Multi Compartment Family Travel Bag

Abstract

An improved soft-sided travel bag with a plurality of compartments opening along the top of the bag can be used to carry, access and organize multiple travelers within one contained bag. A departure from traditional duffle or travel bag design, there is no primary compartment built into the bag. Rather, multiple self-contained compartments unfasten or zip open along the top. This invention offers individuals traveling with children the ability to easily divide and organize items for every child within one bag. The plurality of compartments dividing the internal volume of the bag into multiple independent spaces are sewn forming dividers, end wall to end wall upon one another, as if adjoining multiple independent bags into one contained unit. Said compartments are designed with interior pockets to provide users with maximum organizational utility.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to improvements in portable carrying cases, travel or utility bags known as duffel or roll-type bags. More particularly, the invention relates to improvements made in the organizational utility or compartments and accessibility of space within elongated cylindrical bags.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Families traveling on any length of trip are well acquainted with the difficulties of organizing, packing, accessing and carrying items for children. Children necessitate a complicated array of travel goods including diapers, clothing, toys, food, hygiene items, accessories, etc. Young travelers are incapable of carrying their own travel bags and the burden of their packing falls upon their caretakers. If multiple kids are involved, caretakers often become responsible for three or four bags in addition to their own luggage. This invention aims to simplify the travel experience for families by creating one bag with the ability to carry, organize, and easily access items for multiple children. The invention of one compartmentalized travel bag with the ability to accommodate items for many users will help families organize and carry needed goods.

The need for improved organization in carrying bags and luggage systems is well established. Many travel and athletic bags respond to this need, creating compartments within or beneath a bag's main compartment. Some inventions introduce removable or collapsible dividers in bag and luggage systems to help travelers organize their goods. An example of a duffel bag with removable interior partitions is described in US Patent Application No. 2010/0213020 A1 by Lynch-Ringvold. This invention is useful for individuals in search of a way to reconfigure a duffel bag during the course of a trip. Such reconfigurations can organize and accommodate soiled laundry or other gear that warrants impromptu partitions within a large main compartment. However, such an invention does not resolve the problem of how to offer multiple travelers immovable, separately accessed compartments within one bag.

Duffel and luggage type bags with multiple, easily accessible compartments exist, but are not built for the specific needs of traveling families. Sports bags are constructed with unique elements for their athlete owners and the gear they carry. US Patent Application No. 2002/0148741 A1 by Stobbs et al. describes an athletic equipment bag built with multiple large and small storage compartments for the segregation of athlete's shoes, bats, balls, etc. Another bag using divided zippered compartments for the organization of construction tools is described in US Patent Application No. 2007/0137960 A1 by Redzisz. These prior proposed bags describe the advantage of distinct, externally accessed compartments to assist their users, but their descriptions are only useful in providing a background for this invention. Such bags are not designed for the specific needs and equipment carried by traveling family groups.

Traveling families pack specific gear (often for multiple children), including, but not limited to: snacks, clothing, thermometer, toothbrushes, footwear, diapers, swim gear, comfort toys, etc. It is frustrating and difficult to locate specific items for specific children in traditional, one-compartment duffel bags. Prior art of such bags reveals little to no organizational utility designed to solve this problem. There is a great need for a multi-compartment family travel bag that is designed specifically to organize and carry the diverse necessities of traveling families. Keeping track of small, important items like binkies while on the road, alongside awkward bulky items such as a breast pump is an ongoing challenge. Often, the small specific items get lost in the shuffle of clothing and diapers within traditional duffel bags. Or, caregivers need to carry multiple bags because one bag will not meet all their needs. For example, when groups travel for specific activities such as skiing, caregivers are responsible for all the poles, boots, skis plus clothing and gear for every child. Traditional large duffel bags offer no compartments or pouches to help caregivers organize the gear for individual skiers. Gear easily becomes a tangled mess where smaller items are easily lost. The need for group gear organization within one bag is great.

As airlines continue to increase fees for luggage and carry-on items, travelers are increasingly aware of their need to pack light. This is a difficult task for most families, as traditional luggage cases and duffel bags do not encourage simplified packing. Minimalism is a necessary adaptation for modern family travel, and the need for efficient, organized packing solutions is greater than ever. U.S. Pat. No. 9,215,918 B2 by Kao et al. creates an internal removable organizer within an improved luggage bag. While this improvement helps individual travelers cut down on excess baggage, it does not allow external access or the ability to organize goods for multiple people. Prior art reveals many pitfalls, highlighting the need for improved organization and quick exterior access to bag and luggage design. Such an improvement would help parents pack lighter and more efficiently.

Family travelers need improved organizational elements within duffel type travel bags. Because the construction of most existing duffel-type travel bags revolves around one large compartment with little to no interior pockets, family and group travelers are without simple, efficient luggage and bag options. The diverse needs of family travelers calls for an improved, compartmentalized duffle bag.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide families or groups with the ability to organize, carry, and externally access travel goods for multiple people within a multi compartment travel bag.

It is a further object of this invention to enable travelers to simplify packing items in one bag containing multiple immovable, compartmentalized sections, while avoiding the drawbacks of prior art.

It is a further object of this invention to build internal bungees, zippers and organizational components within each compartment to maximize the bag's organizational utility for the user.

The bag can be provided with stowable backpack straps fastening to the bottom of the bag, giving caregivers a hands-free carrying option.

The bag can be provided with a plurality of compartments accessed via zippers or fasteners along the top of the bag, opening individually to the interior space of the bag.

Another object of this invention is to provide children with the ability to independently access and locate important items without digging through the belongings of other persons with whom they travel.

It is also an object of this invention to provide an improved compartmentalized duffel design that can be made available to consumers in a range of styles and sizes, such as: small, medium, large, personal, family, sports and travel versions, etc.

It is also an object of this invention to provide travelers with a variety of available styles, colors, constructed in a variety of materials, including but not limited to: durable water resistant materials of various types of washable materials or other fabrics in a range of textures and prints.

This invention can be provided with multiple hand grip and carrying options, such as: an over the shoulder strap, end handles, backpack straps, hand grab loops, etc. While not shown on this rendering, the bag or carrying case can be provided with or without wheels and a pull handle.

These and many other features, aspects and advantages of this invention will be understood by examining attached drawings and reading the accompanying descriptions included hereafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an angled perspective view of a multi-compartment family duffel-type travel bag, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a side width view of this invention, showing a direct view of an end cap of one compartment, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 3 is a side length view, showing one preferred embodiment of the external construction of this invention.

FIG. 4 is a transparent angled schematic perspective view, showing the internal perspective of one preferred embodiment of this invention. This transparent view shows the immovable dividers, zipper access for multiple compartments, and interior organizational components built into the bag.

FIG. 5 is a side cut view, showing one preferred embodiment of the internal compartments housed within one section of the multi compartment bag.

FIG. 6 is a bottom/base view with stowable backpack straps attached to the “D” rings along the far base perimeter of the bag.

FIG. 7 is a bottom/base view of the bag with stowable backpack straps stowed within the large base pocket of the bag.

FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 provides an elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 in an opened position with a top portion opened relative to a bottom portion via a hinge.

FIG. 10 provides an elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 having the top portion and bottom portion separated.

FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 having the top portion and bottom portion separated.

FIG. 12 provides a detail view of an embodiment of zipper configuration.

FIG. 13 provides a detail view of another embodiment of zipper configuration.

FIG. 14 provides a detail view of yet another embodiment of zipper configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-7, embodiments of the duffel 1 as a generally cylindrical, soft sided article of luggage with multiple distinct zippered compartments 11 are shown. Each compartment 11 is independently constructed and accessed along the top by a zipper 3 sewn in a crescent shape 13. Permanent, immovable internal panels 15 of fabric separate one compartment 11 from the next, repeatedly through the length of the bag. Compartments 11 are sewn 19 as if stacked end cap 12 to end cap 12 and accessed individually by external zippers. Additional small zippered pockets 7, 10 can also be sewn onto the body 2 and end caps of the bag 1 for easy access to passports, keys or other small personal items.

Surrounding the entire length and width of the bag is a thick band of webbing 5 to add stability and aesthetics to the structure of the bag. With reference to FIG. 2, said webbing can be sewn into a sturdy hand grip 6 on both end caps of the bag. As shown in FIG. 3, webbing can also be sewn, wrapping the body of the bag with stirrups 4 that can loop into a hand grip position. The bag can also include “D” rings 9 on each end cap, whereupon a long shoulder strap 14 can be fastened to provide the user with multiple carrying options. In its preferred embodiment, the shell and base of the bag are formed of a durable, sturdy material.

Zippered openings 13 to each individual compartment can include two zippers 3, so as to enable users to zip and unzip compartments easily from either direction. The number of multiple compartments 11 is shown on this preferred embodiment as five compartments, each at a width of five inches, but measurements and quantity of compartments can vary. In a transparent schematic view of the bag, as in FIG. 4, the barriers 15 between each compartment are visible. These barriers are permanently sewn 19 around the entire wall of the compartment, completely dividing one space from the next. As shown in the side cut view of FIG. 5, this interior dividing wall 15 can contain further organizational components, such as, but not limited to: bungee pouches 18, 19, zippered pockets 16, 17, and/or other organizational elements built into the lining of each compartment.

Another carrying feature which can be added to the bag is the stowable backpack straps 20 built into an elongated pocket 21 on the base 8 of the bag, as shown in FIG. 6. The elongated base pocket 21 is built specifically to house the backpack straps 20 when they are not in use. In this preferred embodiment, these backpack straps 20 are permanently fastened at the base 8, near one end cap 22 of the bag. When in use, said backpack straps can be removed from the base pocket and clipped with sturdy fasteners to “D” rings 23 secured near the opposite end cap of the bag, as shown in FIG. 6. When a user is not in need of the backpack carrying option, the action is reversed as straps unclip and tuck into the elongated base pocket, as shown in FIG. 7. Backpack carrying options can enable users with hands-free mobility while carrying the bag. The invention is not limited to the foregoing described embodiments. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the primary concepts. Many fabrics, styles, sizes, colors and applications are possible without departing from the main scope of the invention.

Turning to FIGS. 8-13, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown having attachable and separable top and bottom portions. This embodiment provides for a two part bag 80 which allows for dual operation as a single large bag, or two separated smaller bags. This type of embodiment may be particularly useful for travel-allowing the combined bag to be used when in transit, and the smaller top backpack configured bag to be used on day trips or outings without having to carry the entire large bag. The present disclosure utilizes a unique two-zipper configuration to connect the bags together. The top bag portion 82 is connected to the bottom bag portion 81 by a first zipper assembly 84 formed of opposing zipper sides and a zipper slider and pull (the assembly generally referred to herein as a “zipper” in various of the zipper applications on different components of the bag). The first zipper assembly 84 which extends around a majority of the perimeter of the bag. When the first zipper 84 is moved to an open position, the top bag portion 82 and bottom bag portion 81 may open about a hinge 91 as seen in FIG. 9. The hinge 91 comprises a second hinge zipper which can itself be opened and closed. When the second hinge zipper is opened, the two bag portions 81, 82 can be separated, as seen in FIG. 10. With corresponding zipper sides 91A, 91B shown on the top bag portion 82 and bottom bag portion 81, respectively. As such, the two bag portions are operable as individual carrying bags.

The top bag portion has a plurality of compartments separated by dividers which extend perpendicular to the major axis of the top bag portion 82. This creates multiple compartments along the length of the bag. Importantly, the top bag portion 82 may have any of the features and elements disclosed in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-7. Each compartment, in the embodiment shown, is accessible by a crescent shaped compartment zipper 87 and zip 89 extending perpendicularly to the major axis of the bag. These zipper 87 orientations match the shape of the compartments defined by the dividers within the bag. Of course, any other closure may be used as well without straying from the scope of this invention, including buttons, snap closures, cinch closures, magnets, clips, and the like. In the embodiment shown, the soft-sided and approximately cylindrical top bag portion 82 defines three compartments accessible by three zippers 87. The top bag portion 82 further defines an additional top opening zipper 88 which may provide access to a separate pocket in one embodiment, or access to a different side of the top compartment in another embodiment. Shoulder straps 83 are connected to the top bag portion 82 for carrying either the top bag portion 82 alone, or when it is also attached to the bottom bag portion 81. Depending on embodiment, the shoulder straps 83 may be removable, stowable in a pocket, or permanently attached on one or both sides. In this embodiment, the shoulder straps 83 are on the same size as the zippers 87 to access the internal compartments of the top bag portion 82. This may be advantageous from a security standpoint when travelling and in general, keeping the access points of the bag against the body of the wearer, thus making them harder to access. The top bag portion may also define an outer pocket on its bottom side which faces the bottom bag portion when the two are connected.

The bottom bag portion 81 may be hard-sided, or soft-sided, and comprises the rolling structure: wheels and a handle 86, shown here as a telescoping pull handle. The bottom bag portion also defines an interior compartment for storage, which is openable and closable. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, a closure allowing access to the interior compartment is shown as a cover 93 which can be zippered open and closed via zipper closure 92. Of course, other configurations may be used. As noted, the bottom bag portion 81 can be connected to the top portion 82 in two ways-first by the primary closure zipper 84 which extends around most but not all of the perimeter of the bag (and in some embodiments may extend completely around the perimeter of the bag). The bottom bag portion 81 can also be connected to the top bag portion 82 at the hinge zipper 91 to hold the two in a way that is hingedly connected. In typical transportation embodiments, both zippers will be connected. For situations where less storage in required, such as a day bag or “around town” bag, only the top bag portion 82 can be used and can be carried by the shoulder straps 83, while the bottom bag portion 81 may remain at the hotel or the like to store other items that are not needed for the day trip.

While several variations of the present disclosure have been illustrated by way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth.

Claims

1. A carrying bag assembly comprising: a top bag portion; anda bottom bag portion removably attached to the top bag portion, the bottom bag portion and top portion operable as individual carrying bags when separated;a first zipper assembly around a part of a perimeter of the top bag portion and the bottom bag portion, allowing for opening the top bag portion relative to the bottom bag portion via a hinge on one side of the soft-sided carrying bag assembly;wherein the hinge comprises a second zipper assembly, the second zipper assembly allowing the top bag portion and bottom bag portion to be removably attached;wherein the bottom bag portion has an interior portion accessible by a closure;the bottom bag portion further comprising wheels and a telescoping handle on an opposite side of the bottom bag portion from the wheels.

2. The carrying bag assembly of claim 1 wherein the top bag portion is approximately cylindrical.

3. The carrying bag assembly of claim 1 further comprising shoulder straps on the top bag portion.

4. The carrying bag assembly of claim 3 wherein the shoulder straps are on a same side of the top bag portion as each compartment zipper.

5. The carrying bag assembly of claim 3 wherein the shoulder straps are stowable in a pocket.

6. The carrying bag assembly of claim 3 wherein the shoulder straps are removable.

7. The carrying bag assembly of claim 1 wherein the top bag portion defines three compartments, each accessible by one compartment zipper.

8. The carrying bag assembly of claim 1 wherein the top bag portion comprises a foot on a bottom side to stabilize the bag when rested on the bottom side.

9. The carrying bag assembly of claim 1 wherein the bottom back portion closure is a zipper assembly.

10. The carrying bag assembly of claim 1 wherein the top bag portion is soft-sided.

11. The carrying bag assembly of claim 1 wherein the bottom bag portion is hard-sided.

12. The carrying bag assembly of claim 1 wherein the top bag portion comprises a pocket on an outer face facing the bottom bag portion.

13. The carrying bag assembly of claim 1 wherein the top bag portion comprises a plurality of compartments dividing an internal volume, the plurality of compartments each formed by dividers extending perpendicularly to a major axis of the top bag portion and accessible by a compartment zipper which extends perpendicularly to the major axis of the top bag portion.

14. The carrying bag assembly of claim 13 further comprising a pocket attached to each divider.

15. The carrying bag assembly of claim 13 wherein each of the plurality of compartments has an approximately equal volume formed by the dividers being spaced equidistantly apart.

16. The carrying bag assembly of claim 13 wherein the top bag portion defines three compartments, each accessible by one compartment zipper.