SUITCASE SYSTEM WITH DETACHABLE GARMENT BAG

Abstract

A suitcase system including a duffel bag and removably attachable garment bag. The duffel bag comprises a flexible yet robust basket comprising panels having at least one basket fastener disposed within a thickness of at least one of the panels. The garment bag is flexible yet robust and comprises panels having at least one garment fastener disposed with a thickness of at least one of the panels. The duffel bag and the garment bag are removably attached by virtue of automatic engagement among the basket fastener and the garment fastener, the bottom of the duffel bag being free from obstruction by the garment bag. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the aforementioned fasteners are complementarily aligned magnets. The duffel bag and the garment bag are optionally engaged to provide a creaseless and seamless unified luggage article suitable for carrying clothing and personal effects. Moreover, wherein the basket and garment bag are optionally disengaged, a duffel bag and a garment bag are provided herein that are separate from one another and configured for comprehensive use as independent luggage articles.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/121,153, filed on Feb. 26, 2015.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to suitcases, luggage, and bags. More specifically, the present invention relates to a suitcase system comprising a carrying bag for housing personal effects, such as a duffel bag, combined with a detachable garment bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Suitcases are generally used to hold one's clothing and other possessions, particularly during travel. The dimensions, quantity, and nature of the items to be housed in a given suitcase vary widely among individuals, and thus millions of totes, purses, cases, duffels, trunks, and carrying bags are sold each year around the world in an attempt to accommodate the myriad luggage needs (and styles) of consumers. In fact, at least one source indicates that the global luggage market in 2015 will exceed 30 billion U.S. dollars (see http://www.statist.com/topics/1320/luggage-market-worldwide/).

In its simplest form, a suitcase may include at least one primary compartment, often formed of durable fabric or a lightweight hard material, and a carrying mechanism, such as a strap, handles, wheels, or various combinations thereof. Personal items, such as clothing, shoes, and toiletries, are typically folded, packed, and jammed together in the primary compartment, although ancillary pockets may be provided to store smaller items. Once the items are packed, the suitcase is often oriented in different positions as it is transported, and in many instances, such as during airline travel, the suitcase may be tossed around and inverted many times before it reaches its destination.

All of this jamming and jostling results in undesirable stress applied to the suitcase contents, particularly garments that may be irreparably damaged or soiled while forcibly comingling with other items. Additionally, many garments become heavily wrinkled under the pressure of a suitcase, whether jam-packed or otherwise affected by gravity, and such items must then be painstakingly ironed to restore them to an original and pristine state for wearing. Several attempts to resolve these problems are exhibited in the prior art.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,693,368 to King et al. discloses a combination suitcase and garment bag enclosure, wherein the garment bag enclosure is integral with and non-detachable from the suitcase.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,416,066 to Chemoff discloses a wheeled suitcase comprising a soft garment bag designed to be fully wrapped around a suitcase core. The wrapping process is involved, and it first requires the bag to be secured at a first end to the core via a fastener, such as a zipper. Then, the core must be lifted, rolled, and pressed upon the garment bag as the latter progressively envelops the core perimeter. Thereafter, the garment bag must be finally secured at a second end to the suitcase using multiple fasteners, such as zippers, clips, or buckles.

United States Patent Publication Number 2013/0264162 to Kogelnik discloses a wheeled suitcase comprising an at least partially rigid shell folded or rolled around a core, thereby forming a defined space between the shell and core in which a garment may be housed. The suitcase of Kogelnik is designed to stand and be transported in an upright position, such that a longitudinal axis of the shell is oriented perpendicular to the horizon. Thus, the shell contents may shift, slouch, or wrinkle under the effects of gravity on the case during normal use. Moreover, Kogelnik relies on a rigid or semi-rigid material composition in order to define the space intended to protect a garment provided between the shell and core, and also to adequately incorporate a carrying mechanism comprised of wheels and pull-out bars.

In light of the foregoing, there remains a pervasive unmet need in the art for a suitcase system with a conveniently detachable garment bag that protects garments from wrinkling while optionally remaining integral with a versatile suitcase designed to accommodate the rigors of everyday use, as described herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To meet the needs described above, the present disclosure provides a novel and inventive suitcase system with a detachable garment bag.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a suitcase system comprised of a duffel bag and detachable garment bag combination, although both bags may be used independently of one another. The duffel bag preferably comprises a carrying mechanism, such as a strap, attached to an approximated cuboid basket formed of six adjoining panels. The panels include a top panel, a base panel, a front panel, a back panel, and two end panels, the panels defining a basket compartment that may be loaded with personal effects. Each panel has a thickness, and the front and back panels may be longer than the end panels. Additionally, at least one each of an exterior and interior pocket are preferably provided about the basket.

The top panel, front panel, back panel, and end panels of the basket are preferably comprised of a robust, yet flexible material, such as a heavyweight nylon. The panels are preferably lined with a foam. At several interfaces of the adjoining panels, the basket may be finished with durable leather and piping embellishments, particularly about the end panels. The base panel of the basket, meanwhile, is preferably comprised primarily of leather having a plurality of metal feet disposed thereabout. A consequence of this overall structure is a basket that maintains its shape, even when the basket is empty, and without any requirement for semi-rigid or rigid materials comprising the panels.

A variety of fastening mechanisms are installed about the basket, each mechanism chosen to best fulfill its intended purpose. For example, metal loops or rings secured with nylon webbing may be provided at the end panels of the basket for engagement with the carrying strap. The basket compartment is preferably accessed using a zippered opening about the top panel. Additionally, concealed basket magnets are strategically positioned about the basket and preferably fully disposed within the thickness of the panels. The basket magnets allow for, inter alia, a seamless integration of the duffel bag with a complementary garment bag, as discussed below in further detail.

In a preferred embodiment, the garment bag comprises an auxiliary flap connected to an elongated sleeve formed of at least two panels, including a front panel and back panel. The panels together define a garment compartment that may be loaded with personal effects, including garments with existing hangers originally associated with the garments prior to loading. Each of the flap and panels has a thickness, and both the flap and a bottom portion of the back panel are preferably comprised of leather. The front panel and a top portion of the back panel, meanwhile, are preferably comprised of a ripstop fabric. The garment compartment is also lined with ripstop fabric, and each interface of the adjoining front and back panels is preferably finished with durable leather. Thus, the garment bag is substantially flexible yet robust in composition.

The garment bag also includes a variety of fastening mechanisms installed therein, such as a zipper that preferably bisects the front panel along its central longitudinal axis, along with optional snaps that allow the garment bag to be securely folded upon itself from an elongated position as desired. A hook secured with nylon webbing about the auxiliary flap may be provided to hang the garment bag when it is detached from the duffel bag. Detachment (and attachment) of the garment bag from the duffel bag is enabled by concealed garment magnets that are preferably fully disposed within the thickness of the panels and, optionally, the auxiliary flap, such that the quantity and positioning of the garment magnets is complementary to aforementioned basket magnets.

In operation, a user of a preferred embodiment of the present invention may removably attach the garment bag to the duffel bag using a two-step process enabled by the unique structure of the suitcase system. First, provided that garment bag and duffel bag of the suitcase system have been separated from one another, the garment bag is preferably folded in half upon itself, optionally using snaps to secure the fold, and leaving the auxiliary flap exposed. Then, the garment bag may be draped over the top and pair of longer panels of the duffel bag. This “draping” action is sufficient to automatically and reliably engage the complementary concealed magnets of the garment bag and the duffel bag, thereby removably securing the two bags together into one suitcase system ready for transport. The seamless engagement of the bags is enhanced by a smooth top arch of the basket, which allows the garment bag to lay atop the basket while providing the garment bag and its contents in a substantially creaseless configuration where wrinkling might otherwise occur if the basket was not arched about its top. If the user subsequently desires to detach the garment bag for any reason, the user may conveniently disengage the magnets using a “peeling” action to separate the two bags. Advantageously, both the draping and peeling actions may be performed without requiring any movement of the duffel bag. Additionally, the draping action may be performed using one hand if desired, whereas the peeling motion may require stabilization of the duffel bag during peeling of the garment bag due to the robust connection provided by the complementary magnets.

Although the suitcase system is preferably comprised of two bags in combination, the unique concealed magnetic engagement, coupled with the material integrity and structure of the bags, results in a suitcase system that appears to be a single unified article. This appearance may be optionally enhanced through engagement of male and female buckle portions provided on the duffel and garment bags, respectively. Additionally, as noted above, because the basket tends to retain its shape, although it is not rigid, the duffel bag resists caving in upon itself under pressure from the garment bag draped evenly atop it. This feature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the suitcase system, but it also serves to protect the contents of the basket and preserve the contents of the garment bag in a desirable condition during transport.

An objective of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to fill a pervasive unmet need in the art for a suitcase system with a conveniently detachable garment bag that protects garments from wrinkling while optionally remaining integral with a versatile suitcase designed to accommodate the rigors of everyday use.

An advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that it provides an integrated suitcase system comprising a duffel bag and a detachable garment bag, wherein the garment bag may be conveniently secured to or removed from the duffel bag using a draping or peeling motion, respectively.

Another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that it includes complementary concealed magnets within a suitcase system structure that enable a garment bag and a duffel bag to be reliably engaged or disengaged with minimal effort that does not require use of additional fasteners or movement of the duffel bag.

Another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the unique structure of the suitcase system described herein allows a user to quickly detach the garment bag from the duffel bag when desired, such as when entering an airplane, so the garment bag may be swiftly hung without disturbing articles in the duffle bag or causing delay.

Another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that use of concealed magnets to engage suitcase components serves to limit the number of moving parts in the suitcase, thus enhancing the durability of the suitcase system.

Yet another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a duffel bag having a basket that maintains its shape, even when the basket is empty, and without any requirement for semi-rigid or rigid materials incorporated therein.

Yet another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that, during normal use, the system provides for a garment bag to be spread consistently atop a duffel bag having a smooth top arch structure such that gravity will not cause the garment bag contents to slouch or crease.

Yet another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the unique concealed magnetic engagement, coupled with the material integrity and structure of the bags, results in a suitcase system that appears to be a single unified bag.

Yet another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that because the components of the suitcase system are configured to combine as a unified bag, the suitcase system described herein may be easily carried with one hand or hands-free when using a strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a suitcase comprising a duffel bag and garment bag combination.

FIG. 2A is an perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a garment bag partially secured to a duffel bag, the garment bag shown having a front panel that may continue to be secured over a top and front panels of the duffle bag, and removably attached thereto using concealed magnets and a buckle.

FIG. 2B is an alternative perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a garment bag partially secured to a duffel bag, the garment bag shown having a front panel that may continue to be secured over a top and front panels of the duffle bag, and an alternative quantity and positioning of concealed magnets indicated about both bags.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a back panel of a duffel bag, indicating a position of concealed magnets about the duffel bag.

FIG. 4 is side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing and end panel of a duffel bag.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a duffel bag in an open position, wherein an interior of the duffel bag is displayed including at least one interior pocket.

FIG. 5B is an alternative perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a duffel bag in an open position, wherein an interior of the duffel bag is displayed including at least one interior pocket and concealed magnets are positioned at a front panel of the duffel bag.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a base panel of a duffel bag.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a front panel of a garment bag, the garment bag shown in an elongated position.

FIG. 8A is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a front panel of a garment bag that is folded upon itself, leaving an auxiliary flap exposed and including a position of concealed magnets indicated about the garment bag.

FIG. 8B is an alternative side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a front panel of a garment bag that is folded upon itself, leaving an auxiliary flap exposed and including an alternative quantity and positioning of concealed magnets indicated about the garment bag.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a back panel of a garment bag, the garment bag shown in a folded position.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a back panel of a garment bag, the garment bag shown in an elongated position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a front panel of a garment bag partially opened to reveal a garment compartment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein.

Additionally, it will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. It will be likewise understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a suitcase 10 provided in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the suitcase 10 preferably comprises one or more luggage articles, such as a duffel bag 20 and a detachable garment bag 70 combination. Although the suitcase 10 appears to be a single unified article, both the duffel bag 20 and the garment bag 70 may be used independently of one another. In a preferred embodiment, the garment bag 70 is draped over the duffel bag 20 and removably secured thereto with fasteners (see, for example, FIGS. 2A-B). Optionally, the bags 20, 70 may be further secured together by connecting male and female buckle portions 50, 52. Consequently, wherein the constituent parts of the suitcase 10 are assembled together, as shown in FIG. 1, the suitcase 10 preferably resembles an approximated cuboid, which is also a preferred shape of the duffel bag 20 discussed in greater detail below. Of course, the suitcase 10 may be provided in numerous other shapes, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. It is further contemplated that the suitcase 10 may be provided in various sizes, and that alternative versions of the suitcase 10 may include articles of luggage other than a duffel bag, such as a carry-on or large case. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the suitcase 10 is shown in a size reasonable for carrying about a single user's shoulder.

As shown in the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 1-6, the duffel bag 20 is an approximated cuboid basket 22 formed of six basket panels. The basket panels include a top panel 24, a base panel 26, a front panel 28, a back panel 30, a first end panel 32, and a second end panel 34, the panels 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 adjoining to define a basket compartment 29 (see FIGS. 5A-B). Each panel 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 has a thickness, a length, and a width, and the front and back panels 28, 30 may be longer than the end panels 32, 34, resulting in the aforementioned approximated cuboid shape. Preferably, each interface among the top panel 24 and each of the front and back panels 28, 30 defines a smooth, rounded edge that imbues the basket 22 with a generally arched profile about the top panel 24 as generally shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5A, 5B, and as particularly shown in FIG. 4. It is contemplated, however, that the duffel bag 20 may be provided with numerous other shapes, as will be appreciated by those ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the dimensions of the panels 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 may vary, as may the orientation of the panels 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 relative to one another such as would be necessary to form a desired duffel bag 20 shape.

As shown in the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 1-6, the panels 24, 28, 30, 32, 34 other than the base panel 26, are preferably comprised of a robust, yet flexible material, such as a heavyweight nylon that is preferably lined with a foam, such as an open cell polyurethane foam. At several interfaces of the adjoining panels 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 the basket 22 may be finished with durable leather and piping embellishments, particularly about the end panels as shown in FIG. 4. The base panel 26 of the basket 22, meanwhile, is preferably comprised primarily of leather having a plurality of feet 40, which are preferably formed of metal, disposed thereabout. Additionally, the base panel 26 preferably extends beyond the bottom of the basket 22, comprising a lower portion of each side of the bag 20, as best shown in FIGS. 1-5B. A consequence of this overall structure is that the basket 22 maintains its shape, even when it is empty, and without any requirement for semi-rigid or rigid materials comprising the panels 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34. It is contemplated, however, that the panels 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 and feet 40 of alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention may be comprised of and/or adjoined with the materials disclosed herein or other materials suitable for use in a suitcase, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

As further shown in the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 1-5B, a variety of articulating or non-moving basket fasteners may be installed about the basket 22, each mechanism chosen to best fulfill its intended purpose. For example, as best shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3, concealed basket magnets 42 are strategically positioned about the basket 22 and preferably fully disposed within the thickness of back panel 30 and, optionally, front panel 28 (see FIG. 2B). Although possible positions of the magnets 42 are shown for demonstrative purposes in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3, the magnets 42 are preferably not visible when viewing the surfaces of a preferred embodiment of the basket 22. It is contemplated, however, that the magnets 42, and other basket fasteners for that matter, may be partially concealed by the basket 22. The magnets 42 are preferably fastened to panels 28, 30, when applicable, using an adhesive, a sewn in material pocket, or a combination thereof. The magnets 42 allow for, inter alia, a seamless integration of the duffel bag 20 with the complementary garment bag 70, as discussed below in further detail.

Other basket fasteners may include loops, brackets, or rings 54 that are preferably formed of metal and secured with nylon webbing provided at the end panels 32, 34 of the basket 22 for engagement with a carrying strap 56 (see FIG. 1). It is contemplated, however, that although the strap 56 may be advantageous for use with small versions of the suitcase 10, alternative versions of the suitcase 10 may incorporate transport assistance mechanisms such as wheels and pull handles. The basket compartment 29 is preferably accessed using a zipper 58 about the top panel 24. Also, the basket 22 may include the male buckle portion 50 (for engagement with the female buckle portion 52), the buckle portion 50 preferably secured with nylon webbing located on the central longitudinal axis of the front panel 28, near the interface of the front panel 28 and the base panel 26. It is contemplated, however, that alternative embodiments of the present invention may be comprised of alternative basket fasteners provided in alternative locations about the basket 22, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the basket 22 may be provided with bolts, buckles, buttons, clamps, grommets, hook and loop fasteners, pins, rivets, ties, and threaded inserts.

Additionally, the preferred embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5B preferably include at least one pocket 60 provided about at least one of the end panels 32, 34, and optionally in the basket compartment 29 as well. The pocket(s) 60 are preferably accessed using a fastener, such as a zipper 62 provided about the pocket 60 opening.

As shown in the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 7-11, the garment bag 70 comprises an auxiliary flap 72 (see FIGS. 8A-B) connected to an elongated sleeve 74 (see FIG. 7) formed of at least two garment panels, including a front panel 76 and a back panel 77 that together define a garment compartment 86. For clarity, FIG. 9 shows a preferred embodiment of the back panel 77 of the garment bag 70 in a folded orientation, while FIG. 10 shows a preferred embodiment of the back panel 77 of the garment bag 70 in an elongated orientation. The front panel 76 is preferably comprised of a ripstop nylon fabric, such as that used in hot air balloons. As best shown in FIG. 10, the back panel 77, meanwhile, preferably includes a top portion 78 comprised of ripstop fabric, as well as a bottom portion 79 comprised of leather. The flap 72 is also preferably formed of leather, and each of the flap 72, the panels 76, 77 and the portions 78, 79 have a thickness, a length, and a width. The garment compartment 86 is preferably lined with ripstop fabric, and each interface of the adjoining front and back panels 76, 77 is preferably finished with durable leather. It is contemplated, however, that the panels of alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention may be comprised of and/or finished with materials disclosed herein or other materials suitable for use in a suitcase, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, it is further contemplated that a garment bag of alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention may be comprised of more than two panels. In such embodiments, the garment bag may include panels comprising sides of the garment bag, such that the garment bag has a structural depth that may be greater than that provided by the aforementioned sleeve construction.

As further shown in the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 7-11, the garment bag 70 also includes a variety of garment bag fasteners, such as garment magnets 43, installed therein, each mechanism chosen to best fulfill its intended purpose. For example, as best shown in FIG. 7, the bag 70 comprises a zipper 80 that preferably bisects the front panel 76 along its central longitudinal axis, although the zipper 80 may be positioned at alternative locations. The garment bag 70 optionally comprises snaps 82 preferably formed of metal that allow the bag 70 to be securely folded upon itself about the front panel 76 from an elongated position as desired. Of course, the garment bag 70 may also be folded neatly regardless of whether snaps 82 are provided. It is contemplated, moreover, that alternative embodiments of the present invention may be comprised of alternative garment bag fasteners provided in alternative locations about the garment bag 70, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the garment bag 70 may be provided with bolts, buckles, buttons, clamps, grommets, hook and loop fasteners, pins, rivets, ties, and threaded inserts.

As best shown in FIG. 8A-B, the garment bag 70 is folded about the front panel 76 upon itself, revealing the integral auxiliary flap 72 formerly residing behind the top portion 78 prior to folding. In this position, the garment bag 70 is prepared for attachment to the duffel bag 20. Conversely, a hook 84 secured with nylon webbing about the flap 72 may be provided to hang the garment bag 70 in a folded position, for example, on a door or closet rod, when it is detached from the duffel bag 20. Alternatively, the garment bag 70 may be hung by original hangers of the garments provided within it, wherein the original hangers preferably emerge from an open slot (not shown) provided at the top of the bag 70.

Attachment and detachment of the garment bag 70 and the duffel bag 20 is preferably enabled by concealed garment magnets 43 that are preferably fully disposed within the thickness of front panel 76, top portion 78, and, optionally, the auxiliary flap 72 (see FIG. 8B), such that the quantity and positioning of the garment magnets 43 are complementary to aforementioned basket magnets 42. In other words, when the garment bag 70 and the duffel bag 20 are removably attached, at least one garment magnet 43 is in complementary alignment with or provided in mating combination with at least one basket magnet 42, much like complementary shapes align or hands align for a handshake greeting. Additionally, it is contemplated that the garment bag 70 and the duffel bag 20 may comprise a magnetic fabric as an alternative to or in addition to magnets 42, 43 for removable attachment of the bags 70, 20. Although possible positions of the magnets 43 are shown for demonstrative purposes in FIGS. 8A-B, the magnets 43 are preferably not visible when viewing the surfaces of a preferred embodiment of the garment bag 70. It is contemplated, however, that the magnets 43, and other articulating or non-moving garment fasteners for that matter, may be partially concealed by the garment bag 70. The magnets 43 are preferably fastened to the garment bag 70 using an adhesive, a sewn in material pocket, or a combination thereof.

In operation, a user of a preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1 may removably attach the garment bag 70 to the duffel bag 20 using a convenient manner enabled by the unique structure of the suitcase 10. First, provided that garment bag 70 and duffel bag 20 of the suitcase 10 have been separated from one another, the garment bag 70 is preferably folded in half upon itself, and leaving the auxiliary flap 72 exposed. Then, the garment bag 70 may be draped over the top 24 and pair of longer panels 28, 30 of the duffel bag 20, such that the garment bag 70 is provided in contact with panels 24, 28, and 30 while the bottom panel 26 remains substantially free from contact with the garment bag 70. This “draping” motion is sufficient to automatically and reliably engage the complementary concealed magnets 42, 43 of the garment bag 70 and the duffel bag 20, thereby removably securing the two bags 20, 70 together into one suitcase 10 ready for transport. If the user desires to detach the garment bag 70 for any reason, the user may conveniently disengage the magnets 42, 43 using a “peeling” motion to separate the two bags 20, 70. Moreover, the seamless engagement of the bags 20, 70 is enhanced by the smooth top arch of the basket 22, which allows the garment bag 70 to lay atop the basket 22 while minimizing creasing of the garment bag 70 and its contents that may otherwise occur if the basket 22 had sharp comers about its top.

Advantageously, both the draping and peeling actions may be performed without requiring any movement of the duffel bag 20. For example, the draping of the garment bag 70 over the duffel bag 20 may be accomplished by merely laying the garment bag 70 over the front panel 28, top panel 24, and back panel 30 of the basket 22. This draping action is sufficient to cause the complementarily aligned fasteners, such as magnets 42, 43, to automatically (i.e., without manual manipulation of the fasteners) engage and provide a removable attachment among the garment bag 70 to the duffel bag 20. This results in an automatically creaseless and seamless configuration of the garment bag 70 as it rests atop the duffel bag 20, such that contents of the garment bag 70 are likewise maintained in a creaseless and seamless configuration regardless of the orientation of the suitcase system 10. Additionally, the draping action may be performed using one or two hands as desired, whereas the peeling motion may require stabilization of the duffel bag 20 during peeling of the garment bag 70 due to the robust connection provided by the complementary magnets 42, 43. The convenience provided by this unique connection among the garment bag 70 and duffel bag 20 is highly advantageous, particularly where expediency in manipulating the connection is at a premium, such as during airline travel or use of a gym locker. For example, the basket compartment 29 may be accessed without a requirement that the garment bag 70 be fully removed from the basket 22, as suggested in FIGS. 2A-B.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2A, a preferred embodiment of the present invention may exclude magnets 42 from the front panel 28 and magnets 43 from the auxiliary flap 72. In this preferred embodiment, the duffel bag 20 and garment bag 70 may be removably secured to one another using the magnets 42 of back panel 30 (of the duffel bag 20) in complementary combination with magnets 43 of the front panel 76 and top portion 78 (of the garment bag 70), along with the male and female buckle portions 50, 52.

Although the suitcase 10 is preferably comprised of two bags 20, 70 in combination wherein the basket compartment 29 and garment compartment 86 are preferably separate, mutually unique spaces that are devoid of pass-through access from either compartment to the other compartment, the unique concealed magnetic 42, 43 engagement, coupled with the material integrity and structure of the bags 20, 70, such as the smooth top arch of the basket 22, results in a suitcase 10 that appears to be a single unified article. This appearance may be further enhanced through engagement of the male and female buckle portions 50, 52 provided on the duffel and garment bags 20, 70, respectively. Additionally, as noted above, because the basket 22 retains its shape, although it is not rigid, the duffel bag 20 resists caving in upon itself under pressure from the garment bag 70 draped evenly atop it. This feature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the suitcase 10, but it also serves to protect the contents of the basket 22 and preserve the contents of the garment bag 70 in a desirable condition during transport.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A suitcase system comprising:

a basket defined about its surface by a plurality of basket panels including a front panel, a top panel, a back panel, and a base panel, the basket panels further defining a basket compartment, each basket panel having a thickness, and at least one of the basket panels including at least one basket fastener disposed within the respective thickness of the basket panel;

a flexible garment bag defined about its surface by a plurality of garment panels, the garment panels further defining a garment compartment, each garment panel having a thickness, and at least one of the garment panels including at least one garment fastener disposed within the respective thickness of the garment panel;

wherein the garment bag is removably attached to the basket such that the garment bag contacts the basket at the front panel, top panel, and back panel of the basket, the base panel of the basket being substantially free from contact with the garment bag;

wherein the basket compartment and the garment compartment are mutually unique and free from pass-through access from one compartment to the other compartment; and

wherein the at least one basket fastener is provided in complementary alignment with the at least one garment fastener, such that the at least one basket fastener and the at least one garment fastener are configured to automatically engage and provide a removable attachment among the basket and the garment bag.

2. The suitcase system as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one basket fastener is fully concealed within the respective thickness of the basket panel and the at least one garment fastener is fully concealed within the respective thickness of the garment panel.

3. The suitcase system as defined in claim 2, the system further comprising a plurality of basket fasteners and a plurality of garment fasteners.

4. The suitcase system as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one basket fastener and the at least one garment fastener are magnets.

5. The suitcase system as defined in claim 4, wherein the magnet of the basket panel is fully concealed within the respective thickness of the basket panel and the magnet of the garment panel is fully concealed within the respective thickness of the garment panel.

6. The suitcase system as defined in claim 1, the plurality of basket panels further comprising a top panel having a length, a base panel, a front panel, a back panel, a first end panel, and a second end panel, wherein the basket panels define an approximated cuboid shape of the basket, and wherein the top panel defines an arched profile of the basket along the length of the top panel.

7. The suitcase system defined in claim 1, the basket being further comprised of a robust yet flexible material such that the basket compartment maintains its shape regardless of any contents provided in the basket compartment.

8. The suitcase system defined in claim 1, wherein the automatic engagement of the basket fastener and the garment fastener provides an automatically seamless and creaseless configuration of the garment bag regardless of the orientation of the suitcase system.

9. The suitcase system defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one basket fastener and the at least one garment fastener are non-moving components configured to automatically engage and provide a removable attachment among the basket and the garment bag.

10. The suitcase system defined in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of basket fasteners, the basket fasteners being at least one member of the group consisting of bolts, brackets, buckles, buttons, clamps, grommets, hook and loop fasteners, loops, pins, rings, rivets, ties, and threaded inserts.

11. The suitcase system defined in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of garment fasteners, the garment fasteners being at least one member of the group consisting of bolts, brackets, buckles, buttons, clamps, grommets, hook and loop fasteners, loops, pins, rings, rivets, ties, and threaded inserts.

12. The suitcase system defined in claim 1, the basket further comprising a female buckle portion and the garment bag further comprising a male buckle portion.

13. The suitcase system defined in claim 1, the system further comprising at least one wheel.

14. The suitcase system defined in claim 1, the system further comprising a pull-out bar.

15. The suitcase system defined in claim 1, the system further comprising a strap.

16. The suitcase system defined in claim 1, wherein the basket and the garment bag are optionally engaged to provide a unified luggage article and wherein the basket and garment bag are optionally disengaged to provide a duffel bag and a garment bag that are separate from one another and configured for comprehensive use as independent luggage articles.

17. A suitcase system comprising:

a basket defined about its surface by a plurality of basket panels including plurality of basket panels comprising a top panel having a length, a base panel, a front panel, a back panel, a first end panel, and a second end panel, the basket panels defining an approximated cuboid shape of the basket, the top panel defining an arched profile of the basket along the length of the top panel, the basket panels further defining a basket compartment, the basket being comprised of a robust yet flexible material such that the basket compartment maintains its shape regardless of any contents provided in the basket compartment, each basket panel having a thickness, and at least one of the basket panels including at least one basket magnet fully disposed within the respective thickness of the basket panel;

a flexible garment bag defined about its surface by a plurality of garment panels, the garment panels further defining a garment compartment, each garment panel having a thickness, and at least one of the garment panels including at least one garment magnet fully disposed within the respective thickness of the garment panel;

wherein the garment bag is removably attached to the basket such that the garment bag contacts the basket at the front panel, top panel, and back panel of the basket, the base panel of the basket being substantially free from contact with the garment bag;

wherein the basket compartment and the garment compartment are mutually unique and free from pass-through access from one compartment to the other compartment;

wherein the at least one basket magnet is provided in complementary alignment with the at least one garment magnet, such that the at least one basket fastener and the at least one garment fastener are configured to automatically engage and provide a removable attachment among the basket and the garment bag; and

wherein the automatic engagement of the basket fastener and the garment fastener provides an automatically seamless and creaseless configuration of the garment bag regardless of the orientation of the suitcase system.

18. The suitcase system as defined in claim 17, the system further comprising a plurality of basket magnets and a plurality of garment magnets.

19. The suitcase system defined in claim 17, the basket further comprising a female buckle portion and the garment bag further comprising a male buckle portion.

20. The suitcase system defined in claim 17, wherein the basket and the garment bag are optionally engaged to provide a unified luggage article and wherein the basket and garment bag are optionally disengaged to provide a duffel bag and a garment bag that are separate from one another and configured for comprehensive use as independent luggage articles.