US20100270116A1

US20100270116A1 - Strap for securing an item to a wheeled luggage case

Info

Publication number: US20100270116A1
Application number: US12/621,428
Authority: US
Inventors: Heather H. Wilson; Michelle E. Bourgeois
Original assignee: PARNU Inc
Current assignee: PARNU Inc
Priority date: 2009-04-28
Filing date: 2009-11-18
Publication date: 2010-10-28
Also published as: CN101874676A; WO2010129260A3; WO2010129260A2

Abstract

A strap comprises an elongated flexible member and two connectors. The elongated flexible member and two connectors form two loops: a first loop that loops around a wheeled (e.g., carry-on) luggage and a second loop that loops around an item that is separate from the wheeled luggage. The second loop, in conjunction with two inter-loop connectors, secures the item to the wheeled luggage. The item may be placed on top of the wheeled luggage to provide for a more comfortable and relaxed transport of the item with the wheeled luggage.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/173,504 filed Apr. 28, 2009, entitled “LUGGAGE STRAP”; the entire content of which is incorporated by this reference for all purposes as if fully disclosed herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a strap that secures an item of luggage to a wheeled luggage case.

BACKGROUND

Wheeled luggage cases are in widespread use today and greatly ease the traveler's movement in various environments, such as airports and bus and railroad stations. Many wheeled luggage cases have retractable handles that permit the traveler to pull or push the luggage item as s/he walks, while allowing one hand to remain free. A common type of such a handle comprises a pair of spaced, parallel tubes that telescope into the luggage case when not needed and can be readily withdrawn into an extended position when needed. A more recent variation on the retractable handle comprises a single retractable telescopic tubular member.
A common practice among travelers is to carry an item (i.e., a secondary piece of luggage) on the wheeled luggage case by seating the item on top of the case. Examples of such a secondary item include a cosmetic case, purse, briefcase, and computer bag. With the double tube type of handle, some stability for the “secondary” item is provided by the spaced tubes while pulling or pushing the wheeled luggage with the handle. However, even with that arrangement, especially when the tubes are closely spaced, rapid movement and turning of the wheeled luggage case can cause the secondary item to fall to the ground or at least slide or twist away from its desired position on the wheeled luggage case.
Sometimes the secondary item has a handle, referred to herein as the “secondary handle.” The sliding and twisting of the secondary item from its desired position on the wheeled luggage is somewhat improved if the person pulling or pushing the wheeled luggage grasps the handle of the wheeled luggage (referred to herein as the “primary handle”) and the secondary handle using the same hand. However, in many cases, the secondary handle is not sufficiently large enough to be able to grasp both the primary handle and the secondary handle in the same hand while having the secondary item rest on top of the wheeled luggage. In either case, the person transporting the secondary item on the wheeled luggage must either (a) constantly check to determine whether the secondary item is about to fall off the wheeled luggage or (b) constantly secure, with his/her hand, the secondary item to the wheeled luggage.
In an alternative approach, some travelers use a clip that secures a secondary item to a side (i.e., not the top) of a wheeled luggage. However, securing a secondary item to a side of a wheeled luggage increases the likelihood that the secondary item will unintentionally come in contact with other items or stationary objects. Also, securing a secondary item to a non-top side of a wheeled luggage causes the center of gravity of the cumulative luggage to shift such that, when the wheeled luggage is upright, the weight of the secondary item may cause the wheeled luggage to tip over without additional support (e.g., by the traveler or a wall).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a luggage strap, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A depicts a view of an inter-loop connector and a portion of a secondary loop connector, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B depicts a view of a portion of a main loop connector, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2C depicts views of a buckle, which is part of the main loop connector, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2D depicts a view of the secondary loop connector, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2E depicts a view of an extra portion of the luggage strap, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2F depicts a band that may be used to bundle the extra portion, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 depicts an example process for securing an item on a wheeled case using the luggage strap depicted in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A depicts a view of a main loop connector both before and after the main loop connector is unfastened, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B depicts a frontal perspective view of a wheeled case before the main loop connector is re-fasted and a frontal direct view of the wheeled case after the main loop connector is re-fasted, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4C depicts views of the secondary loop connector both before and after a secondary loop connector is unfastened, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4D depicts frontal perspective views of the wheeled case both before and after an item is placed on the top of the wheeled case, according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 4E depicts two posterior perspective views of the wheeled case with the item secured on the top of the wheeled case, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

General Overview

A strap is described herein for securing a secondary item on a wheeled luggage case (or simply “wheeled case”). A primary loop of the strap is used to encircle the wheeled case while a secondary loop of the strap is used to encircle the secondary item. The primary loop is connected to the secondary loop at two different points. The strap allows the secondary item to be easily secured to the wheeled case without a person having to separately secure the secondary item with his/her hand. The strap also allows the secondary item to be easily unsecured from the wheeled case. The primary loop of the strap may be used to tighten the wheeled case to help reduce any bulge in the wheeled case and/or provide extra security for any items enclosed inside the wheeled case. When unsecuring the secondary item from the wheeled case by detaching ends of the secondary loop, the primary loop may remain on the wheeled case. After the secondary item is unsecured from the wheeled case, the ends of the secondary loop may be re-attached so that the ends of the secondary loop do not loosely hang or swing from the wheeled case while the wheeled case is moving.

The Strap

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a strap 100, according to an embodiment of the invention. Strap 100 comprises two loops (102 and 104) of an elongated flexible member (EFM) 106. EFM 106 may be of any type of flexible material, such as a nylon webbing or other type of fabric. EFM 106 may be a single continuous piece of material, as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-2F. Alternatively, EFM 106 may comprise multiple non-continuous pieces of material. The width of EFM 106 may vary. For example, the width of EFM 106 may be between 25 mm and 150 mm.
Main loop 102 and secondary loop 104 are connected to each other by two inter-loop connectors (ILCs), which are described in more detail below.
Each of loops 102 and 104 also has a connector (i.e., connectors 120 and 130, respectively) that connects ends of the respective loop. When a connector does not connect ends of the corresponding loop, then the loop is “open.” Conversely, when a connector does not connect two ends of the corresponding loop, then the loop is “closed.”
Returning to FIG. 1, like ILC 110, main loop connector (MLC) 120 functions as an ILC. ILC 110 and MLC 120 connect main loop 102 to secondary loop 104 at two different points. ILC 110 is depicted in greater detail in FIG. 2A. MLC 120 is depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 2B-C.
Thus, main loop 102 is formed by ILC 110, MLC 120, and a portion of EFM 106. Secondary loop 104 is formed by ILC 110, a portion of MLC 120, a portion of EFM 106, and secondary loop connector (SLC) 130. SLC 130 is depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 2A and 2D.
Main loop 102 is used to encircle a wheeled case (i.e., the primary luggage) while secondary loop 104 is used to encircle a secondary item that is placed on top of the wheeled case. Alternatively, secondary loop 104 is used to secure a secondary item on a non-top side of a wheeled case.

Inter-Loop Connector

ILC 110 may be any type of connector that, in conjunction with MLC 120, connects one loop of a strap to another loop of the strap. Thus, ILC 110 may comprise a buckle that is attached to, but separate from, EFM 106, such as one of the buckles disclosed herein. However, FIGS. 1 and 2A depict ILC 110 as a different type of connector than one of the buckles disclosed herein. In the example depicted in FIG. 2A, ILC 110 comprises a double fold in EFM 106. However, ILC 110 may alternatively comprise a single or triple fold. The double fold creates three layers of EFM 106. The double fold may be secured by any method, such as by (a) applying an adhesive between the layers that would prevent the double fold from loosening despite a significant amount of force or (b) sewing the layers together.

Main Loop Connector

FIGS. 2B-C depict parts of MLC 120, according to an embodiment of the invention. MLC 120 comprises a fold 222 in EFM 106 (see FIG. 2B) and a rigid or semi-rigid buckle 220 (see FIG. 2C). Fold 222 creates a loop 224. A hook 226 created by a space 228 of buckle 220 allows loop 224 to encircle hook 226. Buckle 220 is said to be “fastened” while loop 224 encircles hook 226.
FIG. 2C depicts front, back, and side views of buckle 220. In addition to comprising hook 226, buckle 220 comprises length adjustment slots 230 through which a portion of EFM 106 may move. Movement of EFM 106 through length adjustment slots 230 causes main loop 102 to increase or decrease in length. In other words, if main loop 102 encircles a wheeled case, then moving EFM 106 through length adjustment slots 230 would tighten or loosen main loop 102 around the wheeled case.
Thus, buckle 220 serves as: (a) an ILC that connects main loop 102 to secondary loop 104; (b) an adjustment member to allow main loop 102 to increase or decrease in length; and (c) a closing member that allows two ends of main loop 102 to be secured to each other (thus, closing main loop 102), but not necessarily touching each other.
In an alternative embodiment, the features of buckle 220 that allow buckle 220 to serve as an ILC, adjustment member, and closing member may be separated into two or three separate and disconnected elements. For example, buckle 220 may not include space 228. Thus, loop 224 would be permanently connected to buckle 220. Then, further away from buckle 220, another connector, such as a buckle like buckle 234 described in detail below, may connect two detachable ends of main loop 102. One of the detachable ends is a part of EFM 106 that includes a loop, such as loop 224. In this example, buckle 220 would serve as an ILC and an adjustment member while the other connector servers as the closing member.

Secondary Loop Connector

FIGS. 2A and D depict parts of SLC 130, according to an embodiment of the invention. SLC 130 comprises a fold 232 in EFM 106 and a rigid plastic buckle 234. As depicted in FIG. 2A, fold 232 creates a loop 236. As depicted in FIG. 2D, buckle 234 comprises a male buckle element 234A and a female buckle element 234B. Male buckle element 234A comprises length adjustment slots 238 through which a portion of EFM 106 (i.e., that corresponds to secondary loop 104) may move. FIGS. 2A and 2D further depict female buckle element 234B, which comprises a hole 240 that forms an attachment region 242 on female buckle element 234B. Hole 240 allows loop 236 to encircle attachment region 242 in order to permanently secure female buckle element 234B to EFM 106.
As depicted in FIG. 1, EFM 106 also comprises an extra portion 140, which is depicted in greater detail in FIG. 2E. Extra portion 140 is the portion of EFM 106 that (a) extends from length adjustment slot 238 of male buckle element 234A and (b) does not continue to MLC 120. By manually pulling on extra portion 140, main loop 102 and secondary loop 104 become shorter in length, thus securing a secondary item to a wheeled case.
Thus, buckle 234 serves as: (a) an adjustment member to allow secondary loop 104 to increase or decrease in length; and (b) a closing member that allows two detachable ends of secondary loop 104 to be secured to each other (thus, closing secondary loop 104), but not necessarily touching each other.
In an alternative embodiment, the features of buckle 234 that allow buckle 234 to serve as the adjustment member and closing member may be separated into separate and disconnected elements.

Adjusting the Loops

Main loop 102 comprises a portion of EFM 106 that (a) begins (or ends) at secondary loop 104 and extends away from MLC 120 and (b) ends (or begins) at ILC 110. By manually pulling on the outside portion of secondary loop 104 away from MLC 120, main loop 102 decreases in length. Conversely, by manually pulling on the inside portion of secondary loop 104 away from MLC 120, main loop 102 might increase in length. Alternatively, if MLC 120 comprises buckle 220, then increasing main loop 102 in length might require manually lifting the top part of buckle 220 away from secondary loop 104. The length (or circumference) of main loop 102 may vary between 2 feet (˜610 mm) and 10 feet (3048 mm).
If MLC 120 does not include an adjustment member and the adjustment member is separate from MLC 120 (i.e., the adjustment member is located on another portion of main loop 102), then manually pulling on the outside portion of secondary loop 104 would not cause main loop 102 to increase or decrease in length.
Secondary loop 104 comprises a portion of EFM 106 that extends (a) from SLC 130 to MLC 120 and (b) from MLC 120 to ILC 110. Thus, both main loop 102 and secondary loop 104 comprise a portion of EFM 106 that extends from MLC 120 to ILC 110. By manual pulling on extra portion 140 away from SLC 130, secondary loop 104 becomes shorter in length. Conversely, to the extent that one can pull on the outside portion of secondary loop 104 away from SLC 130, secondary loop 104 becomes longer in length. Alternatively, if SLC 130 comprises buckle 234, then increasing secondary loop 104 in length might require manually lifting the bottom part of male buckle element 234A away from secondary loop 104. The length (or circumference) of secondary loop 104 may vary between 1 feet (˜305 mm) and 8 feet (˜2438 mm).
If MLC 120 does not include an adjustment member and the adjustment member is separate from MLC 120, then secondary loop 104 may still comprise a portion of EFM 106 that extends (a) from SLC 130 to MLC 120 and (b) from MLC 120 to ILC 110.

Example Process for Securing a Secondary Item

FIG. 3 depicts an example process for securing an item to a wheeled case, according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is described herein with reference to FIGS. 4A-E. The example process begins at a point where, before any portion of strap 100 is around any luggage, (a) main loop 102 is secured to secondary loop 104 by ILC 110 and MLC 120 at two different points on main loop 102 and (b) secondary loop 104 is closed by male buckle element 234A being inserted in female buckle element 234B.
At step 310, main loop 102 is opened, i.e., by unfastening MLC 120. In one embodiment, opening main loop 102 comprises removing loop 224 of main loop 102 from hook 226 of buckle 220, as shown in FIG. 4A.
FIG. 4B depicts a frontal perspective view of wheeled case 404 before MLC 120 is re-fastened and a frontal direct view of wheeled case 404 after MLC 120 is re-fastened, according to an embodiment of the invention. The frontal perspective view depicts, of wheeled case 404, a retractable handle 405 that is fully (or at least partially) extended, a top 406, a front 407, and a side 408A. Neither top 406, front 407, side 408A, nor any side of wheeled case 404 is required to be flat. For example, one or more of the sides of wheeled case 404 may be convex or concave or any combination thereof.
At step 320, main loop 102 is wrapped around wheeled case 404. FIG. 4B depicts a portion of strap 100 as main loop 102 encircles wheeled case 404 without MLC 120 being fastened.
At step 330, main loop 102 is closed, i.e., by fastening MLC 120. In one embodiment, closing main loop 102 comprises placing loop 224 over hook 226 of buckle 220. Step 330 may further comprise tightening strap 100 by manually pulling on the outer portion of secondary loop 104 away from buckle 220. The outer portion of secondary loop 104 is the portion of EFM 106 that extends from one of the length adjustment slots 230 of buckle 220 to one of the length adjustment slots 238 of male buckle element 234A.
At step 340, secondary loop 104 is opened by unfastening SLC 130. In one embodiment, opening secondary loop 104 comprises unlinking male buckle element 234A from female buckle element 234B while main loop 102 is closed and encircles wheeled case 404. FIG. 4C depicts SLC 130 both before and after SLC 130 is unfastened.
At step 350, item 402 is placed on top 406 of wheeled case 404. Like FIG. 4B, FIG. 4D depicts a frontal perspective view of wheeled case 404. Specifically, FIG. 4D depicts two frontal perspective views of wheeled case 404, one of wheeled case 404 before step 350 is performed and one of wheeled case 404 after step 350 is performed. By placing item 402 on top 406, item 402 is placed on a portion of strap 100 that comprises an outside portion of main loop 102, which is also an inside portion of to-be-formed secondary loop 104. Secondary loop 104 is closed in step 360.
FIG. 4E depicts two posterior perspective views of wheeled case 404. These posterior perspective views depict, of wheeled case 404, a side 408B, a back 409, and wheels 411.
At step 360, secondary loop 104 is closed by fastening SLC 130. In one embodiment, closing secondary loop 104 comprises inserting male buckle element 234A into female buckle element 234B. One posterior perspective view of FIG. 4E depicts the result of step 360.
At step 370 secondary loop 104 is tightened by manually pulling on extra portion 140 away from SLC 130.
After step 370, extra portion 140 may be substantial in length. Thus, step 370 may further comprise (a) rolling up the extra portion 140 resulting in rolled-up portion 142 and (b) wrapping band 150 around rolled-up portion 142 to keep rolled-up portion 142 from unrolling or unraveling. Another posterior perspective view of FIG. 4E depicts the result of step 370.

Alternative Embodiments

Although ILC 110, MLC 120, and SLC 130 are depicted in the drawings as comprising specific elements, embodiments of the invention are not limited to those specific elements. ILC 110, MLC 120, and SLC 130 may comprise any elements to create and form loops 102 and 104. For example, Velcro may be used in one or more of connectors 110-130. As another example, instead of fold 222 in EFM 106 and attachment region 242 of female buckle element 234B, female buckle element 234B may be permanently secured to EFM 106 through another means. As yet another example, connectors 110-130 may be the same type of connector.
In an embodiment, strap 100 may be used for any carry-on approved wheeled case. Additionally, strap 100 may be used for other sizes of wheeled cases, such as wheeled cases that exceed carry-on approved size dimensions.
In an embodiment, SLC 130 is further away from ILC 110 than is depicted in FIG. 1.
In an embodiment, instead of being a separate article relative to wheeled luggage 404, strap 100 may be permanently attached to wheeled luggage 404. In such an embodiment, MLC 120 may not include a closing member and, optionally, an adjustment member.
In an embodiment, strap 100 (or a part of strap 100, such as EFM 106 or buckle 220) may act as a luggage identifier by coming in one or more distinctive colors. In a related embodiment, strap 100 (or one or more parts thereof) may come in multiple designs. For example, instead of the edges of EFM 106 being parallel with respect to each other, one or more of the edges of EFM 106 may have a sinusoidal shape or a jagged edge shape.
In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. Thus, the sole and exclusive indicator of what is the invention, and is intended by the applicants to be the invention, is the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction. Any definitions expressly set forth herein for terms contained in such claims shall govern the meaning of such terms as used in the claims. Hence, no limitation, element, property, feature, advantage, or attribute that is not expressly recited in a claim should limit the scope of such claim in any way. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. An article comprising:

an elongated flexible member;

a first loop that comprises one or more first portions of the elongated flexible member;

a second loop that comprises one or more second portions of the elongated flexible member, a secondary loop connector, a first end, and a second end that is attachable to the first end by the secondary loop connector;

a first inter-loop connector that allows the first loop to be attached to the second loop at a first point in the elongated flexible member, and

a second inter-loop connector that allows the first loop to be attached to the second loop at a second point in the elongated flexible member, wherein the second point is different than the first point.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the secondary loop connector comprises an adjustment member that allows the second loop to increase and decrease in length.

3. The article of claim 1, wherein the second inter-loop connector comprises an adjustment member that allows the first loop to increase and decrease in length.

4. The article of claim 1, wherein the second inter-loop connector comprises a hook that allows one detachable end of the first loop to attach to the second inter-loop connector.

5. The article of claim 1, wherein:

the secondary loop connector comprises a buckle that comprises a male buckle element and a female buckle element; and

the female buckle element comprises a hole for attaching one end of the second loop to the female buckle element.

6. The article of claim 5, wherein:

the male buckle element comprises length adjustment slots; and

the second loop increases or decreases in length as a portion of the elongated flexible member moves through the length adjustment slots.

7. The article of claim 6, wherein:

the elongated flexible member comprises an extra portion that extends (a) from the length adjustment slots of the male buckle element and (b) is not part of the second loop; and

the second loop decreases as the extra portion is pulled away from male buckle element.

8. The article of claim 7, further comprising a band capable of encircling a rolled up portion of the extra portion to prevent the rolled up portion from unraveling.

9. An article comprising:

an elongated flexible member;

wherein the secondary loop connector comprises a buckle that comprises a male buckle element and a female buckle element;

wherein the female buckle element comprises a hole for attaching one end of the second loop to the female buckle element;

wherein the male buckle element comprises length adjustment slots;

wherein the second loop increases or decreases in length as a portion of the elongated flexible member moves through the length adjustment slots;

a first inter-loop connector; and

a second inter-loop connector that comprises (a) second length adjustment slots that allows the first loop to increase and decrease in length and (b) a hook for attaching one detachable end of the first loop to the second inter-loop connector;

wherein the first loop is attachable to the second loop by the first inter-loop connector and the second inter-loop connector;

wherein the elongated flexible member comprises an extra portion that extends (a) from the second length adjustment slots and (b) is not part of the second loop;

wherein the second loop decreases as the extra portion is pulled away from male buckle element.

10. An article for securing an item to a wheeled case, the article comprising:

first means for forming a first loop of an elongated flexible member to encircle the wheeled case;

second means for forming a second loop of the elongated flexible member to encircle the item and to secure the item to the wheeled case;

third means for connecting the first loop to the second loop; and

fourth means for adjusting the size of the second loop.

11. The article of claim 10, further comprising fifth means for adjusting the size of the first loop.

12. The article of claim 10, wherein the third means comprises:

fifth means for connecting the first loop to the second loop at a first point in the first loop; and

sixth means for connecting the first loop to the second loop at a second point in the first loop, wherein the second point is a different point in the first loop than the first point.

13. A method for securing an item to a wheeled case, the method comprising:

encircling the wheeled case with a first loop of a strap;

placing the item on a top side of the wheeled case; and

encircling the item with a second loop of the strap that is different than the first loop.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein encircling the wheeled case with the first loop of the strap comprises:

opening the first loop by unfastening a connector of the first loop to detach two ends of the first loop;

wrapping the opened first loop around the wheeled case;

closing the first loop by fastening the connector to attach the two ends of the first loop; and

as the first loop encircles the wheeled case, decreasing the size of the first loop.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein placing the item on the top side of the wheeled case comprises opening the second loop by unfastening a connector of the second loop to detach two ends of the second loop.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein encircling the item with the second loop of the strap comprises:

while the second loop is not closed, wrapping the second loop around the item;

closing the second loop by fastening a connector of the second loop to attach two ends of the second loop;

as the second loop encircles the item, decreasing the size of the second loop;