HANGING SOFT-SIDED CONTAINER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of portable soft-sided containers or bags.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When travelling, there may not always be the opportunity to hang up personal items. Accordingly, transportable shelving may help. It may also help to be able to compress items of personal clothing to aid in packing in an orderly manner that is economical in its use of space, and it may be helpful to be able to separate them in an organized manner for use in places where there may be limited means for organizing personal, or other, items. There may be some articles, such as shirts or pants that are suitable for packing in a relatively flat, rectangular format. Other articles may not be suited to this format.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect of the present invention there is a soft-sided container that is deployable in a first configuration in which the folding container bag defines a first interior volume and a second configuration in which it defines a second interior volume, the second interior volume being reduced relative to the first interior volume, and that has provision for hanging from ether other objects or from soft-sided containers of like nature.

In an aspect of the invention there is a soft-sided containment envelope having a first member, a second member, and a peripheral sidewall extending between the first member and the second member. The first member, second member and peripheral sidewall co-operate to define an internal chamber into which to introduce objects. The soft-sided containment envelope includes a spreader. The first member has a wall movable between a closed position and an open position to govern access to the chamber. There is a first suspender and a second suspender. The first suspender and the second suspender are mounted to the soft-sided containment envelope. The first and second suspenders are opposed on opposite sides of the chamber. The first and second suspenders are movable between respective stored and deployed positions. In the respective deployed positions, the first and second suspenders are co-operable to suspend the soft-sided containment envelope in a hanging position. The soft-sided-containment envelope has at least a first anchor point and a second anchor point at which removably to mount corresponding first and second hangers of respective first and second suspenders of a second such soft-sided container to form a cascade of the soft-sided containers.

In another feature, the peripheral sidewall has an upper margin and a lower margin, and the spreader is a stiffener mounted to the upper margin of the peripheral wall. In a further feature, the spreader is a frame mounted inside the sidewall and extends about the upper margin. In another feature the spreader includes a reinforcement rod extending about the periphery. In still another feature, the container is rectangular in plan view. In a further additional feature, the peripheral side wall has a pair of first and second long sides and a pair of first and second short sides that correspond to the rectangular container in plan view. The first and second suspenders are mounted to the first and second short sides of the peripheral sidewall. In another feature, at least one of the first and second suspenders has splayed connection to the peripheral sidewall. In another feature, at least a first and a second soft-sided container are combined as a set, the second soft-sided container being hangable from the first soft-sided container. In still another feature, at least a first and a second soft-sided container are combined as a set, the second soft-sided container being nestable within the first soft-sided container. In yet another feature, the container is movable between a first mode and a second mode, the first mode being an expanded mode and the second mode being a contracted mode. In another feature, the peripheral sidewall is axially collapsible. In still another feature, the peripheral sidewall has a tracked fastener, the tracked fastener extends peripherally about the sidewall. The tracked fastener is movable from a first position in which the peripheral sidewall is axially fore-shortened, to a second position in which the peripheral sidewall is axially expanded.

In another aspect, there is a soft-sided container. It has a soft-sided containment envelope that has a first panel and a second panel. The first panel is co-operable with the second panel. They are movable between an open position and a closed position relative to each other. There is a first receptacle movably mounted to the first panel. There is a second receptacle movably mounted to the second panel. The first receptacle and the second receptacle are contained between the first panel and the second panel when the first panel and the second panel are in the closed position. There is a suspension that is mounted to the first and second panels and to the first and second receptacles. The suspension has a set of hangers by which to mount the soft-sided to insulated container to structure from which it can hang. When the first and second panels are in the open position, the suspension supports the first receptacle and the second receptacle in spaced apart tiered relationship to each other.

In a feature of that aspect, the first and second panels are co-operable with a closure member to compress the first and second receptacles when the first and second panels are in the closed position. In another feature, at least one of the first and second receptacles includes a spreader operable to urge the respective receptacle to an expanded condition.

In another feature, the first panel and the second panel are joined by a hinge. The hangers of the suspension are mounted to the first panel. The first receptacle is pivotally connected to the first panel. The suspension extends between the first panel and the first receptacle. The suspension limits pivotal movement of the first receptacle relative to the first panel. The second receptacle is pivotally connected to the second panel. The suspension extends between the first receptacle and the second receptacle, and governs spacing between the first and second receptacles. When the container is in the open positon and the hangers have been hung up, the first receptacle and the second receptacle define shelves, one above the other.

In a further feature, the first panel has a margin distant from the hinge. There are first and second hangers mounted to the distal margin of the first panel. The first receptacle is pivotally connected to the first panel adjacent to the hinge, and has a portion distant from the hinge. The second receptacle is pivotally connected to the second panel at a location of the second panel distant from the hinge. The second receptacle has a portion distant from the second panel when the second receptacle has pivoted away from the second panel. The suspension includes first and second portions, the first and second portions being spaced apart from each other. The first and second members of the suspension are straps that extend from the distal margin of the first panel to the portion of the first receptacle distant from the hinge. The suspension includes third and fourth portions, the third and fourth portions being spaced apart from each other. The third and fourth portions are straps that extend from the distal margin of the first receptacle to the distal portion of the second receptacle. In a further feature, at least one of the first and second receptacles has a releasable securement by which the at least one of the first and second receptacles is secured in a closed position thereof relative to the one of aid first and second panels to which the at least one of the first and second receptacles is mounted. In still another feature, at least one of the first and second panels has a door therein, the door being movable between closed and open positions to yield access to a respective one of the first and second receptacles that is mounted to that one of the first and second panels respectively.

In another aspect of the invention there is a soft-sided container. It has a soft-sided containment envelope defining at least a first storage chamber therewithin. The soft-sided containment envelope has a top and a bottom. There is a hanger mounted to the top of the soft-sided containment envelope. The containment envelope has an opening by which to introduce articles into said containment envelope. The soft-sided containment envelope has at least a first spreader and a second spreader. The first spreader is above, and is spaced apart from, the second spreader. The spreader defines a perimeter having an hydraulic diameter. The first and second spreaders are spaced apart by a distance greater than the hydraulic diameter.

In a feature of that aspect, at least the second spreader defines a platform upon which to place objects. In another feature, the containment envelope includes a peripheral wall made of a breathable mesh. In a feature, the containment envelope is cylindrical. In another feature the cylindrical envelope is circular. In yet another feature, the containment envelope is bendable and collapsible. In still another feature, the containment envelope is in combination with a hard-sided container. The hard-sided container has a length and a width. The soft-sided container folds to fit within said hard-sided container. In still another feature, the soft-sided container has a height that may correspond to the sum of said length and said width and said hard-sided container.

In an additional feature, the soft-sided container has at least a third spreader. That third spreader is spaced downwardly from the second spreader. The third spreader defines another platform upon which to place objects. There is a first sub-compartment of the first chamber defined between the first and second spreaders. A second sub-compartment of the first chamber is defined between said second and third spreaders. The opening has at least a first closure member by operable to open and close at least a portion of the opening. In another feature, the first closure member is movable between a first position in which to obtain access to the first sub-compartment; a second position in which to obtain access to the second sub-compartment; and a third position in which to obtain access to both the first and second sub-compartments of said first chamber, said first position being different from the second position; the first position being different from the third position; and the third position being different from the second position. In still yet another further feature, the soft-sided container is in combination with a set of soft-sided-container packing cube hangers. That set includes at least a first hanging packing cube hanger and a second packing cube hanger. The second packing cube hanger has a suspension by which to support the second packing cube hanger from the first packing cube hanger. The soft-sided container has a hanger and a retainer. The hanger is operable to suspend the container in use. The container is collapsible and movable to a compacted position. In the compacted position the hanger engages the retainer to maintain the container in the compacted position.

In another feature, the opening of the containment envelope of the upstanding sidewall is closely cinched adjacent to at least one of said first and second separators. In another feature, the opening of the containment envelope is bounded by mutually engaging halves of a tracked fastener. Those halves have fabric bindings sewn to opposed wings of the upstanding sidewall on either side of the opening. The fabric binding of the tracked fastener are free of at least the first separator, and the upstanding sidewall is sewn to the first separator up to the fabric bindings. In still another feature, the containment envelope has wings to either side of the opening, and there is a non-cinched portion of the upstanding peripheral wall adjacent to the opening that is up to 30 degrees of arc about said first separator, or equivalently, the cinched, i.e., sewn, periphery is at least 330 degrees of arc or arc equivalent.

The features of the aspects of the invention may be mixed and matched as appropriate without need for multiplication and repetition of all possible permutations and combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects and features of the invention may be more readily understood with the aid of the illustrative Figures below, showing an example, or examples, embodying the various aspects and features of the invention, provided by way of illustration, and in which:

FIG. 1a shows a perspective view from in front and to one side of an example embodiment of a collapsible soft-sided container in an open and fully expanded condition or first configuration;

FIG. 1b shows a corresponding perspective view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 1a in a closed and expanded condition, position, or second configuration;

FIG. 1c shows a perspective view from in front, to one side, and above, of the soft-sided container of FIG. 1a in a closed and contracted, or compressed, condition, position, or configuration;

FIG. 1d shows a perspective view of a hanging cascade of collapsible soft-sided containers of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 2a shows a top plan view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 1a as closed;

FIG. 2b shows a bottom plan view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 2a;

FIG. 2c shows a right-hand side or end view of the soft-sided container assembly of FIG. 2a, as open, the right and left hand end views being the same but of opposite hand;

FIG. 2d shows a front side view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 2a as closed;

FIG. 2e is a rear view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 2d;

FIG. 2f shows a rear view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 2e as collapsed;

FIG. 2g shows a left-hand end side view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 2d, the right hand end view being the same but of opposite hand;

FIG. 2h is a left-hand end view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 2g as collapsed;

FIG. 3a shows an alternate embodiment of soft-sided container to that of FIG. 1a in an open condition; and

FIG. 3b shows the soft-sided container of FIG. 3a in a closed, expanded condition;

FIG. 4 is an isometric general assembly view, as deployed, of an alternate soft-sided container to that of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5a is an isometric view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 4 as closed;

FIG. 5b is an isometric view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 5a with compression member released and expanded;

FIG. 5c is an isometric view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 5b with halves unfolded to lie flat;

FIG. 5d is a perspective view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 5c, flipped over;

FIG. 5e is a perspective view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 5d with its storage compartment external access flaps opened;

FIG. 5f shows a stiffener panel that fits within either compartment;

FIG. 6a is a top view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 5b as laid flat;

FIG. 6b is a rear side view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 6a as compressed;

FIG. 6c is a rear side view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 6b as released;

FIG. 6d is a lateral side view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 6c;

FIG. 6e is a lateral side view of the soft-sided container of FIG. 6d as laid flat;

FIG. 7a is a lateral side view of the container of FIG. 6e as hanging vertically;

FIG. 7b is a lateral side view of the container assembly of FIG. 7a with internal compartments released to move to their deployed shelving arrangement;

FIG. 7c is a bottom view of the container assembly of FIG. 7b;

FIG. 7d is a rear view of the container assembly of FIG. 7a as hanging; and

FIG. 7e is a front view of the container assembly of FIG. 7b.

FIG. 8 is a general arrangement perspective view of a combination of a hanging cascade of soft-sided packing cube containers comparable to that of FIG. 1a and a hanging column soft-sided container;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the hanging column soft-sided container of FIG. 8 as folded to fit in a corresponding larger container, which may be a hard-sided container;

FIG. 10a is a side view of the hanging column soft-sided container of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10b is a front view in section of the columnar soft-sided container of FIG. 10a;

FIG. 10c is a perspective view of the soft-sided container in an empty, collapsed and rolled-up form such as suitable for storage; FIG. 11a is a perspective, partially angled view of the container of FIG. 10a; FIG. 11b is an enlarged detail of the zipper installation of the container of FIG. 10a;

FIG. 11c is a downward looking sectional view of the container of FIG. 11b on section ‘11c-11c’ showing a spreader and mesh web; and

FIG. 11d is a cross-section on ‘11d-11d’ of the spreader of FIG. 11c.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention. In the description, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals.

For the purposes of this description, it may be that a Cartesian frame of reference may be employed. In such a frame of reference, the long, or largest, dimension of an object may be considered to extend in the direction of the x-axis, the base of the article, where substantially planar, may be considered to extend in an x-y plane, and the height of the article may be measured in the vertical, or z-direction. In other contexts, the z-direction may be the through thickness of a substantially planar panel where the major dimensions lie in the x- and y-directions. The largest container panels herein may be designated arbitrarily as either the front and rear sides or top and bottom sides, faces, or portions of the container. Similarly, the closure member, or opening is arbitrarily designated as being at the top, and the base panel is designated as being at the bottom, as these terms may be appropriate for the customary orientation in which the objects may usually be found, sold, or employed, notwithstanding that the objects may be picked up and placed on one side or another from time to time at the user's choice.

The drawings are substantially to scale, except as otherwise noted, as in instances in which proportions may have been exaggerated in order more clearly to depict certain features. In the context of the present description, the x and z dimensions of length and height of the major panels of the containers are approximately in proportion. However, inasmuch as the description refers to webs, layers and skins, that are may be difficult to see when drawn to scale in side view, the through-thickness dimensions in the y-direction may be exaggerated to aid understanding.

Similarly, this description may tend to distinguish hard shell containers from soft-sided containers. In the jargon of the trade, a soft-sided container is one that does not have a largely rigid, high density exoskeleton. An example of a container having a hard exoskeleton is one having a molded external shell, e.g., of ABS or polyethylene, or other common types of molded plastic. Rather, a soft-sided container may tend not to be substantially rigid, but may rather have a skin that is flexible, or crushable, or sometimes foldable. By way of an example, which is not intended to be exhaustive, comprehensive, exclusive or limiting, a soft-sided container may have an outer skin and an internal skin, both the internal and external skins being of some kind of webbing, be it a woven fabric, a nylon sheet, or some other membrane. In some examples, a soft-sided container may still be a soft-sided container where, as described herein, it may include a substantially rigid liner, or may include one or more battens or stiffeners, or puncture resistant members (which may be of a relatively hard plastic) concealed within the soft sided wall structure more generally, but where the outside of the assembly is predominantly of soft-sided panels. The term “soft-sided” is intended to have the ordinary and customary meaning of the term as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art in the industry, and as used herein.

In FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c there is a container 20. Container 20 is a soft-sided container. Container 20 may be one of a set of containers. Container 20 may be sized to fit within another container, which may be a larger container that is either soft-sided or hard-sided. In one use, container 20 may be sized to fit within a piece of luggage such as may typically be used to carry clothing or other personal effects when a person is travelling. Soft-side container 20 may be of a size when seen in plan-form footprint to fit within the plan form of a suitcase or corresponding size, or may fit as one of a pair of such soft-sided containers that fit side-by-side within such a suitcase, or one atop another, and so on.

Soft-sided container 20 has a first wall 22, also termed the bottom wall; a second wall 24, which may also be termed the top wall; and a third wall 26, which may also be termed the side wall. First wall 22 and second wall 24 may each be substantially planar, and may be a generally planar web or skin. In each case, the planar web or skin has a periphery, or peripheral edge. First wall 22 and second wall 24 do not need to be the same size, and they do not need to be made of the same material. However, it may be convenient that they should be the same size, and they may be of the same material. That material may be a nylon™, and it may in some instances be a woven nylon™. First wall 24 and second wall 26 need not be rectangular in plan view, but could be of any suitable shape, whether round, or oval, or polygonal, as may be. However, in the context of suitcases, and of luggage generally, it is convenient for soft-sided container 20 to be rectangular in plan view, with somewhat radiused corners.

Third wall 26 extends between, and joins, first and second walls 22, 24. First, second, and third walls 22, 24, 26 co-operate to form a containment shell having an internal space or volume or chamber 40, located therewithin. That is, third wall 26 has a first margin 28 joined to the rectangular peripheral edge of the bottom wall, i.e., first wall 22. Third wall 26 has a second margin 30 that is mated with the peripheral edge of the top wall, i.e., second wall 24. In use, third wall 26 extends upstandingly away from first wall 22, generally upright. Similarly, third wall 26 extends downwardly from second wall 24. Although first wall 22 and second wall 24 need not be parallel, it is convenient that they be parallel. Of course, in use, when filled with clothing or other objects, container 20 may be lumpy rather than perfectly planar or perpendicular, and so on. In any case, first wall 22 and second wall 24 are nominally spaced apart, planar, and parallel.

Third wall 26 frames a rectangle, as previously discussed. Accordingly it has a pair of spaced apart and mutually opposed first and second long sides 32, 34 and a pair of spaced apart and mutually opposed first and second short sides 36, 38. The respective long and short sides merge at radiused corners. Second wall 24 has corresponding first, second, third and fourth margins or portions 42, 44, 46, and 48 that mate with sides 32, 34, 36 and 38. In the example shown there is a closure 50 in the form of a tracked fastener, e.g., a zipper, 52 that extends around three of the four margin portions, leaving the remaining margin portion to be connected at a hinge, 58. In the example shown the hinge runs along the upper margin of the rear portion of third wall 26, joining side 34 to edge or margin 44. Second wall 24 consequently forms or includes, or is, the lid 54 of container 20, and is movable between open and closed positions to govern entry or egress of objects into and out of internal chamber 40. The closure is secured by closing zipper 52, and opened by releasing zipper 52.

One or other, or both, of the bottom wall, i.e., first wall 22 and the top wall or lid, i.e., second wall 24, may, optionally, include a stiffener 56 to make it less floppy. The stiffener may be in the nature of a thin, relatively flexible sheet of plastic or board stock, or foam. Finally, the open edge of container 20 has first and second handles 68 mounted on the free edges of first wall 22 and second wall 24, distant from the hinge.

Soft-sided container 20 is movable between an extended or deployed position, as in FIG. 1a or FIG. 1b, and a retracted or collapsed position, as seen in FIGS. 1c, 2f and 2h. To that end soft-sided container 20 has a compressor, 60. Compressor 60 may have, and in the embodiment illustrated does have, the form of a zipper 62 that has a first set of teeth 64 mounted peripherally about the upper margin of the sidewall, third wall 26, and a second set of teeth 66 mounted peripherally to the lower margin of the side-wall, or third wall 26. When the zipper 62 is released, third wall 26 is able to expand to hang downward as shown in FIGS. 1b and 1d. When zipper 62 is teeth 64 and 66 engage, thereby drawing the upper and lower margins together. This can be expressed as reefing, or gathering, the web of side-wall 26 to move soft-sided container 20 from the extended position to the retracted position, and moving second wall 24 from its distant position to its proximate position relative to first wall 22. As may be understood, when soft-sided container 20 is open and expanded, it can be loaded with objects. In the travel context those objects may be relatively soft and compressible objects such as clothing. When filled with clothing, lid 50 can be closed and secured by closing the securement defined by zipper 52. Subsequent movement of zipper car 63 of zipper 62 to close the zipper draws the upper rim closer to the lower rim, and tends to compress the objects in chamber 40. In a travel context this tends to reduce the volume occupied by the clothing. Of course, after the trip is complete, and soft-sided container 20 is empty, that same process can also be used when chamber 40 is entirely empty to make the assembly more compact for storage. It is understood that when zipper 62 is closed, one or the other or both of first wall 22 and second wall 24 may remain precisely planar, but rather may conform to the shape of the contents being compressed therebetween, and may be somewhat lumpy. However, a reduction in volume of chamber 40 will occur nonetheless.

Soft-sided container 20 has a suspension 70. Suspension 70 may have, and in the embodiment shown does have, the form of a co-operating pair of first and second suspenders 72, 74. Although they need not be the same, and need not have the same hanging altitude, it is convenient that suspenders 72, 74 be the same. Suspenders 72, 74 are mounted on opposite sides of soft-sided container 20.

Each of suspenders 72, 74 may have, and in the embodiment described does have, the form of a hanger 80. Hanger 80 has a first member 76 and a second member 78. First member 76 is a linking member. Second member 78 is an engagement member by which to secure hanger 80 to an object from which soft-sided container 20 hangs. In operation, the object may be, and in the example illustrated is, a hanger rod 94, such as might be found in a hotel closet. Second member 78 may be, and in the embodiment illustrated is, a hook 82. First member 76 forms a link between hook 82 and the body of soft-sided container 20 more generally. It could have the form of a filament such as a cable or strap. Alternatively, and as in the embodiment illustrated, first member 76 may have the form of a load distributer or divider that has a widened base that divides the hanging load carried by hook 82 into distributed portions transmitted to or from the body of container 20. To that end, second member 78 may have the form of a triangular flap having a base sewn to the upstanding side-wall of third member 26, and a connection or eyelet at the altitude at which hook 82 is mounted. In such an arrangement the load is distributed evenly through the base of the flap. In the embodiment illustrated second member 78 has the form of a strap 84 having first and second legs 85, 86. Strap 84 is fed through the bottom eyelet of hook 82. Legs 85, 86 are splayed to separate and reach distantly spaced-apart points on third wall 26. In the embodiment illustrated the spacing exceeds half the length of the side portion of third wall 26 to which the base end of legs 85, 86 are mounted. In the embodiment illustrated the spacing is substantially the same as the length of that side. In the embodiment shown, second member 78 is mounted on the short side of the rectangle.

Soft-sided container 20 has a spreader 90. Spreader 90 may be, and in the embodiment shown is, mounted to the upper margin of third wall 26. Spreader 90 functions to tend to cause soft-sided container 20 to maintain its nominal plan form shape. That is, when used as deployed in the hanging configuration as in FIG. 1d, it is helpful for container 20 to present an open shelf for ease of placing and removing objects therein. To that end spreader 90 is a rigid frame or rigid former that tends to holds its shape, and therefore tends to hold the shape of third wall 26. In the embodiment shown spreader 90 has the form of a reinforcing rod 92 sewn into the upper margin of third wall 26. Alternatively or additionally, reinforcement rod (or a second reinforcement rod) 92 can also be sewn into the lower margin.

Soft sided container 20 has a set of load transfer interfaces 96, which may have the form of hard-eyes, or rings, or anchors, or loops such as may be identified as retainers 98. Retainers 98 are sized to receive, and matingly to engage, hooks 82 of another container 20 hangingly mounted therefrom. Retainers 98 can be mounted from third wall 26. The sewn-in root of retainer 98 can be anchored to rod 92.

As may be noted, the roots of suspenders 72, 74 are mounted within container 20, such that they are accessible when the lid is open. As might also be noted, when container 20 is being prepared for travel suspenders 72, 74 can be laid across the inside of container 20 to engage each other to function as clothes retainers. As seen in Figure 1d, container 20 can be hung up in either the extended or contracted position of third wall 26. When it is contracted, container 20 functions as a substantially flat shelf.

In FIGS. 3a and 3b there is an alternate form of soft-sided container 100 that is substantially the same as soft-sided container 20. Container 100 differs from container 20 in that it has a different hanger arrangement. In this case, suspension 102 includes first and second suspenders 104, 106 that are mounted to third wall 26 as before. However, strap 108 is longer and has a pair of hooks 110, 112. Each of hooks 110, 112 could be mounted in a fixed location on strap 108, or could be mounted on a separate strap. However, as shown in FIG. 3a hooks 110, 112 are slidable along strap 108.

As may also be noted, whereas container 20 is shown with a single keeper, or retainer, 98, container may have a single, central retainer 114, or, alternatively, a pair of spaced apart retainers 116 and 118, or all three of retainers 114, 116 and 118. Hooks 110, 112 may be swivelled, as illustrated. They can be slid along strap 108 to a single location to hang on a single rod, such as rod 94. Alternatively, hooks 110, 112 and hang from a single central retainer 114 of a superior container 100, yielding a triangular suspender as for container 20. In the further alternative, hooks 110, 112 and be separated to engage separate lifting or securement points, which may be retainers 116, 118 of another container 100 that hangs above it. When both suspenders 104, 106 are engaged, it yields a four point suspension, the sliding engagement of the hooks on the strap permitting load equalisation.

In the case of either container 20 or container 100, they may be provided in sets of varying sizes, either for the purpose of fitting within larger luggage or suitcase containers, or for the purpose of being able to nest one-within-another, whether for storage of for other reasons.

Another, perhaps more complex soft-sided container assembly 120 is shown in the series of views of FIGS. 4, 5a-5f; 6a-6e, and 7a-7e. In general, soft-sided container assembly 120 has a main casing, or exterior casing, or exterior envelope, however it may be named, identified as main body 122. It also has a first compartment wall structure 124 and a second compartment wall structure 126. When travelling, first and second compartment wall structures 124 and 126 are internal compartments contained within main body 122. Soft-sided container assembly 120 also includes a carrying handle 128 and a suspension system, or suspension assembly, identified generally as suspension 130.

Main body 122 has a wall structure 132 that defines a containment envelope. Wall structure 132 includes a first panel 134 and a second panel 136. In the general sense, first panel 134 and second panel 136 could be of different shapes and sizes, provided that they co-operate in forming main body 122. As before, first panel 134 and second panel 136 may be considered to be membranes, or webs, such as may be made of a fabric, such as a woven fabric. One or both of them may have, optionally, a stiffener or batten sewn thereto. Alternatively, they may have a spreader 138 attached thereto. In the embodiment shown, spreader 138 is, as above, a resilient rod 92 sewn to, or sewn into, the panel, the space for the rod conforming to the footprint of the respective one of compartment wall structures 124 and 126 that is mountable to that panel, be it first panel 134 or second panel 136. The resiliency of rod 92 tends to cause first panel 134 or second panel 136, as the case may be, to maintain its generally rectangular shape.

While they could be round, hexagonal, octagonal, or some other shape, it is convenient that they be four-sided and either square or rectangular in plan view. In the example shown they are rectangular with radiused corners. Furthermore, although they need not be the same, it is convenient that panels 134 and 136 be the same. The rectangles have a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides. Along respective ones of the long sides there is a hinge 140. Hinge 140 may be referred to as the main hinge of container assembly 120. It may have the form of a fabric hinge, as illustrated. It joins first panel 134 to second panel 136. A tracked closure 142 runs around the periphery of main body 122. Tracked closure 142 may have, and in the embodiment illustrated does have, the form of a zipper having a first set of teeth 144 extending around the peripheral edge of first panel 134 and a second set of zipper teeth 146 running around the peripheral edge of second panel 136. The root of tracked closure 142 is mounted to the outside of the fabric of hinge 140. When tracked closure 142 is open, panels 134 and 136 can be pivoted open on hinge 140 to the position seen in FIG. 5c. When tracked closure 142 is moved from the open position to the closed position by being drawn around the periphery, it pulls panels 134 and 136 together, and to the extent that the overhang lip or margin 148 is less than the fully expanded thickness of first and second compartment wall structures 124 and 126, the closing action tends to compress them, from the fully expanded position or condition seen in FIG. 5b, to yield the compact, closed form seen in FIG. 5a. Notably, when closed, hinge 140 is concealed within tracked closure 142, as in FIG. 5a.

Either or both of panels 134 and 136 may have an opening 152 that is opened or closed by an external access panel, or flap, such as closure member 150. Closure member 150 is secured to panel 134 (or 136, as may be) at a hinge 154. In the example shown, hinge 154 is located along the most distant margin of panel 134 (or 136) from hinge 140. Closure member 150 is secured or released with a tracked fastener 156 that runs around the remaining three sides of closure member 150. Although it need not be so, closure member 150 may conveniently have a footprint that corresponds to the footprint of first compartment wall structure 124 (or 126). When soft-sided container structure 120 is closed, as seen in FIG. 5a, each of closure members 150 gives access to the inside of a respective one of first and second compartment wall structures 124 and 126. Additionally, when soft-sided container assembly 120 is in the laid-open position of FIG. 5c, it can be laid on its back, as in FIG. 5d, and closure members can be moved from their closed position in FIG. 5d to their open position seen in FIG. 5e. As such, closure members 150 are operable to move between open and closed positions to govern access to internal chambers 162 and 164 of wall structures 124 and 126 respectively.

First and second compartment wall structures 124 and 126 do not need to be the same, but it is convenient that they be the same, such that a description of one is a description of the other. First compartment wall structure 124 has a base wall 158 and an upstanding sidewall 160 that extends about the edges of base wall 158. In some instances, base wall 158 may be, or may include, a stiffened panel. Base wall 158 may be made of a continuous membrane, and may be made of a fabric, such as a woven fabric. Upstanding sidewall 160 may be a continuous membrane or web, as shown in the context of first compartment wall structure 124 in FIG. 4 which may employ a woven fabric, for example. Alternatively, upstanding sidewall member 160 may be made of a breathable fabric, or a mesh, as shown in the context of second compartment wall structure 126 as shown in FIG. 4. Further, either one or both of first and second compartment wall structures could be a continuous web or cloth; or, alternatively, either one or both could be a mesh so that the compartment can breathe. As may be noted, when first and second compartment wall structures 124, 126 are folded toward each other as in moving from the configuration of FIG. 5c to the configuration of FIG. 5b, their respective bottom panels 158 are brought into contact against each other. This is planar, or substantially planar, contact.

Upstanding sidewall 160 has a first margin joined to base wall 158. Upstanding sidewall 160 has an upper margin attached to the underside of panel 150. Upper margin 166 is hingedly attached along one edge and releasably connected along the other three edges. The releasable connection may be by a tracked fastener, identified as zipper 168. By undoing zipper 168, first compartment wall structure 124 can pivot downward relative to panel 134, to the position seen in FIG. 4. In the case of first compartment wall structure 124 hinge 170 is along the vertex nearest to hinge 140. In the case of second compartment wall structure 126, hinge 172 is along the margin of respective closure panel 150 that is most distant from hinge 140. The effect of hinging first and second compartment wall structures 124 and 126 on the opposite sides results in the two compartments rotating in the same direction to be arrayed one above the other.

The pivoting motion of first and second compartment wall structures 124 and 126 is limited by suspension 130. That is, to hold wall structures 124 and 126 at an orientation in which they can be suitably used as shelves, there is a need for a retainer or support for the distal portions of wall structure that stand away from hinge 170 an hinge 172, as may be. When held as shelves, bottom wall panels 158 need not be perfectly horizontal, and need not be at the same angle relative to horizontal. They could be angled, in a manner similar to inclined store display rack tiers. One could be angled and one could be horizontal, and so on. It is, however, convenient that, when opened and hanging as in FIG. 4 the shelves be oriented to extend horizontally and parallel to each other.

To that end, suspension 130 includes first and second suspension members in the form of first and second hanging straps 174, 176 each of which has a releasable clip 178 to permit mounting to a closet clothes' hanger rod 94. Alternatively, hooks 82 could be attached to straps 174, 176 and used as described above. Although they could be mounted externally, as shown in FIG. 5d, in the alternate arrangement shown in FIG. 4 hanging straps 174, 176 have their roots mounted to the inside of panel 134, near the margin most distant from hinge 140. As such straps 174, 176 are contained within soft-sided container 120 when it is closed and in the configuration shown in FIG. 5a.

Additionally, suspension 130 includes a pair of first and second first upper compartment straps identified as upper stays 180, 182 that are space apart to opposed corners of the front wall, and that have respective first ends sewn inside the lip of the lid defined by panel 150 of first compartment wall structure 124, and second ends that are sewn inside the upper margin of sidewall 160 of wall structure 124. The length of stays 180, 182 is such that the center of lift of straps 174, 176 passes through the same vertical plane as the center of gravity of wall structure 124, which is intended to be perpendicular to base wall 158. In this configuration, panel 150 and stays 180, 182 are oriented at roughly equal and opposite angles relative to the vertical plane.

Also, additionally, suspension 130 includes first and second lower compartment straps identified as lower stays 184, 186. They are spaced apart to the front outside corners of wall structure 124 and 126. The upper ends of lower stay 184, 186 are attached to first compartment wall structure 124. The lower ends of lower stays 184, 186 are attached to second compartment wall structure 126. The attachments can be to the respective front or foremost portions of upstanding sidewalls 160 of compartment wall structures 124 and 126, typically by sewing in double rows of double stiches. The length of lower stays 184, 186 is such that lower panel, i.e., base wall 158 of lower compartment wall structure 126 hangs at the selected orientation relative to upper compartment wall structure 124, e.g., parallel thereto, as seen in in the side elevation view of FIG. 7b. The corresponding rear support is provided by panel 136 which co-operates with lower stays 184, 186 to provide statically determinate support the lower shelf.

In normal use the user hangs soft-sided container assembly 120 in the expanded configuration as seen in FIGS. 4, 7b, 7c, 7d and 7e. The shelves or receptacles defined by the first and second compartment wall structures 124, 126 are emptied. Container assembly is taken off the closet rod and laid on a flat surface with access flaps 150 upward as shown in FIG. 5e. The folding former 190 is used as a form or frame upon which to fold clothing, and to provide a minimal stiffness and shape. It is then installed in chamber 162 or 164 as suitable. Once chambers 162 and 164 have been filled as required, access openings 150 are closed as in FIGS. 5d and 5c, and first and second wall structures are folded toward each other as in FIGS. 5b and 6d. The tracked closure 142 is then drawn around the periphery of the structure and the contents of chamber 162, 164 are compressed. Soft-sided container assembly 120 can then be hung in a wardrobe, e.g., aboard an aircraft or in storage; or carried by hand using handle 128.

In summary, there is a soft-sided container 120. It has a soft-sided containment envelope in the form of main body 122 that is defined by the co-operation of first panel 134 and second panel 136 such that a chamber is formed therewithin. First panel 134 is co-operable with second panel 136. They are movable between an open position and a closed position relative to each other. There is a first receptacle, namely first compartment wall structure 124 that is movably mounted to first panel 134. There is a second receptacle, namely second compartment wall structure 126, movably mounted to second panel 136. First receptacle 124 and second receptacle 126 are contained in the chamber formed between first panel 134 and second panel 136 when first panel 134 and second panel 136 are in the closed position. Suspension 130 is mounted to first and second panels 134, 136 and to first and second receptacles 124, 126. Suspension 130 has a set of hangers by which to mount soft-sided container 124 to structure from which it can hang, such as closet hanger rod 94. When first and second panels 124, 126 are in the open position, suspension 130 supports first receptacle 134 and second receptacle 136 in spaced apart tiered relationship to each other as shown in FIG. 5a.

First and second panels 124, 126 are co-operable with a closure member in the form of closure 142, which is a tracked closure, to compress first and second receptacles 134, 136 when first and second panels 124, 126 are in the closed position. First and second receptacles include spreaders 90, operable to urge the respective receptacles to an expanded condition.

First and second panels 124, 126 are joined by hinge 140. Hangers 80 of suspension 130 are mounted to first panel 124. First receptacle 134 is pivotally connected to first panel 124. Suspension 130 extends between first panel 124 and first receptacle 134 and limits pivotal movement of receptacle 134 relative to panel 124. Second receptacle 136 is pivotally connected to second panel 126. Suspension 130 extends between first and second receptacles 134, 136, and governs spacing therebetween when they are in the hanging position of FIG. 4. When soft-sided container 120 is in the open positon and hangers 90 have been hung up, e.g., on rod 94, first receptacle 124 and second receptacle 126 define shelves, one above the other. In that example they are horizontal and their spacing is parallel.

First panel 134 has a distal margin distant from hinge 142. The hangers include first and second hangers 90 that are spaced apart and mounted to the distal margin of first panel 134. First receptacle 124 is pivotally connected to first panel 134 adjacent to hinge 140, and has a portion distant from hinge 140. Second receptacle 126 is pivotally connected to second panel 136 at a location of second panel 136 distant from hinge 140. Second receptacle 126 has a portion distant from second panel 136 when second receptacle 126 has pivoted away from second panel 136. Suspension 130 includes first and second portions, namely upper stay strap stays 180, 182 that are spaced apart from each other. The first and second members, stays 180, 182 extend from the distal margin of first panel 134 to the portion of first receptacle 124 distant from hinge 140. Suspension 130 includes third and fourth portions in the form of lower stays 184, 186, that are likewise spaced apart from each other. Stays 184, 186 extend from the distal margin of first receptacle 134 to the distal portion of second receptacle 136. Either one or both of first and second receptacles 134, 136 has a releasable securement in the form of zipper 168 by which it is secured in a closed position thereof relative to the respective panel, be it 134 or 136 to which it is mounted. One or both of panels 134, 136 has a door therein, namely closure member 150, that is movable between closed and open positions to yield access to the respective receptacle.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a general arrangement of a soft-sided container 200. Moreover, soft-sided container 200 is shown in conjunction with, or in combination with, a set of hanging soft-sided containers such as those shown at 20 in FIG. 1a.

As may be seen in FIG. 8, that columnar soft-sided container 200 has a container envelope 202 that includes a bottom portion 204, a top portion 206 and au upstanding sidewall 208. In this example, upstanding sidewall 208 is cylindrical. It may be, and in the embodiment shown it is, a circular cylindrical wall. It could alternatively be rectangular in cross-section, or square or possibly oval or elliptical. Top end or top portion 206 is suspended by a fabric loop 198 and a hook, such as metal hanger hook 82. Hook 82 can hang from a closet rod 94 as above. Container envelope 202 surrounds at least one chamber, or chambers 210. In contrast to container 20 or 120, container 200 may be, and as shown is, a single-hanging-point container, i.e., it has a single hook rather than two or more hooks.

In FIGS. 10a and 10b, container 200 may have, and in the example shown does have, at least first and second separators 212, 214. Separators 212, 214 are separated by a vertical distance. It may be, and as illustrated it is, that container 200 has more than 2 separators, in this case a top or first separator 212, a second or upper intermediate separator 214, a third or lower intermediate separator 216 and a lower or bottom end, or fourth separator 218. Separators 212, 214, 216, 218 have a stiffness and a plan form that establish the cylindrical profile of the upstanding sidewall. It is not necessary that all the separators have the same shape, but it is convenient that they do, so that the resultant assembly is cylindrical. The separators in this example could be square or rectangular or oval or elliptical, and as shown are circular. The separators may be stiffer than the sidewalls, or they may be flexible webs or meshes that hold only in tension. It may be, and in the embodiment illustrated it is that one or more of the separators is, a mesh or web. It may, alternatively, have or be a stiffener that defines a platform. The second, third, and fourth separators include flat panels that define first second and third platforms 222, 224, 226 upon which to place or stack objects.

Container 200 has an opening 220 giving access to internal chamber 210. Opening 220 may be, and in the embodiment illustrated is, defined by a tracked fastener which may have the form of a zipper 232. Zipper 232 hay have, and in the example shown does have, more than one zipper car 234, 236. Each pair of zipper cars, in this case cars 234, 236 can be adjusted to open the entire container 20 from top to bottom, or it may be adjusted to open only one sub-section, or a sub-set of adjacent sub-sections less than the whole. That is zipper cars 234, 236 can be moved to a first position to open the first sub-compartment, or to a different second position to open the second sub-compartment (or third, as may be), or they may be moved to a different third position to open both of them, or to still a fourth position to open all of the sub-compartments.

There is a first portion, or first sub-compartment 242 of chamber 210 defined above first platform 222 between first separator 212 and second separator 214. There is a second portion, or second sub-compartment 244, defined above second platform 224 between platform 224 and 222 or, equivalently between separator 216 and 214. There is a third portion or third sub-compartment 246, defined above third platform 226 between platform 226 and platform 224, or, equivalently, between separator 218 and 216. The sub-compartments 242, 244 and 246 have respective heights h₂₄₂, h₂₄₄, h₂₄₆that sum to an overall total height h₂₁₀of chamber 210. It may be noted that, when supplied as a combination or a kit, those respective heights may also correspond to the suspended heights between the tiers of container 20 or container 120.

Upstanding peripheral wall may be, and in the example illustrated is, a web or membrane or fabric that, in the example illustrated is a breathable membrane, which, in the example, has the form of a perforated mesh 240. Being soft-sided, container 200 is both collapsible, and foldable to fit within another container, such as hard-sided container 250, which may be a suitcase or other carrying container such as may fall within the size of carry-on luggage permitted by airlines. In FIG. 9, container 250 is shown lying open. It has a first half shell 252 and a second half shell 254 joined by a hinge 256. There is a flap 258 that flips over second half shell 254 and holds its contents in place and separates those contents from first half shell 252. When the container 250 is closed, the halves mate and lock together. Hard sided container 250 has a length L₂₅₀and a width W₂₅₀. The overall length of container 200, which corresponds to h₂₁₀, is longer than either L₂₅₀or W₂₅₀, and may correspond to the sum of L₂₅₀and W₂₅₀. In the example h₂₁₀is somewhat less than that sum to permit container 200 to fold as shown and nest within container 250 with a tolerance, or clearance, while still generally corresponding to those dimensions. As shown in FIG. 8, container 200 may be bent or folded to form an L-shape within the plan view profile of hard-sided container 250 when open.

Alternatively, container 200 may be of dimensions to correspond to the length and width of one of the soft-sided packing cubes such as container 20 or container 120 to be bent into an L-shape to seat therewithin in use, analogous to the configuration of FIG. 9.

As may be noted, container 200 has a high aspect ratio of height to characteristic cross-wise dimension. In this case, the upstanding wall has a periphery (unstretched). The hydraulic diameter associated with that periphery is defined as D_h=4A/P, where A is the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the height dimension, and P is the arc length around that periphery at the cross section. For a circular section, the hydraulic diameter is the same as the nominal diameter of the circle. Here, the height of any sub-section is greater than the hydraulic diameter. In this case, the height in each portion or sub-section is greater than the hydraulic diameter of that portion or section, and may be more than twice the hydraulic diameter. In the sample illustrated, it is about three times the hydraulic diameter.

A silo container, or silo-shaped container such as container 200 may be more suited to certain objects. That is, a substantially flat soft-sided packing cube, such as container 20 or 120, may be suited for packing objects that fold most favourably in a predominantly flat orientation, such as shirts, pants, and so on. But, depending on the size of the various sub-compartments, other objects, such as socks or bras, underwear, swimwear, gloves, mittens, belts and ties, that may not be overly amendable to packing in a flat form, and may be more conveniently packed in a silo-like or tube-like form that can be fit along the margin of a hard sided suitcase or carry-on luggage; or that is most suited to vertical orientation in the closet. In another context, the advent of travelling with laptop computers and other electronic equipment, the sub-compartments of container 200 may define receptacles for a laptop transformer and its cables, electrical cables more generally, electrical socket adapters, phone chargers, toys, and so on. In the context of clothing, it may also be suitable for holding dirty clothes for the laundry, to keep them separate from clean clothing in hanging shelves.

FIGS. 10a and 10b show a first position of container 200, which may be referred to as an expanded, deployed, or hanging position, ready for use, or in use. As seen in FIG. 10c, when container 200 is empty it may be moved to a second position in which it is first collapsed to lie flat, and then rolled into a ball, or cylindrical form, much in the manner of rolling up a sleeping bag. Container 200 may have a retainer 196 that is located on the outside of sidewall 208. Retainer 196 may have, and as illustrated does have, the form of a strap, or strip of material, sewn to the outside of sidewall 208 un the manner of a keeper for a belt on a pair of pants. When the lower portion of container 200 has been rolled up hook 82 engages retainer 196, such that it is prevented from unrolling by itself. When desired for use, hook 82 is slipped sideways out of engagement with retainer 196, and container 200 is unrolled, and hung up as may be.

FIGS. 11a through 11d show details of the zipper installation of an embodiment of container 200. Zipper 232 has track halves identified as a right-hand side 252 and a left-hand side 254 that define tracks that engage and disengage from each other as the respective zipper cars run up and down the tracks. The inventor has observed that where side wall 208 is mounted about a series of frames or framing members such as separators 214, 216, if only a small portion of the periphery of upstanding sidewall wall 208 is attached to the respective separators, the then loosened wings 256, 258 of the upstanding sidewall 208 immediately adjoining track halves right and left hand sides 252, 254 become too loose, and have a tendency to allow the contents of container 200, or whichever of its sub-compartments as may be to spill out, possibly undesirably.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 11a-11d, separators 214, 216 include a peripheral bead 260, such as may be foam or a flexible plastic ring about which the radially outermost margin, i.e., the peripheral margin, or mesh web 262 is sewn. This disc-shaped assembly is then sewn to the mesh of upstanding sidewall 208 at an appropriate height or heights as previously indicated, and as shown in the Figures. In FIG. 11c, the sewing of the sidewall to the periphery of the respective separator occurs right up to the edge of the sewn band of the fabric zipper binding 264 of zipper 232. This allows zipper 232 sufficient motion to allow the respective zipper cars 234, 236 to pass along the track and engage and disengage the mating teeth of sides 252, 254, but effectively maintains the fabric bands cinched together sufficiently closely to have a lesser tendency for objects to spill out of container 200 unintentionally, while still allowing the multi-positional opening options of sipper cars 234, 236. Another way of expressing this is to say that the circumferential arcuate spacing between then sewn attachments of wings 256, 258 is less than or equal to the combined width of the zipper bindings and zipper teeth, W₂₃₂. As a measure of arc, where P is the peripheral arc length, arc this value would be angle theta, where theta is 2(Pi)W₂₃₂/P in radians, the same angle in degrees being 360 times that angle in radians. As another measure, that free, unsewn gap is less than 30 degrees of arc (i.e., less than 1/12 of the circumference, or periphery, or the section, as may be), or arc-equivalent (i.e., where the section is non-circular). The cinching of peripheral wall 208 may occur whether container 200 is round, square, rectangular, oval elliptical or some other shape in cross-section, i.e., the cross-section need not be circular, although it is convenient that it be circular. This may be put inversely: the portion of the arc that is cinched, i.e., sewn or otherwise secured to the periphery of the respective separator is at least 11/12 of the circumference or periphery, of the arc or arc-equivalent, as may be

A soft-sided silo container or sleeve, or pouch, or pod, such as shown and described, may be provided in a combination of kit with a set of hanging shelves as described above, or as an interior accessory of a hard sided piece of luggage, or both.

The features of the various embodiments may be mixed and matched as may be appropriate without the need for further description of all possible variations, combinations, and permutations of those features. The principles of the present invention are not limited to these specific examples which are given by way of illustration. It is possible to make other embodiments that employ the principles of the invention and that fall within its spirit and scope of the invention. Since changes in and or additions to the above-described embodiments may be made without departing from the nature, spirit or scope of the invention, the invention is not to be limited to those details, but only by a purposive reading of the appended claims.

HANGING SOFT-SIDED CONTAINER

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