SYSTEM, DEVICE AND METHOD FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS IN LUGGAGE AND OTHER PORTABLE CONTAINERS
Various improvements for portable containers such as luggage. Various systems, devices and methods are provided for increasing functionality for luggage and other portable containers, for example for personal travel. These improvements include a power box for portable energy provision while traveling, that may optionally be integrated with a suitcase; a portable document handler for convenient and secure transportation of documents; and an elastic strap designed to better secure luggage, as well as optionally providing a visual identifier for a bag. These improvements may optionally be used together or separately.
The present invention is of a system, device and method for various improvements in luggage and other portable containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONPortable containers, such as luggage, are widely used for transporting materials, for example during travel. Although it is possible to pack many loose, separate objects within such portable containers, it is preferably to provide built-in secure locations for such objects where possible, so that the traveler is able to easily access the desired objects and so that the desired objects remain secured. Unfortunately, currently portable containers such as luggage do not provide such built-in secure locations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe background art does not teach or suggest built-in secure locations for storing various objects within portable containers such as luggage.
The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the background art by providing various systems, devices and methods for increasing functionality for luggage and other portable containers, for example for personal travel, including built-in secure locations for object storage. These improvements include a power box for portable energy provision while traveling, that may optionally be integrated with a suitcase; a portable document holder for convenient and secure transportation of documents; a portable vacuum; and an elastic strap designed to better secure luggage, as well as optionally providing a visual identifier for a bag. These improvements may optionally be used together or separately.
According to at least some embodiments of the present invention a power device system integrated into a portable container comprises: a power box; and a secure holder secured to the portable container for holding the power box, wherein the power box is removable from said secure holder. Preferably the power box comprises: a rechargeable battery; an electronic device; and ports for charging the battery and powering an external electronic device. Preferably the external electronic device comprises at least one of smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, or any other suitable device that may be charged and/or powered on a standard 5 Volt USB port. Preferably the electronic device comprises electronic circuitry for converting battery voltage to a USB port voltage, for regulating output power, and for regulating incoming charge current. Optionally the circuitry drives LED or LCD indicators, for visualizing the charge condition of the battery.
Preferably the secure holder comprises a lock for locking the power box within the secure holder or locking the secure holder closed when the power box is removed from the secure holder, and an indicator for indicating whether the power box is inside the secure holder. Preferably the secure holder comprises a sliding door and the lock prevents movement of the sliding door. Preferably the secure holder is integrally formed with the portable container and the sliding door.
According to other embodiments of the present invention a portable vacuum device, comprises a motor, a fan and a power source in a portable container, wherein the power source powers the motor to drive the fan to provide vacuum suction.
According to other embodiments of the present invention a documents holder integrated into a portable container having a handle comprises: a document tray; and a latch for holding the document tray closed; wherein the document tray retracts into the portable container upon retraction of the handle and opens upon extension of the handle. Optionally the latch comprises a lock. Optionally the document tray comprises a securing strap. Optionally the document tray is fixedly connected to the handle.
Alternatively the document tray comprises at least one groove of a dimension to move slidably along the handle, wherein the document tray is removable from the portable container and the handle by sliding along said groove, and wherein the document tray is independently retractable into the portable container by sliding along said groove.
According to other embodiments of the present invention a luggage system comprises: at least one piece of luggage; and at least one of the following or a combination thereof, in any combination or sub-combination, with these components or embodiments or any other embodiments or sub-embodiments or components as described herein: a power device, comprising a power box and a secure holder, wherein the power box is removable from the secure holder and wherein the secure holder is secured to the piece of luggage; a luggage strap featuring a divided shape for securing the piece of luggage; a portable vacuum; wherein the vacuum is powered by the power box; and a documents holder assembly, comprising a handle of the piece of luggage and a document tray, wherein the document tray retracts into the piece of luggage upon retraction of the handle and opens upon extension of the handle. Preferably the power box comprises: a rechargeable battery; an electronic device; and ports for charging the battery and powering an external electronic device. Preferably the secure holder comprises a lock for locking the power box within the secure holder or locking the secure holder closed when the power box is removed from the secure holder, and an indicator for indicating whether the power box is inside the secure holder. Preferably the secure holder comprises a sliding door and the lock prevents movement of the sliding door. Preferably the secure holder is integrally formed with the piece of luggage and the sliding door.
According to other embodiments of the present invention a documents holder integrated into a portable container, the portable container comprising a handle assembly comprising a handle of the portable container, comprises: a plurality of outer tubes; a plurality of inner tubes fixedly attached to the handle and moveably inserted into the outer tubes; and a cassette holder fixedly attached to the outer tubes; and a removable document cassette comprising a cassette door; and rear panel; wherein the cassette door is attached with hinges to the rear panel and the cassette door opens for storage of documents in the cassette; wherein the document cassette retracts into the cassette holder of the handle assembly upon retraction of the handle and may be opened or removed upon extension of the handle of the portable container. Preferably the document holder further comprises a cassette handle for opening and for removing the document cassette. Optionally the cassette handle comprises a lock.
According to other embodiments of the present invention a luggage system comprises: at least one piece of luggage; and at least one of the following or a combination thereof, in any combination or sub-combination, with these components or embodiments or any other embodiments or sub-embodiments or components as described herein: a power device, comprising a power box and a secure holder, wherein the power box is removable from the secure holder and wherein the secure holder is secured to the piece of luggage; a luggage strap featuring a divided shape for securing the piece of luggage; a portable vacuum; wherein the vacuum is powered by the power box; and a documents holder comprising: a handle assembly comprising a handle of the piece of luggage; a plurality of outer tubes; a plurality of inner tubes fixedly attached to the luggage handle and moveably inserted into the outer tubes; and a cassette holder fixedly attached to the outer tubes; and a removable document cassette comprising a cassette door; and rear panel; wherein the cassette door is attached with hinges to the rear panel and the cassette door opens for storage of documents in the cassette; wherein the document cassette retracts into the cassette holder of the handle assembly upon retraction of the luggage handle and may be opened or removed upon extension of the luggage handle.
According to at least some embodiments, which may optionally be combined with any component, embodiment of sub-embodiment as described above, there is provided a power device system integratable into a portable container comprising: a power box; and a secure holder secured to the portable container for holding the power box, wherein the power box is removable from said secure holder. Optionally the power box comprises: a rechargeable battery; an electronic device; and ports for charging the battery and powering an external electronic device. Optionally said external electronic device comprises at least one of smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, or any other suitable device that may be charged and/or powered on a standard 5 Volt USB port. Optionally said electronic device comprises electronic circuitry for converting battery voltage to a USB port voltage, for regulating output power, and for regulating incoming charge current. Optionally said circuitry drives LED or LCD indicators, for visualizing the charge condition of the battery. Optionally the secure holder comprises a lock for locking the power box within the secure holder or locking the secure holder closed when the power box is removed from the secure holder, and an indicator for indicating whether the power box is inside the secure holder. Optionally the secure holder comprises a sliding door and the lock prevents movement of the sliding door. Optionally the secure holder is integrally formed with the portable container and the sliding door.
According to at least some embodiments, which may optionally be combined with any component, embodiment of sub-embodiment as described above, there is provided a portable vacuum device, comprising a motor, a fan and a power source in a portable container, wherein the power source powers the motor to drive the fan to provide vacuum suction.
According to at least some embodiments, which may optionally be combined with any component, embodiment of sub-embodiment as described above, there is provided a documents holder integrated into a portable container, the portable container comprising a handle, the handle being retractable into the portable container, the holder comprising: a. a document tray connected to the handle; wherein the document tray retracts into the portable container upon retraction of the handle and opens upon extension of the handle. Optionally the holder further comprises a latch for holding the document tray closed. Optionally the latch comprises a lock. Optionally the document tray comprises a securing strap. Optionally the document tray is fixedly connected to the handle. Optionally the document tray comprises at least one groove of a dimension to move slidably along the handle, wherein the document tray is removable from the portable container and the handle by sliding along said groove, and wherein the document tray is independently retractable into the portable container by sliding along said groove.
According to at least some embodiments, which may optionally be combined with any component, embodiment of sub-embodiment as described above, there is provided a luggage strap for securing luggage, featuring a divided shape. Optionally said divided shape is triangular. Optionally the luggage strap further comprises pockets.
According to at least some embodiments, which may optionally be combined with any component, embodiment of sub-embodiment as described above, there is provided a portable container comprising the luggage strap as described herein, for example as described above.
According to at least some embodiments, which may optionally be combined with any component, embodiment of sub-embodiment as described above, there is provided a documents holder integrated into a portable container, the portable container comprising a handle assembly comprising a handle of the portable container; a plurality of outer tubes; a plurality of inner tubes fixedly attached to the handle and moveably inserted into the outer tubes, the holder comprising: a removable document cassette comprising a cassette door; and rear panel; wherein the cassette door is attached with hinges to the rear panel and the cassette door opens for storage of documents in the cassette; wherein the document cassette retracts into the cassette holder of the handle assembly upon retraction of the handle and may be opened or removed upon extension of the handle of the portable container.
Optionally the documents holder further comprises rails for guiding said removable document cassette along said inner tubes and/or said outer tubes. Optionally the documents holder further comprises grooves for guiding said removable document cassette along said inner tubes and/or said outer tubes. Optionally the documents holder further comprises a cassette handle for opening and for removing the document cassette. Optionally the cassette handle comprises a lock.
According to at least some embodiments, which may optionally be combined with any component, embodiment of sub-embodiment as described above, there is provided a luggage system comprising: a. at least one piece of luggage; and b. a power device, comprising a power box and a secure holder, wherein the power box is removable from the secure holder and wherein the secure holder is secured to the piece of luggage. Optionally the power box comprises: a. a rechargeable battery; b. an electronic device; and c. ports for charging the battery and powering an external electronic device. Optionally the secure holder comprises a lock for locking the power box within the secure holder or locking the secure holder closed when the power box is removed from the secure holder, and an indicator for indicating whether the power box is inside the secure holder. Optionally the secure holder comprises a sliding door and the lock prevents movement of the sliding door. Optionally the secure holder is integrally formed with the piece of luggage and the sliding door. Optionally the luggage system, optionally according to any embodiments, combinations, sub-embodiments or sub-combinations as described herein, comprises a power device system, optionally according to any embodiments, combinations, sub-embodiments or sub-combinations as described herein.
Optionally the luggage system, optionally according to any embodiments, combinations, sub-embodiments or sub-combinations as described herein, features the piece of luggage comprising a handle, the system further comprising a documents holder assembly, comprising a document tray, wherein the document tray retracts into the piece of luggage upon retraction of the handle and is openable upon extension of the handle. Optionally the luggage system, optionally according to any embodiments, combinations, sub-embodiments or sub-combinations as described herein, features the piece of luggage comprising a handle, further comprising a documents holder according to any of the above claims connected to said handle.
Optionally the luggage system, optionally according to any embodiments, combinations, sub-embodiments or sub-combinations as described herein, further comprises a luggage strap featuring a divided shape for securing the piece of luggage; optionally wherein the luggage strap is optionally according to any embodiments, combinations, sub-embodiments or sub-combinations as described herein.
Optionally the luggage system, optionally according to any embodiments, combinations, sub-embodiments or sub-combinations as described herein, further comprises a portable vacuum; comprising a motor, a fan and a power source in a portable container, wherein the power source powers the motor to drive the fan to provide vacuum suction, and wherein the power source is provided by said power box.
The terms portable container or luggage as used herein refer to a container in which to pack items for traveling or transporting. Non limiting examples of luggage include suitcases, travel bags, cases, luggage and trunks. These terms may be used interchangeably herein.
The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
In the drawings:
The present invention in at least some embodiments is related to a system, device and a method for various improvements in luggage, bags and other carrying containers, including, for example, for travel. According to at least some embodiments, there is provided a power box, which is preferably implemented as a combination of a rechargeable battery, an electronic device and ports for charging the battery as well powering external devices, such as, but not limited to, smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, or any other suitable device that may be charged and/or powered on a standard 5 Volt USB port. The electronic circuitry optionally and preferably are able to convert the usual low battery voltage (typically only 3.7 Volt) to the standard 5 Volt for a USB port, regulating and limiting the output power, and also regulating and limiting the ingoing charge current. The circuitry is also optionally and preferably able to drive an indicator, like with LED or LCD indicators, for visualizing the charge condition of the battery. This device may also optionally be termed a “Power Bank”, “Power Pod” and “Power Case” or other generic names.
The power box is optionally and preferably provided as a power device system, which is a combination of a power box and a secure holder for the power box. The holder may optionally be built in a container such as for example and without limitation, luggage.
Turning now to the drawings there is shown in
To assist a viewer to understand whether the battery or power bank is present within the power box, according to the optional implementation shown in
Simply put, one type of dot would indicate the presence of a battery and another type would indicate the absence. Obviously other indicators may optionally be used but a passive indicator of this nature is preferred, rather than an active indicator, for example, an LED light, although such an active indicator would also optionally be possible.
Turning to
As shown integrated circuit 402 optionally and preferably is the integrated circuit for a step up converter, for example, from 3.6V to 5V DC, optionally also features a current limiter as shown, and optionally also features the LED driver for driving LEDs 404. LEDs 404 may optionally be present to show the charging status. So for example, if 1 LED is lit, it indicates a 25% charging status, 2 would indicate a 50% charging status, 3 would indicate a 75% charging status, and 4 would indicate a 100% charging status. Of course only 1 LED may optionally be present to show a completely charged or completely discharged status; alternatively a plurality of other numbers of LEDs may be present to illustrate the charging status.
A micro-USB input 406 is preferably provided for charging. This is to permit the power box to actually be charged, more specifically, the battery or the power container within the power box to be charged. Optionally and preferably there are provided 2 USB outputs, 408 and 410, with USB output 408 being for 2.1 Amps, and USB output 410 being for 1 Amp of output. Also optionally and preferably there is present a component 412, which is optionally a circuit for battery protection, for example, against overcharging, short circuiting, and/or deep discharging, or and/or excessively rapid discharging for example.
The remaining drawings show other examples of various improvements for luggage and portable containers. For example,
In this non-limiting example, a vacuum suction device 500 features a charger connector 502 for connecting it either for charging purposes or for operating purposes. For example charger connector 502 may be used to connect to the previously described power box for charging and/or operation. An on/off switch 504 determines whether or not the vacuum suction is on or off. Suction is taken through an input 506, which may for example, be optionally and preferably connected to a vacuum bag, and then air is output or exhausted through vents 508. A fan which is not shown may optionally be used to create this sucking exhaustion effect, so that air sucked through input 506 is removed from a container, such as the previously described plastic bag, or for other vacuum purposes as previously described.
An input 506 is shown in
As another illustrative improvement for optional use with luggage, a suitcase, a container, or some other some other type of box or other carrying device, there is provided a luggage strap 600, here as shown for use with a bag 602 in
Reference is now made to
For the sake of clarity
Handle assembly 702 also comprises document cassette holder 716 which is fixedly attached to outer tubes 712. Cassette holder 716 comprises rails 718, which may optionally also be constructed as “grooves”, for guiding insertion and removal of document cassette assembly 704.
Cassette assembly 704 comprises cassette door 720. Cassette door 720 may also be referred to as document holder 720. Cassette assembly 704 further comprises rear panel 722. Cassette door 720 is attached to rear panel 722 with hinges (not shown) enabling tray 720 to hinge open from rear panel 722 as shown in
Reference is now made to
Different components, embodiments and sub-embodiments may optionally be combined herein in any suitable manner, beyond those explicit combinations and sub combinations shown herein. The invention is now further described by the claims which follow.
Claims
1. A power device system integratable into a portable container comprising:
- a. a power box, wherein the power box comprises: i. a rechargeable battery; ii. an electronic device; and iii. ports for charging the battery and powering an external electronic device; and
- b. a secure holder secured to the portable container for holding the power box, wherein the power box is removable from said secure holder.
2. (canceled)
3. The power device system of claim 3, wherein said external electronic device comprises at least one of smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, or any other suitable device that may be charged and/or powered on a standard 5 Volt USB port.
4. The power device system of claim 3, wherein said electronic device comprises electronic circuitry for converting battery voltage to a USB port voltage, for regulating output power, and for regulating incoming charge current.
5. The power device system of claim 4, wherein said circuitry drives LED or LCD indicators, for visualizing the charge condition of the battery.
6. The power device system of claim 5, wherein the secure holder comprises a lock for locking the power box within the secure holder or locking the secure holder closed when the power box is removed from the secure holder, and an indicator for indicating whether the power box is inside the secure holder.
7. The power device system of claim 6, wherein the secure holder comprises a sliding door and the lock prevents movement of the sliding door.
8. The power device system of claim 7, wherein the secure holder is integrally formed with the portable container and the sliding door.
9. (canceled)
10. A documents holder integrated into a portable container, the portable container comprising a handle, the handle being retractable into the portable container, the holder comprising:
- a. a document tray connected to the handle; and
- b. a latch for holding the document tray closed;
- wherein the document tray retracts into the portable container upon retraction of the handle and opens upon extension of the handle.
11. (canceled)
12. The documents holder of claim 10 wherein the latch comprises a lock.
13. The documents holder of claim 12 wherein the document tray comprises a securing strap.
14. The documents holder of claim 13, wherein the document tray is fixedly connected to the handle.
15. The documents holder of claim 13, wherein the document tray comprises at least one groove of a dimension to move slidably along the handle, wherein the document tray is removable from the portable container and the handle by sliding along said groove, and wherein the document tray is independently retractable into the portable container by sliding along said groove.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. A documents holder integrated into a portable container, the portable container comprising a handle assembly comprising a handle of the portable container; a plurality of outer tubes; a plurality of inner tubes fixedly attached to the handle and moveably inserted into the outer tubes, the holder comprising:
- a removable document cassette comprising a cassette door; and rear panel;
- wherein the cassette door is attached with hinges to the rear panel and the cassette door opens for storage of documents in the cassette;
- wherein the document cassette retracts into the cassette holder of the handle assembly upon retraction of the handle and may be opened or removed upon extension of the handle of the portable container.
21. The documents holder of claim 20 further comprising rails for guiding said removable document cassette along said inner tubes and/or said outer tubes.
22. The documents holder of claim 20 further comprising grooves for guiding said removable document cassette along said inner tubes and/or said outer tubes.
23. (currently amended The documents holder of claim 22, further comprising a cassette handle for opening and for removing the document cassette.
24. The documents holder of claim 23 wherein the cassette handle comprises a lock.
25. A luggage system comprising:
- a. at least one piece of luggage; and
- b. a power device, comprising a power box and a secure holder, wherein the power box is removable from the secure holder and wherein the secure holder is secured to the piece of luggage.
26. The luggage system of claim 25 wherein the power box comprises:
- a. a rechargeable battery;
- b. an electronic device; and
- c. ports for charging the battery and powering an external electronic device.
27. The luggage system of claim 26, wherein the secure holder comprises a lock for locking the power box within the secure holder or locking the secure holder closed when the power box is removed from the secure holder, and an indicator for indicating whether the power box is inside the secure holder.
28. The luggage system of claim 27, wherein the secure holder comprises a sliding door and the lock prevents movement of the sliding door.
29. The luggage system of claim 28, wherein the secure holder is integrally formed with the piece of luggage and the sliding door.
30-35. (canceled)
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 7, 2018
Publication Date: Mar 7, 2019
Inventors: Gerard VAN LOON (Breda), Tim OUBORG (Breda), Paul HENDRIKX (Breda), Melchior VAN VOORDEN (Breda)
Application Number: 16/124,376