Expandable luggage armor

Abstract

A protective luggage cover having a tailored shape approximating, in overall dimension, a piece of luggage. The cover has a front and rear panel of essentially the same shape and size, connected to one another by an intermediate / perimeter panel of resilient fabric, e.g. Spandex, such as is typically used in fabrication of a diver's wet suit. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, both the front and back panel are fabricated from the same resilient fabric, as this intermediate panel; and, the front panel is fitted with a zipper, or a hook and loop-like fastener, to permit direct access to the luggage contents without removal of the protective cover from the piece of luggage.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 131,587, filed Jun. 10, 2008.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to an article of manufacturer. More specifically, this invention is directed to a form fitting, expandable cover for the protection of luggage from dirt and abuse. In the preferred embodiments of this invention this protective cover comprise a series of panels, which are permanently seamed to one another. This protective cover includes flexible panels (e.g. expandable), which are arranged relative to one another, to accommodate different size luggage, and yet permit inspection of the contents thereof without removal of the protective cover from such luggage.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]There has always been a need to protect one's luggage from exposure to natural elements, general wear-and-tear, and overall deterioration, just as there has a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]More specifically, it is the principle object of this invention to provide a protective luggage cover that is both attractive, readily conforms to different size luggage and permits access to the contents of the luggage without removal of the cover from the luggage.

[0015]It is still yet another object of this invention to provide a protective luggage cover wherein the interior surface of such cover, which is proximate to the surface of the luggage, includes a slip resistant element to prevent the cover from sliding over the surface of the luggage and, thus, prevention of displacement thereof once in place.

[0016]Additional objects of this invention include the addition of graphic and / or pictorial images to the surface of the protective cover to enhance differentiation and identification thereof.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019]In another of the preferred embodiment of this invention, the design of the protective cover can be tailored to a specific luggage design, and provide for complimentary accessories to further enhance both the fit of the cover and enhanced protection.

Problems solved by technology

The need to protect luggage from such adverse conditions has increased more so due to the rising cost of quality-crafted luggage and, the subsequent cost of maintenance / repair thereof from such abuse.

These costs are compounded by the fact that some luggage items are manufactured with natural materials, such as leather, and are more susceptible to damage and deterioration under conditions normally encountered in airline travel.

Notwithstanding the protection afforded the luggage provided by the above contrivances, the practical utility of such covers is limited because they do not permit ready access to the contents of the luggage without removal thereof, and, where such access is permitted, these covers are of complex construction and unduly expensive.

Images