel bags or even laptop sized bags. The compartment 9 may be dimensioned to be suitable for use as an attachment for a vehicle, for example a bicycle or a motorcycle. In this embodiment, two bags may be attached in a pannier arrangement.

The storage device 1 described above may also comprise a scale on the top section of the outer casing 2,3 which would give an accurate reading of the weight of bag. A mechanism attached to the extendable handle 8 would allow the weight of the bag to be measured when the device 1 is suspended by one of the handles 4 or by the extendable handle 8.

The device 1 may also comprise low level castors 31 located in a recessed area on the base of the outer casing 2,3 to minimise the impact on luggage storage space.

The words “comprises/comprising” and the words “having/including” when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Claims

1. A portable storage device comprising:

an openable outer enclosure;

an inner storage compartment which is compressible by evacuation of air from the compartment;

a pump integrated into the storage device for evacuating the inner storage compartment.

2. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the pump comprises an extendable handle comprising an inner segment which slideably fits inside an outer segment wherein

the outer segment slideably fits inside a recess in the outer enclosure and wherein applying a pumping action to the handle allows air to be removed from the inner storage compartment.

3. The storage device of claim 2 further comprising a switch permitting the extendable handle mechanism to be switched between a function allowing the device to be pushed or pulled by the user to a function which allows the user to remove air from the inner storage compartment.

4. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the inner storage compartment is removable from the outer enclosure.

5. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the inner storage compartment is substantially cuboid in shape and further comprises a rigid rim about its length and breadth which prevents the compartment from collapsing in these dimensions when evacuated.

6. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the inner storage compartment comprises a means for fixing the inner compartment to the outer enclosure comprising an opening with a one way valve to allow evacuation of the inner compartment by a pump or other means.

7. The storage device of claim 1 further comprising a removable non-compressible compartment.

8. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the outer enclosure is formed from lightweight material such as polypropylene.

9. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the inner storage compartment is made from a plastics material, for example polyurethane.

10. The storage device of claim 1 further comprising a flat area moveable from a position substantially parallel to the outer enclosure to a position substantially perpendicular to the outer enclosure wherein applying a force to the area while in the substantially perpendicular position stabilises the device.

11. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the device has dimensions of about 50 cm×40 cm×20 cm.

12. The device of claim 2 further comprising a scale to display the weight of the device and its contents when the device is suspended by the handle.

13. The storage device of claim 1 further comprising wheels recessed into the outer enclosure.

14. A portable storage device comprising:

an outer enclosure enclosing a main storage area consisting of two substantially rectangular shaped parts attached and hinged on one side;

an inner storage compartment which is compressible by evacuation of air from the compartment;

a pump integrated into the outer enclosure for evacuating the inner storage compartment;

a further non-compressible inner storage compartment which is accessible through an opening in one part of the outer enclosure allowing access to the compartment without opening the main storage area.