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

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This utility application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/121,153, filed on Feb. 26, 2015. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present subject matter relates generally to suitcases, luggage, and bags. More specifically, the present invention relates to a suitcase system comprising a carrying bag for housing personal effects, such as a duffel bag, combined with a detachable garment bag. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Suitcases are generally used to hold one&#39;s clothing and other possessions, particularly during travel. The dimensions, quantity, and nature of the items to be housed in a given suitcase vary widely among individuals, and thus millions of totes, purses, cases, duffels, trunks, and carrying bags are sold each year around the world in an attempt to accommodate the myriad luggage needs (and styles) of consumers. In fact, at least one source indicates that the global luggage market in 2015 will exceed 30 billion U.S. dollars (see http://www.statist.com/topics/1320/luggage-market-worldwide/). 
         [0004]    In its simplest form, a suitcase may include at least one primary compartment, often formed of durable fabric or a lightweight hard material, and a carrying mechanism, such as a strap, handles, wheels, or various combinations thereof. Personal items, such as clothing, shoes, and toiletries, are typically folded, packed, and jammed together in the primary compartment, although ancillary pockets may be provided to store smaller items. Once the items are packed, the suitcase is often oriented in different positions as it is transported, and in many instances, such as during airline travel, the suitcase may be tossed around and inverted many times before it reaches its destination. 
         [0005]    All of this jamming and jostling results in undesirable stress applied to the suitcase contents, particularly garments that may be irreparably damaged or soiled while forcibly comingling with other items. Additionally, many garments become heavily wrinkled under the pressure of a suitcase, whether jam-packed or otherwise affected by gravity, and such items must then be painstakingly ironed to restore them to an original and pristine state for wearing. Several attempts to resolve these problems are exhibited in the prior art. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,693,368 to King et al. discloses a combination suitcase and garment bag enclosure, wherein the garment bag enclosure is integral with and non-detachable from the suitcase. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,416,066 to Chemoff discloses a wheeled suitcase comprising a soft garment bag designed to be fully wrapped around a suitcase core. The wrapping process is involved, and it first requires the bag to be secured at a first end to the core via a fastener, such as a zipper. Then, the core must be lifted, rolled, and pressed upon the garment bag as the latter progressively envelops the core perimeter. Thereafter, the garment bag must be finally secured at a second end to the suitcase using multiple fasteners, such as zippers, clips, or buckles. 
         [0008]    United States Patent Publication Number 2013/0264162 to Kogelnik discloses a wheeled suitcase comprising an at least partially rigid shell folded or rolled around a core, thereby forming a defined space between the shell and core in which a garment may be housed. The suitcase of Kogelnik is designed to stand and be transported in an upright position, such that a longitudinal axis of the shell is oriented perpendicular to the horizon. Thus, the shell contents may shift, slouch, or wrinkle under the effects of gravity on the case during normal use. Moreover, Kogelnik relies on a rigid or semi-rigid material composition in order to define the space intended to protect a garment provided between the shell and core, and also to adequately incorporate a carrying mechanism comprised of wheels and pull-out bars. 
         [0009]    In light of the foregoing, there remains a pervasive unmet need in the art for a suitcase system with a conveniently detachable garment bag that protects garments from wrinkling while optionally remaining integral with a versatile suitcase designed to accommodate the rigors of everyday use, as described herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    To meet the needs described above, the present disclosure provides a novel and inventive suitcase system with a detachable garment bag. 
         [0011]    In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a suitcase system comprised of a duffel bag and detachable garment bag combination, although both bags may be used independently of one another. The duffel bag preferably comprises a carrying mechanism, such as a strap, attached to an approximated cuboid basket formed of six adjoining panels. The panels include a top panel, a base panel, a front panel, a back panel, and two end panels, the panels defining a basket compartment that may be loaded with personal effects. Each panel has a thickness, and the front and back panels may be longer than the end panels. Additionally, at least one each of an exterior and interior pocket are preferably provided about the basket. 
         [0012]    The top panel, front panel, back panel, and end panels of the basket are preferably comprised of a robust, yet flexible material, such as a heavyweight nylon. The panels are preferably lined with a foam. At several interfaces of the adjoining panels, the basket may be finished with durable leather and piping embellishments, particularly about the end panels. The base panel of the basket, meanwhile, is preferably comprised primarily of leather having a plurality of metal feet disposed thereabout. A consequence of this overall structure is a basket that maintains its shape, even when the basket is empty, and without any requirement for semi-rigid or rigid materials comprising the panels. 
         [0013]    A variety of fastening mechanisms are installed about the basket, each mechanism chosen to best fulfill its intended purpose. For example, metal loops or rings secured with nylon webbing may be provided at the end panels of the basket for engagement with the carrying strap. The basket compartment is preferably accessed using a zippered opening about the top panel. Additionally, concealed basket magnets are strategically positioned about the basket and preferably fully disposed within the thickness of the panels. The basket magnets allow for, inter alia, a seamless integration of the duffel bag with a complementary garment bag, as discussed below in further detail. 
         [0014]    In a preferred embodiment, the garment bag comprises an auxiliary flap connected to an elongated sleeve formed of at least two panels, including a front panel and back panel. The panels together define a garment compartment that may be loaded with personal effects, including garments with existing hangers originally associated with the garments prior to loading. Each of the flap and panels has a thickness, and both the flap and a bottom portion of the back panel are preferably comprised of leather. The front panel and a top portion of the back panel, meanwhile, are preferably comprised of a ripstop fabric. The garment compartment is also lined with ripstop fabric, and each interface of the adjoining front and back panels is preferably finished with durable leather. Thus, the garment bag is substantially flexible yet robust in composition. 
         [0015]    The garment bag also includes a variety of fastening mechanisms installed therein, such as a zipper that preferably bisects the front panel along its central longitudinal axis, along with optional snaps that allow the garment bag to be securely folded upon itself from an elongated position as desired. A hook secured with nylon webbing about the auxiliary flap may be provided to hang the garment bag when it is detached from the duffel bag. Detachment (and attachment) of the garment bag from the duffel bag is enabled by concealed garment magnets that are preferably fully disposed within the thickness of the panels and, optionally, the auxiliary flap, such that the quantity and positioning of the garment magnets is complementary to aforementioned basket magnets. 
         [0016]    In operation, a user of a preferred embodiment of the present invention may removably attach the garment bag to the duffel bag using a two-step process enabled by the unique structure of the suitcase system. First, provided that garment bag and duffel bag of the suitcase system have been separated from one another, the garment bag is preferably folded in half upon itself, optionally using snaps to secure the fold, and leaving the auxiliary flap exposed. Then, the garment bag may be draped over the top and pair of longer panels of the duffel bag. This “draping” action is sufficient to automatically and reliably engage the complementary concealed magnets of the garment bag and the duffel bag, thereby removably securing the two bags together into one suitcase system ready for transport. The seamless engagement of the bags is enhanced by a smooth top arch of the basket, which allows the garment bag to lay atop the basket while providing the garment bag and its contents in a substantially creaseless configuration where wrinkling might otherwise occur if the basket was not arched about its top. If the user subsequently desires to detach the garment bag for any reason, the user may conveniently disengage the magnets using a “peeling” action to separate the two bags. Advantageously, both the draping and peeling actions may be performed without requiring any movement of the duffel bag. Additionally, the draping action may be performed using one hand if desired, whereas the peeling motion may require stabilization of the duffel bag during peeling of the garment bag due to the robust connection provided by the complementary magnets. 
         [0017]    Although the suitcase system is preferably comprised of two bags in combination, the unique concealed magnetic engagement, coupled with the material integrity and structure of the bags, results in a suitcase system that appears to be a single unified article. This appearance may be optionally enhanced through engagement of male and female buckle portions provided on the duffel and garment bags, respectively. Additionally, as noted above, because the basket tends to retain its shape, although it is not rigid, the duffel bag resists caving in upon itself under pressure from the garment bag draped evenly atop it. This feature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the suitcase system, but it also serves to protect the contents of the basket and preserve the contents of the garment bag in a desirable condition during transport. 
         [0018]    An objective of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to fill a pervasive unmet need in the art for a suitcase system with a conveniently detachable garment bag that protects garments from wrinkling while optionally remaining integral with a versatile suitcase designed to accommodate the rigors of everyday use. 
         [0019]    An advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that it provides an integrated suitcase system comprising a duffel bag and a detachable garment bag, wherein the garment bag may be conveniently secured to or removed from the duffel bag using a draping or peeling motion, respectively. 
         [0020]    Another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that it includes complementary concealed magnets within a suitcase system structure that enable a garment bag and a duffel bag to be reliably engaged or disengaged with minimal effort that does not require use of additional fasteners or movement of the duffel bag. 
         [0021]    Another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the unique structure of the suitcase system described herein allows a user to quickly detach the garment bag from the duffel bag when desired, such as when entering an airplane, so the garment bag may be swiftly hung without disturbing articles in the duffle bag or causing delay. 
         [0022]    Another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that use of concealed magnets to engage suitcase components serves to limit the number of moving parts in the suitcase, thus enhancing the durability of the suitcase system. 
         [0023]    Yet another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a duffel bag having a basket that maintains its shape, even when the basket is empty, and without any requirement for semi-rigid or rigid materials incorporated therein. 
         [0024]    Yet another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that, during normal use, the system provides for a garment bag to be spread consistently atop a duffel bag having a smooth top arch structure such that gravity will not cause the garment bag contents to slouch or crease. 
         [0025]    Yet another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the unique concealed magnetic engagement, coupled with the material integrity and structure of the bags, results in a suitcase system that appears to be a single unified bag. 
         [0026]    Yet another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that because the components of the suitcase system are configured to combine as a unified bag, the suitcase system described herein may be easily carried with one hand or hands-free when using a strap. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a suitcase comprising a duffel bag and garment bag combination. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2A  is an perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a garment bag partially secured to a duffel bag, the garment bag shown having a front panel that may continue to be secured over a top and front panels of the duffle bag, and removably attached thereto using concealed magnets and a buckle. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2B  is an alternative perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a garment bag partially secured to a duffel bag, the garment bag shown having a front panel that may continue to be secured over a top and front panels of the duffle bag, and an alternative quantity and positioning of concealed magnets indicated about both bags. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a back panel of a duffel bag, indicating a position of concealed magnets about the duffel bag. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing and end panel of a duffel bag. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a duffel bag in an open position, wherein an interior of the duffel bag is displayed including at least one interior pocket. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5B  is an alternative perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a duffel bag in an open position, wherein an interior of the duffel bag is displayed including at least one interior pocket and concealed magnets are positioned at a front panel of the duffel bag. 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a base panel of a duffel bag. 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a front panel of a garment bag, the garment bag shown in an elongated position. 
           [0036]      FIG. 8A  is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a front panel of a garment bag that is folded upon itself, leaving an auxiliary flap exposed and including a position of concealed magnets indicated about the garment bag. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8B  is an alternative side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a front panel of a garment bag that is folded upon itself, leaving an auxiliary flap exposed and including an alternative quantity and positioning of concealed magnets indicated about the garment bag. 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a back panel of a garment bag, the garment bag shown in a folded position. 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a back panel of a garment bag, the garment bag shown in an elongated position. 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a front panel of a garment bag partially opened to reveal a garment compartment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0041]    While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein. 
         [0042]    Additionally, it will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. It will be likewise understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity. 
         [0043]      FIG. 1  shows an example of a suitcase  10  provided in accordance with the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the suitcase  10  preferably comprises one or more luggage articles, such as a duffel bag  20  and a detachable garment bag  70  combination. Although the suitcase  10  appears to be a single unified article, both the duffel bag  20  and the garment bag  70  may be used independently of one another. In a preferred embodiment, the garment bag  70  is draped over the duffel bag  20  and removably secured thereto with fasteners (see, for example,  FIGS. 2A-B ). Optionally, the bags  20 ,  70  may be further secured together by connecting male and female buckle portions  50 ,  52 . Consequently, wherein the constituent parts of the suitcase  10  are assembled together, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the suitcase  10  preferably resembles an approximated cuboid, which is also a preferred shape of the duffel bag  20  discussed in greater detail below. Of course, the suitcase  10  may be provided in numerous other shapes, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. It is further contemplated that the suitcase  10  may be provided in various sizes, and that alternative versions of the suitcase  10  may include articles of luggage other than a duffel bag, such as a carry-on or large case. In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the suitcase  10  is shown in a size reasonable for carrying about a single user&#39;s shoulder. 
         [0044]    As shown in the preferred embodiments of  FIGS. 1-6 , the duffel bag  20  is an approximated cuboid basket  22  formed of six basket panels. The basket panels include a top panel  24 , a base panel  26 , a front panel  28 , a back panel  30 , a first end panel  32 , and a second end panel  34 , the panels  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  adjoining to define a basket compartment  29  (see  FIGS. 5A-B ). Each panel  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  has a thickness, a length, and a width, and the front and back panels  28 ,  30  may be longer than the end panels  32 ,  34 , resulting in the aforementioned approximated cuboid shape. Preferably, each interface among the top panel  24  and each of the front and back panels  28 ,  30  defines a smooth, rounded edge that imbues the basket  22  with a generally arched profile about the top panel  24  as generally shown in  FIGS. 1-3, 5A, 5B , and as particularly shown in  FIG. 4 . It is contemplated, however, that the duffel bag  20  may be provided with numerous other shapes, as will be appreciated by those ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the dimensions of the panels  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  may vary, as may the orientation of the panels  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  relative to one another such as would be necessary to form a desired duffel bag  20  shape. 
         [0045]    As shown in the preferred embodiments of  FIGS. 1-6 , the panels  24 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  other than the base panel  26 , are preferably comprised of a robust, yet flexible material, such as a heavyweight nylon that is preferably lined with a foam, such as an open cell polyurethane foam. At several interfaces of the adjoining panels  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  the basket  22  may be finished with durable leather and piping embellishments, particularly about the end panels as shown in  FIG. 4 . The base panel  26  of the basket  22 , meanwhile, is preferably comprised primarily of leather having a plurality of feet  40 , which are preferably formed of metal, disposed thereabout. Additionally, the base panel  26  preferably extends beyond the bottom of the basket  22 , comprising a lower portion of each side of the bag  20 , as best shown in  FIGS. 1-5B . A consequence of this overall structure is that the basket  22  maintains its shape, even when it is empty, and without any requirement for semi-rigid or rigid materials comprising the panels  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 . It is contemplated, however, that the panels  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  and feet  40  of alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention may be comprised of and/or adjoined with the materials disclosed herein or other materials suitable for use in a suitcase, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0046]    As further shown in the preferred embodiments of  FIGS. 1-5B , a variety of articulating or non-moving basket fasteners may be installed about the basket  22 , each mechanism chosen to best fulfill its intended purpose. For example, as best shown in  FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3 , concealed basket magnets  42  are strategically positioned about the basket  22  and preferably fully disposed within the thickness of back panel  30  and, optionally, front panel  28  (see  FIG. 2B ). Although possible positions of the magnets  42  are shown for demonstrative purposes in  FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3 , the magnets  42  are preferably not visible when viewing the surfaces of a preferred embodiment of the basket  22 . It is contemplated, however, that the magnets  42 , and other basket fasteners for that matter, may be partially concealed by the basket  22 . The magnets  42  are preferably fastened to panels  28 ,  30 , when applicable, using an adhesive, a sewn in material pocket, or a combination thereof. The magnets  42  allow for, inter alia, a seamless integration of the duffel bag  20  with the complementary garment bag  70 , as discussed below in further detail. 
         [0047]    Other basket fasteners may include loops, brackets, or rings  54  that are preferably formed of metal and secured with nylon webbing provided at the end panels  32 ,  34  of the basket  22  for engagement with a carrying strap  56  (see  FIG. 1 ). It is contemplated, however, that although the strap  56  may be advantageous for use with small versions of the suitcase  10 , alternative versions of the suitcase  10  may incorporate transport assistance mechanisms such as wheels and pull handles. The basket compartment  29  is preferably accessed using a zipper  58  about the top panel  24 . Also, the basket  22  may include the male buckle portion  50  (for engagement with the female buckle portion  52 ), the buckle portion  50  preferably secured with nylon webbing located on the central longitudinal axis of the front panel  28 , near the interface of the front panel  28  and the base panel  26 . It is contemplated, however, that alternative embodiments of the present invention may be comprised of alternative basket fasteners provided in alternative locations about the basket  22 , as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the basket  22  may be provided with bolts, buckles, buttons, clamps, grommets, hook and loop fasteners, pins, rivets, ties, and threaded inserts. 
         [0048]    Additionally, the preferred embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-5B  preferably include at least one pocket  60  provided about at least one of the end panels  32 ,  34 , and optionally in the basket compartment  29  as well. The pocket(s)  60  are preferably accessed using a fastener, such as a zipper  62  provided about the pocket  60  opening. 
         [0049]    As shown in the preferred embodiments of  FIGS. 7-11 , the garment bag  70  comprises an auxiliary flap  72  (see  FIGS. 8A-B ) connected to an elongated sleeve  74  (see  FIG. 7 ) formed of at least two garment panels, including a front panel  76  and a back panel  77  that together define a garment compartment  86 . For clarity,  FIG. 9  shows a preferred embodiment of the back panel  77  of the garment bag  70  in a folded orientation, while  FIG. 10  shows a preferred embodiment of the back panel  77  of the garment bag  70  in an elongated orientation. The front panel  76  is preferably comprised of a ripstop nylon fabric, such as that used in hot air balloons. As best shown in  FIG. 10 , the back panel  77 , meanwhile, preferably includes a top portion  78  comprised of ripstop fabric, as well as a bottom portion  79  comprised of leather. The flap  72  is also preferably formed of leather, and each of the flap  72 , the panels  76 ,  77  and the portions  78 ,  79  have a thickness, a length, and a width. The garment compartment  86  is preferably lined with ripstop fabric, and each interface of the adjoining front and back panels  76 ,  77  is preferably finished with durable leather. It is contemplated, however, that the panels of alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention may be comprised of and/or finished with materials disclosed herein or other materials suitable for use in a suitcase, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, it is further contemplated that a garment bag of alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention may be comprised of more than two panels. In such embodiments, the garment bag may include panels comprising sides of the garment bag, such that the garment bag has a structural depth that may be greater than that provided by the aforementioned sleeve construction. 
         [0050]    As further shown in the preferred embodiments of  FIGS. 7-11 , the garment bag  70  also includes a variety of garment bag fasteners, such as garment magnets  43 , installed therein, each mechanism chosen to best fulfill its intended purpose. For example, as best shown in  FIG. 7 , the bag  70  comprises a zipper  80  that preferably bisects the front panel  76  along its central longitudinal axis, although the zipper  80  may be positioned at alternative locations. The garment bag  70  optionally comprises snaps  82  preferably formed of metal that allow the bag  70  to be securely folded upon itself about the front panel  76  from an elongated position as desired. Of course, the garment bag  70  may also be folded neatly regardless of whether snaps  82  are provided. It is contemplated, moreover, that alternative embodiments of the present invention may be comprised of alternative garment bag fasteners provided in alternative locations about the garment bag  70 , as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the garment bag  70  may be provided with bolts, buckles, buttons, clamps, grommets, hook and loop fasteners, pins, rivets, ties, and threaded inserts. 
         [0051]    As best shown in  FIG. 8A-B , the garment bag  70  is folded about the front panel  76  upon itself, revealing the integral auxiliary flap  72  formerly residing behind the top portion  78  prior to folding. In this position, the garment bag  70  is prepared for attachment to the duffel bag  20 . Conversely, a hook  84  secured with nylon webbing about the flap  72  may be provided to hang the garment bag  70  in a folded position, for example, on a door or closet rod, when it is detached from the duffel bag  20 . Alternatively, the garment bag  70  may be hung by original hangers of the garments provided within it, wherein the original hangers preferably emerge from an open slot (not shown) provided at the top of the bag  70 . 
         [0052]    Attachment and detachment of the garment bag  70  and the duffel bag  20  is preferably enabled by concealed garment magnets  43  that are preferably fully disposed within the thickness of front panel  76 , top portion  78 , and, optionally, the auxiliary flap  72  (see  FIG. 8B ), such that the quantity and positioning of the garment magnets  43  are complementary to aforementioned basket magnets  42 . In other words, when the garment bag  70  and the duffel bag  20  are removably attached, at least one garment magnet  43  is in complementary alignment with or provided in mating combination with at least one basket magnet  42 , much like complementary shapes align or hands align for a handshake greeting. Additionally, it is contemplated that the garment bag  70  and the duffel bag  20  may comprise a magnetic fabric as an alternative to or in addition to magnets  42 ,  43  for removable attachment of the bags  70 ,  20 . Although possible positions of the magnets  43  are shown for demonstrative purposes in  FIGS. 8A-B , the magnets  43  are preferably not visible when viewing the surfaces of a preferred embodiment of the garment bag  70 . It is contemplated, however, that the magnets  43 , and other articulating or non-moving garment fasteners for that matter, may be partially concealed by the garment bag  70 . The magnets  43  are preferably fastened to the garment bag  70  using an adhesive, a sewn in material pocket, or a combination thereof. 
         [0053]    In operation, a user of a preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 1  may removably attach the garment bag  70  to the duffel bag  20  using a convenient manner enabled by the unique structure of the suitcase  10 . First, provided that garment bag  70  and duffel bag  20  of the suitcase  10  have been separated from one another, the garment bag  70  is preferably folded in half upon itself, and leaving the auxiliary flap  72  exposed. Then, the garment bag  70  may be draped over the top  24  and pair of longer panels  28 ,  30  of the duffel bag  20 , such that the garment bag  70  is provided in contact with panels  24 ,  28 , and  30  while the bottom panel  26  remains substantially free from contact with the garment bag  70 . This “draping” motion is sufficient to automatically and reliably engage the complementary concealed magnets  42 ,  43  of the garment bag  70  and the duffel bag  20 , thereby removably securing the two bags  20 ,  70  together into one suitcase  10  ready for transport. If the user desires to detach the garment bag  70  for any reason, the user may conveniently disengage the magnets  42 ,  43  using a “peeling” motion to separate the two bags  20 ,  70 . Moreover, the seamless engagement of the bags  20 ,  70  is enhanced by the smooth top arch of the basket  22 , which allows the garment bag  70  to lay atop the basket  22  while minimizing creasing of the garment bag  70  and its contents that may otherwise occur if the basket  22  had sharp comers about its top. 
         [0054]    Advantageously, both the draping and peeling actions may be performed without requiring any movement of the duffel bag  20 . For example, the draping of the garment bag  70  over the duffel bag  20  may be accomplished by merely laying the garment bag  70  over the front panel  28 , top panel  24 , and back panel  30  of the basket  22 . This draping action is sufficient to cause the complementarily aligned fasteners, such as magnets  42 ,  43 , to automatically (i.e., without manual manipulation of the fasteners) engage and provide a removable attachment among the garment bag  70  to the duffel bag  20 . This results in an automatically creaseless and seamless configuration of the garment bag  70  as it rests atop the duffel bag  20 , such that contents of the garment bag  70  are likewise maintained in a creaseless and seamless configuration regardless of the orientation of the suitcase system  10 . Additionally, the draping action may be performed using one or two hands as desired, whereas the peeling motion may require stabilization of the duffel bag  20  during peeling of the garment bag  70  due to the robust connection provided by the complementary magnets  42 ,  43 . The convenience provided by this unique connection among the garment bag  70  and duffel bag  20  is highly advantageous, particularly where expediency in manipulating the connection is at a premium, such as during airline travel or use of a gym locker. For example, the basket compartment  29  may be accessed without a requirement that the garment bag  70  be fully removed from the basket  22 , as suggested in  FIGS. 2A-B . 
         [0055]    Also, as shown in  FIG. 2A , a preferred embodiment of the present invention may exclude magnets  42  from the front panel  28  and magnets  43  from the auxiliary flap  72 . In this preferred embodiment, the duffel bag  20  and garment bag  70  may be removably secured to one another using the magnets  42  of back panel  30  (of the duffel bag  20 ) in complementary combination with magnets  43  of the front panel  76  and top portion  78  (of the garment bag  70 ), along with the male and female buckle portions  50 ,  52 . 
         [0056]    Although the suitcase  10  is preferably comprised of two bags  20 ,  70  in combination wherein the basket compartment  29  and garment compartment  86  are preferably separate, mutually unique spaces that are devoid of pass-through access from either compartment to the other compartment, the unique concealed magnetic  42 ,  43  engagement, coupled with the material integrity and structure of the bags  20 ,  70 , such as the smooth top arch of the basket  22 , results in a suitcase  10  that appears to be a single unified article. This appearance may be further enhanced through engagement of the male and female buckle portions  50 ,  52  provided on the duffel and garment bags  20 ,  70 , respectively. Additionally, as noted above, because the basket  22  retains its shape, although it is not rigid, the duffel bag  20  resists caving in upon itself under pressure from the garment bag  70  draped evenly atop it. This feature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the suitcase  10 , but it also serves to protect the contents of the basket  22  and preserve the contents of the garment bag  70  in a desirable condition during transport. 
         [0057]    While preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.