EASY GLIDE LUGGAGE

Abstract

A luggage case with a telescoping handle is provided for increased storage capability, improved mobility and enhanced protection against damage. The luggage case can comprise a telescoping handle extendable from a top center portion of a center divider, wherein the center divider divides a front compartment and a back compartment of the luggage. The center divider section can be hingeably attached to a first vertical side of the front compartment and a second vertical side of the back compartment. In further embodiments, the front compartment and center divider can be releasably attached by a first zipper mechanism, and the back compartment and center divider can be releasably attached by a second zipper mechanism.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The subject application is a continuation of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US16/47800, filed Aug. 19, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/208,423, filed on Aug. 21, 2015, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

This invention relates generally to luggage devices and assemblies with efficient storage designs, and more particularly to luggage with features that use a novel and efficient design of a handle.

BACKGROUND

Luggage comprises bags and/or containers that can hold or store items, typically used during transit or travel. Some examples of luggage include: suitcases, garment bags, trunks, totes, duffel bags, and/or carpet bags. Additionally, many types of luggage include features which allow it to be mobile, including wheels, straps, and/or handles.

Because luggage is typically used for travel, the amount of storage space, and the optimization of that storage space, is at the forefront of the minds of luggage designers. Along these lines, a common problem in the industry is the inability to maximize the amount of storage space inside the luggage.

For luggage that has wheels and/or is designed to be rolled, a longer handle is required so that the user may pull or push the luggage without bending over. Moreover, in order to make this particular type of luggage more compact and/or easy to store, the handle can be retractable. This type of luggage handle is widely referred to as a “telescoping handle.” However, a common problem with using a telescoping handle is that it diminishes the amount of storage space inside the luggage.

Accordingly, there is a present need for a novel and efficient design for luggage that utilizes a telescoping handle, which specifically deals with the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY

Described herein are devices and methods that use novel and efficient designs and layouts to maximize storage space in luggage. Moreover, devices and methods herein can provide luggage comprising a well-balanced load, so that luggage according to the present invention can simplify and/or ease the packing and/or travel process. In some embodiments, the present disclosure can comprise a handle location that will maximize storage space in luggage. More specifically, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a retractable handle can be placed in the center of the luggage, which can reduce the likelihood of the handle interfering with storage space on either side of the handle, which in turn can optimize the storage capability of the luggage.

In some embodiments, a telescoping handle can be mounted to the top center of the luggage and extend downward through the luggage, such that storage compartments can extend on either side of the luggage. In this manner, telescoping handles according to the present disclosure can divide the luggage on either side of the handle. The telescoping handle can also comprise attachment points securing the handle system, which can assure accurate and/or easy guiding of the bag while being moved. Also, mounting the handle system in the center of the luggage can allow the luggage to be guided with equal forces on load and motion.

In some embodiments, the access to the luggage compartments can be along the center vertical divider of the luggage. Additionally, two access points, such as zippers, can be on either side of the center structure handle divider. This arrangement can be used in both soft-sided and hard-sided luggage. When used with hard-sided luggage, there can be an option for a latching system along the same vertical structure section of the bag. This dual access created by dividing the luggage compartments on either side of the center divider can allow a user flexibility when packing the luggage. For instance, a user can open one side of the luggage at a time while the luggage is lying on its opposite side, or position the luggage with the center handle section pointing vertically. In the latter example, both sides of luggage storage compartments are accessible at the same time. Furthermore, luggage according to the present disclosure can comprise four caster wheels. However, it is understood that embodiments according to the present disclosure can comprise any number of wheels using any appropriate material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The details of the subject matter set forth herein, both as to its structure and operation, may be apparent by study of the accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the subject matter. Moreover, all illustrations are intended to convey concepts, where relative sizes, shapes and other detailed attributes may be illustrated schematically rather than literally or precisely.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of luggage according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the luggage in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the luggage in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a top view of the luggage in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a top view of the luggage in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4C is a top view of the luggage in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of luggage according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the luggage in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7A is a top view of the luggage in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7B is a top view of the luggage in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of another embodiment of luggage according to the present invention.

FIG. 8B is another perspective view of the luggage in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a top view of the luggage in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9B is another top view of the luggage in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present subject matter is described in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

Devices and methods described herein can use designs and layouts to maximize storage space in luggage, as well as provide luggage comprising a well-balanced load. For instance, the present disclosure can mount a retractable handle system in the center of the luggage, which can allow the luggage to be guided with equal forces on load and motion. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a retractable handle can be placed in the center of the luggage, which can reduce the likelihood of the handle interfering with storage space on either side of the handle, which in turn can optimize the storage capability of the luggage. More specifically, a telescoping handle can be mounted to the top center of luggage and extend downward through the luggage and divide the luggage on either side of the handle. By doing so, the storage compartments inside the luggage can extend on either side of the handle. Furthermore, two access points can be on either side of the center handle. This creates a dual access by dividing the luggage on either side of the center, which can also allow a user flexibility during the packing process.

Luggage described herein can have many different features that can improve the packing and/or travel process. Furthermore, the luggage described herein can have different functions. For example, in one embodiment, “carry on” luggage can be designed and sized to fit into smaller spaces, such as the overhead compartment above seats on an airplane. In other embodiments, alternative luggage sizes can be designed for maximum efficacy for a variety of load and size requirements.

Throughout this disclosure, the preferred embodiment and examples illustrated should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the term “invention,” “device,” “apparatus,” “method,” “present invention,” “present device,” “present apparatus” or “present method” refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “invention,” “device,” “apparatus,” “method,” “present invention,” “present device,” “present apparatus” or “present method” throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).

It is also understood that when an element or feature is referred to as being “on” or “adjacent” to another element or feature, it can be directly on or adjacent the other element or feature or intervening elements or features may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or extending “directly onto” another element, there are no intervening elements present. Additionally, it is understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

Furthermore, relative terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “upper,” “top,” “above,” “lower,” “bottom,” “beneath,” “below,” and similar terms, may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another. Terms such as “higher,” “lower,” “wider,” “narrower,” and similar terms, may be used herein to describe angular relationships. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the elements or system in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, or section from another. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, a first element, component, region, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated list items.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, when the present specification refers to “an” assembly, it is understood that this language encompasses a single assembly or a plurality or array of assemblies. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It is understood that while the present disclosure makes reference to luggage with novel and efficient design, and that luggage may be the primary application concerned with the present invention, devices incorporating features of the present invention can be utilized with any application that has components or elements which might be used with luggage, bags, storage devices, and/or any object that may benefit from a novel design.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to view illustrations that are schematic illustrations. As such, the actual thickness of elements can be different, and variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Thus, the elements illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

It should also be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, or step is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should be understood that that feature, element, component, function, or step can be used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitly stated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basis and written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, that combine features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments, or that substitute features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those of another, even if the following description does not explicitly state, in a particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions are possible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of every possible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especially given that the permissibility of each and every such combination and substitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of luggage 100 according to the present invention. The luggage 100 in FIG. 1 can comprise a handle 116 mounted to the top center 114 of the luggage 100. In some embodiments, the handle 116 is a telescoping or pull-out handle. By mounting the handle 116 to the top center 114 of the luggage 100, the load forces and forces used to move the bag can be well-balanced from front to back and/or side to side. The telescoping handle 116 can extend down into and through the luggage 100, such that the storage compartments 140, 160 in the luggage 100 are divided.

The luggage 100 according to the present disclosure can also comprise wheel or swivel casters 124, which can be mounted to the bottom 120 of the bag 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the luggage 100 includes four wheels 124; however, it is understood that luggage 100, according to the present disclosure, can include any number of wheels. FIG. 2 is a side view of the luggage 100 in FIG. 1, which displays a good view of two of the four wheels 124. By attaching the wheels or swivel casters 124 to, or adjacent to, the bottom corners 122 of the bag 100, this can allow for good mobility and quick directional changes. The wheels or swivel casters 124 can also allow the luggage 100 to roll or move over a wide variety of surfaces. Furthermore, the luggage 100 can be pushed and/or pulled on two wheels 124 or all four wheels 124. The number of wheels or swivel casters 124 used can depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of surface or terrain, or the preference of the user. Additionally, by mounting the handle 116 to the center 114 of the bag 100, this can allow for better control during movement, such as quick directional changes. In addition to handle 116, luggage 100 can include a side handle 126 located on the outer surface of a vertical side section 184 of center divider 180 (as shown in FIG. 3). In other embodiments, a side handle 126 can be located on a vertical side section 162 of front compartment 160, or on a vertical side section of back compartment 140. It should also be understood that luggage 100 can also have no side handle.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the telescoping handle 116 can divide the luggage storage compartments 140, 160. In one embodiment, the telescoping handle 116 can be attached to a center divider and/or easy glide divider system 180. The telescoping handle 116 can be retractable or extendable, such it can collapse when the luggage 100 is being stowed. In order to retract or extend, the telescoping handle 116 can use a tube system 117, which can comprise a series of inner tubes 118 and outer tubes 119. In some embodiments, the inner tubes 118 can align with the outer tubes 119. When in the process of retracting or extending, the inner tubes 118 can be pulled out of the outer tubes 119, with some embodiments comprising an overlap between the inner tubes 118 and outer tubes 119. In one embodiment, around 30% of the inner tubes 118 can overlap between the outer tubes 119. Additionally, a push button release system 112 can allow the telescoping handle 116 to extend or retract. In some embodiments, the push button release system 112 can be attached to a lock or tab 113, which can be released when the push button 111 is actuated. This lock or tab 113 can also lock the handle 116 and the tube system 117 in various extended positions. In some embodiments, the lock or tab 113 is attached to the inner tubes 118 and outer tubes 119, such that there are different locking positions at different sections of the tube system 117. In this fashion, the height of the telescoping handle 116 can be adjustable for different types of users.

Additionally, the structure of the present disclosure can allow the telescoping handle 116 to have increased protection. For instance, in some embodiments, the telescoping handle 116, including tube system 117, can be anchored to a center section 170 and/or on the inside of the luggage 100, or any another location of the luggage 100 that limits exposure. By doing so, the tube system 117 and the telescoping handle 116 are not exposed to outside elements. This is important because the telescoping handle 116 can be easily damaged if it is located in an exposed area of the luggage 100. Accordingly, some embodiments of the present disclosure can allow the tube system 117 and the telescoping handle 116 to have an increased lifespan, which can result in an increased lifespan for the overall luggage 100.

The center divider and/or easy glide divider system 180 can also be attached to a vertical side section 162 of the luggage 100. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the luggage 100 in FIG. 1, which is a good view of the aforementioned center divider and/or easy glide divider system 180 and center section 170. The luggage 100 according to the present disclosure can also comprise one or more hinges 172 running along an outer surface of the luggage 100. In some embodiments, these hinges 172 can run along the edges of the vertical side sections 142, 162 of the luggage 100, which is made possible by the unique construction of the luggage 100. The hinges 172 can be located in the center of the outer surface 184, which can divide the front storage compartment 160 from the back storage compartment 140. In some embodiments, the center divider and/or easy glide divider system 180 can equally divide the front 160 and back storage compartments 140. The hinges 172 can run the majority of the length of the outer side of the luggage 100, which can increase the structural strength and stability of the luggage. As described earlier, a latching system is depicted, comprising multiple latching mechanisms 185 on an outer surface of the luggage 100, wherein the latching mechanisms 185 can be configured to releasably attach any one or more sides of the front 160 and back compartments 140 to the center divider 180.

The easy glide divider system and/or center section 180 can be built into and/or integrated to the hinges 172 of the luggage 100, which can help divide the front 160 and back storage compartments 140 of the luggage 100. Additionally, the easy glide divider system and/or center section 180 can house the telescoping handle 116. In some embodiments, the telescoping handle 116 can be located in the middle of the easy glide divider system and/or center divider 180, from both a horizontal and/or vertical orientation. Furthermore, the easy glide divider system 180 can be located in the center section 170 of the bag 100, from a front-to-back orientation, and the telescoping handle 116 can be located in or near the center 186 of the easy glide divider system 180, from a left-to-right orientation. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the telescoping handle 116 can be located in the center of the luggage 100 based on both an X-Y axes and/or a Z (vertical) axis orientation.

Because the telescoping handle 116 can be located in the center 186 of the divider 180, which can have a placement in the center of the front-to-back luggage orientation, the divider 180 can act as means to organize the contents of the luggage 100. FIGS. 4A-4C are top views of the luggage 100 in FIG. 1, which displays the layout of the center divider and/or easy glide divider system 180 and front 160 and back storage compartments 140. The luggage 100, like most structurally upright bags, can be loaded when placed on a level surface, for example a bed, floor, chair, and/or table. The front outer surface 164 and/or the back outer surface 144 can rest on the level surface. Even with the luggage 100 open, while the front outer surface 164 and/or the back outer surface 144 are resting on a surface, the luggage 100 can rest evenly and stable with no rocking around the hinges 172. The divider 180 can be constructed out of a material that can add some structural stability or soundness to the luggage 100, such as wire form or molded plastic frame. By doing so, the weight of the telescoping handle 116 can be stabilized within the center of the divider 180. In some embodiments, the divider 180 can be relatively firm or stiff, which can help with the structural stability of the luggage 100. In order to pack the luggage 100, the divider 180 can be arranged vertically and both the front storage compartment 160 and the back storage compartment 140 can be loaded simultaneously. FIG. 4B displays such an orientation. In contrast, the divider 180 can be arranged horizontally and the front storage compartment 160 and the back storage compartment 140 can be loaded one at a time. FIGS. 4A and 4C display this type of orientation.

Luggage 100 according to the present disclosure can comprise a soft-sided outer surface and/or a hard-sided outer surface. When packing, the user can have the option of unzipping the compartments 140, 160, e.g. when using the soft-sided or hard-sided outer surfaces, or unlatching the compartments 140, 160, e.g. when using the hard-sided outer surface. Once again, the user can open and close the front storage compartment 160 and the back storage compartment 140 simultaneously or one at a time. As stated previously, the divider 180 can be stable enough to provide either option. Moreover, the divider 180 may or may not have additional pockets and/or organization items. By retracting the telescoping handle 116, the user can have the option of packing either side of the luggage 100 without the obstruction of the handle system 116, 117 or any other aspect of the luggage 100.

In embodiments with a soft-sided outer surface, the outer surface can comprise any number of different materials and/or structures. For example, the soft-sided outer surface can comprise a plastic sheet, a polypropylene member, and/or a polycarbonate member. These materials can be used on any of the outer walls: the left, right, top, and/or bottom. In embodiments with a hard-sided outer surface, the outer surface can act as a shell to protect the container and/or the structure of the luggage 100. In this manner, all of the outer sections of the luggage 100 can be enclosed. Furthermore, luggage 100 according to the present disclosure can comprise a center structural band 182. In some embodiments, the center structural band 182 can be between three inches and four inches wide and/or encompass the center divider and/or easy glide divider system 180. By doing so, the center divider 180 and/or center structural band 182 can secure additional luggage elements, such as the telescoping handle 116 and/or tubing 117. However, it is understood that the center structural band 182 can comprise a number of different widths. The center divider and/or easy glide divider system 180 can also be secured to other luggage elements when the luggage is closed, such as a center structural band 182, the front storage compartment 160, and/or the back storage compartment 140.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of another embodiment of luggage 500 according to the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when latched, using latching mechanisms 585, or zipped, the center divider section 580 can act as part of the outer surfaces. By doing so, the center divider and/or easy glide divider system 580 can tie in the structure by adding additional strength to the outer surfaces 544, 564 of the frame. As shown in FIG. 5, handle 516 is coupled to a telescoping tube system 517 which can extend throughout the length of the inside of luggage 500 and anchored to a bottom surface 520 of luggage 500. Furthermore, by achieving a secure attachment to the bottom surface 520, the steering of the bag 500 can be improved with minimal lost energy. As shown in FIG. 5, luggage 500 additionally comprises a side handle 526 which can be located on a vertical side section of center divider 580. Alternatively, side handle 526 can be located on a vertical side section 542, 562 of the front or back compartments. In still other embodiments, luggage 500 can have no side handle.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are top views of the luggage 500 in FIG. 5. When the luggage 500 is being loaded, the garments can lay flat against the inside of front surface 564 and/or the inside of back surface 544. Additionally, the configuration of the luggage 500 can allow for additional storage space compared to conventionally configured luggage. For example, in some embodiments, there can be an inch or more extra storage space 581 because of the center divider section 580 and/or the center structural band 582 holding the telescoping handle 516. Accordingly, the front storage compartment 560 and/or the back storage compartment 540 can be overloaded compared to conventional storage compartments.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of another embodiment of luggage 800 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8A, luggage 800 comprises a front compartment 860 and a back compartment 840, with a center divider section 880 positioned therebetween. As seen in FIG. 8B, a vertical side section 882 of center divider section 880 can be hingeably attached to both a vertical side section 862 of front compartment 860 and a vertical side section 842 of back compartment 840. In the depicted embodiment, hinge 872 can comprise one or more vertical side sections attached lengthwise (e.g., at a portion where the zipper mechanism does not interface between a compartment and the center divider 880). For example, as seen in FIG. 8B, in some embodiments, hinge 872 can comprise a vertical side section 882 of the center divider 880 flexibly attached to a vertical side section 862 of the front compartment 860, and a vertical side section 882 of the center divider 880 flexibly attached to a vertical side section 842 of the back compartment 840. In other embodiments, hinge 872 can comprise aluminum spring-loaded hinges, which each can include a spring mechanism to bias the attached structures in a closed position. In still other embodiments, hinges 872 can be “living hinges,” and comprise a unitary body construction that is biased such that the attached structures are in a closed position, wherein the hinges are made from a semi-rigid flexible material such as, for example, a plastic, rubber, polyvinyl chloride material, or a similar material.

Referring back to FIG. 8A, a telescoping handle 816 can be configured to be in a resting or locked position at a top center portion 814 of the center divider section 880. In some embodiments, a telescoping tube system 817 can be attached to handle 816, and one or more outer tubes 819, comprising the tube system 817, can be anchored to a horizontal center area 886 of center divider section 880 (as shown in FIG. 8B). Alternately, the outer tubes 819 can be anchored to a bottom inside portion of center divider system 880, similar to the anchoring portion shown in FIG. 5. Also shown in FIG. 8A is a plurality of wheels or swivel casters 824 which can be attached to an outside surface on the bottom 820 of luggage 800, such that luggage 800 can be pushed or pulled by a user with relative ease even when luggage 800 is fully loaded. In some embodiments, center divider section 880 can comprise a sheet constructed from a rigid or semi-rigid material such as, for example, a plastic, polypropylene and/or polycarbonate material. Center divider section 880 can comprise a sheet having a thickness that is less than 10 millimeters. In certain embodiments, center divider section 880 can be an uncovered sheet, or alternatively, covered by a durable fabric, vinyl or other material that can include additional pockets for more storage.

Referring to FIG. 8B, an alternate perspective view of luggage 800 is provided wherein the luggage 800 is shown in a partially open position. As can be seen in FIG. 8B, center divider section 880 can be “flipped” back and forth, so that front compartment 860 and back compartment 840 can be separately loaded. For example, a user can “flip” center divider section 880 such that it is covering back compartment 840, where front compartment 860 is open and can be loaded. Similarly, a user can “flip” center divider section 880 such that it is covering front compartment 860, where back compartment 840 is open and can be loaded. The front compartment 860 and back compartment 840 can each be releasably attached to the center divider 880 through the use of two or more zipper mechanisms 868. For example, front compartment 860 can be releasably attached to center divider 880 along a plurality of mated horizontal and/or vertical edges of front compartment 860 and center divider 880, through the use of a zipper mechanism 868, as shown in FIG. 8B. Zipper mechanism 868 can circumscribe all four edges of front compartment 860 and/or center divider 880, except along an edge portion where hinge 872 is connected. In an alternative embodiment, center divider 880 and front compartment 860 may be releasably attached at a plurality of mated edges through the use of one or more clasps and/or latches (as shown in earlier embodiments). Similarly, back compartment 840 can be releasably attached to center divider 880 along a plurality of mated horizontal and/or vertical edges of back compartment 840 and center divider 880, through the use of a zipper mechanism 848, or alternatively, one or more clasps and/or latches (not shown). Again, zipper mechanism 848 can circumscribe all edges of the back compartment 840 and/or center divider 880, except along an edge portion where hinge 872 is connected. FIG. 8A depicts luggage 800 in a “closed” position, wherein zipper mechanisms 868, 848 are sealed, and the edges of front compartment 860, back compartment 840 and center divider 880 are mated.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are top views of the luggage 800 in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Referring to FIG. 9A, a top view of luggage 800 is depicted comprising a front compartment 860, a back compartment 840, and a center divider 880 positioned therebetween. A telescopic handle 816 with a depressible button 811 (for actuating the telescoping tubes, as described in earlier embodiments) can be attached to center divider 880 on a portion facing the back compartment 840. In alternate embodiments, telescopic handle 816 can be attached to center divider 880 on a portion facing the front compartment 860. Front 860 and back compartments 840 are each hingeably attached along a vertical side section to center divider 880 via hinge 872. As shown by a dotted line path 890, center divider 880 can be positioned such that it is flush against either back compartment 840, front compartment 860, or both when luggage 800 is closed (as shown in FIG. 9B). Furthermore, edges of center divider 880 can be mated and attached to and along the edges of front compartment 860 by zipper mechanism 868. Similarly, edges of center divider 880 can be mated and attached to and along the edges of back compartment 840 by zipper mechanism 848. In some embodiments, a top portion of back compartment 840 can have a recessed portion 895 to accommodate for a snug fit of the handle 816, when center divider 880 is closed against back compartment 840. In other embodiments, a top portion of front compartment 860 can have a recessed portion (not shown) in addition to, or in the alternative to the recessed portion 895 of the back compartment 840, to accommodate for a snug fit of handle 816, when center divider 880 is closed against front compartment 860. The recessed portion 895 can be shaped to accommodate the shape of handle 816, the inner or outer tubes or any other shape to accommodate for a snug fit when the front 860 and back compartments 840 of luggage 800 are in a closed position. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the recessed portion 895 can be configured such that the paths of zipper mechanisms 848, 868 are not obstructed and can be sealed and/or unsealed with relative ease.

Referring again to FIG. 9A, luggage 800 can be placed on a level surface, such as a bed, floor, chair, table, etc., such that the side surface 844 of back compartment 840 and the side surface 864 of front compartment 860 are relatively flush against the level surface. In this regard, back compartment 840 and front compartment 860 can be loaded one compartment at a time, depending on the position of center divider 880 along the dotted line path 890. Similarly, back compartment 840 and front compartment 860 can each be mated and attached to center divider 880 one at a time using zipper mechanisms 848, 868. In alternate embodiments, a latch, clasp or other mechanism (not shown) can be used in place of zipper mechanisms 848, 868 in order to close and attach the back compartment 840 and/or front compartment 860 to center divider 880.

Turning to FIG. 9B, a top view of an embodiment of luggage 800 is provided, wherein luggage 800 is in a closed position. As depicted in FIG. 9B, center divider 880 is positioned between back compartment 840 and front compartment 860, and further attached along the edges by zipper mechanisms 848, 868. A recessed portion 895 is shown along an edge of rear compartment 840 to accommodate for a snug fit of telescoping handle 816, which is positioned in a center portion of center divider 880. The back 840 and front compartments 860 can each be hingeably attached along a vertical side section of center divider 880 by hinge 872.

Luggage according to the present disclosure can also comprise compression straps that can project from inside the front and/or back surfaces, which pull the contents to the outer edges of the luggage. However, it is noted that some embodiments do not comprise a compression strap. The center divider and/or easy glide divider system, due to the structure and/or the zipper or latching method, can act as a secure way to compress contents and securing the luggage. The luggage can be loaded on one compartment and then the divider can be secured over that particular compartment, whether it be the front storage compartment or the back storage compartment. Once both storage compartments are loaded, the user can pull both the front and back storage compartments up simultaneously to a vertical position. Furthermore, the user can use the hinges to balance or rest the storage compartments. Afterwards, the user can lie down the luggage on either the front or the back side to secure the luggage. Once the luggage is secured, e.g. by latching or zipping, the luggage can be set on the wheels or casters, so that it can be ready for transport.

It is understood that embodiments presented herein are meant to be exemplary. Embodiments of the present invention can comprise any combination of compatible features shown in the various figures, and these embodiments should not be limited to those expressly illustrated and discussed. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain configurations thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited to the versions described above. The foregoing is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims, wherein no portion of the disclosure is intended, expressly or implicitly, to be dedicated to the public domain if not set forth in the claims. Furthermore, any features, functions, steps, or elements of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, as well as negative limitations that define the inventive scope of the claims by features, functions, steps, or elements that are not within that scope.

Claims

1. A luggage case comprising:

a front storage compartment comprising a first vertical side;

a back storage compartment comprising a second vertical side;

a center divider positioned between the front storage compartment and the back storage compartment, the center divider comprising: a top center portion; and a third vertical side hingeably attached to the first vertical side of the front compartment and the second vertical side of the back compartment; and

a telescoping handle coupled to one or more tubes, wherein the telescoping handle is adapted to extend vertically from the top center portion of the center divider, and wherein the one or more tubes extend through a center portion of the center divider.

2. The luggage case of claim 1, wherein the storage volume of the front storage compartment is substantially equal to the storage volume of the second storage compartment.

3. The luggage case of claim 1, wherein the one or more tubes are anchored to a bottom surface of the center divider.

4. The luggage case of claim 1, wherein the one or more tubes are anchored to a center portion of the center divider.

5. The luggage case of claim 1, wherein the front storage compartment further comprises a first bottom surface, and the second storage compartment comprises a second bottom surface, and wherein two or more wheels are coupled to the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface.

6. The luggage case of claim 1, wherein the telescoping handle comprises a depressible button, wherein the depressible button is adapted to release the telescoping handle from a locked position.

7. The luggage case of claim 1, wherein the center divider includes a center compartment comprising a storage volume that is less than each of the storage volumes of the front compartment and the back compartment.

8. The luggage case of claim 1, wherein the center divider comprises a semi-rigid sheet.

9. The luggage case of claim 1, wherein an outer edge of the front compartment is configured to be releasably attached to a first outer edge of the center divider, and wherein an outer edge of the back compartment is configured to be releasably attached to a second outer edge of the center divider.

10. The luggage case of claim 1, further comprising:

a first zipper mechanism adapted to releasably attach an outer edge of the front compartment to a first outer edge of the center divider; and

a second zipper mechanism adapted to releasably attach an outer edge of the back compartment to a second outer edge of the center divider.

11. A luggage case comprising:

a front storage compartment comprising a first outer edge and a first vertical side;

a back storage compartment comprising a second outer edge and a second vertical side;

a center divider positioned between the front storage compartment and the back storage compartment, the center divider comprising: a top center portion;

a third outer edge configured to releasably attach to the first outer edge of the front storage compartment;

a fourth outer edge configured to releasably attach to the second outer edge of the back storage compartment; and

a third vertical side hingeably attached to the first vertical side of the front storage compartment and the second vertical side of the back storage compartment; and

a telescoping handle comprising one or more tubes, wherein the telescoping handle is adapted to extend vertically from the top center portion of the center divider, and wherein the one or more tubes extend through a center portion of the center divider.

12. The luggage case of claim 11, wherein the storage volume of the front storage compartment is substantially equal to the storage volume of the second storage compartment.

13. The luggage case of claim 11, wherein the one or more tubes are anchored to a bottom surface of the center divider.

14. The luggage case of claim 11, wherein the one or more tubes are anchored to a center portion of the center divider.

15. The luggage case of claim 11, wherein the front storage compartment further comprises a first bottom surface, and the second storage compartment comprises a second bottom surface, and wherein two or more wheels are coupled to the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface.

16. The luggage case of claim 11, wherein the telescoping handle comprises a depressible button, wherein the depressible button is adapted to release the telescoping handle from a locked position.

17. The luggage case of claim 11, wherein the center divider includes a center compartment comprising a storage volume that is less than each of the storage volumes of the front compartment and the back compartment.

18. The luggage case of claim 11, wherein the center divider comprises a semi-rigid sheet.

19. The luggage case of claim 11, further comprising a recessed portion in a top center portion of the back compartment configured to receive at least a portion of the telescoping handle.

20. The luggage case of claim 16, further comprising a releasable tab, and wherein the releasable tab is coupled to the depressible button and the one or more tubes, and wherein the depressible button and releasable tab are adapted to lock the one or more tubes in a plurality of vertical positions.