Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/694,173, filed Aug. 28, 2012 and titled, “SUITCASE WITH INTEGRATED GARMENT BAG,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of luggage. More specifically, the present invention relates to integrated suitcases. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Luggage is typically structured as a cuboid with a single open space within for storing items such as clothes. Some luggage includes pockets coupled to the cuboid for storing small items. However, the open space in standard luggage does not provide any protection from wrinkling of the clothes. Additionally, standard luggage requires a user to lay the luggage on the floor or bed to retrieve clothing from the suitcase which can be inconvenient. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    A suitcase with an integrated garment bag is able to be used to neatly store items to prevent them from being wrinkled or otherwise disarranged. 
         [0005]    In one aspect, a device comprises a frame, a partition within the frame separating the frame into a plurality of chambers and a garment bag stored in a chamber of the plurality of chambers. The device further comprises a handle coupled to the partition for lifting the partition substantially out of the frame. The garment bag is coupled to the partition. The garment bag further comprises doors selected from the group consisting of French doors and suicide doors. The device further comprises a drawer contained within the frame at the bottom of the frame. The device further comprises extendable stabilization feet. The device further comprises a backdoor within the frame for accessing the garment bag while the garment bag is still within the frame. The device further comprises a locking mechanism for locking the garment bag within the frame. 
         [0006]    In another aspect, a device comprises a frame, a partition within the frame separating the frame into a plurality of chambers, a garment bag stored in a chamber of the plurality of chambers and a motorized component coupled to the garment bag for moving the garment bag. The device further comprises a handle coupled to the partition for lifting the partition substantially out of the frame. The garment bag is coupled to the partition. The device further comprises a drawer contained within the frame at the bottom of the frame. The device further comprises extendable stabilization feet. The motorized component includes a telescoping arm for raising and lowering the garment bag. The device further comprises a mobile device for controlling the motorized component. The mobile device is a remote control or a smart phone. The device further comprises tracks for moving the garment bag. The device further comprises a backdoor within the frame for accessing the garment bag while the garment bag is still within the frame. The device further comprises a locking mechanism for locking the garment bag within the frame. 
         [0007]    In another aspect, a method of utilizing a suitcase with an integrated garment bag comprises removing the garment bag from the suitcase using a motorized component affected by a wireless device, inserting garments into the garment bag, returning the garment bag to the suitcase using the motorized component affected by the wireless device and using the suitcase as luggage. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, suitcase comprises a frame, a partition within the frame separating the frame into a plurality of chambers, wherein a first chamber of the plurality of chambers is configured for storing items, a garment bag stored in a second chamber of the plurality of chambers, wherein the garment bag is configured for storing garments to minimize the wrinkling of the garments, a locking mechanism located within the frame configured for locking the garment bag within the frame, tracks located within the frame on which the garment bag is movable, a motorized component including a telescoping arm configured for raising and lowering the garment bag, a drawer contained within the frame at the bottom of the frame, a plurality of extendable stabilization feet coupled to the frame and a backdoor within the frame for accessing the garment bag while the garment bag is still within the frame. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a suitcase with an integrated garment bag according to some embodiments. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of a suitcase with an integrated garment bag according to some embodiments. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of a suitcase with an integrated garment bag according to some embodiments. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-section view of a suitcase with an integrated garment bag with a handle raised according to some embodiments. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a suitcase with an integrated garment bag where the garment bag is substantially lifted out of the suitcase according to some embodiments. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a suitcase with an integrated garment bag where the garment bag is substantially lifted out of the suitcase with stabilization feet according to some embodiments. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a suitcase with an integrated garment bag where the garment bag is substantially lifted out of the suitcase with a motor according to some embodiments. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of a suitcase with an integrated garment bag according to some embodiments. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a garment bag according to some embodiments. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  illustrates a flowchart of a method of using the suitcase with an integrated garment bag according to some embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0019]    A suitcase within an integrated garment bag enables a user to store items the user wishes to keep unwrinkled or otherwise protected from other items in the suitcase. The suitcase is able to be a non-carry on suitcase or a carry on suitcase. The garment bag is typically non-removable, although, in some embodiments, the garment bag is removable. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a suitcase with an integrated garment bag according to some embodiments. The suitcase  100  appears the same as or similar to a standard suitcase. Although a specific shape and size is shown, the suitcase  100  is able to be any appropriate shape and/or size. The suitcase  100  is able to have a handle  102 , wheels/rollers  104  and/or any other standard luggage component or accessory. 
         [0021]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of a suitcase with an integrated garment bag according to some embodiments. The suitcase  100  includes one or more outside pockets  106  for storing items. The suitcase  100  also contains a drawer  116  for storing items such as shoes. 
         [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of a suitcase with an integrated garment bag according to some embodiments. The suitcase  100  includes a garment bag  110  and an empty space  112  which are separated by a partition  114 . In some embodiments, a drawer  116  is contained at the bottom of the suitcase  100 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-section view of a suitcase with an integrated garment bag with a handle raised according to some embodiments. The suitcase  100  includes a garment bag  110  and an empty space  112  which are separated by a partition  114 . In an exemplary embodiment, the garment bag  110  is 5 inches deep and the empty space  112  is 5 inches deep. In some embodiments, the garment bag  110  and the empty space  112  are approximately equal depth, and in some embodiments, one is deeper than the other. The empty space  112  is configured to store items such as shorts, underwear, socks, t-shirts, pajamas and other items where wrinkling is not a concern. The garment bag  110  is configured to hold several suits, neckties, suspenders and/or other everyday attire for a casual traveler or business executive to be kept unwrinkled or minimally wrinkled. In some embodiments, the garment bag  110  is able to hold suits or other clothing on hangers or other devices to keep them wrinkle-free. In some embodiments, a drawer  116  is located at the bottom of the suitcase  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the drawer  116  is approximately 4 inches in height and is configured to store two pairs of shoes. 
         [0024]    To access the garment bag  110 , a user pulls on a handle  102  vertically. Once the handle  102  stops, the user is able to unzip the garment bag  110  to retrieve his garments. In some embodiments, the handle  102  is coupled to the garment bag  110  such that the garment bag  110  is able to be lifted substantially out of the suitcase  100 . The garment bag  110  includes doors  118  ( FIG. 5 ) such as suicide doors or French doors. On the inside of each door are places where a user is able to store several neckties, suspenders, cufflinks, handkerchiefs or other items. The doors  118  ( FIG. 5 ) are able to open completely wide. In some embodiments, the suitcase  100  includes a locking mechanism  702  ( FIG. 7 ) or receiving mechanism for receiving and/or locking the garment bag  110  within the suitcase  100 . 
         [0025]    In some embodiments to access the garment bag  110 , the suitcase  100  contains a backdoor  800  ( FIG. 8 ) which opens, revealing access to the garment bag  110 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a suitcase with an integrated garment bag where the garment bag is substantially lifted out of the suitcase according to some embodiments. As the user lifts the handle  102 , the partition  114  as well as the garment bag  110  are lifted from the suitcase  100 . Once the garment bag  110  is substantially lifted from the suitcase  100 , the user is able to open the doors  118  and access the items contained within the garment bag  110 . In some embodiments, the lifting is performed by a motor  700  ( FIG. 7 ) or other automated mechanism where a user is able to press a button  710  ( FIG. 7 ), use a remote control  704  ( FIG. 7 ), use a smart phone or tablet  706  ( FIG. 7 ), or other input device which causes the mechanism to automatically lift the garment bag  110  partially out of the suitcase  100 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a suitcase with an integrated garment bag where the garment bag is substantially lifted out of the suitcase with stabilization feet according to some embodiments. As the user lifts the handle  102 , the partition  114  as well as the garment bag  110  are lifted from the suitcase  100 . Once the garment bag  110  is substantially lifted from the suitcase  100 , the user is able to open the doors  118  and access the items contained within the garment bag  110 . In some embodiments, the lifting is performed by a motor  700  ( FIG. 7 ) or other automated mechanism where a user is able to press a button  710  ( FIG. 7 ), use a remote control  704  ( FIG. 7 ), use a smart phone or tablet  706  ( FIG. 7 ) or other input device which causes the mechanism to automatically lift the garment bag  110  partially out of the suitcase  100 . Additionally, the suitcase  100  includes releasable stabilization feet  120 . The stablization feet  120  are configured to be stored within the suitcase  100  when not in use, and to extend from the suitcase  100  when the feet  120  are in use. In some embodiments, the stabilization feet  120  are released when the garment bag  110  is fully extended. The stabilization feet  120  are positioned on all four corners of the suitcase  100  or other configurations. The stabilization feet  120  lock to generate a balanced suitcase  100  that will not fall over even if the ground is not level. In some embodiments, the stabilization feet  120  are telescoping or another implementation, so that some of the feet extend more than others to balance the suitcase  100  on uneven ground. In some embodiments, the stabilization feet  120  are configured to independently operate. For example, a user is able to pull the feet  120  down by hand, or a mechanized system is able to lower the feet  120  automatically. In some embodiments, the stabilization feet  120  are configured to operate in conjunction with the handle  102 . For example, when a user pulls the handle  102  to an upper position, a mechanized system automatically lowers the feet  120 . In another example, when a user pulls the handle  102 , a component (e.g. a rod) coupled to the feet  120  pushes the feet  120  into an extended position. In some embodiments, the wheels  104  ( FIG. 1 ) are extendable. In some embodiments, the stabilization feet  120  are able to rotate down from an up position to stabilize the suitcase. 
         [0028]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a suitcase with an integrated garment bag where the garment bag is substantially lifted out of the suitcase with a motor according to some embodiments. The suitcase  100 ′ includes a garment bag  110  with doors  118 . The suitcase also includes a partition  114  and empty space  112  as described herein. A motor  700  is able to be used to automatically lift the garment bag  110  out of the suitcase  100 ′. The motor  700  is able to be configured and positioned anywhere in the suitcase  100 ′ to utilize the suitcase  100 ′ as described herein. For example, the motor  700  is positioned at the bottom of the suitcase and a telescoping arm extends and retracts to push the garment bag  110  out of and pull the garment bag  110  into the suitcase  100 ′. In some embodiments, the garment bag  110  is on tracks  708  within the suitcase  100 ′. In some embodiments, the tracks  708  are automated for moving the garment bag  110 . The motor  700  or other automated system is able to be operated using a button  710 , a remote control  704 , a smart phone or tablet  706  ( FIG. 7 ) or any other input device. In some embodiments, the garment bag  110  locks into the suitcase  100 ′ using a lock  702 . The lock  702  is able to be any locking or securing mechanism such as a clip-in structure or securing magnets which help to secure the garment bag  110  in place. 
         [0029]      FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of a suitcase with an integrated garment bag according to some embodiments. The suitcase  100 ′ includes a garment bag  110  and an empty space  112  which are separated by a partition  114 . In some embodiments, a drawer  116  is contained at the bottom of the suitcase  100 ′. The suitcase  100 ′ is able to include a motor  700 , a lock  702  and button  710  as described herein. In some embodiments, the motor  700  is positioned at the back of the suitcase  100 ′ behind the drawer  116 . The suitcase  100 ′ is also able to include a backdoor  800  for accessing the garment bag  110  while still in the suitcase  100 ′. Through the backdoor  800 , a user is able to open the back side of the garment bag  110  and retrieve items in the garment bag  110  without removing the garment bag  110  from the suitcase  100 ′. 
         [0030]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a garment bag according to some embodiments. The garment bag  110  includes a hanger holder  900  configured for receiving hangers from which garments hang The hanger holder  900  is able to be any configuration such as a piece of rubber with holes to receive hangers. The garment bag  110  also includes pockets  902 , knobs  904 , hooks  906 , or any other mechanisms on the doors or the inside back of the garment bag  110  for storing garments such as neckties, suspenders, cufflinks, handkerchiefs or other items. The backdoor  800  of the garment bag  110  is also shown. 
         [0031]      FIG. 10  illustrates a flowchart of a method of using the suitcase with an integrated garment bag according to some embodiments. In the step  1000 , the garment bag is lifted and/or removed. The lifting is able to be performed manually using a handle or automatically using a motor or other device. In the step  1002 , garments are placed within the garment bag. In the step  1004 , the garment bag is returned within the suitcase. Returning is able to be manually or automatically performed. In the step  1006 , the suitcase with integrated garment bag is utilized similarly to other luggage such as rolled through the airport, carried, and placed for storage. In some embodiments, the order of the steps is modified. In some embodiments, there are more or fewer steps implemented. 
         [0032]    To utilize the suitcase with an integrated garment bag, a user places items within the empty space. The user also places items in the garment bag. The user is then able to transport the items within the suitcase while maintaining the condition of the items in the garment bag. When the user chooses to remove the items in the garment bag, the user pulls the handle of the suitcase which makes the garment bag accessible. Doors of the garment bag open, and the items within the garment bag are able to be removed by the user. 
         [0033]    In operation, the suitcase with an integrated garment bag enables a user to keep items separate, for example, to keep garments from wrinkling. 
         [0034]    The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other various modifications may be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Technology Category: 1