Stackable Luggage System

Abstract

A stackable luggage system is provided. The system includes a plurality of suitcases including a primary suitcase and a secondary suitcase, wherein the plurality of suitcases each include a base, a plurality of sidewalls, and an upper end defining an interior volume. Each suitcase further includes an extendable support arm disposed within the base. The support arm can selectively move between an extended position and a retracted position. The support arm is dimensioned to retain a suitcase of the plurality of suitcases thereon when in the extended position. In some embodiments, a strap is affixed to a rear side of each suitcase, wherein the strap can secure the plurality of suitcases together.

Claims

1. A stackable luggage system, comprising: a plurality of suitcases including at least a primary suitcase and a secondary suitcase; wherein the plurality of suitcases each include a base, a plurality of sidewalls, and an upper end defining an interior volume; wherein each suitcase includes an extendable support arm disposed within the base; wherein the support arm is configured to selectively move between an extended position and a retracted position; wherein the support arm is configured to retain a suitcase of the plurality of suitcases thereon when the support arm is in the extended position.

2. The stackable luggage system of claim 1, wherein the support arm comprises a pair of telescopic arms and an end bracket, wherein the end bracket comprises a first portion disposed perpendicularly to a second portion.

3. The stackable luggage system of claim 2, wherein the second portion is configured to rest flush against a front side of a suitcase supported on the support arm.

4. The stackable luggage system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wheels on a base of each suitcase of the plurality of suitcases.

5. The stackable luggage system of claim 4, wherein a width of the support arm is less than a distance between the plurality of wheels, such that the support arm rests between the plurality of wheels when a suitcase of the plurality of suitcases is supported thereon.

6. The stackable luggage system of claim 1, further comprising a strap removably securable about the plurality of suitcases, the strap having complementary fasteners on opposing ends thereof.

7. The stackable luggage system of claim 1, wherein each suitcase of the plurality of suitcases comprises a handle on the upper end.

8. The stackable luggage system of claim 7, wherein the handle is telescopically extendable.

9. The stackable luggage system of claim 1, wherein the primary suitcase comprises a larger volume than the secondary suitcase.

10. The stackable luggage system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of suitcases further comprises a tertiary suitcase having a volume less than that of each of the primary suitcase and the secondary suitcase.

11. A stackable luggage system, comprising: a plurality of suitcases including at least a primary suitcase and a secondary suitcase; wherein the plurality of suitcases each include a base, a plurality of sidewalls, and an upper end defining an interior volume; wherein each suitcase includes an extendable support arm disposed within the base; wherein the support arm is configured to selectively move between an extended position and a retracted position; wherein the support arm is configured to retain a suitcase of the plurality of suitcases thereon when the support arm is in the extended position; a strap affixed to a rear side of each suitcase of the plurality of suitcases, wherein the strap comprises a first section and a second section; wherein the first section and the second section are removably securable together via complementary fasteners disposed on each of the first section and the second section.

12. The stackable luggage system of claim 11, wherein the support arm comprises a pair of telescopic arms and an end bracket, wherein the end bracket comprises a first portion disposed perpendicularly to a second portion.

13. The stackable luggage system of claim 12, wherein the second portion is configured to rest flush against a front side of a suitcase supported on the support arm.

14. The stackable luggage system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of wheels on a base of each suitcase of the plurality of suitcases.

15. The stackable luggage system of claim 14, wherein a width of the support arm is less than a distance between the plurality of wheels, such that the support arm rests between the plurality of wheels when a suitcase of the plurality of suitcases is supported thereon.

16. The stackable luggage system of claim 11, wherein the first section and the second section of the strap are selectively movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the retracted position, the strap is disposed within the rear side of the suitcase.

17. The stackable luggage system of claim 16, wherein the first section and the second section are biased towards the retracted position.

18. The stackable luggage system of claim 11, wherein each suitcase of the plurality of suitcases comprises a handle on the upper end.

19. The stackable luggage system of claim 11, wherein the primary suitcase comprises a larger volume than the secondary suitcase.

20. The stackable luggage system of claim 19, wherein the plurality of suitcases further comprises a tertiary suitcase having a volume less than that of each of the primary suitcase and the secondary suitcase.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the stackable luggage system.

[0010] FIG. 2A shows a lower perspective view of an embodiment of a suitcase of the stackable luggage system with a support arm in a retracted position.

[0011] FIG. 2B shows a lower perspective view of an embodiment of a suitcase of the stackable luggage system with a support arm in an extended position.

[0012] FIG. 3 shows a rear view of an embodiment of a suitcase of the stackable luggage system with an integrated strap.

[0013] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the stackable luggage system in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the stackable luggage system. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

[0015] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the stackable luggage system. The stackable luggage system 11 comprises a plurality of suitcases 12 including a primary suitcase 13 and a secondary suitcase 14. Additional suitcases can further be included in the plurality of suitcases 12 as desired, such as a tertiary suitcase (as shown in FIG. 4, 15). Each suitcase of the plurality of suitcases 12 comprises a base 16, a plurality of sidewalk 17 extending from the base, and an upper end 18 defining an interior volume. In the illustrated embodiment, each suitcase comprises a front shell and a rear shell removably securable via a zipper or other fastener, however alternate suitcase constructions are contemplated. In the shown embodiment, the base 16, the plurality of sidewalls 17, and the upper end 18 comprise a rigid and durable shell, however fabric and other materials are also contemplated.

[0016] A support arm 20 is affixed to the base 16 and, as shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2A and 2B, is configured to selectively move between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the extended position an additional suitcase of the plurality of suitcases 12 can be supported thereon. In this manner, the plurality of suitcases 12 are configured to be consolidated into a single unit for ease of transport. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, a handle 30 is affixed to the upper end 18 of each suitcase of the plurality of suitcases. In some embodiments, the handle 30 comprises a telescopic construction configured to selectively extend and retract to allow a user to grasp the handle 30 to drag the stackable luggage system 11 behind them. In the shown embodiment, supplemental handles are further affixed to the plurality of suitcases 12 along the plurality of sidewalls 17 and the upper end 18 to provide additional carrying options when each suitcase is utilized individually. In the shown embodiment, the supplemental handles comprise fabric straps.

[0017] In the shown embodiment, the stackable luggage system 11 further comprises a strap 27. In this embodiment, the strap 27 is separate and distinct from the plurality of suitcases 12 and can be removably secured about the plurality of suitcases 12 to provide additional stability to the system when the secondary suitcase 14 is supported on the support arm 20 of the primary suitcase 13. The strap 27 can be secured about the plurality of suitcases 12 via a pair of complementary fasteners 28 disposed on opposing ends 29 of the strap 27. In some embodiments, the strap 27 is adjustable in length so as to allow the user to secure the strap 27 about two or more suitcases of the plurality of suitcases 12. In another embodiment, the strap 27 comprises an elastic material, such that the length of the strap 27 can selectively expand to accommodate multiple suitcases. In the illustrated embodiment, the complementary fasteners 28 comprise hook and loop fasteners, however, in other embodiments, alternate complementary fasteners 28 are contemplated, such as snap fasteners, clasps, and the like. One or more straps 27 can be utilized to provide further support to the plurality of suitcases 12. When not in use, the strap 27 can be removed from the plurality of suitcases 12 and wrapped about the handle 30 for storage.

[0018] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there is shown a lower perspective view of an embodiment of a suitcase of the stackable luggage system with a support arm in a retracted position and a lower perspective view of an embodiment of a suitcase of the stackable luggage system with a support arm in an extended position, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the support arm 20 is disposed within the base 16 and is selectively movable between an extended position (as shown in FIG. 2B) and a retracted position (as shown in FIG. 2A). In the illustrated embodiment the support arm 20 is disposed within a compartment 35 within the base 16 when in the retracted position. In this manner, the support arm 20 can be stowed for ease of transport and storage. In this embodiment, the support arm 20 comprises a pair of telescopic arms 21 having an end bracket 22 affixed to a distal end thereof. The end bracket 22 comprises a first portion 23 parallel to the pair of telescopic arms 21 and a second portion 24 disposed perpendicular to the first portion 23. The second portion 24 is configured to retain a suitcase supported on the telescopic arms 21. In some embodiments, the second portion 24 is configured to rest flush against a front side of the suitcase when in the retracted position. In the shown embodiment, the end bracket 22 further comprises a brace 34 extending between opposing sides of the end bracket 22 between the pair of telescopic arms 21, wherein the brace 34 is configured to provide additional stability to the end bracket 22.

[0019] In the shown embodiments, a plurality of wheels 26 are disposed on a lower surface of the base 16, wherein the plurality of wheels 26 allow the user to drag the stackable luggage system efficiently. In some embodiments, the plurality of wheels 26 comprise caster wheels pivotable about a vertical axis to provide additional maneuverability to the stackable luggage system. In such embodiments, a width of the support arm 20 is less than a linear distance between the plurality of wheels 26 such that the support arm 20 can be received therebetween. In this manner additional suitcases of the plurality of suitcases can be stored on the support arm 20 such that the plurality of wheels 26 are disposed on opposing sides of the support arm 20. This prevents the plurality of wheels 26 from interfering with the utilization of the support arm 20, while also providing lateral stability to the suitcase secured on the support arm 20. As the suitcase on the support arm 20 shifts laterally, the plurality of wheels 26 impact the support arm 20, thereby preventing further lateral shifts.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a rear view of an embodiment of a suitcase of the stackable luggage system with an integrated strap. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap 27 is integral with each suitcase of the plurality of suitcases. Particularly, in this embodiment, the strap 27 is shown affixed to a rear side 31 of the primary suitcase 13. The strap 27 further comprises a first section 32 and a second section 33, wherein each of the first and second sections 32, 33 comprise complementary fasteners 28 thereon, such that the first section 32 is removably securable to the second section 33. In alternate embodiments, additional straps 27 can be permanently affixed to the rear side 31 such that several points of contact can be maintained between the plurality of suitcases. In some embodiments, the first and second sections 32, 33 are permanently affixed to the rear side 31 of each suitcase, however, in the shown embodiment, the first and second sections 32, 33 are selectively movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the first and second sections 32, 33 are disposed within the rear side 31 when in the retracted position. In such embodiments, a pair of slots 36 are disposed through the rear side 31 providing access to an interior portion of the rear side 31. In some embodiments, the first and second sections 32, 33 are biased towards the retracted position via a retraction device. In this manner, the first and second sections 32, 33 can be readily deployed and stored within each suitcase, similar to a typical seatbelt system. In some embodiments, the complementary fasteners 28 in combination with the strap 27 comprise a thickness greater than the opening provided by the pair of slots 36. In this manner, the distal end of each of the first and second sections 32, 33 can be maintained exterior to the rear side 31, thereby providing a grasping surface for the user.

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the stackable luggage system in use. In one use, the plurality of suitcases can be stacked and secured together to define a singular connected unit for ease of transport. Particularly, the support arm 20 of the largest suitcase, which in the illustrated embodiment is the primary suitcase 13, is extended and the additional suitcases are placed upon the support arm 20. In the shown embodiment, each of the suitcases is decreasing in volume, such that the primary suitcase 13 comprises the largest volume, the secondary suitcase 14 comprises a smaller volume than the primary suitcase 13, and the tertiary suitcase 15 comprises a smaller volume than each of the primary and secondary suitcases 13, 14. In this manner, the user can stack the plurality of suitcases in decreasing size to provide maximum stability. The support arm 20 can then be retracted until the second portion 24 of the end bracket rests flush against a front side 25 of the last suitcase, which in the shown embodiment is the tertiary suitcase 15, In some embodiments, the second portion 25 of the primary suitcase 13 comprises a larger area than a corresponding second portion of the secondary or tertiary suitcases 14, 15, such that the second portion 25 of the primary suitcase 13 secures over the end bracket of the remaining suitcases. The plurality of suitcases can then be further secured via one or more straps 27. In the shown embodiment, a pair of straps 27 are used to secure the primary and secondary suitcases 13, 14, and an additional pair of straps 27 secure the secondary and tertiary suitcases 14, 15 together, respectively. The one or more straps 27 are configured to prevent the plurality of suitcases from tipping laterally off of the support arm 20 during transport. The user can then extend the handle 30 and tilt the stackable luggage system to transport the combination to a desired location.

[0022] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0023] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.