APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CARRYING MULTIPLE INTERCONNECTED LUGGAGE BAGS

Abstract

An apparatus, a system and a method connects bags around a traveler to allow the traveler to move while carrying the bags. A first bag rests upon a shoulder of the traveler and connects to a third bag near the waist of the traveler by a strap. A second bag extends across the back of the traveler. The first bag connects to the second bag which connects to the third bag by a connector. The traveler lifts the third bag toward the first bag to extend and connect a strap between the first bag and the third bag. The three bags surround the traveler to allow the traveler to have both hands unencumbered.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus, a system and a method for carrying multiple interconnected luggage bags. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for interconnecting multiple bags around a person, such as an airport traveler and/or a hiker, with flexible connectors, such as a buckle, a hook-and-loop fastener and/or a ball joint.

Travel with several pieces of luggage may often be cumbersome and/or difficult. A traveler with luggage may desire moving through a busy transport area, such as an airport and/or a train station, quickly and efficiently. Portable luggage, such as a carry-on bag with wheels and/or rollers, for example, may simplify moving luggage. However, the carry-on bag must be carried by the traveler, which often occupies one hand. Accordingly, the traveler may make frequent stops to, for example, activate and/or use a portable electronic device, such as a “smart” phone, with both of his or her hands. The traveler must stop then stabilize the carry-on bag with rollers. Frequent stops may add to the overall travel time, frustration and/or complexity of, for example, a journey through an airport terminal and/or a subway station.

Alternative luggage solutions exist, such as a bag with a shoulder strap. The strap may either be placed directly on the should or across the torso of the traveler.

The a bag may allow the traveler to have both hands free to engage in other activities. However, the entire weight of the bag remains on the shoulder of the traveler. Further, rapid walking with a bag with a shoulder strap may cause the bag to move in various directions and inconvenience the traveler. Moreover, the bag may be limited in size to accommodate placement around the shoulder of the traveler. Accordingly, the traveler may be limited in the amount of items able to be fit into the bag at once.

Known methods, apparatuses or systems for a traveler to transport luggage are known, but may present an inconvenience and/or discomfort to the traveler. Thus, a need exists for a luggage transport solution that allows the traveler to conveniently travel with the luggage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus, a system and a method for carrying multiple interconnected luggage bags. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for interconnecting multiple bags around a person, such as an airport traveler and/or a hiker, with flexible connectors, such as a buckle, a hook-and-loop fastener and/or a ball joint.

The invention provides an apparatus for carrying multiple connected bags around a traveler. The apparatus has a first bag that may be positioned on a shoulder of the traveler. A second bag may extend across the back of the traveler. A third bag may be positioned near the waist of the traveler. A strap may connect the first bag to the third bag. A connector may attach the first bag to the second bag and the second bag to the third bag. A rear strap may connect one or more of the multiple connected bags. A clip may attach to an extension that may protrude from any one or all of the multiple connected bags. An extension may protrude from any one or all of the multiple connected bags to attach to the clip.

Additionally, the invention provides a system for connecting bags around a traveler. The system has a plurality of bags connected by one or more fasteners positioned in between each bag. A loop may extend from each bag to assist in lifting of the bag. A strap may extend from each bag to connect to one or more of the plurality of bags. A mechanism, such as a strap adjuster, may adjust a length of the strap to accommodate the traveler.

Further, the invention provides a method for positioning one or more of a plurality of bags on a traveler. Each bag may be connected to another bag. The plurality of bags may be adjusted to accommodate the traveler.

Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for carrying multiple interconnected luggage bags.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for carrying multiple interconnected luggage bags where a first bag is on a shoulder of the traveler, the second bag extends across the back of the traveler and the third bag is near the waist of the traveler.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a strap adjuster for adjusting the bags on or around a traveler wearing the bags.

Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a strap extending across the torso to connect the bags.

A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a rear strap connecting the bag across the back of the traveler.

A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a connector rod that attaches to a ball joint to connect the bags.

A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide bags that may be aligned and stacked vertically.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a traveler wearing multiple interconnected luggage bags in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of a traveler wearing multiple interconnected luggage bags in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of a traveler wearing multiple interconnected luggage bags in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of a traveler wearing multiple interconnected luggage bags in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of bags stacked vertically in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of bags placed side-by-side in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present invention. Further, numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments may be possible.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a traveler 10 is shown wearing multiple interconnected luggage bags, namely a first bag 14, a second bag 22 and a third bag 16. The first bag 14, the second bag 22 and the third bag 16 may be generally interconnected by an attachment mechanism shown in area A and an adjustment mechanism 66, such as a strap adjuster, shown in area B in FIG. 1.

In an embodiment, the attachment mechanism 66 may have an extension 24 to receive and/or attach with a clip 26 which may extend from a strap 58. In an embodiment, the traveler 10 may wear the strap diagonally across his or her torso. The clip 26 is provided as an example of a type of attachment mechanism, shown in area A of FIG. 1. The clip 26 may be used to attach and/or secure the strap 58 and/or the second bag and/or the third bag 16 to the first bag 14. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various other types of fasteners may be used to attach and/or secure the bags to each other and/or the strap 58. Specifically, a hook-and-loop fastener 64, a buckle 52 and/or a ball joint 60 may be used to connect and/or attach the strap 58 and/or a rear strap 54 to any one or more of the first bag 14, the second bag 22 and/or the third bag 14. Additionally, other suitable fasteners may attach and/or secure the strap 58 and/or the second bag and/or the third bag 16 to the first bag 14 that provide for the mobility of the traveler 10 to, for example, walk through an airport terminal.

To attach the strap 58 to the first bag 14, the traveler may pull or push the strap 58 through an adjuster 60 that may be positioned on the strap 58. For example, the strap 68 may be pulled from within the adjuster 60 to accommodate the traveler 10. Alternatively, the traveler 10 may push the strap 68 into and/or through the adjuster 60 to, for example, shorten the overall length of the strap 58 extending from the third bag 16 to the first bag 14.

The adjustment mechanism 66 in the area B may join the strap 58 to the clip 26 and/or may allow for the rotation of the clip 26 around the extension 24. In an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 66 in area B may be moved and/or adjusted toward or away from the right shoulder area 36 of the traveler 10. Further, the clip 26, attached to the strap 58 may move within the extension 24 to accommodate movement of the traveler 10. Flexibility and/or movement of the clip 26 within the extension 24 may allow the traveler to adjust the position of the first bag 14 on a right shoulder area 36 of the traveler 10. For instance, the traveler 10 may shift the first bag 14 further away from his or her head 12 to, for example, accommodate movement of the second bag 22. Further, in an embodiment, the first bag and/or the second bag 22, which may extend diagonally across the back of the traveler 10, may be moved to accommodate the preferences of the traveler 10.

For example, the traveler 10 may shift the first bag 14 further away or closer to his or her neck 40 to, for example, accommodate wearing and/or placement of the remaining bags, namely the second bag 22 and/or the third bag 16. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the positions of the first bag 14, the second bag 22 and/or the third bag 16 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are exemplary. The traveler 10 may position, place and/or re-position any one or more of the first bag 14, the second bag 22 and/or the third bag 16 to accommodate his or her wearing preferences.

The strap 58 may extend diagonally from the clip 26 attached to the extension 54 at and/or near the right shoulder area 36 of the traveler to the attachment mechanism 66 at the area B and/or the clip 26 on the third bag 16. The traveler 10 may position the third bag 16 generally across his or her hip and/or waist to permit for free and/or otherwise unimpeded movement of a left arm 18 and/or a right arm 20 of the traveler 10. Specifically, the traveler 10 may move his or her left hand 46 and/or right hand 48 to, for example, enter into an elevator, grasp an escalator side rail, manipulate a portable electronic device, such as a “smart phone,” and/or present travel tickets and/or documentation to a clerk for assistance. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the above tasks that the traveler may accomplish with his or her left hand 46 and/or right hand 48 are exemplary, and that the completion of numerous other tasks may be possible.

In an embodiment, the traveler 10 may insert his of her left hand 46 and left forearm 42 into the loops 28 attached to the third bag 16 to lift and/or move and/or otherwise adjust the position of the third bag 16 relative to the traveler 10. the traveler 10 may insert his or her left hand 46 and/or left forearm into the loops 28 on the third bag 16 to accommodate attachment of the strap 58 to the third bag 16.

For example, the traveler 10 may hold the third bag 16 upright by his or her left forearm 42 that may be placed and/or positioned within the straps 28. The traveler 10 may use his or her right hand 48 while holding the third bag 16 upright with his or her left forearm 42. The traveler 10 may hold the third bag 16 upright to attach the clip 16 to the extension 24 shown in area A on the third bag 16.

In an embodiment, the loops 28 may be attached to the the first bag 14 and/or the second bag 22 to assist lifting and/or positioning by the traveler 10 and/or attachment to other bags, namely the third bag 16. The position and/or placement of the loops 28 on the first bag 14, the second bag 22 and/or the third bag 16 are exemplary. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other suitable positions and/or orientations may exist to accommodate insertion and/or lifting of one or more and/or all of the bags by the traveler 10. Further, the loops 28 may be on one or more and/or all the bags used with any one or more and/or all of the clips 26, the hook-and-loop fasteners 64, the buckles 52 and/or the ball joints 60.

Further, the relative orientation, position and/or placement of the clip 26 on and/or near the areas B, C and D on the strap 58 and/or the rear strap 54 are exemplary. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other suitable positions and/or placements of the clips 26 may exist to, for example, connect the first bag 14 to the second bag 22, the second bag 22 to the third bag 16, and the third bag 16 to the first bag 14 and/or to adjust the bags around the size and/or girth of the traveler 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, the second bag 22 is shown extending, for example, diagonally across the back of the traveler 10. Like reference numerals refer to like elements as shown in FIG. 1, thus a redundant description of the same will be omitted. In an embodiment, the first bag 14 may rest upon the right should area 36 of the traveler 10 and/or be in contact with the neck 40. The rear strap 54 may extend from an adjustment region D on the second bag 22 to the hook-and-loop fastener 64, shown in area C in FIG. 2, with the extension 24 protruding from the first bag 14.

The first bag 14 may have a first end 76, which may be substantially circular, positioned opposite to a second end 78. The second bag 22 and/or the third bag 16, which may be generally similar in shape and/or size to the first bag 14, may also have ends. Specifically, the second bag 22 may have a first end 80 and a second end 82 positioned opposite to the first end 80. The third bag 16 may have a first end 84 and a second end 86 positioned opposite to the first end 84. Accordingly, any one and/or all of the first bag 14, the second bag 22 and/or the third bag 16 may be substantially cylindrical in shape and align vertically to accommodate stacking as shown in FIG. 5. A zipper 30 may extend from the first side 76 to the second side 78 of the first bag 14 to, for example, open the first bag 14. Similarly, the zipper 30 may extend from the first side 80 to the second side 82 of the second bag 22 and/or may extend from the first side 84 to the second side 86 of the third bag 16.

The first end 80 on the second bag 22 may have the attachment area C and/or the adjustment area D adjacent to the third bag 16 to, for example, accommodate attachment of the second bag 22 to the third bag 16 by the rear strap 54. Specifically, the rear strap 54 may insert into the extension 24 protruding from, for example, the first end 80 and/or the second end 82 of the second bag 22. The traveler may adjust the length of the rear strap 54 in the adjustment area D at the first end 80 and/or the second end of the second bag 22 to accommodate, for example, the size and/or girth of the traveler 10.

In an embodiment, the strap 58, as shown in, for example, FIG. 1, may extend to and/or connect with the hook-and-loop fastener 64 that may be positioned on the strap 58 at the area B on and/or near the first side 76 of the first bag 14 and/or near the second side 86 of the third bag 16. The traveler 10 may adjust the hook-and-loop fastener 64 to, for example, adjust the relative length of the strap 58 to accommodate the size and/or girth of the traveler 10.

The relative orientation, position and/or placement of the hook-and-loop fastener 64 on and/or near the areas B, C and D on the strap 58 and/or the rear strap 54 are exemplary. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other suitable positions and/or placements of the hook-and-loop fastener 64 may exist to, for example, connect the first bag 14 to the second bag 22, the second bag 22 to the third bag 16, and the third bag 16 to the first bag 14 and/or to adjust the bags around the size and/or girth of the traveler 10.

The second bag 22 may be positioned relatively closer to the right shoulder area 36 or the waist and/or hip of the traveler 10 depending on, for example, the preferences and/or girth of the traveler 10. Further, one or ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the dimensions of the second bag 22 as shown in FIG. 2 are exemplary and that other orientations and/or dimensions of the second bag 22 are possible. For example, for heavy-duty and/or military-grade applications, the second bag 22 may extend further toward the right shoulder area 26 and/or the third bag 16 thus requiring adjustment of the rear strap 54 and/or reduction in length at the adjustment areas D on the ends 36 of the second bag 22.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first bag 14 is shown attached to the second bag 22 by the rear strap 54 extending from the extension 24 on the second side 78 of the first bag 14. Like reference numerals refer to like elements as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , thus a redundant description of the same will be omitted. The rear strap 54 may extend to and/or through the buckle 52 within the adjustment area F on and/or near the first side 80 of the second bag 22. In an embodiment, the traveler 10 may adjust the relative position of the buckle 52 on the rear strap 54 between the second bag 22 and the first bag 14 and/or between the third bag 16 and the second bag 22 to accommodate the size and/or girth of the traveler 10.

The strap 58, as shown in, for example, FIG. 1, may insert into and/or connect with the buckle 52 that may be positioned on the strap 58 at the area B on and/or near the first side 76 of the first bag 14 and/or near the second side 86 of the third bag 16. The traveler 10 may adjust the buckle 52 to receive more or less of the strap 58 to, for example, adjust the relative length of the strap 58 to accommodate the size and/or girth of the traveler 10. To adjust the relative length of the strap 54, the traveler 10 may slide the strap 54 into and/or out of the buckle 52. In an embodiment, the buckle 52 may be made from a substantially rigid material, such as plastic, metal and/or a composite.

Referring to FIG. 4, a rear view of the traveler 10 wearing and/or using the first bag 14, the second bag 22 and/or the third bag 16 interconnected by ball joints 60 is shown. Like reference numerals refer to like elements as shown in FIGS. 1-3, thus a redundant description of the same will be omitted.

Generally, a ball joint may be defined as a type of a spherical bearing that may connect a rigid rod, such as a control arm and/or a bearing stud, to a socket that may be enclosed in a spherical casing. For example, the bearing may rotate within the casing to allow the rod to move relative to the joint. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the ball joint 60 is exemplary and that other suitable connectors, joints and/or ball joints may be used to connect the first bag 14 to the second bag 22, the second bag 22 to the third bag 16 and/or the third bag 16 to the first bag 14.

Further, the ball joints 60 may be used in combination with any one or more of the clip 26, the hook-and-loop fastener 64 and/or the buckle 52 to connect any one or more and/or all of the bags. Specifically, the clip 26, the hook-and-loop fastener 64 and/or the buckle 52 may be used to connect the strap 58 from the first bag 14 to the third bag 16 across the torso of the traveler 10, as shown in FIG. 1, to provide the traveler 10 flexibility in movement.

A connector rod 62 may extend from the ball joint 60 positioned at and/or near an area H at and/or near the first side 80 of the second bag 22 to an area G positioned at and/or near an area G at and/or near the second side 78 of the first bag 14. The connector rod 62 may extend from an area G at and/or near the second side 82 of the second bag 22 to the first side 84 of the third bag 16. In an embodiment, the connector rod 62 may be made from a substantially rigid material, such metal and/or a composite, to provide structural rigidity to one or more and/or all of the bags. Accordingly, the traveler 10 may use the bags with the ball joints 60 and/or the connector rods 62 in, for example, heavy-duty applications involving the carrying of heavy equipment, such as that needed for military use.

Referring to FIG. 5, the bags are shown stacked on top of each other. Like reference numerals refer to like elements as shown in FIGS. 1-4, thus a redundant description of the same will be omitted. The first bag 14 may be vertically aligned with the second bag 22 and placed on the second bag 22 which may be aligned with and placed on top of the third bag 14. As shown in FIG. 5, the strap 58 may connect to the clip 26 at the area B at and/or near the first side 76 of the first bag 14. The clip 26 may attach to the extension 24 which may protrude from the first side 76 of the first bag 24. The strap 58 may extend toward the second side 86 of the third bag 16. The strap 58 may attach to the clip 26 that may attach to the extension 24 that may protrude from the second side 86 of the third bag 16.

As shown in FIG. 5, the clips 26 and/or hook-and-loop fasteners 64 are shown as an example of a type of connector that may be used to connect the bags. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other forms, orientations and/or combinations of the clip 26, the hook-and-loop fastener 64, the buckle 52 and/or the ball joint 60 may be used.

In an embodiment, the loops 28 may be generally aligned vertically near the strap 58 as shown in FIG. 5. Vertical alignment of the loops across the first bag 14, the second bag 22 and/or the third bag 16 may allow the traveler to conveniently pick up and/or set down the bags. For instance, the bags may be stacked vertically as shown in FIG. 5 by the traveler 10 to conserve space at, for example, an airport terminal where space may be limited.

Referring to FIG. 6, the bags are shown placed horizontally side-by-side. Like reference numerals refer to like elements as shown in FIGS. 1-5, thus a redundant description of the same will be omitted. A horizontal configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, of the first bag 14, the second bag 22 and/or the third bag 16 may be suitable when one or more and/or all the bags may be connected by the ball joints 60 and/or the connector rods 62 which may be rigid. Accordingly, the traveler 10 may encounter difficulty in positioning the bags vertically as, for example, shown in FIG. 5, since the bags with the ball joints 60 and/or connector rods 62 may be heavy and/or immobile in certain directions, depending on the specific orientation and/or configuration of the ball joints 60, for example.

Although the preceding description has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, it extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for carrying luggage around a traveler, the apparatus comprising:

a first bag positioned on a shoulder of the traveler;

a second bag extending across the back of the traveler;

a third bag near the waist of the traveler;

a strap connecting the first bag to the third bag; and

a connector that connects the first bag to the second bag and the second bag to the third bag.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a strap adjuster on the second bag wherein the strap threads through the strap adjuster to connect the second bag to the first bag and the third bag.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a clip that attaches to an extension protruding from the first bag, the second bag and the third bag.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

an adjustment area on the first bag, the second bag and the third bag wherein the traveler adjusts the length of the strap at the adjustment area.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a zipper extending across the first bag wherein the traveler opens the zipper to place luggage into the first bag.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a buckle on the strap that adjusts the length of the strap.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a ball joint attached to the second bag wherein the ball joint receives a rod to connect the second bag to the first bag and to connect the second bag to the third bag.

8. A system comprising:

a first bag connected to second bag by a fastener positioned between the first bag and the second bag;

a loop extending from the first bag and the second bag wherein the loop assists in lifting the first bag and the second bag;

a strap extending from the first bag to connect to the second bag; and

a strap adjuster to adjust a length of the strap around a traveler wearing the first bag and the second bag.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the first bag is placed adjacent to the second bag on the ground.

10. The system of claim 8 further comprising:

a stack formed by placing the first bag on the second bag.

11. The system of claim 8 further comprising:

a connector rod extending from the first bag wherein the connector rod attaches to a ball joint on the second bag.

12. The system of claim 8 further comprising:

a zipper extending across the first bag.

13. The system of claim 8 wherein the strap is threaded through the strap adjuster.

14. The system of claim 8 further comprising:

a rear strap extending across the back of the traveler to connect the first bag to the second bag.

15. A method comprising:

connecting a first bag to a second bag;

connecting the second bag to a third bag;

positioning the first bag on a shoulder of a traveler, the second bag across the back of the traveler and the third bag near the waist of the traveler;

lifting the third bag toward the first bag; and

extending a strap from the first bag toward the third bag to connect the first bag with the third bag.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising:

adjusting the third bag to accommodate size of the traveler.

17. The method of claim 15 further comprising:

opening a bag to insert luggage into the bag.

18. The method of claim 15 further comprising:

attaching a rear strap between the second bag and the first bag and the second bag and the third bag.

19. The method of claim 15 further comprising:

placing the first bag, the second bag and the third bag in a vertical stack.

20. The method of claim 15 further comprising:

disconnecting the first bag from the third bag.