Patent Publication Number: US-2017354222-A1

Title: Apparatus, system and method for carrying multiple interconnected luggage bags

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to an apparatus, a system and a method for carrying multiple interconnected luggage bags. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for interconnecting multiple bags around a person, such as an airport traveler and/or a hiker, with flexible connectors, such as a buckle, a hook-and-loop fastener and/or a ball joint. 
     Travel with several pieces of luggage may often be cumbersome and/or difficult. A traveler with luggage may desire moving through a busy transport area, such as an airport and/or a train station, quickly and efficiently. Portable luggage, such as a carry-on bag with wheels and/or rollers, for example, may simplify moving luggage. However, the carry-on bag must be carried by the traveler, which often occupies one hand. Accordingly, the traveler may make frequent stops to, for example, activate and/or use a portable electronic device, such as a “smart” phone, with both of his or her hands. The traveler must stop then stabilize the carry-on bag with rollers. Frequent stops may add to the overall travel time, frustration and/or complexity of, for example, a journey through an airport terminal and/or a subway station. 
     Alternative luggage solutions exist, such as a bag with a shoulder strap. The strap may either be placed directly on the should or across the torso of the traveler. 
     The a bag may allow the traveler to have both hands free to engage in other activities. However, the entire weight of the bag remains on the shoulder of the traveler. Further, rapid walking with a bag with a shoulder strap may cause the bag to move in various directions and inconvenience the traveler. Moreover, the bag may be limited in size to accommodate placement around the shoulder of the traveler. Accordingly, the traveler may be limited in the amount of items able to be fit into the bag at once. 
     Known methods, apparatuses or systems for a traveler to transport luggage are known, but may present an inconvenience and/or discomfort to the traveler. Thus, a need exists for a luggage transport solution that allows the traveler to conveniently travel with the luggage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to an apparatus, a system and a method for carrying multiple interconnected luggage bags. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for interconnecting multiple bags around a person, such as an airport traveler and/or a hiker, with flexible connectors, such as a buckle, a hook-and-loop fastener and/or a ball joint. 
     The invention provides an apparatus for carrying multiple connected bags around a traveler. The apparatus has a first bag that may be positioned on a shoulder of the traveler. A second bag may extend across the back of the traveler. A third bag may be positioned near the waist of the traveler. A strap may connect the first bag to the third bag. A connector may attach the first bag to the second bag and the second bag to the third bag. A rear strap may connect one or more of the multiple connected bags. A clip may attach to an extension that may protrude from any one or all of the multiple connected bags. An extension may protrude from any one or all of the multiple connected bags to attach to the clip. 
     Additionally, the invention provides a system for connecting bags around a traveler. The system has a plurality of bags connected by one or more fasteners positioned in between each bag. A loop may extend from each bag to assist in lifting of the bag. A strap may extend from each bag to connect to one or more of the plurality of bags. A mechanism, such as a strap adjuster, may adjust a length of the strap to accommodate the traveler. 
     Further, the invention provides a method for positioning one or more of a plurality of bags on a traveler. Each bag may be connected to another bag. The plurality of bags may be adjusted to accommodate the traveler. 
     Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for carrying multiple interconnected luggage bags. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for carrying multiple interconnected luggage bags where a first bag is on a shoulder of the traveler, the second bag extends across the back of the traveler and the third bag is near the waist of the traveler. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a strap adjuster for adjusting the bags on or around a traveler wearing the bags. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a strap extending across the torso to connect the bags. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a rear strap connecting the bag across the back of the traveler. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a connector rod that attaches to a ball joint to connect the bags. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide bags that may be aligned and stacked vertically. 
     Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of a traveler wearing multiple interconnected luggage bags in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a rear view of a traveler wearing multiple interconnected luggage bags in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a rear view of a traveler wearing multiple interconnected luggage bags in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a rear view of a traveler wearing multiple interconnected luggage bags in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of bags stacked vertically in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of bags placed side-by-side in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present invention. Further, numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments may be possible. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a traveler  10  is shown wearing multiple interconnected luggage bags, namely a first bag  14 , a second bag  22  and a third bag  16 . The first bag  14 , the second bag  22  and the third bag  16  may be generally interconnected by an attachment mechanism shown in area A and an adjustment mechanism  66 , such as a strap adjuster, shown in area B in  FIG. 1 . 
     In an embodiment, the attachment mechanism  66  may have an extension  24  to receive and/or attach with a clip  26  which may extend from a strap  58 . In an embodiment, the traveler  10  may wear the strap diagonally across his or her torso. The clip  26  is provided as an example of a type of attachment mechanism, shown in area A of  FIG. 1 . The clip  26  may be used to attach and/or secure the strap  58  and/or the second bag and/or the third bag  16  to the first bag  14 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various other types of fasteners may be used to attach and/or secure the bags to each other and/or the strap  58 . Specifically, a hook-and-loop fastener  64 , a buckle  52  and/or a ball joint  60  may be used to connect and/or attach the strap  58  and/or a rear strap  54  to any one or more of the first bag  14 , the second bag  22  and/or the third bag  14 . Additionally, other suitable fasteners may attach and/or secure the strap  58  and/or the second bag and/or the third bag  16  to the first bag  14  that provide for the mobility of the traveler  10  to, for example, walk through an airport terminal. 
     To attach the strap  58  to the first bag  14 , the traveler may pull or push the strap  58  through an adjuster  60  that may be positioned on the strap  58 . For example, the strap  68  may be pulled from within the adjuster  60  to accommodate the traveler  10 . Alternatively, the traveler  10  may push the strap  68  into and/or through the adjuster  60  to, for example, shorten the overall length of the strap  58  extending from the third bag  16  to the first bag  14 . 
     The adjustment mechanism  66  in the area B may join the strap  58  to the clip  26  and/or may allow for the rotation of the clip  26  around the extension  24 . In an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism  66  in area B may be moved and/or adjusted toward or away from the right shoulder area  36  of the traveler  10 . Further, the clip  26 , attached to the strap  58  may move within the extension  24  to accommodate movement of the traveler  10 . Flexibility and/or movement of the clip  26  within the extension  24  may allow the traveler to adjust the position of the first bag  14  on a right shoulder area  36  of the traveler  10 . For instance, the traveler  10  may shift the first bag  14  further away from his or her head  12  to, for example, accommodate movement of the second bag  22 . Further, in an embodiment, the first bag and/or the second bag  22 , which may extend diagonally across the back of the traveler  10 , may be moved to accommodate the preferences of the traveler  10 . 
     For example, the traveler  10  may shift the first bag  14  further away or closer to his or her neck  40  to, for example, accommodate wearing and/or placement of the remaining bags, namely the second bag  22  and/or the third bag  16 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the positions of the first bag  14 , the second bag  22  and/or the third bag  16  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are exemplary. The traveler  10  may position, place and/or re-position any one or more of the first bag  14 , the second bag  22  and/or the third bag  16  to accommodate his or her wearing preferences. 
     The strap  58  may extend diagonally from the clip  26  attached to the extension  54  at and/or near the right shoulder area  36  of the traveler to the attachment mechanism  66  at the area B and/or the clip  26  on the third bag  16 . The traveler  10  may position the third bag  16  generally across his or her hip and/or waist to permit for free and/or otherwise unimpeded movement of a left arm  18  and/or a right arm  20  of the traveler  10 . Specifically, the traveler  10  may move his or her left hand  46  and/or right hand  48  to, for example, enter into an elevator, grasp an escalator side rail, manipulate a portable electronic device, such as a “smart phone,” and/or present travel tickets and/or documentation to a clerk for assistance. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the above tasks that the traveler may accomplish with his or her left hand  46  and/or right hand  48  are exemplary, and that the completion of numerous other tasks may be possible. 
     In an embodiment, the traveler  10  may insert his of her left hand  46  and left forearm  42  into the loops  28  attached to the third bag  16  to lift and/or move and/or otherwise adjust the position of the third bag  16  relative to the traveler  10 . the traveler  10  may insert his or her left hand  46  and/or left forearm into the loops  28  on the third bag  16  to accommodate attachment of the strap  58  to the third bag  16 . 
     For example, the traveler  10  may hold the third bag  16  upright by his or her left forearm  42  that may be placed and/or positioned within the straps  28 . The traveler  10  may use his or her right hand  48  while holding the third bag  16  upright with his or her left forearm  42 . The traveler  10  may hold the third bag  16  upright to attach the clip  16  to the extension  24  shown in area A on the third bag  16 . 
     In an embodiment, the loops  28  may be attached to the the first bag  14  and/or the second bag  22  to assist lifting and/or positioning by the traveler  10  and/or attachment to other bags, namely the third bag  16 . The position and/or placement of the loops  28  on the first bag  14 , the second bag  22  and/or the third bag  16  are exemplary. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other suitable positions and/or orientations may exist to accommodate insertion and/or lifting of one or more and/or all of the bags by the traveler  10 . Further, the loops  28  may be on one or more and/or all the bags used with any one or more and/or all of the clips  26 , the hook-and-loop fasteners  64 , the buckles  52  and/or the ball joints  60 . 
     Further, the relative orientation, position and/or placement of the clip  26  on and/or near the areas B, C and D on the strap  58  and/or the rear strap  54  are exemplary. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other suitable positions and/or placements of the clips  26  may exist to, for example, connect the first bag  14  to the second bag  22 , the second bag  22  to the third bag  16 , and the third bag  16  to the first bag  14  and/or to adjust the bags around the size and/or girth of the traveler  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the second bag  22  is shown extending, for example, diagonally across the back of the traveler  10 . Like reference numerals refer to like elements as shown in  FIG. 1 , thus a redundant description of the same will be omitted. In an embodiment, the first bag  14  may rest upon the right should area  36  of the traveler  10  and/or be in contact with the neck  40 . The rear strap  54  may extend from an adjustment region D on the second bag  22  to the hook-and-loop fastener  64 , shown in area C in  FIG. 2 , with the extension  24  protruding from the first bag  14 . 
     The first bag  14  may have a first end  76 , which may be substantially circular, positioned opposite to a second end  78 . The second bag  22  and/or the third bag  16 , which may be generally similar in shape and/or size to the first bag  14 , may also have ends. Specifically, the second bag  22  may have a first end  80  and a second end  82  positioned opposite to the first end  80 . The third bag  16  may have a first end  84  and a second end  86  positioned opposite to the first end  84 . Accordingly, any one and/or all of the first bag  14 , the second bag  22  and/or the third bag  16  may be substantially cylindrical in shape and align vertically to accommodate stacking as shown in  FIG. 5 . A zipper  30  may extend from the first side  76  to the second side  78  of the first bag  14  to, for example, open the first bag  14 . Similarly, the zipper  30  may extend from the first side  80  to the second side  82  of the second bag  22  and/or may extend from the first side  84  to the second side  86  of the third bag  16 . 
     The first end  80  on the second bag  22  may have the attachment area C and/or the adjustment area D adjacent to the third bag  16  to, for example, accommodate attachment of the second bag  22  to the third bag  16  by the rear strap  54 . Specifically, the rear strap  54  may insert into the extension  24  protruding from, for example, the first end  80  and/or the second end  82  of the second bag  22 . The traveler may adjust the length of the rear strap  54  in the adjustment area D at the first end  80  and/or the second end of the second bag  22  to accommodate, for example, the size and/or girth of the traveler  10 . 
     In an embodiment, the strap  58 , as shown in, for example,  FIG. 1 , may extend to and/or connect with the hook-and-loop fastener  64  that may be positioned on the strap  58  at the area B on and/or near the first side  76  of the first bag  14  and/or near the second side  86  of the third bag  16 . The traveler  10  may adjust the hook-and-loop fastener  64  to, for example, adjust the relative length of the strap  58  to accommodate the size and/or girth of the traveler  10 . 
     The relative orientation, position and/or placement of the hook-and-loop fastener  64  on and/or near the areas B, C and D on the strap  58  and/or the rear strap  54  are exemplary. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other suitable positions and/or placements of the hook-and-loop fastener  64  may exist to, for example, connect the first bag  14  to the second bag  22 , the second bag  22  to the third bag  16 , and the third bag  16  to the first bag  14  and/or to adjust the bags around the size and/or girth of the traveler  10 . 
     The second bag  22  may be positioned relatively closer to the right shoulder area  36  or the waist and/or hip of the traveler  10  depending on, for example, the preferences and/or girth of the traveler  10 . Further, one or ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the dimensions of the second bag  22  as shown in  FIG. 2  are exemplary and that other orientations and/or dimensions of the second bag  22  are possible. For example, for heavy-duty and/or military-grade applications, the second bag  22  may extend further toward the right shoulder area  26  and/or the third bag  16  thus requiring adjustment of the rear strap  54  and/or reduction in length at the adjustment areas D on the ends  36  of the second bag  22 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the first bag  14  is shown attached to the second bag  22  by the rear strap  54  extending from the extension  24  on the second side  78  of the first bag  14 . Like reference numerals refer to like elements as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  , thus a redundant description of the same will be omitted. The rear strap  54  may extend to and/or through the buckle  52  within the adjustment area F on and/or near the first side  80  of the second bag  22 . In an embodiment, the traveler  10  may adjust the relative position of the buckle  52  on the rear strap  54  between the second bag  22  and the first bag  14  and/or between the third bag  16  and the second bag  22  to accommodate the size and/or girth of the traveler  10 . 
     The strap  58 , as shown in, for example,  FIG. 1 , may insert into and/or connect with the buckle  52  that may be positioned on the strap  58  at the area B on and/or near the first side  76  of the first bag  14  and/or near the second side  86  of the third bag  16 . The traveler  10  may adjust the buckle  52  to receive more or less of the strap  58  to, for example, adjust the relative length of the strap  58  to accommodate the size and/or girth of the traveler  10 . To adjust the relative length of the strap  54 , the traveler  10  may slide the strap  54  into and/or out of the buckle  52 . In an embodiment, the buckle  52  may be made from a substantially rigid material, such as plastic, metal and/or a composite. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a rear view of the traveler  10  wearing and/or using the first bag  14 , the second bag  22  and/or the third bag  16  interconnected by ball joints  60  is shown. Like reference numerals refer to like elements as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , thus a redundant description of the same will be omitted. 
     Generally, a ball joint may be defined as a type of a spherical bearing that may connect a rigid rod, such as a control arm and/or a bearing stud, to a socket that may be enclosed in a spherical casing. For example, the bearing may rotate within the casing to allow the rod to move relative to the joint. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the ball joint  60  is exemplary and that other suitable connectors, joints and/or ball joints may be used to connect the first bag  14  to the second bag  22 , the second bag  22  to the third bag  16  and/or the third bag  16  to the first bag  14 . 
     Further, the ball joints  60  may be used in combination with any one or more of the clip  26 , the hook-and-loop fastener  64  and/or the buckle  52  to connect any one or more and/or all of the bags. Specifically, the clip  26 , the hook-and-loop fastener  64  and/or the buckle  52  may be used to connect the strap  58  from the first bag  14  to the third bag  16  across the torso of the traveler  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , to provide the traveler  10  flexibility in movement. 
     A connector rod  62  may extend from the ball joint  60  positioned at and/or near an area H at and/or near the first side  80  of the second bag  22  to an area G positioned at and/or near an area G at and/or near the second side  78  of the first bag  14 . The connector rod  62  may extend from an area G at and/or near the second side  82  of the second bag  22  to the first side  84  of the third bag  16 . In an embodiment, the connector rod  62  may be made from a substantially rigid material, such metal and/or a composite, to provide structural rigidity to one or more and/or all of the bags. Accordingly, the traveler  10  may use the bags with the ball joints  60  and/or the connector rods  62  in, for example, heavy-duty applications involving the carrying of heavy equipment, such as that needed for military use. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the bags are shown stacked on top of each other. Like reference numerals refer to like elements as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , thus a redundant description of the same will be omitted. The first bag  14  may be vertically aligned with the second bag  22  and placed on the second bag  22  which may be aligned with and placed on top of the third bag  14 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the strap  58  may connect to the clip  26  at the area B at and/or near the first side  76  of the first bag  14 . The clip  26  may attach to the extension  24  which may protrude from the first side  76  of the first bag  24 . The strap  58  may extend toward the second side  86  of the third bag  16 . The strap  58  may attach to the clip  26  that may attach to the extension  24  that may protrude from the second side  86  of the third bag  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the clips  26  and/or hook-and-loop fasteners  64  are shown as an example of a type of connector that may be used to connect the bags. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other forms, orientations and/or combinations of the clip  26 , the hook-and-loop fastener  64 , the buckle  52  and/or the ball joint  60  may be used. 
     In an embodiment, the loops  28  may be generally aligned vertically near the strap  58  as shown in  FIG. 5 . Vertical alignment of the loops across the first bag  14 , the second bag  22  and/or the third bag  16  may allow the traveler to conveniently pick up and/or set down the bags. For instance, the bags may be stacked vertically as shown in  FIG. 5  by the traveler  10  to conserve space at, for example, an airport terminal where space may be limited. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the bags are shown placed horizontally side-by-side. Like reference numerals refer to like elements as shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , thus a redundant description of the same will be omitted. A horizontal configuration, as shown in  FIG. 6 , of the first bag  14 , the second bag  22  and/or the third bag  16  may be suitable when one or more and/or all the bags may be connected by the ball joints  60  and/or the connector rods  62  which may be rigid. Accordingly, the traveler  10  may encounter difficulty in positioning the bags vertically as, for example, shown in  FIG. 5 , since the bags with the ball joints  60  and/or connector rods  62  may be heavy and/or immobile in certain directions, depending on the specific orientation and/or configuration of the ball joints  60 , for example. 
     Although the preceding description has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, it extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.