Article of luggage with separable body compartment

Abstract

A luggage item (e.g., a backpack (100)) includes a body (102) defining a first compartment (108) and a second compartment (110), each compartment defining at least one internal storage volume (104, 106). The first compartment (108) and the second compartment (110) are attached together at a first location (406) and a second location (408) spaced apart from the first location (406) such that the first compartment (108) and the second compartment (110) are separable from each other at least between the first location (406) and the second location (408) to define a gap (400) between the first compartment (108) and the second compartment (110) to receive articles.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure relates to luggage items, and in particular to external access to store and retrieve items stored in the luggage item. One aspect of conventional luggage items is that items are often stored inside an internal compartment formed inside the main housing of the luggage item. To store an item in the luggage item, a user must select which of the typically multiple internal compartments to store the item, open the internal compartment and place the item therein, and close the compartment. Retrieving the item stored in the internal compartment then requires the user to recall which of the typically multiple internal compartments the item was stored in, and then open the internal compartment to retrieve the item, and close the internal compartment.

[0002] This consideration interferes with the user's ability to quickly store and retrieve items from a conventional luggage item. For example, if a user needs to store an item in a luggage item (e.g., a backpack), the user must typically remove the backpack, open one of the interior compartments, place the item therein, and then close the compartment. Quickly retrieving that item is inconvenient because the backpack must be removed again to then access the compartment, open the compartment to access the item, remove it from the interior compartment, and close the compartment. These problems can be magnified in situations where the user may not like to stop the current activity, or may not be able to stop the current activity to store or retrieve the item in the manner described above.

[0003] There is a need to provide a luggage item (eg, a backpack) that can allow quick and easy access to store items in the luggage item, and / or retrieve items from the luggage item with reduced inconvenience to the user. Summary of the invention

[0004] A luggage item is disclosed. In one example, the luggage item includes a first compartment and a separate second compartment, each compartment defining at least one internal storage volume, the first compartment and the second compartment being attached together at a first position and a second position spaced apart from the first position, such that the first compartment and the second compartment are separable from each other at least between the first position and the second position to define a gap between the first compartment and the second compartment to receive an item. Additionally, the first position may be at an upper portion of the luggage item; and the second position may be located at a middle or lower portion of the luggage item. Additionally, the luggage item may be a backpack.

[0005] Additionally or alternatively, the first position and the second position are respectively located adjacent to opposite ends of the luggage item.

[0006] Additionally or alternatively, the first and second compartments may be separable along left and right sides of the luggage item.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, the first and second compartments are directly attached together at the first position and attached together at the second position by at least one connecting member. Additionally, the gap between the first and second compartments is limited by the length of the at least one connecting member. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one adjustment member may be releasably connected between the first and second compartments. Additionally or alternatively, the connecting member may have an adjustable length.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one connecting member comprises a side surround extending along at least a left side and a right side of the luggage item. Additionally, the side surround may define a storage portion.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, the connecting member comprises a single retaining member attached laterally midway between the first and second compartments of the luggage item.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, the connection member comprises at least two connection members. Additionally, there may be one connection member on each lateral side of the luggage item.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the connecting member at least partially comprises an elastically extendable portion.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, the gap is dimensioned to receive and retain a garment between the first and second compartments to support the garment on the connecting member.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, further comprising a releasable connector that releasably and selectively couples at least portions of the first and second compartments in close proximity in a first closed configuration, allowing the first and second compartments to be selectively separated when the releasable connector is released and in a second open configuration.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, the releasable connection comprises a zipper assembly selectively coupling the first compartment to the second compartment along at least a portion of one edge of the compartment.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the zipper assembly extends at least partially along the left side, the right side and the bottom side of the body.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, the attaching of the first and second compartments at the first position comprises attaching the first and second compartments along at least portions of their respective upper edges.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the first compartment and the second compartment are pivotally connected about and along their upper edges.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the luggage item comprises a backpack comprising one or more shoulder straps connected to one of the first compartment and / or the second compartment.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the zipper assembly conceals the retaining member when engaged.

[0020] The examples of the invention described herein may relate to luggage items (e.g., backpacks) comprising a separated first and second compartments, each compartment defining at least one internal storage volume. The first and second compartments may be attached together at a first position and at a second position spaced apart from the first position (e.g., at the upper and lower portions of the luggage case, respectively). The first and second compartments may be selectively separable from each other at least between the first and second positions to define a gap between the first and second compartments to receive articles. The gap may be defined by a connecting member. The connecting member may be defined by one or more separate components extending between the first and second compartments, such as a rope, a cord, a belt, a side circumference, or a retaining member or a combination thereof. The connecting member supports the articles received in the gap, such as the connecting member may define a storage portion for receiving the articles.

[0021] Additional embodiments and / or features are set forth in part in the following description and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification, or may be learned by practicing the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be achieved by reference to the remainder of the specification and the accompanying drawings that form a part of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that each of the various aspects and features of the present disclosure may be advantageously used alone in some cases, or in combination with other aspects and features of the present disclosure in other cases. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following drawings, wherein components are not drawn to scale, which present various examples of the present disclosure and should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the present disclosure, and which are characterized by:

[0023] Figure 1 A backpack is shown in a closed configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 Shown in an expanded configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure Figure 1 Backpack;

[0025] Figure 3 Shown in an open configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure Figure 1 Backpack;

[0026] Figure 4A Shown along Figure 3 A cross section of the backpack taken along line 4A-4A;

[0027] Figure 4B Shown along Figure 1 A cross section of the backpack taken along line 4B-4B;

[0028] Figure 5 A backpack having a jacket positioned between first and second compartments according to some examples of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 backpack; and

[0029] Figure 6-7 Shown in additional or alternative open configurations according to some examples of the present disclosure Figure 1 backpack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] A luggage case having a selectively separable main body compartment is provided. The luggage item may include separate first and second compartments, each of the first and second compartments defining at least one internal storage volume. The first and second compartments may be attached together at a first position and a second position spaced apart from the first position (e.g., at an upper and lower portion of the luggage case). The first and second compartments may be selectively separable from each other at least between the first and second positions to define a gap between the first and second compartments to receive the item.

[0031] For example, the first and second compartments can be directly attached together at the first position and attached together by a connecting member at the second position. In these examples, the gap at the second position is limited by the length of the connecting member. A releasable connector can releasably and selectively couple the first and second compartments to allow selective separation of the first and second compartments. The gap can be sized to receive and hold clothes between the first and second compartments, such as supporting clothes on the connecting member at the second position. The gap can allow articles to be at least partially positioned in the gap for support on the luggage item. The gap can also allow articles to be conveniently retrieved from being supported on the luggage item and being at least partially received in the gap. In some examples, engagement with articles for storage and / or retrieval in the gap can be completed from the outside of the luggage item, and access to the interior of the first and second compartments is not required.

[0032] The arrangements described herein may be applicable to many different types of luggage items, including but not limited to hard-sided luggage, soft-sided luggage, hybrid luggage, briefcases, and other types of luggage. Various arrangements for backpacks are described herein by way of example only, however, the present invention may be particularly suitable and advantageous for application on such backpacks.

[0033] Figure 1 An item of luggage in the form of a backpack 100 in a closed configuration is shown according to some examples of the present disclosure. The backpack 100 includes a body 102 having a plurality of walls or panels defining one or more interior compartments or storage volumes in which a user's belongings are carried. For example, the body 102 may define a first compartment 108 and a second compartment 110. Each of the first compartment 108 and the second compartment 110 may define at least one interior storage volume 104, 106, such as the first compartment 108 defining the first storage volume 104. The second compartment 110 may be similar to or different from the first compartment 108 and define a second storage volume 106. The second compartment 110 may be a compartment that is separate or different from the first compartment 108. Each of the first compartment 108 and the second compartment 110 may include front and rear panels 112, 114 that are coupled together (see Figure 4B ) to define their respective storage volumes 104, 106. For example, the front and rear panels 112, 114 of each compartment can be directly coupled together. Alternatively, the front and rear panels 112, 114 of each compartment can be indirectly coupled together by one or more panels extending between the front and rear panels 112, 114 (e.g., in one example by opposite side panels and top and bottom panels, but not intended to be limited thereto). According to the present application, the backpack 100 may include one or more additional bags to keep the user's additional belongings. For example, the second compartment 110 may include a front bag, as shown in the figure but not intended to be limited thereto. In this way, the backpack 100 can provide multiple storage compartments, volumes or areas to keep the user's belongings, such as during travel, hiking, exercise, etc.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the main body 102 of the luggage item includes a top or upper end or side 120, a bottom or lower end or side 122, a left side 124, and a right side 126. The top 120 can include the upper portion of the main body 102 (e.g., including the entire upper portion and including the upper half, the upper third, or the upper quarter), and the bottom 122 can include the lower portion of the main body 102 (e.g., including the entire lower portion and including the lower half, the lower third, or the lower quarter). The middle portion of the main body can be positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. Similarly, the left side 124 can include the left portion of the main body 102 (e.g., the left half), and the right portion 126 can include the right portion of the main body 102 (e.g., the right half).

[0035] As shown, the luggage item may include one or more straps, through which the user can carry the luggage item. In one example, one or more straps may include a pair of shoulder straps 130. The shoulder straps 130 may be connected to the first compartment 108 so that the first compartment 108 is against the user's back when worn. In one example, the shoulder straps 130 are connected to the first compartment 108 and extend along the back panel 114 of the first compartment so that when the user wears, the back panel 114 engages the user's back. These examples are only illustrative, and the backpack 100 may include other forms or types. For example, the features of the present disclosure may be embodied in other luggage types, including, for example, hard-sided luggage, soft-sided luggage, mixed luggage, bags, etc. Where applicable, any description of the backpack 100 and its features herein may be generally applied to luggage, without being intended to be limited thereto. Therefore, reference to the backpack 100 is only for convenience and illustration.

[0036] Figure 2 The backpack 100 is shown in a flat configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure. Figure 2 , the backpack 100 can be at least partially compressed or collapsed. For example, either or both of the first compartment 108 and the second compartment 110 can be at least partially made of a soft or pliable material (e.g., a fabric or non-fabric material, or a combination or composite of a soft material and a hard material), allowing the first compartment 108 and / or the second compartment 110 to collapse flat or substantially flat, and expand to accommodate items located in the first compartment 108 and the second compartment 110.

[0037] Figure 3 The backpack 100 is shown in an open or split configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure. Figure 3, the first and second compartments 108, 110 can be attached together in a manner that selectively defines a gap 400 between the first and second compartments 108, 110. For example, the first and second compartments 108, 110 can be attached along their respective lengths at first and second locations 406, 408, and selectively separable from each other at least between the first and second locations 406, 408 to define the gap 400 between the first and second compartments 108, 110. In one example, the first and second compartments 108, 110 are attached together at a first location 406 and at a second location 408 spaced apart from the first location 406. The first and second compartments 108, 110 can be separable from each other to form the gap 400 along at least a portion of the distance defined between the first and second locations 406, 408. The gap 400 can define the storage space 118. The respective storage volumes 104, 106 within each of the first compartment 108 and the second compartment 110 of the backpack 100 are substantially independent of whether the first and second compartments are configured to define the gap 400. The storage space 118 is defined by the gap 400 and may include a receiving portion 430 as described below.

[0038] As shown, the first position 406 can be located at the upper portion of the backpack 100, such as adjacent to one end of the body 102. For example, the attachment of the first and second compartments 108, 110 at the first position 406 can include at least a partial attachment of the first and second compartments 108, 110 along their respective upper edges. In these examples, the first and second compartments 108, 110 can be flexibly connected around and along their upper edges, and in one example, can be pivoted relative to each other along the flexible connection. The second position 408 can be located in the middle or lower portion of the backpack 100, such as between the first position 406 and the bottom end 122 of the body 102. For example, the first and second positions 406, 408 can be located adjacent to the opposite ends (e.g., the top end 120 and the bottom end 122) of the backpack 100. For example, although other configurations are considered as discussed below, the first and second compartments 108, 110 can be attached along the top end 120 and can be separated along the bottom end 122 of the backpack 100 to define the gap 400. In some examples, the first and second compartments 108, 110 are separable along the left and right sides 124, 126 of the backpack 100. In some examples, the gap 400 can have a wedge shape having a smaller width at the first position 406 and a wider width at the second position 408. In some examples, the gap can be like an angle 440 with a vertex at the first position 406. In some examples, the angle 440 can be 0 degrees to 45 degrees, and can be larger or smaller. In some examples, because the first and second compartments are connected, the width of the gap 400 does not exist at the first position 406. In some examples, the width of the gap 400 at the second position 408 can be defined by the length of the connecting member 418, as described herein. The connecting member 418 can have a length greater than 5 cm to less than 25 cm, which can be suitable for the size of the luggage item and the expected capacity of the storage space 118 formed by the gap 400.

[0039] The gap 400 may be defined to receive one or more items 500. For example, Figure 5 As shown, the article 500 can be an article of clothing, such as a jacket, coat, sweater, etc., or can be other articles, such as bottles, small bags, travel items, etc. Although other configurations are contemplated, the article or articles can be positioned between the first and second compartments 108, 110, as described in detail below. The article or articles can be at least partially supported by the connecting member 418.

[0040] Continue to refer Figure 3, the backpack 100 may include a connecting member 418 fixedly or releasably coupled between the first and second compartments 108, 110 to limit the extension of the second compartment 110 away from the first compartment 108. In this manner, the connecting member 418 can define the width of the gap 400 between the first and second compartments 108, 110 at the second position 408. For example, the width of the gap 400 at the second position 408 can be limited by the length of the connecting member 418. In these examples, at least a portion of the first compartment 108 and at least a portion of the second compartment 110 can be spaced apart from each other until the connecting member 418 is fully extended and defines the width of the gap 400. The height 128 (see Figure 4B ) can be defined by the distance between the connecting members at the second position 408 and the first position 406. In one example, the height 128 of the gap 400 can be approximately the same as the height of the luggage item. In another example, the height 128 of the gap 400 can be less than the height of the luggage item. In another example, the height 128 of the gap 400 can be 5 cm to 65 cm, or more. One or more items 500 can be at least partially received in the gap 400 (see Figure 5 ). The article or articles 500 can be supported at least in part in the gap 400 by the connecting member 418, as described below. Wherein, the connecting member 418 is releasably connected (e.g., by a releasable hook or buckle), and the first and second compartments 108, 110 are removed (e.g., by pivoting without restriction about the first position 406). The connecting member 418 can have an adjustable length to allow the width of the gap 400 to be adjusted by the user. In one example, the connecting member 418 can be a belt with an adjustment buckle along its length for this purpose. In one example, the length of the connecting member 418 can be 10 cm to 20 cm, and other lengths are contemplated. As described above, the connecting member 418 can be adjustable in length.

[0041] As described above, the connecting member 418 can be positioned at the second location 408 spaced apart from the first location 406. For example, the first and second compartments 108, 110 can be directly attached together at the first location 406 and attached together at the second location 408 via the connecting member 418. Figure 3 As shown, the connecting member 418 can be positioned near the bottom end 122 of the backpack 100, and the first and second compartments 108, 110 are directly attached at the top end 120. According to the present application, the connecting member 418 can include or be defined by one or more ropes, straps, side closures, or retaining members, or a combination thereof, extending between the first and second compartments 108, 110. Figure 3, the connecting member 418 can at least partially include an elastically extendable portion, such as, in one example, made of an elastic material. In these examples, if it is necessary to accommodate an item 500 in the gap 400 between the first and second compartments 108, 110, the elastic material can be elastically stretched.

[0042] The connecting member 418 can be positioned at a position in the bottom or lower portion of the length of the backpack 100 (from the bottom edge 122), including in the lower half, lower third, lower quarter, or at the bottom edge 122. The closer the connecting member 418 is positioned to the bottom edge 122, the greater the height 128 of the gap 400. This can be beneficial for receiving larger items 500 in the gap 400. The connecting member 418 can be positioned at a top position. As long as it is positioned below the first position 406, the connecting member 418 can be positioned at a position in the upper portion of the length of the backpack 100 (from the top edge 120). This relatively high position can allow the item or items 500 to be at least partially supported by the connecting member 418 and extend below the connecting member and also be in the gap 400 and between the first and second compartments 108, 110. This can help protect the item(s) 500. The connecting member 418 can be positioned at a middle portion of the luggage item, such as between the upper portion and the lower portion.

[0043] In one example, the connecting member 418' may extend from a central location on the panel 112 of the first compartment to a similar central location on the panel 114 of the second compartment, such as Figure 3 In this example, the connecting member 418' may be a single retaining member 700 attached laterally midway between the first compartment 108 and the second compartment 110 of the luggage item.

[0044] In other examples, the connecting member 418" may extend between dissimilar locations on each of the first and second compartments, such as from a higher location on the first compartment 108 to a lower location on the second compartment 110. Figure 4B Shown by the dashed line.

[0045] In such Figure 3 In the example shown, the connecting member 418 includes a side enclosure 424. The side enclosure 424 includes side walls 426, 428 extending between the lateral sides of the first and second compartments 108, 110, respectively; and in another example, can extend substantially in line with at least the left and right sides 124, 126 of the body 102. In some examples, such as Figure 3As shown, the side enclosure 424 can include a bottom side 432 extending between the bottom ends 122 of the first and second compartments 108, 110, respectively; and in another example, can extend substantially in line with at least the bottom side or end 122 of the body 102 to define a storage portion 430 between the first and second compartments 108, 110. The storage portion 430 can be open to the gap 400 and define an open basket-like structure to receive one or more items. In these examples, the items can be at least partially received in the storage portion 430 formed at least partially in the gap 400. In some examples, the side walls 426, 428 of the side enclosure 424 can be positioned inwardly or extend outwardly from the lateral sides 124, 126 of the body 102. In some examples, the bottom side 432 of the side enclosure 424 can be positioned inwardly or extend outwardly from the bottom side 122 of the body 102.

[0046] In an example, the first and second compartments 108 , 110 may be separable along left and right sides 124 , 126 of the body 102 to at least partially receive items positioned in the gap 400 from a lateral direction across the sides 124 , 126 of the backpack 100 , although other configurations are contemplated.

[0047] Figure 4A Shown along Figure 3 4A-4A of the cross section of the backpack 100, and shows the connection of the first compartment 108 to the second compartment 110 at the second position 408. As shown, the connecting member 418 can extend between the lateral portions of the body 102. For example, each of the first compartment 108 and the second compartment 110 can include a lateral portion 434. In some examples, the lateral portion 434 of the first compartment 108 can be complementary to the lateral portion 434 of the second compartment 110, so that when the compartments are attached together, the lateral portions 434 of the first and second compartments 108, 110 are aligned. As shown, although other configurations are contemplated, the connecting member 418 can extend between the lateral portions 434 of the first and second compartments 108, 110 to attach the first and second compartments 108, 110 together at the second position 408.

[0048] Figure 4B Shown along Figure 1 4B-4B of the backpack 100, and illustrates the connection of the first compartment 108 to the second compartment 110 at a first location 406. As shown, the first and second compartments 108, 110 can be directly attached together at the first location 406. For example, the first and second compartments 108, 110 can be sewn together at the first location 406, such as along the top end 120 of the body 120 as shown. Figure 4BShown is a connecting member 418 in an example of a side enclosure 424 forming a receiving portion 430. The side enclosure 424 may include a connecting member 422 on each end of the side enclosure 424 to connect the first and second compartments 108, 110 together. The receiving portion 430 may be connected to the connecting member 422 and supported therefrom. Additionally or alternatively, the receiving portion 430 may be attached to the side walls 112, 114 of the first and second compartments 108, 110 and at least partially supported therefrom.

[0049] Figure 5 A backpack 100 is shown having an item 500, such as clothing (eg, a jacket), located between the first and second compartments 108, 110 of the backpack 100 according to some examples of the present disclosure. Figure 5 , the first and second compartments 108, 110 can be selectively separable from each other to define a gap 400 at least between the first and second compartments 108, 110. In this example, the connecting member is a side enclosure 424 in the form of a receiving portion 430, about at least Figure 3 , 4A and 4B as described above. In this example, the gap 400 can be sized (e.g., by the connecting member 418) to receive and hold the garment 500 between the first and second compartments 108, 110. In this example, the garment 500 may not extend below the first and second compartments 108, 110. In some examples, the garment 500 may or may not extend laterally outside of the gap 400. Figure 5 The garment 500 is shown extending laterally outside of the gap 400). In other examples, the connecting member 418 can be sized so that the gap 400 can receive the article 500 supported on the connecting member 418 at the second position 408 and at least partially hung or suspended downwardly therefrom to extend below the first and second compartments 108, 110. In this way, the garment 500 can be quickly stored and accessed by the user when needed.

[0050] refer to Figure 2-5 , the backpack 100 may include a releasable connector 510 that selectively couples the first and second compartments 108, 110. For example, the releasable connector 510 may releasably and selectively couple the first and second compartments 108, 110 together in close proximity in a first closed configuration (e.g., see Figure 2-3). For example, in the first closed configuration, the releasable connector 510 can releasably couple the first and second compartments 108, 110 in close proximity along respective edge portions of the front panel 112 of the first compartment 108 and the rear panel 114 of the second compartment 110. When the releasable connector 510 is released and in the second open configuration to form the gap 400, the releasable connector 510 can allow the first and second compartments 108, 110 to be selectively separated. For example, when the storage portion 430 is exposed for use, the releasable connector 510 can be released or otherwise at least partially separated to allow the first and second compartments 108, 110 to be selectively separated to define the gap 400 and expose the releasable connector 510 for use.

[0051] The releasable connector 510 can include many configurations. In some examples, the releasable connector 510 can be continuous or discontinuous. In some examples, the releasable connector 510 can be a press stud, a clip, a buckle, a rope or a belt. In some examples, the releasable connector 510 can be a zipper assembly 512 configured to selectively connect the first and second compartments 108, 110 along at least a portion of an edge region of the compartments 108, 110. In some examples, the zipper assembly 510 is configured to extend along one or more sides of the backpack 100. For example, the zipper assembly 510 can be a U-shaped zipper extending along the left side, right side and bottom end 124, 126, 122 of the main body 102, respectively. In this example, the first and second compartments 108, 110 will be connected along their respective relative lateral sides and bottom sides. Other configurations are contemplated, such as those in which the zipper assembly 510 extends along adjacent sides (e.g., a lateral side and the bottom end) or non-adjacent sides (e.g., along opposing lateral sides and the non-bottom end of the body 102). In other examples, the zipper assembly 510 can extend along a single side of the body 102. For example, the zipper assembly 510 can extend only along the bottom end 122, or in another example, along one of the left or right sides 124, 126. In some examples, the releasable connector 510 can be closed and the article received in the gap 400, wherein the article 500 is of sufficient size to allow the first and second compartments to conform around the article to allow the releasable connector to move from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

[0052] like Figure 2-3 As shown, the zipper assembly 510 can conceal the connecting member 418 when engaged. For example, the connecting member 418 can be positioned inside the zipper assembly 510 so that the connecting member 418 is visible only when the zipper assembly 510 is separated. Figure 4A, the zipper assembly 510 can extend along the lateral edge region 434 of the main body 102, and the connecting member 418 is positioned inside the zipper assembly 510. In this manner, separation of the zipper assembly 510 can reveal the connecting member 418 when opened.

[0053] Figure 6-7 The backpack 100 is shown in additional or alternative opened configurations according to some examples of the present disclosure. Figure 6 , the first position 406 can be positioned anywhere on the body 102 substantially above the second position 408 and allows separation of the first and second chambers 108, 110 to form the gap 400. For example, Figure 6 As shown, the first location 406 can be formed and positioned in the upper third of the body 102. The first and second compartments 108, 110 can be attached (e.g., sewn) along at least a portion of the left and right sides 124, 126 of the body 102, with the first location 406 effectively located at the end of the stitching that defines where the first and second compartments 108, 110 begin to separate to form the gap 400. Figure 3 In the example of the connecting member 418, the side 424 forms a storage portion 430. However, it is also possible to adopt Figure 3 Various forms of connecting members 418 are described.

[0054] refer to Figure 7 , the connecting member 418 may include a single connecting member 700, such as a single rope or strap. As shown, the single connecting member 700 may be attached at the lateral middle of the bottom end 122 of the body 102. In other examples, multiple connecting members 700 may be attached at the second location 408 between the first and second compartments 108, 110. For example, the external connecting member 700' is shown in Figure 7 On each lateral side of the central connecting member 700 in. In this example, the outer retaining member 700' is located adjacent to the lateral sides 124, 126 of the first and second compartments 108, 110.

[0055] All relative and directional references (including: up, down, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, side, above, below, front, middle, rear, vertical, horizontal, etc.) are given by way of example to help the reader understand the specific examples described herein. Unless specifically set forth in the claims, they should not be construed as requirements or limitations, particularly with respect to position, orientation, or use. Connection references (e.g., attachment, connection, connection, coupling, etc.) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between the connection of elements and relative movement between elements. Thus, unless specifically set forth in the claims, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and are in a fixed relationship to each other.

[0056] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the examples disclosed herein teach by way of example and not by way of limitation. Therefore, what is contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not restrictive. The following claims are intended to cover all general and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present methods and systems, which as a matter of language may be considered to fall therein.

Claims

1. A luggage item, comprising: A first compartment (108) and a separate second compartment (110), each compartment defining at least one internal storage volume (104, 106), the first compartment (108) and the second compartment (110) being attached together at a first position (406) and a second position (408) spaced apart from the first position (406), such that the first compartment (108) and the second compartment (110) are separable from each other at least between the first position (406) and the second position (408) to define a gap (400) between the first compartment (108) and the second compartment (110) for receiving items.

2. The luggage item according to claim 1, wherein: The first location (406) is at an upper portion of the luggage item; and The second location (408) is located at a middle or lower portion of the luggage item.

3. The luggage item according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first position (406) and the second position (408) are respectively located adjacent to opposite ends of the luggage item.

4. The luggage item according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first compartment (406) and the second compartment (408) are separable along a left side (124) and a right side (126) of the luggage item.

5. The luggage item according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first compartment (108) and the second compartment (110) are directly attached together at the first position (406) and are attached together at the second position (408) by at least one connecting member (418).

6. The luggage item of claim 5, wherein: The gap (400) between the first chamber (108) and the second chamber (110) is limited by the length of the at least one connecting member (418).

7. The luggage article according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the at least one connecting member (418) comprises a side closure (424) extending along at least a left side (124) and a right side (126) of the luggage article.

8. The luggage article of claim 7, wherein the side surround (424) defines a storage portion (430).

9. The luggage item according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the connecting member (418) comprises a single retaining member (700) attached laterally midway between the first compartment (108) and the second compartment (110) of the luggage item.

10. The luggage item according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the connecting member (418) comprises at least two connecting members (700).

11. The luggage item according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the connecting member (418) at least partially comprises an elastically extendable portion.

12. The luggage item according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the gap (400) is sized to receive and hold the garment (500) between the first compartment (108) and the second compartment (110) to support the garment (500) on the connecting member (418).

13. The luggage item according to any one of claims 1 to 12 further includes a releasable connector (510) that releasably and selectively connects at least portions of the first compartment (108) and the second compartment (110) in close proximity together in a first closed configuration, allowing the first compartment (118) and the second compartment (110) to be selectively separated when the releasable connector (510) is released and in a second open configuration.

14. The luggage article of claim 13, wherein the releasable connector (510) comprises a zipper assembly (512) selectively coupling the first compartment (108) and the second compartment (110) along at least a portion of one edge of the compartments.

15. The luggage item according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the luggage item is a backpack comprising at least one shoulder strap (130) connected to one of the first compartment (108) and / or the second compartment (110).

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