Abstract:
The invention relates generally to suitcases and bags for storage of cameras or other objects. More specifically, the system combines a suitcase and an integrated pull-out carrier. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the system integrates a backpack component, having an approximately cubic shape and optimized for storage of cameras and camera accessories, with a suitcase component of substantially the same size and shape of the backpack into a single unit. When separated, the two components are designed to perform as fully functional individual units.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is related to the following co-pending applications, with some common inventors, and the same assignee. The teachings of the following applications listed below are herein incorporated by reference: 
         [0002]    U.S. application Ser. No.: not yet assigned, filed Sep. 22, 2008, entitled “Suitcase Handle Camera Mount.” 
         [0003]    U.S. application Ser. No.: not yet assigned, filed Sep. 22, 2008, entitled “Suspension Divider Insert.” 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The invention relates generally to suitcases and bags for storage of cameras or other objects. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Camera bags and cases are common and range from simple cases supplied by camera manufacturers to correspond to a particular model of camera, to bags and full-sized suitcases with multiple compartments adapted to take varying sizes of cameras, lenses, filters, flashes, lighting equipment and other accessories useful to professional and serious amateur photographers. 
         [0006]    Professional photographers working outside a portrait studio require fast, convenient and sequential access to the contents of their bags and cases. These photographers also consider mobility, flexibility and versatility critical overall characteristics that must be part of the design and manufacture of the cases and bags that they invest in. 
         [0007]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a suitcase equipped with a separate, but fully integrated pull-out carrier features the desired qualities and characteristics described above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the system combines a suitcase and an integrated pull-out carrier. The system seamlessly integrates a carrier optimized for storage of cameras and camera accessories within a suitcase as a single unit. 
         [0009]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the system integrates a backpack component, having an approximately cubic shape and optimized for storage of cameras and camera accessories, with a suitcase component of substantially the same size and shape of the backpack into a single unit. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a first lid fixedly attached to the backpack serves as the lid for the system when configured as single unit (i.e. when the backpack is placed into the suitcase), and also, as the lid for the backpack when used alone. A second lid, fixedly attached to the suitcase serves as the secondary lid for the suitcase when used alone. As such, the two components, a suitcase and backpack are designed to be scamlessly integrated for use as a single unit. When separated, the two components are designed to perform as fully functional individual units. 
         [0010]    It should be noted that although the system as described herein as a suitcase and backpack, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the system may be adapted for use with any two bags or cases, including but not limited to the following: bags, satchels, purses, suitcases, hard cases, soft cases, backpacks, side packs, messenger bags, rolling duffle bags, and rolling backpacks. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The drawings illustrate the design and utility of embodiments of the invention, in which similar elements are referred to by common reference numerals and in which: 
           [0012]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrates a suitcase and integrated pull-out carrier with primary lid in open and closed positions in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a suitcase with secondary lid in an open position and pull-out carrier with primary lid in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a suitcase with secondary lid in an open position and pull-out carrier with primary lid in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate pull-out carrier in a stand alone configuration with backpack straps attached in an in-use position, and also, backpack straps detached in stored position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    Various embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of specific embodiments of the invention. The embodiments are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or as a limitation on the scope of the invention. In addition, an aspect described in conjunction with a particular embodiment of the invention is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiment of the invention. 
         [0017]    Turning to the drawings,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrates a suitcase  100  and backpack  120  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) with primary lid  115  in open and closed positions in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 1A , suitcase  100  features retractable handle  105 , suitcase wheels  107 , and primary lid  115 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , when primary lid  115  is in an open position, compartment storage  110  can be accessed. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, compartment storage  110  and primary lid  115  are fixedly attached to backpack  120 . As described and illustrated, backpack  120  is seamlessly integrated with suitcase  100  and appears concealed even when primary lid  115  is in an open position. 
         [0018]    In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, primary lid  115  closes onto backpack  120  via a zipper, but any other closing mechanism can be utilized, particularly any common closure utilized by the travel and storage bag and case industry. 
         [0019]    In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, compartment storage  110  can be removed from backpack  120  and placed for usage into suitcase  100 . Compartment storage  110  can be temporarily affixed to either suitcase  100  or backpack  120  using any type of fastening means well known in the industry, including but not limited to: zippers, Velcro®, adhesives, snaps, clasps, buttons, fasteners, straps, strings or any other similar mechanism or structure. 
         [0020]      FIG. 2  illustrates suitcase  100  with secondary lid  125  in an open position and backpack  120  with primary lid  115  in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 2 , suitcase  100  features retractable handle  105 , suitcase wheels  107 , suitcase storage compartment  135 , and secondary lid  125 . Secondary lid  125  closes onto suitcase  100  via a zipper, but any other closing mechanism can be utilized. In a preferred embodiment, secondary lid  125  utilizes the same closing mechanism as primary lid  115 . These closing mechanisms may include, but are not limited to: zippers, Velcro®, adhesives, snaps, clasps, buttons, fasteners, straps, strings or any other similar mechanism or structure. 
         [0021]    Secondary lid  125  can be a soft lid or hard lid, manufactured from a variety of materials to meet desired aesthetics and functionality. As shown, secondary lid  125  is physically connected suitcase  100  by straps, but any fastening mechanism can be utilized, including but not limited to: zippers, Velcro®, adhesives, snaps, clasps, buttons, fasteners, straps, strings or any other similar mechanism or structure. When the system described is utilized as a single unit, secondary lid  125  can be stored inside suitcase  100 , conveniently stored and ready for use when backpack  120  and suitcase  100  are in use individually. Alternatively, secondary lid  125  may be removable and not physically connected to suitcase  100 . 
         [0022]    In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, backpack  120  features compartment storage  110 , primary lid  115 , and backpack straps  130 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, backpack  120  features a first zipper and second zipper around the perimeter. A first zipper is utilized as a closing mechanism for primary lid  115  to backpack  120 . A second zipper is utilized to secure backpack  120  to the zipper of suitcase  100 . Conveniently, the zipper of suitcase  100  also serves as the closing mechanism for secondary lid  125  to suitcase  100 . 
         [0023]    It should be noted that although primary lid  115 , fixedly attached to backpack  120 , serves as the outer lid for the system, in an alternative embodiment of the system contemplated within the scope of the invention, a first lid attached to suitcase  100  is designed to serve as the outer lid for the system while a second lid attached to backpack  120  serves as the inner lid when backpack  120  is enclosed in suitcase  100  for use as a single unit. 
         [0024]      FIG. 3  illustrates suitcase  100  with secondary lid  125  in a closed position and backpack  120  with primary lid  115  in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, suitcase  100  features retractable handle  105 , suitcase wheels  107 , and secondary lid  125 . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, backpack  120  features primary lid  115 , backpack straps  130 , strap clips  140 , and D-rings  145 . 
         [0025]    Alternatively, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, strap clips  140  and D-rings  145  may be replaced with any other type of engaging means, including but not limited to the following: magnetic mechanism, buckles, clips, snaps, latches, books, friction mechanism, tension mechanisms, locks, cable ties, Velcro®, or any other similar type of engaging mechanism or structure. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate backpack  120  in a stand alone configuration with backpack straps  130  attached in an in-use position, and also, backpack straps  130  detached in a stored position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         [0027]    As shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention,  FIG. 4A  illustrates backpack  120  in a stand alone configuration with backpack straps  130 , and strap clips  140  attached to D-rings  145  w in an in-use position. As shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention,  FIG. 4B  illustrates backpack  120  in a stand alone configuration with backpack straps  130  detached from D-rings  145  in a stored position. Backpack  120  features pocket  155  for strap storage and pocket closure  160 . Pocket closure  160  may utilize Velcro®, zipper, or any other common closure mechanism known in the industry. 
         [0028]    As previously note, backpack  120  can be any type of bag, case or carrier integrated into suitcase  100 . As such, for alternative embodiments that include bag, cases or other carriers, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that backpack straps  130  can be replaced with any other type of strap, handle or belt commonly used with travel bags and cases.