Abstract:
An expandable container adapted to be manually adjusted from a vertically compact configuration wherein internal shelves are closely spaced, to a vertically expanded configuration wherein the internal shelves are less closely spaced. A garment folding apparatus is preferably incorporated with the container to provide a tool that assists the user in quickly folding garments to dimensions compatible with shelves within the container.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/881,872, filed on Jun. 30, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,334,669. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    N/A 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0003]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights rights whatsoever. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates to containers, such as the type commonly referred to as luggage and suitcases used by travelers, and more particularly to a vertically expandable suitcase adapted with internal shelves. In a broader sense, the present invention relates to an expandable storage container. 
         [0006]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0007]    The task of carrying and/or lifting luggage at airports, railway stations, hotels or other sites is generally disliked by travelers. While rental luggage carts are available at certain sites, the renting process is itself an inconvenience and such carts do not remain with the traveler after the baggage is checked in. 
         [0008]    As a result, the use of wheeled luggage cases has significantly expanded to the point where wheeled luggage cases are now the norm in the alt of luggage making. Even relatively small luggage cases designed to fit in overhead compartments or under the seats on aircraft are commonly adapted with wheels to facilitate transporting a loaded case. Currently, the most popular type of wheeled luggage is the upright case, which is pushed or towed with the longest or major dimension nearer to vertical than horizontal. Typically, upright cases are equipped with a telescopically extendable and retractable wheel handle at the top end of the body of the case and a pair of wheels at the bottom edge of the back of the body. At rest, the case may sit in an upright position upon the wheels and a pair of legs or glides. To roll the case, the user grips the wheel handle and tips the case to lift the glides from the supporting surface and manually pulls the case while walking. 
         [0009]    A significant disadvantage associated with luggage carriers is that the main packing compartment is small and difficult to pack in a way that the packed clothing and other items are easily accessible when the case is opened up, for example, in the upright position when its standing on the pair of wheels. As a result of this shortcoming, the prior art reveals attempts to improve upon internal organization by providing shelves that divide the interior of the case. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,739, issued to Bentzen, discloses a non-wheeled upright backpack having an internal compartment that is divided into subcompartments by shelves that are removable. U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,476, discloses a rack system for a backback. Such attempts to integrate shelves into luggage and backpacks have not resulted in widespread success, and fail to address the inherent space limitation due to the relatively small size of the compartment provided by the luggage. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, there exists a need for wheeled luggage having an expandable storage compartment and internal shelving to provide organized storage for travelers. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and limitations in the art by providing an expandable case having a main body defining a storage compartment that is expandable and adapted with internal shelves so as to enable a traveler to transport the fully packed case to a final destination and expand the main body to form a vertically expanded configuration wherein the articles therein are readily accessible and disposed on a plurality of vertically spaced shelves. In accordance with the present invention, wheeled luggage is provided including a case having a body defining an interior that serves as container in which clothing and other personal items may be placed for transportation. The body is of the type that stands vertically upright, and is further adapted so as to be telescopically expandable such that the body may be manually adjusted from a normally sized configuration during transit to a vertically enlarged configuration once the final destination, such as a hotel room, is reached. More particularly the body includes a telescopically adjustable main body, to allow for selective vertical extension of the body thereby substantially increasing the volume of the interior storage compartment. The body further includes a plurality of interior horizontally disposed, vertically stacked shelves connected in accordion fashion so as to automatically expand from a compact configuration to an expanded configuration when the main body is telescopically expanded thereby providing a series of vertically spaced shelves which provide convenient access to the contents. 
         [0012]    The present invention finds broad application as an expandable container, article of furniture, or storage container. 
         [0013]    Accordingly, a traveler using the luggage case disclosed herein is relieved of the time consuming task of having to unpack the case upon reaching his/her destination 
         [0014]    A further aspect of the present invention includes combining a garment folding apparatus as an integral component of the luggage main body. The folding apparatus provides the user with a tool to assist in rapidly folding garments, such as shirts, tops, and pants, into precisely folded shapes sized to fit conveniently within the main body interior and to fit neatly on the shelves provided therein. 
         [0015]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide improvements in the field of wheeled luggage. 
         [0016]    Another object of the present invention is to provide luggage having an expandable body. 
         [0017]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide in combination wheeled luggage and a garment folding apparatus for use therewith. 
         [0018]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide wheeled luggage having internal shelf dividers. 
         [0019]    In accordance with these and other objects, which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of wheeled luggage according to the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a left side view thereof; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a front view thereof with the front closure panel removed; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is right side view thereof; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view thereof with the handle extended; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is left side view thereof; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a front view thereof with the handle extended and the front closure panel removed; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a night side view thereof with the handle extended; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view thereof in a vertically expanded configuration; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a left side view thereof; 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a front view thereof; 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a right side view thereof; 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is a front perspective view thereof showing the front closure panel/garment folding device removed and unfolded; 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the front closure panel that doubles as a garment folding apparatus; 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  is a top perspective view thereof; 
           [0035]      FIG. 16  is a side view thereof and illustrates the flipping of the left side panel; 
           [0036]      FIG. 17  is a top plan view depicting the garment folding apparatus and an unfolded shirt thereon; 
           [0037]      FIG. 18  is a top plan view of the garment folding apparatus and shirt depicted in  FIG. 17 , with the bottom portion of the shirt folded up according to the folding method disclosed herein; 
           [0038]      FIG. 19  is a top plan view of the garment folding apparatus and shirt with the left side panel folded over; 
           [0039]      FIG. 20  is a top plan view of the garment folding apparatus and shirt with the left side panel folded back revealing the partially folded shirt; 
           [0040]      FIG. 21  is a top plan view of the garment folding apparatus and shirt with the right side panel folded over; 
           [0041]      FIG. 22  is a top plan view of the of the garment folding apparatus and shirt with the right side panel folded back revealing the partially folded shirt; 
           [0042]      FIG. 23  is a top plan view of the garment folding apparatus and shirt with the bottom panel folded upward; 
           [0043]      FIG. 24  is a top plan view of the garment folding apparatus and shirt with the bottom panel folded back; 
           [0044]      FIG. 25  is a top plan view of the garment folding apparatus and shirts folded therewith; 
           [0045]      FIG. 26  is a left side view of an alternate embodiment vertically expandable wheeled luggage apparatus according to the present invention in the compact configuration; 
           [0046]      FIG. 27  is a front view thereof (front access panel open); 
           [0047]      FIG. 28  is a front perspective view thereof; 
           [0048]      FIG. 29  is a left side view thereof in the vertically expanded configuration; 
           [0049]      FIG. 30  is a front view thereof; 
           [0050]      FIG. 31  is a front perspective view thereof; 
           [0051]      FIG. 32  is a front view of the expandable frame assembly and expandable shelves; 
           [0052]      FIG. 33  is a right side view thereof; 
           [0053]      FIG. 34  is a rear view thereof; 
           [0054]      FIG. 35  is a rear perspective view thereof; 
           [0055]      FIG. 36  is a front perspective view thereof; 
           [0056]      FIG. 37  is a rear view of the expandable frame assembly; 
           [0057]      FIG. 38  is a right side view thereof; 
           [0058]      FIG. 39  is a rear view thereof; 
           [0059]      FIG. 40  is a rear perspective view thereof; 
           [0060]      FIG. 41  is a front perspective view thereof; 
           [0061]      FIG. 42  is a top view schematic of the telescopically adjustable locking track in an extended position. 
           [0062]      FIG. 43  is a side view of the lower locking track member. 
           [0063]      FIG. 44  is a frontal view of the locking track member. 
           [0064]      FIG. 45  is a side view of the upper locking track member. 
           [0065]      FIG. 46  is a top view schematic of both the upper locking track member and the lower locking track member. 
           [0066]      FIG. 47  is an exploded view of the locking member configuration on the lower track member. 
           [0067]      FIG. 48  is a top view schematic of the components associated with the locking mechanism as the upper locking track is extended. 
           [0068]      FIG. 49 . is a top view schematic of the components associated with the locking mechanism as the upper track is locked in the extended position. 
           [0069]      FIG. 50 . is a top view schematic of the components associated with the locking mechanism as the upper track is disengaged from the locked position. 
           [0070]      FIG. 51  is a top view schematic of the components associated with the locking mechanism as the upper locking track is retracted back into the lower locking track; and 
           [0071]      FIG. 52  is a top view schematic of the components associated with the locking mechanism as the upper track is extended back from a retracted position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0072]    With reference to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-25  depict a preferred embodiment of the invention. Broadly described, the invention includes a case  10  having a body  12  that functions as a container in which clothing and other personal items may be placed for transportation. Case  10  may is preferably sized to conform to the maximum dimensions for “carry-on” luggage to be carried aboard and stowed in passenger cabins in aircraft, buses, and the like, but may be any suitable size. 
         [0073]    In a preferred embodiment case  10  will not have length, width, and height dimensions that exceed a sum total of forty-foul inches (44″), and is preferably about 20″ high, about 10″ deep, and about 14″ wide when in the compact “carry-on” configuration, however, other dimensional configurations are considered within the scope of the present invention. Body  12  is preferably hard-side construction as known in the art, but an alternative embodiment fabricated as soft-side construction is considered within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is suitable for a variety of uses and should not be construed in application to mere luggage or garment case. 
         [0074]    As best depicted in  FIGS. 1-13 , body  12  defines a generally hollow interior for receiving clothing and the like and the exterior may feature various handles, piping, pockets, and the like, as depicted or as otherwise are used in the luggage art. Body  12  has a front  14 , a back  16 , a top  18 , a bottom  20  and two opposing sides  22  and  24 . Top  18  preferably includes a handle  26  attached thereto to assist in lifting case  10 , and for other reasons discussed herein below. 
         [0075]    In addition, case  10  is preferably equipped with an extendible/retractable handle  30  with which the case  10  may be pushed or pulled across a supporting surface. Handle  30  may be extended and locked in the extended configuration by a simple mechanical locking apparatus. For example, pillow blocks  32  may each be adapted with a locking set-screw or lever actuated cam lock device  33 . In an alternate embodiment, handle  30  may be foldable or rotatable from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration. In a preferred embodiment, case  10  has two wheels  34  rotatably mounted within wheel housings  36  proximate to the lower rear corners of the body  12 . Wheels  34  permit the case  10 , with wheel handle  30  extended as shown in  FIG. 2 , to be tipped slightly from vertical and wheeled along the ground in a generally upright position as is customary in the art. When case  10  is not in use, handle  30  may be retracted by known methods to the position depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0076]    A significant aspect of the present invention relates to expandability. More particularly, back  16  and opposing sides  22  and  24 , are each composite structures including adjacent, slidably engaged outer and inner members identified by individually as  16 A/ 16 B,  22 A/ 22 B, and  24 A/ 24 B. Each outer member  16 A,  22 A and  24 A is attached at the lower peripheral edges thereof to bottom  20 . Each inner member  16 B,  22 B, and  24 B is attached at the upper peripheral edges thereof to top  18 . Accordingly, body  12  is telescopically adjustable, and may be selectively manipulated between a compact configuration depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , to an expanded configuration depicted in  FIGS. 9-12 . Body  12  is preferably maintained in the expanded configuration by connection of extended handle  30  with top handle  26  so as to maintain body  12  in the expanded configuration. Connection of handles  30  and  26  may be accomplished by any suitable mechanical connection. In a preferred embodiment, handle  26  includes a slidable rod  27  that is positionable from a retracted position wherein rod  27  is received within handle  26 , to a deployed position wherein rod  27  is extended to engage handle  30  thus supporting top  18  in the vertically expanded configuration. 
         [0077]    Furthermore, the interior of case  10  preferably includes a plurality of horizontal shelves, referenced as  40  for use in storing clothes and personal items within case  10 . Shelves  40  may be attached to an internal, vertically expandable liner  42  that is connected to body  12 , such as to top  18 , so as to expand upward in an accordion manner when case  10  is configured to the expanded configuration depicted in  FIGS. 9-12 . By incorporating an expandable shelving system within case  10 , the user may configure the case to the expanded configuration depicted in  FIG. 9  while packing the case, then close the case by configuring same to the compact configuration depicted in  FIGS. 1-8  wherein case  10  may be transported during travel. Once the user has arrived at his/her destination, case  10  may be opened and configured to the expanded configuration thereby increasing the vertical spacing of shelves  40 . In the expanded configuration, the clothing and personal items stored with the case remain neatly stacked, and readily accessible due to the expansion of the interior volume and increased vertical spacing between individual shelf members. The present invention thus provides an expandable case that saves the user significant time while traveling since the user may leave his/her clothing and personal items neatly within the case and thus is relieved of the duties related to unpacking the case. A further advantage realized by the use of the expandable shelving system of the present invention relates to the visibility of the packed clothing and articles when the case is configured to the expanded configuration as the clothing and articles remain on the shelves, visible, and accessible to the user. 
         [0078]    It should be noted, however, that in an alternate embodiment shelves  40  may be fixed within the case. In addition, the present invention contemplates the use of vertical dividers, either in lieu of shelves or in addition thereto. The use of vertical dividers is considered desirable for an embodiment of the present invention particularly directed to use by persons in carrying files or other items more suitably transported in a vertical orientation. It should further be appreciated that the present invention may comprise a container for housing a variety of articles, and may be embodied in a wheel-less embodiment. In addition, the present invention may comprise an expandable container, such as an article OF furniture, found in a dwelling. 
         [0079]    A further significant aspect of the present invention includes providing a garment folding tool for use in rapidly folding clothing, such as shirts and tops, as an integral component. Such a garment folding tool is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,927, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. More particularly case  10  is adapted with vertically disposed, U-shaped channel members  15  on opposing sides of front opening  14 . Channel members  15  are intended to receive a garment folding tool  50  that is removably received in the otherwise open front  14  of body  12  thereby functioning as a closure panel. Folding tool  50  includes four (4) hingedly connected panels including a main panel, opposing side panels, and a bottom panel. The opposing side panels and the bottom panel are each pivotally connected to the main panel. The pivotal connections permit folding of the panels during use and further permit the device to be configured for compact storage. 
         [0080]    Folding tool  50  includes a plurality of substantially flat, light-weight panel members including a main panel  52 , opposing left and right side panels  54  and  56 , and a bottom panel  58 . Panels  52 ,  54 ,  56 , and  58  are preferably fabricated from a light-weight, rigid or semi-rigid material. Side panels  54 ,  56 , and bottom panel  58 , are each pivotally connected to main panel  52 . The pivotal connections facilitate the folding of panels  54 ,  56 , and  58  about main panel  52  as best seen in  FIG. 16 . Side panels  54  and  56  preferably define a plurality of apertures, referenced as  62 , for reasons more fully discussed below. Apertures  62  are preferably circular, however, any suitable shape (e.g. square, triangular, slotted etc.) is considered within the scope of the invention. 
         [0081]      FIG. 16  depicts a side elevational view of the apparatus  50 . The bottom surfaces of panels  54  and  56  are preferably slightly raised when apparatus  50  is placed on a flat supporting surface. In a preferred embodiment, projecting feet, referenced as  64 , projected downward proximal the peripheral corner edges thereof. Feet  64  function to elevate the edges of the panels to facilitate grasping and manipulation thereof by the user. 
         [0082]      FIG. 17  shows the garment folding apparatus  50  with a shirt, referenced as “S” placed face down in a folding position thereon. It should be noted that apparatus  50  is preferably sized such that the ends of the shirt sleeves terminate proximal the outside edges of panels  54  and  56  respectively. As best seen in  FIG. 18 , and according to the method of folding disclosed herein, the first step involves folding the bottom of the shirt such that the shirt fold line is approximately aligned with the lower edges of panels  54 ,  56  and  58 . As best seen in  FIG. 19 , and according to the method of folding disclosed herein, the second step involves the user flipping panel  54  (or alternatively panel  56 ), and the shirt portion laying thereon, such that panel  54  is disposed over panels  52  and  58  with the shirt sandwiched there between thereby creating a straight and uniform fold line upon return of the panel to the position depicted in  FIG. 20 . Projecting feet  64  function to enable the user to easily grasp each foldable panel by causing the edge portion of each panel adapted with said feet to be slightly elevated above the underlying surface thereby enabling the user&#39;s fingers to easily slide underneath the panel while grasping. 
         [0083]    As best seen in  FIG. 21 , and according to the method disclosed herein, the third step involves the user flipping panel  56 , and the shirt portion laying thereon, such that panel  56  is disposed over panels  52  and  58  with the shirt sandwiched there between. Once again, projecting feet  64  function to enable the user to easily grasp the panel. Panel  56  is then returned to its original position as depicted in  FIG. 22 . It should be noted that the above-referenced second and third steps, and associated returning of the panels to the original positions, are performed rapidly. Significantly, apertures  62 , on each of panels  54  and  56  function, upon returning the panels to the original positions to prevent suction and static cling from unfolding the shirt as the panels are rapidly flipped back to the original positions. If the panels did not include the apertures, the rapid return of the panels would cause the shirt to adhere to the panels thereby undoing the fold and resulting in a significantly slower folding operation. Accordingly, apertures  62  provide for a more efficient folding process than is possible with known folding devices. 
         [0084]    As best seen in  FIGS. 23-24 , and according to the fourth step of the folding method disclosed herein, panel  58 , and the shirt portion thereon, is folded upward thereby completing the folding process. As should be apparent, panel  58  may also include apertures  62  and/or feet  64  to provide the advantages discussed herein above. 
       ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT 
       [0085]      FIGS. 26-41  depict an alternate embodiment of the expandable luggage of the present invention, generally referenced as  100 , and generally discloses the best mode for practicing the present invention. As best depicted in  FIGS. 26-31 , expandable luggage  100  includes a body  102  that defines a generally hollow interior for receiving clothing and the like, and an exterior that may feature various handles, piping, pockets, and the like, as depicted or as otherwise are used in the luggage art. Body  102  has a front  104 , a back  106 , a top  108 , a bottom  120  and two opposing sides  122  and  124 . Top  108  preferably includes a handle  126  attached thereto to assist in lifting case  10 , and for other reasons discussed herein below. As with all rolling luggage, case  100  is adapted with at least one wheel. In the preferred embodiment case  100  has two wheels  134  rotatably mounted within wheel housings  136  proximate to the lower rear corners of the body  112 . Expandable case  100  also preferably includes an extendable handle as is well known in the art for use by the user when rolling. 
         [0086]    As disclosed in the first embodiment, a significant aspect of the present invention relates to expandability. The embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 26-41  differs in structure from the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-12 . Specifically, case  100  is adapted with a telescopically adjustable frame assembly having four telescopically adjustable frame members  150  and a telescopically adjustable locking track  152 . Locking track  152  includes two telescopically adjustable members and an automatically locking/unlocking mechanism, commonly referred to as a camover latch, that functions to automatically lock and unlock to allow for selective vertical expansion and retraction of frame members  150  as further described herein below. Each telescopically adjustable frame member  150  and locking track  152  is connected at the upper ends thereof to the top portion  108  of case body  102  and at the lower ends thereof to the bottom portion  120  of case  102 . Frame members  150  and locking track  152  are telescopically adjustable such that body  102  of case  100  may be vertically manipulated between a compact configuration depicted in  FIGS. 26-28  and an expanded configuration depicted in  FIGS. 29-31 .  FIGS. 37-41  depict adjustable frame members  150  and adjustable locking track  152  in a vertically expanded configuration. It should be noted, however, that any suitable system, such as gas operated cylinders or spring mechanism may provide a suitable alternative to frame members  50  and adjustable locking track  152 . 
         [0087]    A significant advantage to the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 26-41  relates to maintaining body  102  in the expanded configuration by the automatic locking camover latch feature of locking track  152 . More particularly, the camover latch feature incorporated within locking track  152  functions to automatically lock track  152  in a telescopically expanded configuration when the user configures the body  102  into the expanded configuration. Similarly, the camover latch incorporated within locking track  152  functions to automatically unlock when the user lifts the top of body  102  slightly thereby releasing an internal locking mechanism and allowing track  152  to return to the telescopically retracted configuration. 
         [0088]    In addition, an expandable shelf assembly  140  comprising all expandable liner  142  and a plurality of shelves  144  is connected to frame assembly  150  to provide a series of vertically expandable shelves  144  that expand and contract with frame members  150  and locking member  152 . More particularly, an expandable shelf assembly  140  includes an expandable liner  142  having a plurality of horizontal shelves  144  connected thereto in vertically spaced relation. Shelf assembly  140  has an upper end secured to the top portion  108  of case body  102 , and lower end secured to the bottom portion  120  of case  102 . The plurality of horizontal shelves may be used for storing neatly folded clothing and personal items within case  100 . 
         [0089]    As discussed herein above, each shelf  144  is preferably attached to an internal, vertically expandable liner  144  having an upper end connected to the top portion  108  of body  102  and a bottom portion connected to the bottom  120  of body  102  so as to expand upward in an accordion manner when case  100  is configured to the expanded configuration depicted in  FIGS. 29-31 . By incorporating an expandable shelving system within case  100 , the user may configure the case to the expanded configuration depicted in  FIG. 31  while packing the case, then close the case by configuring same to the compact configuration depicted in  FIG. 28  wherein case  100  may be transported during travel. Significantly, the vertical spacing between shelf members  144  decreases when case  100  is in the compact configuration thereby preferably slightly compressing the clothing and articles thereon so as to secure the articles during transit. Once the user has arrived at his/her destination, case  100  may be opened and configured to the expanded configuration depicted in  FIG. 31 , thereby increasing the vertical spacing of shelves  40 . In the expanded configuration, the clothing and personal items stored within the case remain neatly stacked, and readily accessible due to the expansion of the interior volume and increased vertical spacing between individual shelf members. The present invention thus provides an expandable case that saves the user significant time while traveling since the riser may leave his/her clothing and personal items neatly within the case and thus is relieved of the duties related to unpacking the case. 
       Camover Latch 
       [0090]      FIGS. 42-46  depict schematics of the telescopically adjustable self-latching track  152 . A significant aspect of track  152  is the ability of the track to be self-latching and self-unlatching as more fully described herein. The self-latching feature allows the user to simply raise the case body to the expanded configuration wherein the self-latching function will lock the case in said configuration. The self-unlatching feature allows the user to return the case body to its compact configuration by simply lifting the top a small dimension upward whereby the track  152  self-unlatches thereby allowing the case body to telescopically compact with the aid of gravity. 
         [0091]    The telescopically adjustable track  152  is comprised of an upper locking track member  160 , a lower locking track member  161 , and a camover latch assembly  162 . In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower locking track members  160  and  161  are both generally the same shape consisting of a flat bottom panel  163  with two sidewalls  164  extending perpendicularly outward on opposing longitudinal sides of the bottom panel  163 . A metal flange  165  extends parallel with the bottom panel  163  from the top of each sidewall  164 , into the space created between the two track sidewalls  164  and the bottom panel  163 . Both track members  161  and  162  include apertures  166  and  167  through both sidewalls at one end of each locking track member  161  and  162 . It should be noted, however, that track members  161  and  162  may be generally cylindrical, or any other suitable shape. 
         [0092]    The upper locking track member  160  is the same shape as the lower locking track member  161  with a reduction in dimensions. This reduction in dimensions allows the upper locking track member  160  to fit within the lower locking track member  161 . The upper locking track member  160  is secured within the lower locking track member  161  by the metal flanges  165  that extend from the sidewalls of the lower locking track member  161 . The upper track member  160  is displaced in a sliding manner within the lower track member, thus allowing for the adjustable locking track  152  to be moved between a compact configuration and an expanded configuration. The upper track member  161  fits within the lower track member  160  such that in the compact configuration, the end of the lower track member  161  with the sidewall apertures  166  is on the opposite end of the locking track  152  from the end of the upper track member  160  with the sidewall apertures  167 . 
         [0093]    The upper locking track member  160  includes a pin  168  (or other projecting member) that extends through the bottom panel  163  into the space between the sidewalls  164 . The pin  168  is arranged at the end of the upper track member  160  between the sidewall apertures  167 . As the upper track member  160  slides to create an expanded configuration, the pin is used to initiate and control the operation of the camover locking mechanism  162 . 
         [0094]      FIGS. 46 and 47  show schematics of the camover latch assembly  162  within the lower locking track member  161 . Specifically, the latch assembly is comprised of a locking member  169  that is secured to the bottom panel  163  of the lower locking track member  161  in a position that is off of the central longitudinal axis of the bottom panel  163 . The locking member  169  is secured to the bottom panel with a screw  170 , thus allowing the locking member  169  to rotate freely about the central axis of the screw  170 . 
         [0095]    The locking member  169  is irregularly shaped with two large protrusions  171  and  173  and two small protrusions  172  and  174  extending from the locking member  169 . Locking protrusions  171  and  173  are of the same triangular corner shape and dimensions. Locking protrusions  172  and  174  with respect to each other are also of the same triangular corner shape and dimensions. The smaller locking protrusions  172  and  174  extend from opposing ends of the locking member  169 , while the larger locking protrusions  171  and  173  extend from the other pair of opposing ends of the locking member  169 , such that the locking member  169  has two fold rotational symmetry about the central axis of the screw  170 . The large protrusion  171  and the small protrusion  174  both share a common side to each form a triangular corner shape, while the large protrusion  172  and the small protrusion  173  also share a common side to each form a triangular corner shape. 
         [0096]      FIGS. 48-52  show schematics of the camover latch assembly  162  as the telescopically adjustable locking track  152  is operated. Specifically  FIG. 48  shows the first step as the upper track member  160  is displaced to an expanded position within the lower track member  161 . As the telescopically adjustable locking track  152  is extended, the pin  168  of the upper track member  160  engages the locking member  169  on the lower track member  161 . The pin  168  comes into contact with one side of the large protrusion  173 , causing the entire locking member  169  to rotate about the central pivot axis  175  of the locking member  169 . The rotation of the locking member  169  causes the large protrusion  171  to extend out of both the upper track member aperture  160  and the lower track member aperture  167 . the locking member  169  continues to rotate as the upper track member  160  is extended, until the pin  168  rests in the cavity  176  formed by the intersection of one side of protrusions  174  with one side of protrusion  176 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 49 . shows a schematic of the camover latch assembly  162  in relation to the telescopically adjustable locking track  152  during the second operational step as the upper track member  160  is locked into a supporting position. Once the upper track member  160  reaches a fully extended position, it is retracted back into the lower track member  161  so that the top of the upper sidewall aperture  177  makes contact with the large protrusion  171 . Once contact between the top of the upper sidewall aperture  177  and the large protrusion  171  is made, the upper track member  160  is retracted back down into the lower track member  161  even further, causing the locking member  169  to continue rotating about the central pivot axis. The locking member  169  continues to rotate, until the smaller protrusion  172  touches the side wall of the upper locking track member  160 . At this point, the upper track member  160  is in an extended and locked position as downward displacement back into the lower track member  161  is stopped by the protrusion  171  engaging the top of the sidewall aperture  177 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 50  shows a schematic of the camover latch assembly  162  as the upper track member  160  is disengaged from the extended locked position. From the locked position, the upper track member  160 , which is stopped from moving downward back into the lower track member  161 , is again extended vertically out from the lower track member  161 . As the lower track member  161  is displaced vertically upward, the upper track member pin  168  makes contact with the edge of locking member  169  formed from the common side shared by protrusions  171  and  174 . Since the locking member  169  is mounted off of the central longitudinal axis of the lower track member  161 , the pin  168  engages the locking member  169  such that the locking member  69  continues to rotate as the upper track member  160  is further extended. The rotation of the locking member  169  causes the smaller protrusion  172  to extend out between both the upper track member aperture  166  and the lower track member aperture  167 . The upper track member is extended until the large protrusion  171  makes contact with the bottom of the upper track member aperture  166 . 
         [0099]    The upper track member  160  is then retracted back into the lower track member  161 . As the upper track member  160  is lowered, the top of the upper track member side wall aperture  177  makes contact with the small protrusion  172 . This contact causes the lock member  169  to rotate even further. As shown in  FIG. 51 , the lock member  169  rotates so that both large and small protrusions  172  and  171  face downward, and the face of the locking member  169  that is the shared side used to form protrusions  173  and  172  is parallel with the sidewalls of both locking track members  160  and  161 . In turn, the upper track member  160  can retract completely back into the lower track member  161 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 52 . shows a schematic of the camover latch assembly  162  as the process of engaging the lock repeats itself. As the upper track member  160  is extended out from the lower track member  161 , the upper track member pin  168  engages the large protrusion  171 . This causes the locking member  169  to rotate about the pivot axis  175 . As the upper track member  160  is extended further from the lower track member  161 , the locking member  169  continues to rotate causing the large protrusion  173  to extend out from the upper track aperture  166  and the lower track aperture  167 . The upper track member  160  is extended until the pin is stopped in the cavity between the small protrusion  172  and the large protrusion  171 . The upper track member  160  is then retracted back into the lower track member  161  until the top of the upper track member sidewall aperture  177  engages the large protrusion  173 , thereby locking the upper track member  160  in an extended position. The apparatus may be constructed to any suitable size. For example, one size apparatus may be configured for adult clothing and another size apparatus may be configured for children&#39;s clothing merely by altering the dimensions of the panels. 
         [0101]    The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.