CONVERTIBLE LUGGAGE LINER AND METHOD FOR CONVERTING A BAG BETWEEN A LUGGAGE LINER AND A LAUNDRY BAG

Abstract

A convertible luggage liner and method for converting a bag between a luggage liner and a laundry bag serves converts at least one stretchable bag between a luggage liner and a laundry bag, towel, or blanket. The luggage liner comprises two bags that are operable, both inside, and independent of, a luggage. The bags adapt to luggage compartment walls, so as to form a protective liner in a luggage compartment. The bags also detach from the luggage to form a laundry bag, a beach towel, or a picnic blanket. A fastening mechanism engages fastening receivers in the edge of the bag walls and the luggage walls to enable easy binding and unbinding of the bags with the luggage. In this manner, removing the bag from the luggage compartment allows a user to wash the bag, and dual options of using the bag as laundry bag, beach towel, or picnic blanket.

Claims

1. A convertible luggage liner, the luggage liner comprising: a luggage defined by a luggage compartment having at least one luggage wall, at least a portion of the luggage wall comprising a first fastener receiver; at least one stretchable bag defined by a side bag wall, a bottom bag wall, and a top bag wall, the top bag wall forming an opening, the bag walls being adapted to conform to the shape of the luggage compartment, at least one of the bag walls defined by an edge having a second fastener receiver; a fastening mechanism being operable with the first and second fastener receivers, the fastening mechanism detachably binding the first fastener receiver of the luggage wall to the second fastener receiver of the bag walls, whereby the fastening mechanism regulates attachment and detachment of the stretchable bag to the luggage, whereby the stretchable bag is operable as a liner when fastened into the luggage compartment, whereby the stretchable bag is operable as a laundry bag when separated from the luggage compartment; and at least one drawstring joined to the top bag wall, the drawstring regulating the opening in the top bag wall.

2. The luggage liner of claim 1, wherein at least one stretchable bag comprises two bags.

3. The luggage liner of claim 1, wherein the top bag wall comprises an elastic neck around the opening.

4. The luggage liner of claim 1, wherein the stretchable bag is operable as a blanket when separated from the luggage compartment.

5. The luggage liner of claim 1, wherein the stretchable bag is operable as a towel when separated from the luggage compartment.

6. The luggage liner of claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises at least one of the following: a zipper, a button, a hook and loop fastener, and a magnet.

7. The luggage liner of claim 1, wherein the first and second fastener receivers comprise a clasp locker.

8. The luggage liner of claim 1, wherein the luggage includes at least one of the following: a suitcase, a vehicle trunk, a storage bag, a travel bag, and a duffle bag.

9. The luggage liner of claim 1, wherein the material of the luggage liner includes at least one of the following: a stretchable fabric material, a plastic material, or a mesh material.

10. The luggage liner of claim 1, wherein the luggage liner is washable and replaceable to maintain the freshness of the inner luggage.

11. The luggage liner of claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism is a zipper, regular button, snap on button, or Velcro fastener.

12. The luggage liner of claim 1, wherein the stretchable bag is washable and re-usable.

13. The luggage liner of claim 1, wherein the stretchable bag is fabricated from at least one of the following: vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, a stretchable fabric material, a plastic material, rubber, or a mesh material.

14. The luggage liner of claim 1, wherein the stretchable bag comprises a fragrance.

15. A convertible luggage liner, the luggage liner comprising: at least one stretchable bag defined by a side bag wall, a bottom bag wall, and a top bag wall, the top bag wall forming an opening, at least one of the bag walls defined by an edge, at least a portion of the edge having a second fastener receiver; a fastening mechanism operable with the second fastener receiver; and at least one drawstring joined to the top bag wall, the drawstring regulating the opening in the top bag wall.

16. The luggage liner of claim 15, further comprising a luggage defined by a luggage compartment having at least one luggage wall, the luggage wall comprising a first fastener receiver.

17. The luggage liner of claim 16, wherein the bag walls are adapted to conform to the shape of the luggage compartment.

18. The luggage liner of claim 17, wherein the fastening mechanism detachably binds the first fastener receiver of the luggage wall to the second fastener receiver of the bag walls.

19. The luggage liner of claim 18, wherein the fastening mechanism regulates attachment and detachment of the stretchable bag to the luggage, wherein the stretchable bag is operable as a liner when fastened into the luggage compartment, wherein the stretchable bag is operable as a laundry bag when separated from the luggage compartment.

20. A method for converting a bag between a luggage liner and a laundry bag, the method comprising: providing a luggage, the luggage defined by a luggage compartment having at least one luggage wall, the luggage wall comprising a first fastener receiver; adapting at least one stretchable bag to lie along the luggage wall in the compartment, the bag being defined by a side bag wall, a bottom bag wall, and a top bag wall, the top bag wall forming an opening, at least one of the bag walls defined by an edge having a second fastener receiver; aligning the first and second fastener receivers in the luggage compartment; binding, with a fastening mechanism, the first and second fastener receivers, whereby the bag is operable as a liner in the luggage compartment; unbinding, with the fastening mechanism, the first and second fastener receivers; detaching the bag from the luggage compartment; prying open the opening in the top bag wall; introducing laundry into the bag through the opening; cinching the drawstring to close the opening, whereby the bag is operable as a laundry bag; and positioning the bag on the ground, whereby the bag is operable as a towel or a blanket.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary a convertible luggage liner, showing two stretchable bags, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary luggage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate perspective views of the luggage liner with the fastening mechanisms attached to the entire periphery of the laundry bag walls and the luggage walls, where FIG. 3A shows the luggage liner binded with the luggage and serving as a liner, and FIG. 3B shows the luggage liner unbinded from the luggage to serve as a laundry bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method for converting a bag between a luggage liner and a laundry bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0042] A convertible luggage liner 100 and method 400 for converting a bag 102a-b between a luggage liner 100 and a laundry bag 302 is referenced in FIGS. 1-6. The convertible luggage liner 100 is configured to easily convert at least one stretchable bag 102a-b between a luggage liner 100 and a laundry bag 302, while enabling operability, both with, and independent of, a luggage 200.

[0043] As FIG. 1 references, the convertible luggage liner 100, hereafter liner 100 serves to converting at least one stretchable bag 102a, 102b between a luggage liner 100 and a laundry bag 302, towel 400, or blanket. Luggage liner 100 comprises one, two, or more stretchable bags that are operable, both inside, and independent of, a luggage 200. Bag 102a-b is adapted to conform to at least one luggage walls 204a-b in the luggage compartment 202. This allows bag 102a, 102b to form a protective liner 100 in the luggage compartment 202. Bag 102a-b also detaches from luggage 200 to operate as a laundry bag 302, a beach towel, or a picnic blanket.

[0044] In some embodiments, a fastening mechanism 118 engages fastening receivers 114a, 114b, 206a, 206b in the edge 112a-b of the bag walls 104a-b, 106a-b, 108a-b, and the luggage walls 204a-b. Fastening receivers' 114a-b, 206a, 206b enable easy binding and unbinding of the bags 102a-b with the luggage 200. In this manner, removing bag 102a from luggage compartment 202 allows a user to wash and keep luggage compartment 202 fresh, while also providing the dual options of using the bag 102a as a laundry bag 302, a beach towel, or a picnic blanket.

[0045] The conversion of liner 100 to a removable laundry bag 302, allows a user to interchange new luggage liners into luggage 200 to maintain a fresh smell, both in the luggage or bag 102a-b. Further, the conversion of liner 100 to eclectic styles and dimensions of towels 400 and picnic blankets 500 provides additional functionality.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the present invention is operable with luggage 200. The luggage 200 is used to store and carry items, as known in the art. In some embodiments, luggage 200 may include, without limitation, a suitcase, a vehicle trunk, a storage bag, a travel bag, and a duffle bag. In one embodiment, luggage 200 is defined by a luggage compartment 202 having at least one luggage wall 204a-b. Luggage wall 204a-b may be rigid, semi-rigid, or soft.

[0047] Luggage 200 may be bifurcated, so that two luggage compartments form in a clam shell design. Though in other embodiments, luggage 200 may include one, three, or more compartments. Luggage wall 204a-b comprises a first fastener receiver 206a, 206b. First fastener receiver 206a, 206b is configured to mate with a fastening mechanism 118, described below. First fastener receiver 206a, 206b may include a lock clasp, as is commonly used for zippers.

[0048] Looking again at FIG. 1, liner 100 comprises at least one stretchable bag 102a-b that is operable inside the luggage compartment 202. Stretchable bag is also operable independently from the luggage compartment 202. This is the unique adaptation offered by the present inventiondual purpose, highly utilitarian bag. The at least one bag 102a-b may include two bags, with each bag sized to fit in the bifurcated compartments of luggage 200.

[0049] Stretchable bags 102a-b may have a generally rectangular shape when flattened and empty; and form a cylindrical shape when full. In some embodiments, bag 102a-b is defined by an elongated shape. In other embodiments, bag 102a-b is washable and re-usable. This reduces costs associated with replacing the laundry bag 302 or serving a liner in luggage compartment 202. In yet other embodiments, bag 102a-b has a fragrance. The fragrance can be useful to keep luggage compartment 202 and/or the laundry bag 302 smelling fresh.

[0050] Bag 102a, 102b is defined by a side bag wall 104a, 104b, a bottom bag wall 106a, 106b, and a top bag wall 108a, 108b. Bag walls 104a-b, 106a-b, 108a-b are adapted to conform to the shape of the luggage compartment 202. Top bag wall 108a-b forms an opening 110 through which laundry and other items egress and ingress into interior of bag. In one non-limiting embodiment, top bag wall 108a-b comprises an elastic neck 304 around the opening 110. The walls are resilient and stretchable, so as to adapt to the demand so serving as a luggage liner 100 and a laundry bag 302, blanket, and towel 400.

[0051] In some embodiments, at least one of the bag walls 104a-b, 106a-b, 108a-b is defined by an edge 112a, 112b having a second fastener receiver 114a, 114b. Second fastener receiver 114a-b is configured to mate with a fastening mechanism 118, described below. Second fastener receiver 114a-b may include a lock clasp, as is commonly used for zippers.

[0052] When detached from the luggage 200 and serving as a laundry bag 302 filled with laundry, the stretchable bag 102a-b may have a cylindrical shape. Though in other embodiments, other shapes are possible. Suitable materials for stretchable bag 102a-b may include, without limitation, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, a stretchable fabric material, a plastic material, rubber, or a mesh material.

[0053] Looking again at FIG. 1, the liner 100 comprises a fastening mechanism 118 that is operable with the first and second fastener receivers 206a, 206b, 114a, 114b. Fastening mechanism 118 may be a separate component from the fastener receivers, or may be integral therewith. For example, a lock clasp handle or other zipping mechanism known in the art. In other embodiments, the fastening mechanism 118 may include, without limitation, a zipper, a button, a hook and loop fastener, and a magnet.

[0054] For reattachment into the luggage 200 to use as liner 100, bags 102a-b are compacted to the shape of luggage walls 204a-b, and fastened into the luggage with fastening mechanism 118 engaging first and second fastener receivers 206a, 206b, 114a-b. In some embodiments, fastening mechanism 118 is configured to detachably bind the first fastener receiver 206a, 206b of luggage wall 204a-b to second fastener receiver 114a, 114b of the bag walls. In this manner, fastening mechanism 118 regulates attachment and detachment of the stretchable bag to the luggage.

[0055] Thus, bag 102a-b is operable as a liner 100 when fastened into the luggage compartment 202; and operable as a laundry bag 302 when separated from the luggage compartment 202. After use, stretchable bags 102a-b can be removed, washed, compacted, and fastened back into luggage 200 to maintain a freshness in luggage 200. For example, during travel, liner 100 rests inside the luggage compartment 202. After travel is complete, liner 100 is removed and converted to a different function, i.e., laundry bag 302, beach towel, picnic blanket, general utility blanket etc.

[0056] When bag 102a-b is detached from the luggage in this manner, the bag 102a-b may be operable as a laundry bag 302, or a towel 400, or a blanket. Laundry bag 302, shown in FIG. 3A, may include a portable container, usually a pouch with a drawstring 116a, 116b or zippered closure, which holds dirty laundry or other items. Opening 110 provides an entry point to introduce the laundry into the laundry bag 302. As discussed above, an elastic neck 304 helps maintain opening 110 in a snug, closed position when not in use.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3B, bag comprises 102a-b at least one drawstring 116a-b that is joined to the top bag wall 108a-b. Drawstring 116a-b regulates the opening 110 in top bag wall 108a-b, so as to enable passage of laundry or other items into the interior of bag 102a, 102b when serving in the capacity of a laundry bag 302. In one embodiment, drawstring 116a, 116b utilizes a cinching mechanism in which the periphery of the opening 110 is bunched together to close opening 110. However in other embodiments, other closing means may be used, beyond drawstring 116a, 116b.

[0058] Additionally, the towel 400 configuration of bag 102a, may include a beach towel that can dry a user and also provide a clean surface to sit one or place food, drinks, sun tan lotion, and the like. Beach towel configuration may require stretchable bags 102a-b to have a more absorbent material composition than for laundry bag 302. But in each case of converting liner 100 to the aforementioned, the walls 104a-b, 106a-b, 108a-b, opening 110, and fragrant composition remain substantially the same.

[0059] Further, the blanket configuration of bag 102b may include a picnic blanket, on which food and drink items may be placed. The picnic blanket configuration serves as a barrier to protect the food from insects, dirt, and moisture.

[0060] In operation, a user opens luggage 200 and fastens one or two new bags 102a-b into luggage compartment 202. Bag walls 104a-b, 106a-b, 108a-b are sufficiently stretchable to conform to luggage walls 204a, 204b. The user may choose to keep soiled clothes in luggage 200 during the trip. Upon completing the trip, the user unfastens the fastening mechanism 118 to detach liner 100 from the luggage compartment 202.

[0061] At this point, the traveler can then place soiled clothes inside of the removable laundry bag 302. Both the liner and the soiled clothes can be laundered. A fresh and clean bag 102a-b may be fastened into the luggage compartment 202 to negate the odor of the old laundry bag liner. In this manner, the new luggage liner maintains the freshness of luggage compartment 202.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate perspective views of the luggage liner with the fastening mechanisms attached to the entire periphery of the laundry bag walls and the luggage walls, where FIG. 3A shows the luggage liner binded with the luggage and serving as a liner, and FIG. 3B shows the luggage liner unbinded from the luggage to serve as a laundry bag. In this embodiment, the first fastener receiver of the luggage wall passes along the entire edges of the luggage walls. And the second fastener receiver of the laundry bag passes along the entire periphery of the edges of the laundry bag walls. This allows the laundry bag to be entirely secured in the luggage.

[0063] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 400 for converting a bag between a luggage liner and a laundry bag. Method 400 may include an initial Step 402 of providing a luggage, the luggage defined by a luggage compartment having at least one luggage wall, the luggage wall comprising a first fastener receiver.

[0064] Method 400 may further comprise a Step 404 of adapting at least one stretchable bag to lie along the luggage wall in the compartment, the bag being defined by a side bag wall, a bottom bag wall, and a top bag wall, the top bag wall forming an opening, at least one of the bag walls defined by an edge having a second fastener receiver.

[0065] The conversion between liner 100, laundry bag 302, beach towel, and picnic blanket includes removing one or both of the stretchable bags 102a-b from luggage 200, and unfolding to a desired dimension to achieve the laundry bag 302, beach towel, or picnic blanket. For reattachment into the luggage 200 to use as liner 100, bags 102a-b are compacted to the shape of luggage walls 204a-b, and fastened into the luggage with fastening mechanism 118 engaging first and second fastener receivers 206a, 206b, 114a-b.

[0066] In some embodiments, a Step 406 includes aligning the first and second fastener receivers in the luggage compartment. A Step 408 comprises binding, with a fastening mechanism, the first and second fastener receivers, whereby the bag is operable as a liner in the luggage compartment. A Step 410 includes unbinding, with the fastening mechanism, the first and second fastener receivers. This may involve zipping means. In some embodiments, a Step 412 may include detaching the bag from the luggage compartment. A Step 414 comprises prying open the opening in the top bag wall. This may involve un-cinching the drawstrings 116a-b.

[0067] The method may further comprise a Step 416 of introducing laundry into the bag through the opening. In this manner, bag 102a serves as a laundry bag 302. Laundry bag 302 may be a hamper that holds dirty clothes to be washed or wet clothes to be dried. Laundry bag 302 is substantially the same structure of stretchable bags 102a, 102b, except that laundry bag 302 is detached from luggage compartment 202, and serves a different function. Nonetheless, the walls 104a-b, 106a-b, 108a-b, opening 110, second fastener receiver 114a-b, and drawstring 116a-b that are part of stretchable bags 102a-b operate substantially the same for the laundry bag 302.

[0068] A Step 418 includes cinching the drawstring to close the opening, whereby the bag is operable as a laundry bag. Drawstring 116a, 116b utilizes a cinching mechanism in which the periphery of the opening 110 is bunched together to close opening 110. However in other embodiments, other closing mechanisms may be used, beyond drawstring 116a, 116b. A final Step 420 includes positioning the bag on the ground, whereby the bag is operable as a towel or a blanket. After use, stretchable bags 102a-b can be removed, washed, compacted, and fastened back into luggage 200 to maintain a freshness in luggage 200.

[0069] Although the process-flow diagrams show a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted from the process-flow diagrams for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all the process steps shown in the process-flow diagrams can be combined into a single process.

[0070] These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

[0071] Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.