Modular luggage system

Abstract

In one embodiment, the present invention is a wheeled upright modular luggage system having at least a base adapted to simultaneously transport, consolidate or otherwise protect thicker or wider items, including notebooks, binders, wide files and the like. Additional modules may be mechanically coupled securely to the base by one or more stabilization systems, each module selectively adapted to receive and store such items as a portable computer, a laptop computer, a computer printer, office supplies, and/or corresponding notebooks/binders, sales catalogs, product samples, tools or clothing, all of which are typically required for a mobile professional. The base preferably includes an extendable and retractable pull handle mounted at an upper rear side portion of the base for transporting the luggage system on a transportation system along a supporting surface. The base is formed so as to allow the luggage system to stand unattended on the wheels and pushed, pulled or directed by the handle on at least some of the wheels.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY [0001] The present invention claims priority based upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 508,745, filed Oct. 4, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The invention relates generally to luggage, particularly to a wheeled modular luggage system suitably adapted for use by those individuals who require concurrent transportation of very thick or wide items, such as binders, notebooks, documents and the like. The invention allows luggage to be wheeled along a supporting surface in a tilted but upright position. The present invention also optionally includes a first modular storage adapted to transport or otherwise carry less thick or wide items such as a portable computer printer, and a second modular storage adapted to transport or otherwise carry even less thick or wide items than the first modular storage, such as a laptop computer. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] In the past, travelers have used more than one luggage ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The following summary of the invention is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention, and is not intended to be a full description of variations that may be apparent to those of skill in the art. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the invention can be gained from the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract taken as a whole.

[0009] This invention relates to modular luggage system formed of either hardside or softside case construction (or combination thereof) which is particularly adapted to transport very thick or very wide items which can become very difficult to otherwise transport or protect by conventional luggage systems. In one embodiment, the present invention is a wheeled upright modular luggage system having a base adapted to simultaneously transport, consolidate or otherwise protect larger items, such as a computer, a laptop computer, a computer printer, office supplies, and / or corresponding notebooks / binders, sales catalogs, product samples, tools or clothing, all of which are typically required for a mobile professional. The base preferably includes an extendable and retractable pull handle mounted at an upper rear side portion of the base for transporting the luggage system on a transportation system along a supporting surface. The base is formed so as to allow the luggage system to stand unattended on the wheels and pushed, pulled or directed by the handle on at least some of the wheels.

Problems solved by technology

The luggage pieces were usually of different shape or dimension, with no method for retaining all pieces together in a coherent manner.

This presented a considerable problem for travelers when carrying or transporting their luggage through airports, hotels, and the like, or even commuting from job site to job site.

Although a traveler may have the option of renting or purchasing a separate luggage cart, dolly, or hand truck, or retaining the services of airport or hotel personnel, these methods of transporting multiple luggage components are sometimes expensive, impractical, or burdensome on the traveler.

The prior art configurations fail to take in to account the needs of a user who must perform work on the road, or, someone who is highly mobile.

While luggage systems have enhanced the convenience of mobility for the mobile professional, the typical size of the luggage did not allow the user to adequately carry the tools of their trade.

As a result, many professionals resorted to attaching second or additional bags or other articles of luggage to a main suitcase by using rope, elastic cords (e.g. bungee cords), tape and other temporary attachments which may not actually support and retain the additional bags during the strenuous handling often encountered in travel.

To the extent he cannot adequately carry all of these items, he will resort to having another attorney or assistant help with the transportation of these items.

While luggage systems exist which will allow a mobile professional to carry their tools of their trade, such systems typically will not retain thick items, and additionally, are usually formed as a single, unitary system, therefore resulting in an non-versatile luggage system.

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