GB2510593A

GB2510593A - Expandable luggage

Info

Publication number: GB2510593A
Application number: GB201302220A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Donna Purdie Pirie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-02-08
Filing date: 2013-02-08
Publication date: 2014-08-13
Also published as: GB201302220D0

Abstract

A modular luggage system comprises a rigid front shell 3, a rigid rear shell 2 and at least one flexible gusset 4a, 4b arranged in use to be detachably connected to the front shell 3 and the rear shell 2. Each gusset 4a, 4b is preferably made from a strip of fabric formed in a continuous loop. Two gussets may be used together, and one gusset may be wider than the other gusset to provide a number of options for the suitcase capacity. The shells 2, 3 and gussets 4a, 4b are preferably linked together using zips. The luggage system may be provided with wheels 5a, 5b located at the lower edge of the front shell 3. A carry handle 9 and a telescoping arm 7 which locks in position may also be provided. The luggage system may also include a transparent cover and stickers (not shown) for decorating the shells 2, 3.

Description

A modular luggage system

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a modular luggage system that can be assembled to change the internal volume to that required for a particular trip, and which can be unassembled and packed flat when not in use. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular luggage system which has a rigid front and rear shell connectable by a flexible gusset that can be detached and replaced to change the internal volume to that required for a particular trip, and which can be disassembled and packed flat when not in use.

Background -

It is usual for people to travel frequently for business or leisure, and to spend several days or more at their destination. Depending on the type of trip, the amount and type of luggage a traveller will take with them varies. Luggage carriers such as suitcases are available in a variety of sizes and styles to cater for the varied requirements of modern travellers. Soft-wall suitcases are preferred in some situations as they tend to be lighter, and easier to store when not in use. However, rigid-body or hard-shell suitcases are preferred where some or all of the contents is in greater need of protection. Larger suitcases tend to be used more infrequently, for longer trips such as an annual family holiday. These larger suitcases, especially those with a fully rigid outer shell, are bulky and take up a considerable amount of storage space when not in use. Therefore, a typical user or group of users (e.g. a family) usually require several different styles and sizes of suitcase or other luggage carrier to cater for their typically varied travel requirements. When not in use, these all require and take up additional storage space.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problems outlined above or similar, including the following: US5,197,580 which describes a system where reinlorcing panels and corner insertions can be added to a soft-skinned unitary luggage item to allow it to assume a rigid or semi-rigid configuration, with the inserts removed to allow the luggage to pack flat when not in use. A similar system is described in US4,210,230.

US4,0B1 061 describes a modular luggage system where each individual component can be used independent of the others, with the individual components connectable to one another to form a single piece of luggage. Similarly, US5,547,052 describes a system where individual components can be disassembled for ease of storage and access during transport on an aircraft or similar, and reassembled or connected into a unitary whole for ease of transport at the destination or in transit.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a modular luggage system which goes some way towards solving the problems outlined above, or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly in a first aspect there is provided a modular luggage system comprising: a substantially rigid front shell; a substantially rigid rear shell; and at least one flexible gusset arranged in use to be detachably connectable to the front shell and the rear shell so as to enclose an internal volume between the shells and the gusset when connected.

The flexible gusset may be replaced by another of different width, or another gusset can be added, to allow the internal volume to be adjusted to that required for a particular trip, and the gusset or gussets can be removed to allow the luggage system to be packed flat when not in use.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and indicative independent claims means "consisting at least in part or. When interpreting each statement in this specification and indicative independent claims that include the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

Preferably the at least one gusset is made from a strip of fabric formed as a continuous loop, one edge of the loop being arranged in use to be detachably connectable to the front shell and the other edge detachably connectable to the rear shell.

Preferably the modular luggage system has at least two gussets, one edge of each gusset being arranged in use to be detachably connectable to the shell, the other edge being arranged in use to be detachably connectable to another gusset.

Even more preferably each edge of each gusset is arranged in use to be detachably connectable either to the shell or to another gusset.

Preferably the gussets are made from polyester fabric.

Even more preferably the gussets are made from nylon fabric.

Preferably one gusset is wider than the other gusset.

Preferably the gussets and the shells are arranged in use to be detachably connected to each other via zips.

Preferably the shells are formed from polycarbonate.

Preferably the rear shell has a pair of wheels located one at each corner of the lower edge.

Preferably the rear shell has a telescoping arm and transport handle which extends from the top of the rear shell.

Preferably the front shell has a pair of wheels located one at each corner of the lower edge.

Preferably the front shell also has a carry handle located at the top edge.

Preferably the carry handle is a rubber strip connected to the top edge of the front shell at each end.

Preferably the modular luggage system also has a set of removable internal dividers which locate into, and divide, the internal volume into compartments.

Preferably the handle locks in the extended position, the handle having a button to release the lock.

Preferably the wheels are connected to the shells via castors which allow the wheels to fully rotate in the horizontal plane.

Preferably the modular luggage system also has a cover, formed as a bag into which the assembled shells and at least one gusset can be placed.

Preferably the cover is clear.

Preferably the modular luggage system also has a plurality of stickers, suitable for decorating the shells.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, lunction and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

Brief Description of the Figures

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view from one side of a preferred embodiment of the modular luggage system; Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the system of figure 1, from the other side, two gussets of different widths shown between the front and rear shells; Figure 3 shows a side view of the modular luggage system of figure 1.

With reference to Figure 4 shows a front view of the modular luggage system of figures 1 and 3.

Detailed Descriøtion A modular luggage carrier 1 is shown in figure 1. The luggage carrier 1 is made up* of three main sub-parts: a rigid rear shell 2, a rigid front shell 3, and at east one central gusset or gussets generally designated as item 4. The gusset or gussets 4 connect between the two shells 2, 3 to form, with the shells, an enclosed volume for storing and transporting luggage.

Each of the shells 2, 3 are formed as.a flat main body with a rim, so that each is generally dish shaped. The preferred material is polycarbonäte, so that each shell is rigid and lightweight.

The gusset or gussets 4 are formed from a loop of material, preferably a nylon fabric, sized to match the edge of each rim of the shells 2, 3.

Both edges of the gusset or gussets 4 have a zip or similar connection mechanism running around the edges. This corresponds with a matching connection mechanism 11 around the rims of the shells 2, 3.

In use, one edge of the gusset 4 is zipped or otherwise attached to and around the rim of the rear shell 2, and the other edge is attached to and around the rim of the front shell 3 so that.an enclosed internal volume is formed, the overall shape being substantially similar to a suitcase.

It is most preferred that two gussets 4a and 4b are provided, gusset 4a formed from a wider strip than gusset 4b. A user can use the wider gusset 4a to form their luggage if a greater storage volume is required than that which would be provided by using the narrower gusset 4b. If the user is taking a longer trip, or one which would require an even larger volume of luggage, then the two gussets 4a, 4b can be connected together at their mutual inner edges, with the outer edges connected to the inner and outer shells 2, 3 respectively. This arrangement has the additional advantage that the contents can be accessed by separating the connection between the two gussets.

When not in use, the luggage system 1 can be disassembled and packed flat for ease of storage, the gusset removed and stored between or in the shells.

The preferred form of luggage system 1 also has a first pair of wheels 5a, 5b, located one at each corner of the lower edge of the rear thell 2. The wheels 5a, Sb are mounted to the shell via castors, which allow the wheels. to fully rotate in the horizontal plane (i.e. horizontal when the luggage is stood upright as shown for example in figures 1, 3, and 4). In the most preferred form, the castors are detachable from the luggage, for ease of storage, transport or similar.

The preferred form of luggage system 1 also has a first pair of wheels 6a, 6b, located one at each corner of the lower edge of the front shell 3. These are mounted to the shell 3 in the same fashion as for the rear wheels 5a, 5b.

The rear shell 2 has a telescoping arm and transport handle 7, which extends or telescopes from the top of the rear shell 2 to allow a user to tow' the luggage by tilting it onto its rear wheels 5a, Sb and pulling on the handle. The arm and handle 7 locks in position when extended, and can be released by pressing a button 8 on the handle for retraction into the rear shell 2.

The front shell 3 has a carry handle 9 locatedat the top edge, the carry handle 9 formed as a rubber strip connected to the top edge ol the front shell 3 at each end.

The most preferred form of luggage system also has a set of internal dividers, which can be formed from releasably interlocking cardboard or plastic strips which are assembled to form a frame that is used to divide the interior into open-topped compartments into which luggage can be separated and stored. When not in use, the dividers can be separated into separate strips and packed flat, Alternatively, the dividers can be formed from reinforced cloth strips or similar, connected to form open-topped compartments or boxes when unfolded.

It is most preferred that the modular luggage system also has a cover, formed as a bag into which the assembled shells and at least one gusset can be placed for storage or transport. The cover is preferably formed from clear plastic sheet.

The preferred form of modular luggage system also comes with sheets of vinyl stickers, which can be used to decorate or personalise the shells., For example, flag stickers showing nationality or destinations, letters to form names, address labels or similar.

Claims

Claims 1. A modular luggage system comprising: a substantially rigid front shell; a substantially rigid rear shell; at least one flexible gusset arranged in use to be detachably connectable to the front shell and the rear shell so as to enclose an internal volume between the shells and the gusset when connected.
2. A modular luggage system as claimed in claim I wherein the at least one gusset is made from a strip of fabric formed as a continuous oop, one edge of the loop being arranged in use to be detachably connectable to the front shell and the other edge of the loop being arranged in use to be detachably connectable to the rear shell.
3. A modular luggage system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the modular luggage system has at least two gussets, one edge of each gusset being arranged in use to be detachably connectable to the shell, the other edge of each gusset being arranged in use to be detachably connectable to another gusset.
4. A modular luggage system as claimed in claim 3 wherein each edge of each gusset is arranged in use to be detachably connectable either to the shell or to another gusset.
5. A modular luggage system as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein one gusset is wider than the other gusset.
6. A modular luggage system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the gussets and the shells are arranged in use to be detachably connected to each other via zips.
7. A modular luggage system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the gusset or gussets are made from polyester fabric.
8. A modular luggage system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the gusset or gussets are made from nylon fabric.
9. A modular luggage system as claimed in any one of claims I to 8 wherein the shells are formed from polycarbonate.
10. A modular luggage system as claimed in any one of claims ito 9 wherein the rear shell has a pair of wheels located one at each corner of the lower edge.
11. A modular luggage system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the rear shell has a telescoping arm and transport handle which extends from the top of the rear shell.
12. A modular luggage system as claimed in claim ii wherein the handle locks in the extended position, the handle having a button to release the lock.
13. A modular luggage system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the front shell has a pair of wheels located one at each corner of the lower edge.
14. A modular luggage system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein the wheels are connected to the shells via castors which allow the wheels to fully rotate in the horizontal plane.
15. A modular luggage system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the front shell also has a carry handle located at the top edge.
16. A modular luggage system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the carry handle is a rubber strip connected to the top edge of the front shell at each end.
17. A modular luggage system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the modular luggage system also has a set of removable internal dividers which locate into, and divide, the internal volume into compartments.
18. A modular luggage system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the modular luggage system also has a cover, formed as a bag into which the assembled shells and at least one gusset can be placed.
19. A modular luggage system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the cover is formed from a clear plastic.
20. A modular luggage system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the modular luggage system also has a plurality of stickers, suitable for decorating the shells.