Abstract:
A suitcase, which can include first and second hard-sided shells defining storage compartments. The suitcase can include a divider, which can be positioned between the first and second hard-sided shells, wherein the first and second hard-sided shells are connectable to edges of the divider by utilizing first and second zipper mechanisms respectively. The divider can comprise flexible material and can be utilized to separate the storage compartments of the hard-sided shells. The hard-sided suitcase can also include a third zipper mechanism, which can extend around a plurality of sides of the divider. The third zipper mechanism can include a double-sided zipper that can be operated from each side of the divider. Upon opening the portion of the divider, simultaneous access can be provided to the storage compartments of the first and second hard-sided shells by folding or removing the flexible divider material.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present application relates to suitcases, and more particularly to a suitcase for carrying and storing various types of articles, which features dual compartments and a zippered divider. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    When selecting suitcases, luggage, or other similar storage devices for storing their personal belongings and/or other articles, consumers are often able to select from a vast assortment of options. For instance, consumers can choose from suitcases, briefcases, computer cases, beauty cases, business cases, travel bags, and variety of other types of luggage. A suitcase is often chosen by a consumer based on features such as storage capacity, durability, size, and stylishness. However, despite having plenty of features and options to choose from, consumers are often relegated to packing a majority, if not all, of their belongings in a single primary storage compartment of the suitcase. As a result, it becomes difficult to effectively separate items that ideally should not come into contact with one another. As an illustration, if food and clothing are stored together in the same compartment, the consumer runs the risk that the clothing gets stained or otherwise damaged if the food comes into contact with the clothing. Dividers provide a means for separating items in a suitcase, however, existing dividers still have drawbacks. Current dividers often require consumers to flip the divider back and forth when packing each compartment of the suitcase. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In accordance with one aspect of the exemplary embodiments provided herein, a hard-sided suitcase for storing various types of objects can be provided. The hard-sided suitcase can include first and second hard-sided shells, which can define storage compartments of the suitcase. Also, the hard-sided suitcase can include a divider which can be positioned between the first and second hard-sided shells, wherein the first and second hard-sided shells can be connectable to edges of the divider by utilizing first and second zipper mechanisms respectively. Notably, the divider can be comprised of a flexible material and can be utilized to separate the storage compartments of the hard-sided shells. The hard-sided suitcase can further include a third zipper mechanism, which can extend around a plurality of sides of the divider. The third zipper mechanism can include a double-sided zipper that can be operated from each side of the divider. Upon opening the portion of the divider, simultaneous access can be provided to at least a portion of the storage compartments of the first and second hard-sided shells by folding the flexible divider material. 
         [0004]    In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, another suitcase can be provided. The suitcase can include first and second shells which can define storage compartments of the suitcase. Additionally, the suitcase can include a divider which can be positioned within the suitcase. The first and second shells can be connectable to the divider by utilizing first and second zipper mechanisms, respectively, and the divider can be utilized to separate at least a portion of the storage compartments of the first and second shells. The suitcase can further include a fastening mechanism for removing and attaching the divider. Simultaneous access can be provided to the portion of the storage compartments of the first and second shells when the portion of the divider is removed. 
         [0005]    In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, another suitcase can be provided. The hard-sided suitcase can include first and second shells, which can define storage compartments. Also, the suitcase can include a divider, which can be positioned between the first and second shells. The first and second shells can be configured to be connectable to the divider by utilizing first and second zipper mechanisms respectively. The suitcase can further include a third zipper mechanism for opening at least a portion of the divider, wherein the third zipper mechanism can include a double-sided zipper that can be operated from each side of the divider. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are presently discussed, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1A  depicts a suitcase featuring dual compartments with a zippered divider according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 1B  depicts a partially open suitcase featuring a zippered divider zippered on the right side of the suitcase; 
           [0009]      FIG. 1C  depicts a partially open suitcase featuring a zippered divider zippered on the left side of the suitcase; 
           [0010]      FIG. 1D  depicts an open suitcase with a divider; and 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  depicts a double-sided zipper mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to a suitcase for carrying and/or storing various types of belongings and/or other articles. More specifically, the suitcase can be a dual-zippered suitcase for carrying and storing various types of articles, which can feature dual compartments and a zippered divider. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to other types of suitcases. 
         [0013]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1A  of the drawings, an embodiment of a suitcase  100  is illustrated. The term “suitcase” as used herein, in the present disclosure, can include a variety of different types of luggage or other similar storage cases. For example, the suitcase can be a traditional suitcase, a briefcase, a laptop bag/case, a computer bag/case, a business case, a travel bag, a beauty case, or a variety of other types of luggage. Notably, the aforementioned types of suitcases are merely provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the suitcase to the listed varieties. 
         [0014]    The suitcase  100  can include front, back, side, and top and bottom portions. The suitcase  100  can include a zippered divider  102  and two shells  104   a - b , which can be utilized to form one or more storage compartments of the suitcase  100 . The shells  104   a - b  can be hard-sided, and can be comprised of a thermoplastic composition or other similar composition. In an embodiment, the shells  104   a - b  can be comprised of a polycarbonate composite, which can include one or more other substances, such as ABS plastic and/or other similar materials and substances. The polycarbonate composite can be lightweight and can, therefore, enable the hard-sided shells  104   a - b  to be somewhat flexible, while also generally maintaining a rigid form. When stressors are applied to the shells  104   a - b , the polycarbonate composite can allow the shells  104   a - b  to absorb the impact from the stressors and cause the shells  104   a - b  to flex to accommodate the stressors. After the stressors have been removed, the polycarbonate composite can enable the suitcase  100  to return to its original shape. 
         [0015]    The hard-sided shells  104   a - b  can be utilized to form two primary storage compartments of the suitcase  100 . The outer portions of the hard-sided shells  104   a - b  can form at least a portion of the front, back, sides, top and bottom portions of the suitcase  100 . Additionally the hard-sided shells  104   a - b  can include secondary compartments such as pockets, which can be provided on the exterior or interior of the suitcase  100 . Other decorative features, handles, straps, and other features such as reinforcing edges, identification tags, and the like, can be provided. The outer portions can also be overlayed with fabric and/or various types of coatings as well. The inner portions of the hard-sided shells  104   a - b  can be lined with various types of fabrics or other materials and can include and/or form one or more storage compartments. For example, the lining of the storage compartments can include pockets, which can be configured to be opened and closed by utilizing zipper mechanisms or other similar mechanisms for opening and closing pockets. With regard to the lining, a variety of different types of materials can be utilized such as, but not limited to, nylon, plastic, fabrics, or other materials. In an embodiment, one or more other hard-sided shells  104   a - b  can be utilized to form additional compartments for the hard-sided suitcase  100  as well. 
         [0016]    The zippered divider  102  can be configured to be positioned between the hard-sided shells  104   a - b . The hard-sided shells  104   a - b  can each be connectable to the zippered divider  102  via zippers or other similar mechanisms for attaching the hard-sided shells  104   a - b  to the zippered divider  102 . For example, zippers  106   a  and  106   b  can be utilized to attach or otherwise connect at least a portion of the hard-sided shells  104   a  and  104   b  to an edge of the zippered divider  102 . The edge of the zippered divider can be strengthened and widened, for example, by a rigid metal, plastic or polycarbonate insert frame  112 , such that the edges of frame  112  can provide suitable attachment areas for the zippers  106   a - b . The zippers  106   a  and  106   b  can be nylon zippers, plastic zippers, metallic zippers, closed-ended zippers, invisible zippers, or other types of zippers. In one embodiment, the zippers  106   a  and  106   b  can run along the entire edges of the hard-sided shells  104   a - b  and can be utilized to completely detach the hard-sided shells  104   a - b  from the zippered divider  102  and/or from the entire suitcase  100 . In another embodiment, the suitcase  100  can include a hinge or other support mechanism along all or a substantial portion of one side thereof, which can permanently connect at least a portion of the edges of the hard-sided shells  104   a - b  to each other and/or to the zippered divider  102 . The remaining portions of the edges of the hard-sided shells  104   a - b  that are not connected by the hinge can be provided with zippers  106   a - b  or other fastening mechanism. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment, the zippers  106   a  and  106   b  can include one or more sliders. The sliders can be configured to hold onto a pair of rows of plastic or metal coils or teeth. Each row of coils or teeth can be generally positioned on either side of the sliders. The rows of metal or plastic coils or teeth can be attached to corresponding segments of fabric tape, which can be attached to at least a portion of the suitcase  100 . For example, for zipper  106   a , one segment of tape for one row of teeth can be stitched into an edge of the hard-sided shell  104   a  and the other segment for the other row of teeth can be stitched into the divider  102 . In an embodiment, the fabric tape can be comprised of polyester, ballistic nylon, or other similar materials. The zippers  106   a  and  106   b  can also be configured to include pull tabs. The pull tabs can be attached to one or more of the sliders so as to enable an individual to move the sliders along the rows of teeth or coils. As an illustration, if zipper  106   a  is in a closed position, the individual can pull the pull tab to separate the rows of teeth so as to gain access to one or more compartments of hard-sided shell  104   a  of the suitcase  100 . If the zipper  106   a  is in an open position, the individual can pull the pull tab to join together the rows of teeth to restrict access to the compartments of hard-sided shell  104   a . Typically, two sliders can be provided for each zipper  106   a  and  106   b  so that the zippers  106   a  and  106   b  can be opened from a central area thereof by pulling the pull tabs attached to the sliders in opposite directions. 
         [0018]    Additional or other types of fastening mechanisms can be utilized to fasten the hard-sided shells  104   a - b  to the zippered divider  102 . Such fastening mechanisms can include, but are not limited to including, buttons, buckles, fasteners, laces, snap fasteners, ties, and hook and loop fasteners. The zippered divider  102  itself can be made of a flexible material and can be utilized to separate the two main storage compartments of the suitcase  100  from one another. As an illustration, when the hard-sided shells  104   a - b  are zipped to the divider  102 , the divider  102  can effectively separate the storage compartments of the hard-sided shells  104   a - b  and/or can separate other storage compartments of the suitcase  100 . The divider  102  can be particularly useful when belongings that should not be allowed to mingle with each other need to be separated. For example, an individual might not want food to be allowed to mingle with the individual&#39;s clothing. As a result, the food can be stored in the compartments of hard-sided shell  104   a  and the clothing can be stored in the compartments of hard-sided shell  104   b . The divider  102  can, therefore, prevent the food and the clothing from coming into contact with one another. Alternatively, a person may wish to store different types of clothing in the two compartments. When the hard-sided shells  104   a - b  are unzipped from the divider  102 , access can be granted to the storage compartments of the suitcase  100 . 
         [0019]    Referring now also to  FIG. 1B ,  FIG. 1C , and  FIG. 1D , hard-sided suitcase  100  is illustratively featured in several different configurations.  FIG. 1B  depicts hard-sided suitcase  100  as being partially open, while having hard-sided shell  104   a  unzipped from the zippered divider  102  and hard-sided shell  104   b  zipped to the zippered divider  102 .  FIG. 1C  illustratively shows hard-sided suitcase  100  as being partially open with hard-sided shell  104   b  unzipped from the zippered divider  102  and hard-sided shell  104   a  zipped to the zippered divider  102 . Additionally,  FIG. 1D  illustrates both hard-sided shells  104   a - b  unzipped from the zippered divider  102 . 
         [0020]    The hard-sided suitcase  100  can include a third zipper,  108 , which can allow at least a portion of the zippered divider  102  to be opened. In one embodiment, the zipper  108  can run along all sides of the divider  102 , inside of the frame  112 . When completely unzipped, the zipper  108  can allow the divider  102  to be completely detached from the suitcase  100 . In another embodiment, the zipper  108  can be configured to run along only a portion of the divider  102 . Remaining portions of the divider  102  can be permanently attached to the suitcase  100  by utilizing a hinge  110  or other similar support mechanism. In an embodiment, the bottom portion of the zippered divider  102  can be permanently connected to the suitcase  100  using a hinge, such as a fabric or plastic hinge, and the sides and the top of the divider  102  can be connectable to the suitcase  100  via frame  112  using zipper  108  or other fastening mechanisms. When the zipper  108  is opened, the divider  102  can be pulled or rolled away from the frame  112  into a storage compartment of either hard-sided shell  104   a  or hard-sided shell  104   b , while leaving the frame  112  zipped to one or other of the shells  104   a  or  104   b  via zipper  106   a  or  104   b . Thus, the frame  112  can remain between the hard-sided shells  104   a - b , and does not need to be flipped backwards and forwards to gain access to both of the storage compartments. 
         [0021]    When the zipper  108  is zipped, the divider  102  can effectively separate the storage compartments of hard-sided shell  104   a  from the storage compartments of hard-sided shell  104   b . When the zipper  108  is unzipped, a flexible divider  102  can be pushed down or rolled into a storage compartment of either hard-sided shell  104   a  or  104   b . By unzipping the zipper  108  and then adjusting the divider  102  to a different position, simultaneous access can be granted to at least a portion of the storage compartments of hard-sided shells  104   a  and  104   b . After adjusting the unzipped divider  102  by rolling or moving it into a compartment of one of the hard-sided shells  104   a - b , objects that previously could not fit into the suitcase  100  when the divider  102  was zipped can now fit into the suitcase  100  much like traditional suitcases. Additionally, packing of the suitcase  100  can be made easier, as simultaneous access to both storage compartments is granted. 
         [0022]    The zipper  108  can be a double-sided zipper. Traditional zippers have a single slider with a pull tab for pulling the slider along the teeth of the zipper. The double-sided zipper can include a pull tab both on the front and back sides of the slider. By having a pull tab on either side of the slider, an individual can pull the zipper  108  from either side of the divider  102  and open at least a portion of the divider  102 . Referring now also to  FIG. 2 , a double-sided slider  200  for use with the suitcase  100  is illustratively shown. In one embodiment, double sided slider  200  can include a pair of opposing sliders  202   a  and  202   b  and a pair of corresponding pull tabs  204   a  and  204   b . The pair of opposing sliders  202   a  and  202   b  can be configured to hold metal, plastic, or other teeth and can be utilized to separate or join the teeth upon pulling the either pull tab  204   a ,  204   b , or both  204   a  and  204   b . The double-sided slider  200  can enable an individual to open the divider  102  from either side of the divider, thereby making it easy to adjust the divider  102 . In one embodiment, the zipper  108  can include opposing pairs of double-sided sliders, which can be utilized to open the divider  102  by pulling the pull tabs attached to the sliders in opposite directions. The double-sided sliders  200  makes this possible from either side of the divider  102 . 
         [0023]    In an embodiment, the zippered divider  102  can include one or more pockets  114 . The pockets  114  can be full-fabric pockets, mesh pockets, plastic pockets, or other types of pockets. In one embodiment, the zippered divider  102  can have a single pocket than can be accessible from either side of the divider  102  by two zippers or accessible by a single zipper. The pocket can be configured to form substantially all of the divider  102 , or a portion thereof, and can be completely detachable from the frame  112  so as to allow the individual to carry the pocket separately from the suitcase  100 . For example, the divider  102  can be used as a toiletry storage bag that can be removed from the suitcase  100  and separately stored in a hotel room. Alternatively, the divider  102  can function as a laundry storage bag, a hanging suit-storage folder pocket, a shoe storage bag, or any other packing divider. 
         [0024]    In another embodiment, the zippered divider  102  can have pockets  114  on either side of the divider  102  and the pockets can be opened and closed using a fastening mechanism, such as zipper  116 . Zippered divider  102  can also be configured to have any number of other pockets, a portion of which can be completely detachable and/or fastened to the divider  102  through zippers, snap fasteners or other similar mechanisms. The pockets  114  can be utilized to store various types of belongings of an individual. 
         [0025]    In an embodiment, the suitcase  100  can include one or more carry handles  118 . The handles  118  can be utilized to carry, pull, push, or otherwise move the suitcase  100  from one location to another. A variety of different handles  118  can be utilized with the suitcase  100 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1D , the suitcase  100  can have two handles  118 . The ends of the handles  118  can be attached to hard-sided shell  104   b  via attachment mechanisms  120 . The attachment mechanisms  120  can be bolted or otherwise attached to the hard-sided shells. When an individual pulls the handles  118 , the handles  118  can stretch so as give room for the individual&#39;s hand to fit in the space between the handles  118  and the suitcase  100 . The individual can push down on the handles  118  after use so that the handles  118  are no longer in a stretched position. 
         [0026]    Additionally, telescoping handles (not shown) can be utilized as well. A telescoping handle can be attached to a portion of either hard-sided shell  104   a  or hard-sided shell  104   b . The telescoping handle can be configured to include trolley tubes, which can extend through a portion of the hard-sided shell ( 104   a  or  104   b ) to which it is attached. When pulled, the telescoping handle can extend so that the suitcase  100  can be easily pushed or pulled. After moving the suitcase  100 , the individual can collapse the telescoping handle back into its original position. As noted above, other types of handles  118  can also be utilized with the suitcase  100 . In an embodiment, the suitcase  100  can also be configured to include one or more wheels (not shown). Wheels can be attached to the suitcase  100  in any one of a number of different configurations. For example, two wheels can be attached under the bottom portion of hard-sided shell  104   a  and another two wheels can be attached under the bottom portion of hard-sided shell  104   b . This can enable an individual to push or pull the suitcase  100  from either side of the suitcase  100 . Two-wheel, three-wheel, or other wheel combinations can be utilized depending on the type of suitcase and desired use. In an embodiment, the wheels can be made of rubber or even be coated with a low friction material such as chrome to allow for easy transportation of the suitcase  100 . 
         [0027]    Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims described below. The arrangements described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other arrangements will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other arrangements may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. 
         [0028]    Thus, although specific arrangements have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific arrangement shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments and arrangements of the invention. Combinations of the above arrangements, and other arrangements not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular arrangement(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments and arrangements falling within the scope of the appended claims.