Patent Publication Number: US-11375785-B2

Title: Suitcase for transporting bottles

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the invention relates generally to suitcases. More particularly, the invention relates to a suitcase having a plurality of compartments for safely disposing bottles for transportation. 
     2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information 
     The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. 
     When traveling, should one purchase or otherwise acquire bottles of a liquid, such as bottles of wine, for example, the traveler must be carefully to properly pack and secure the bottle so that breakage is prevented. Such can be especially difficult when multiple bottles of wine are needed to be secured for transportation. 
     Conventionally, when traveling by air, the traveler can wrap the bottles in a protective packaging, such as bubble wrap and attempt to place the bottles in their suitcase, often protected by clothing, for example. However, a suitcase may be handled roughly during travel and even the best packed bottles may break as a result. 
     In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved apparatus for packing and securing bottles, such as wine bottles, for a traveler. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a suitcase comprising an outer shell openable to provide access to an interior thereof; at least one insert disposed in at least a portion of the interior of the outer shell; a plurality of compartments formed in the at least one insert, the plurality of compartments accessible from a top portion of the at least one insert, wherein a portion of the at least one insert forms an inner surface of the plurality of compartments; and a tunnel formed in one end of each of the plurality of compartments, the tunnel communicating with each of the plurality of compartments and extending into the at least one insert. 
     Embodiments of the present invention further provide a suitcase comprising an outer shell openable to provide access to an interior thereof; at least one insert disposed in at least a portion of the interior of the outer shell; a plurality of compartments formed in the at least one insert, the plurality of compartments accessible from a top portion of the at least one insert, wherein a portion of the at least one insert forms an inner surface of the plurality of compartments; and a cover fitting over each of the at least one insert, the cover configured to secure a bottle in each of the plurality of compartments when the suitcase is in a closed configuration. 
     Embodiments of the present invention also provide a suitcase comprising an outer shell openable to provide access to an interior thereof; at least one insert disposed in at least a portion of the interior of the outer shell; a plurality of compartments formed in the at least one insert, the plurality of compartments accessible from a top portion of the at least one insert, wherein a portion of the at least one insert forms an inner surface of the plurality of compartments; and at least one interior strap extending across a top surface of each of the at least one insert, each of the at least one interior strap selectively openable to permit access to each of the plurality of compartments and closable to prevent bottles disposed in the plurality of compartments from inadvertently falling out thereof. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a bottle transport suitcase according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bottle transport suitcase of  FIG. 1 , with the cover removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a bottle transport suitcase according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the bottle transport suitcase of  FIG. 1 or 3 , in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a back view of the closed bottle transport suitcase of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of the closed bottle transport suitcase of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of the closed bottle transport suitcase of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the bottle transport suitcase of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a top view of one-half of the bottle transport suitcase of  FIG. 1 , with the cover in place and bottles stored therein; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a top view of the bottle transport suitcase of  FIG. 1 , with the cover removed; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the bottle transport suitcase of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of one-half of the bottle transport suitcase of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV of  FIG. 14 ; and 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way of limitations on the invention as ultimately defined in the claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE OF INVENTION 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims. 
     In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. 
     The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below. 
     As is well known to those skilled in the art, many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal configuration of a commercial implementation of any device, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may be configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application. 
     Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide a container, such as a suitcase, that can be used to safely and securely transport bottles, such as wine bottles. The suitcase can have an exterior resembling a conventional suitcase and may include a retractable handle, wheels and the like. The suitcase can open about a central longitudinal axis to provide top open suitcase halves, where one or both of the halves can include a foam insert with receptacles for the placement of bottles therein. The foam can support and separate the bottles so that breakage is minimized or eliminated during transport. A lid, a strap, or both, may be provided to cover at least the receptacles. In some cases, a tunnel may be formed into the foam, extending from one end of the receptacle, for insertion of a neck portion of the bottle therein, thereby further supporting the bottle in the foam. The foam can fit snugly into each half of the suitcase and the number of bottles may be dependent upon user needs and/or size of the suitcase. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a suitcase  10  can include an outer shell  12  having an insert  14  disposed therein. The insert  14  may include a plurality of receptacles  16  formed therein. The receptacles may be open at a top portion of the insert and may extend into the insert  14  without reaching a bottom portion thereof. In other words, the material of the insert  14  may surround the receptacle  16 , except for the open top portion thereof. A notch  20  along one side of each of the receptacles  16  to provide a finger insert to assist in retrieving a bottle disposed in the receptacle  16 . A cover  22  (also referred to as lid  22 ) may be disposable over the insert  14 , covering the receptacles  16 . A tunnel  18  may extend from the receptacle  16 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , where the tunnel  18  may be configured and located to receive a neck of a bottle, as described in greater detail below. The tunnel  18  can be formed in one end of each of the plurality of compartments (receptacles  16 ), the tunnel communicating with each of the plurality of compartments and extending into the at least one insert  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , another embodiment of a suitcase  10 A can include an outer shell  12 A with an insert  14 A disposed therein. The insert  14 A may include a plurality of receptacles  16 A formed therein. The receptacles  16 A may be similar to the receptacles  16 , discussed above. The receptacles  16 A can include a notch  20 A similar to notch  20 , discussed above. A cover  22 A may be disposable over the insert  14 A. The suitcase  10 A may be similar to suitcase  10 , except for the size thereof, and the locations of the receptacles formed in the inserts. 
     The suitcase  10 ,  10 A may be formed in various sizes and shapes. In some embodiments, the suitcase  10  may be configured with a length of about 26 inches, while the suitcase  10 A may be configured with a length of about 24 inches. It should be understood that such dimensions are exemplary and the suitcase  10 ,  10 A may be designed in any size or shape depending on user desires or the particular application. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the suitcase  10 ,  10 A may open along a central longitudinal axis to form two halves having approximately the same size (or approximately the same interior volume). In this embodiment, both halves may include the insert  14 ,  14 A so that bottles may be stored in the receptacles  16 ,  16 A in each half. In some embodiments, the suitcase may include one half with the insert  14 ,  14 A, with the other half open for clothes or other such items. In other embodiments, the suitcase may open to form two halves where one half has a volume different from the other half. In such embodiments, one or both halves may include the inserts  14 ,  14 A, depending on application, suitcase size, user preference, or the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 through 7 , views of an exterior of the suitcase  10 ,  10 A are shown. The suitcase  10 ,  10 A may be supported by a plurality of wheels  30 , as may be known in the art. One or more straps  32  may extend about the case to retain the suitcase  10 ,  10 A in a closed configuration when the straps  32  are connected. A male connector  34  may be disposed on one end of the strap  32  and a female connector  38  may be disposed on another end of the strap  32 , where the male and female connectors  34 ,  38  may connect to complete a loop about the suitcase  10 ,  10 A. An end  36  of the strap  32  may be pulled to tighten the strap  32  about the suitcase  10 ,  10 A. Other connectors may be used in place of the male and female connectors shown in the Figures. For example, a hook and loop fastener may be used, or other connector types may be used to secure ends of the strap together. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , a lock mechanism  40  may be used to keep the suitcase  10 ,  10 A in a locked configuration, preventing a user from accessing an interior thereof. The lock mechanism  40  may be any case locking design known in the art and may be engaged with a key, with rotating number and/or letter dials, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8 through 12 , the suitcase of  FIG. 1  is shown in greater detail. A plurality of bottles  24  may be placed into the receptacles  16 . In some embodiments, a tunnel  18  may receive a neck  26  of the bottle  24 . 
     One or more interior straps  50  (one interior strap  50  is shown in this embodiment, but more than one may be used as desired) may extend across the top of the insert  14 , where the cover  22  may include a notch  28  for receiving the strap, where the remainder of the cover  22  may be disposed directly on top of the insert  14 , as best seen in  FIG. 11 . The strap  50  may include a secured end  56  that may be secured to an inside of the shell  12  of the suitcase  10 . The strap  50  can include ends  52 ,  54  that may removably connect to holds ends of the strap  50  together. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13 through 16 , the suitcase  10 A of  FIG. 3  is shown in greater detail. A plurality of bottles  24  may be placed into the receptacles  16 A. In some embodiments, a tunnel  18 A may receive a neck  26  of the bottle  24 . 
     Like the embodiment of  FIGS. 8 through 12 , one or more interior straps  50 A (two interior straps  50 A,  50 B are shown in this embodiment, but a single strap or more than two straps may be used as desired) may extend across the top of the insert  14 A, where the cover  22 A may include notches for receiving the straps  50 A, where the remainder of the cover  22 A may be disposed directly on top of the insert  14 A. The straps  50 A may include a secured end  56 A that may be secured to an inside of the shell  12 A of the suitcase  10 A. The straps  50 A can include ends  52 A,  54 A that may removably connect to holds ends of the straps  50 A together. 
     In some embodiments, the insert  14 ,  14 A may be a foam insert. More specifically, in exemplary embodiments, the insert  14 ,  14 A may be a mold injected foam material designed to fit perfectly in the shell  12 ,  12 A of the suitcase  10 ,  10 A. In some embodiments, the insert  14 ,  14 A may be formed integrally with the shell  12 ,  12 A, whereas, in other embodiments, the insert  14 ,  14 A may be removable from the shell  12 ,  12 A. 
     The receptacles  16 ,  16 A are shown being designed to hold bottles, such as wine bottles. Of course, embodiments of the present invention may include receptacles  16 ,  16 A that are sized and shaped to hold other bottles that a user may desire to ship or transport. While the Figures show all the receptacles  16 ,  16 A being the same size, in some embodiments, a single suitcase  10 ,  10 A may include receptacles  16 ,  16 A having different sizes. Typically, the receptacles  16 ,  16 A may be sized to frictionally fit a bottle therein. In some embodiments, the receptacle of the insert may resiliently deform to press against the bottle fit therein. 
     All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
     Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims. 
     Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different ones of the disclosed elements. 
     The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification the generic structure, material or acts of which they represent a single species. 
     The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a sub combination. 
     Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. 
     The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the invention.