Abstract
Various improvements for portable containers such as luggage. Various systems, devices and methods are provided for increasing functionality for luggage and other portable containers, for example for personal travel. These improvements include a power box for portable energy provision while traveling, that may optionally be integrated with a suitcase; a portable document handler for convenient and secure transportation of documents; and an elastic strap designed to better secure luggage, as well as optionally providing a visual identifier for a bag. These improvements may optionally be used together or separately.
Claims
1. A power device system integratable into a portable container comprising: a. a power box, wherein the power box comprises: i. a rechargeable battery; ii. an electronic device; and iii. ports for charging the battery and powering an external electronic device; and b. a secure holder secured to the portable container for holding the power box, wherein the power box is removable from said secure holder.
2. (canceled)
3. The power device system of claim 3, wherein said external electronic device comprises at least one of smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, or any other suitable device that may be charged and/or powered on a standard 5 Volt USB port.
4. The power device system of claim 3, wherein said electronic device comprises electronic circuitry for converting battery voltage to a USB port voltage, for regulating output power, and for regulating incoming charge current.
5. The power device system of claim 4, wherein said circuitry drives LED or LCD indicators, for visualizing the charge condition of the battery.
6. The power device system of claim 5, wherein the secure holder comprises a lock for locking the power box within the secure holder or locking the secure holder closed when the power box is removed from the secure holder, and an indicator for indicating whether the power box is inside the secure holder.
7. The power device system of claim 6, wherein the secure holder comprises a sliding door and the lock prevents movement of the sliding door.
8. The power device system of claim 7, wherein the secure holder is integrally formed with the portable container and the sliding door.
9. (canceled)
10. A documents holder integrated into a portable container, the portable container comprising a handle, the handle being retractable into the portable container, the holder comprising: a. a document tray connected to the handle; and b. a latch for holding the document tray closed; wherein the document tray retracts into the portable container upon retraction of the handle and opens upon extension of the handle.
11. (canceled)
12. The documents holder of claim 10 wherein the latch comprises a lock.
13. The documents holder of claim 12 wherein the document tray comprises a securing strap.
14. The documents holder of claim 13, wherein the document tray is fixedly connected to the handle.
15. The documents holder of claim 13, wherein the document tray comprises at least one groove of a dimension to move slidably along the handle, wherein the document tray is removable from the portable container and the handle by sliding along said groove, and wherein the document tray is independently retractable into the portable container by sliding along said groove.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. A documents holder integrated into a portable container, the portable container comprising a handle assembly comprising a handle of the portable container; a plurality of outer tubes; a plurality of inner tubes fixedly attached to the handle and moveably inserted into the outer tubes, the holder comprising: a removable document cassette comprising a cassette door; and rear panel; wherein the cassette door is attached with hinges to the rear panel and the cassette door opens for storage of documents in the cassette; wherein the document cassette retracts into the cassette holder of the handle assembly upon retraction of the handle and may be opened or removed upon extension of the handle of the portable container.
21. The documents holder of claim 20 further comprising rails for guiding said removable document cassette along said inner tubes and/or said outer tubes.
22. The documents holder of claim 20 further comprising grooves for guiding said removable document cassette along said inner tubes and/or said outer tubes.
23. (currently amended The documents holder of claim 22, further comprising a cassette handle for opening and for removing the document cassette.
24. The documents holder of claim 23 wherein the cassette handle comprises a lock.
25. A luggage system comprising: a. at least one piece of luggage; and b. a power device, comprising a power box and a secure holder, wherein the power box is removable from the secure holder and wherein the secure holder is secured to the piece of luggage.
26. The luggage system of claim 25 wherein the power box comprises: a. a rechargeable battery; b. an electronic device; and c. ports for charging the battery and powering an external electronic device.
27. The luggage system of claim 26, wherein the secure holder comprises a lock for locking the power box within the secure holder or locking the secure holder closed when the power box is removed from the secure holder, and an indicator for indicating whether the power box is inside the secure holder.
28. The luggage system of claim 27, wherein the secure holder comprises a sliding door and the lock prevents movement of the sliding door.
29. The luggage system of claim 28, wherein the secure holder is integrally formed with the piece of luggage and the sliding door.
30-35. (canceled)
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
[0026] In the drawings:
[0027] FIGS. 1A-1E are exemplary illustrations of a portable power device system according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is an exemplary exploded illustration of a portable power device system according to at least some embodiments of the present invention; and
[0029] FIG. 3 is an exemplary illustration of a portable power device system according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of an optional exemplary implementation of a portable power device system according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;
[0031] FIGS. 5A-5F are exemplary illustrations of a portable vacuum according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 6 is an exemplary illustration of a luggage strap according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;
[0033] FIGS. 7A-7K are exemplary illustrations of a document holder according to at least some embodiments of the present invention; and
[0034] FIGS. 8A-8H are exemplary illustrations of a document holder according to at least some embodiments of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST SOME PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] The present invention in at least some embodiments is related to a system, device and a method for various improvements in luggage, bags and other carrying containers, including, for example, for travel. According to at least some embodiments, there is provided a power box, which is preferably implemented as a combination of a rechargeable battery, an electronic device and ports for charging the battery as well powering external devices, such as, but not limited to, smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, or any other suitable device that may be charged and/or powered on a standard 5 Volt USB port. The electronic circuitry optionally and preferably are able to convert the usual low battery voltage (typically only 3.7 Volt) to the standard 5 Volt for a USB port, regulating and limiting the output power, and also regulating and limiting the ingoing charge current. The circuitry is also optionally and preferably able to drive an indicator, like with LED or LCD indicators, for visualizing the charge condition of the battery. This device may also optionally be termed a Power Bank, Power Pod and Power Case or other generic names.
[0036] The power box is optionally and preferably provided as a power device system, which is a combination of a power box and a secure holder for the power box. The holder may optionally be built in a container such as for example and without limitation, luggage.
[0037] FIGS. 1-4 show various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the power box and power device system according to the present invention.
[0038] Turning now to the drawings there is shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary illustrative optional embodiment for a portable power device system, which may optionally be connected to a suitcase, a bag, or other container, for example, for travel. The power device system preferably includes a removable power box and a container for holding same, in which the container for holding same preferably holds the power box securely in a bag, suitcase, or other container, for example, for travel. Yet also the container preferably permits access to the power box when needed, for example, for charging, for providing power to a device, and/or to remove the power box.
[0039] FIG. 1A shows an exemplary optional embodiment of a power device system 100 featuring a power box container 102 and a power box 104. Shown to the left power box 104 is shown being removed from power box container 102. Preferably power box 104 is completely removable from power box container 102; also preferably power box 104. In the middle drawing, power box 104 is shown within power box container 102. The drawing on the right shows power device system 100 as it for example may optionally appear in a suitcase; as shown power device system 100 is preferably actually embedded in the wall of a suitcase.
[0040] FIG. 1B shows an optional exemplary embodiment of power device system 100 featuring a lock 106. Lock 106 optionally prevents power box 104 from being removed from power box container 102, when such removal is not desirable. Lock 106 may also optionally prevent the door to power box container 102 from being opened when power box 104 has been removed. Power box 104 has been removed as shown for example, in the right hand drawing with power device system 100. Lock 106 is optionally and preferably present for security, such as for example when power box 104 has been removed from power box container 102, nothing may inadvertently or unauthorizedly be placed within power box container 102.
[0041] FIG. 1C shows a suitcase 108 featuring power device system 100 with the power box 104 inside as shown on the left, and power device system 100 shown with the door rolled up, for example to manipulate the power box 104, as shown on the right. Optionally any type of container, luggage, suitcase, or box may be used with power device system 100. A suitcase 108 is shown for the purpose of illustration only.
[0042] FIG. 1D shows an exemplary, optional implementation of a temporary securing device for securing power box 104 within power device system 100, for example for transport and/or display in a showroom. Temporary securing device 128 optionally and preferably features an eye 130 that is formed with or secured to power box container 102. A plastic tie 132 or other device may then be looped through eye 130, such that power box 104 cannot be removed from power box container 102. The scissors shown are not part of the invention but illustrate one way to remove plastic tie 132.
[0043] FIG. 1E shows that temporary securing device 128 has been removed or at least no longer secures power box 104 within power box container 102.
[0044] FIG. 2 shows an optional exemplary additional implementation of power device system, featuring the power box as shown. This is actually an exploded view showing the power device system 200 with its components, shown apart so as to show how the components fit together. Starting at the bottom of FIG. 2, power box 204 is shown. This is inserted into a holder 230 which is optionally forms part of the previously described container (not shown). There is a sliding cover 232 on the holder 230 so that power box 204 may be accessed if present. If power box 204 is not present, a lock 234 preferably locks sliding cover 232 closed and also may optionally lock sliding cover 232 open when power box 204 is to be accessed. This lock 234 is an exemplary alternative embodiment to the lock shown in FIG. 1. Part of a suitcase 236, or a box, or a container, or other device or object to which the power boxes to be affixed is shown. Only one portion of the suitcase 236 is shown, with a hole cut into it. Some type of fastener 238, such as rivets for example, are used to lock this plate onto the suitcase and then there is a plastic cover 240 shown on top over the suitcase 236 to firmly affix the power device system 200 so that it does not move or slide out within the suitcase. Other types of fasteners may also optionally be used such as for example bolts or screws.
[0045] FIG. 3 shows an optional exemplary implementation for the power box to indicate when the power box is present, or more specifically when the battery or the power bank of the power box is present. Under some circumstances, it is not necessarily permitted to have a battery or power bank present in checked luggage. Under other circumstances, such a battery power bank may not be permitted in hand luggage. And of course other circumstances may dictate that the battery or power bank is present or not present, for example, for storage, for transit, or for variety of other considerations.
[0046] To assist a viewer to understand whether the battery or power bank is present within the power box, according to the optional implementation shown in FIG. 3, there is provided a green dot 302 and a black dot 304. These dots may optionally be LEDs but of course if the battery is not present, a power consideration may come into play. Therefore these are optionally simply painted colors. When the battery is not present, then the black dot 304 would become visible, simply, for example, by being able to view through a translucent cover or transparent cover onto a black covering that covers the inside of the container for the power box. If the battery is present, then optionally some type of dot may be shown. This is a green dot 302 which may be on the battery or the power bank itself which will be visible through the hole.
[0047] Simply put, one type of dot would indicate the presence of a battery and another type would indicate the absence. Obviously other indicators may optionally be used but a passive indicator of this nature is preferred, rather than an active indicator, for example, an LED light, although such an active indicator would also optionally be possible.
[0048] Turning to FIG. 4, an optional exemplary implementation of the internal circuit diagram for the power box according to at least some embodiments of the present invention is shown. As shown there is a complete circuit 400, featuring an integrated circuit 402, and a plurality of LED lights 404, of which four are shown for the purpose of illustration only and without any intention of being limiting.
[0049] As shown integrated circuit 402 optionally and preferably is the integrated circuit for a step up converter, for example, from 3.6V to 5V DC, optionally also features a current limiter as shown, and optionally also features the LED driver for driving LEDs 404. LEDs 404 may optionally be present to show the charging status. So for example, if 1 LED is lit, it indicates a 25% charging status, 2 would indicate a 50% charging status, 3 would indicate a 75% charging status, and 4 would indicate a 100% charging status. Of course only 1 LED may optionally be present to show a completely charged or completely discharged status; alternatively a plurality of other numbers of LEDs may be present to illustrate the charging status.
[0050] A micro-USB input 406 is preferably provided for charging. This is to permit the power box to actually be charged, more specifically, the battery or the power container within the power box to be charged. Optionally and preferably there are provided 2 USB outputs, 408 and 410, with USB output 408 being for 2.1 Amps, and USB output 410 being for 1 Amp of output. Also optionally and preferably there is present a component 412, which is optionally a circuit for battery protection, for example, against overcharging, short circuiting, and/or deep discharging, or and/or excessively rapid discharging for example.
[0051] The remaining drawings show other examples of various improvements for luggage and portable containers. For example, FIG. 5A optionally and preferably shows an exemplary implementation of a vacuum which could be used with a suitcase. A vacuum 500 may not necessarily be used with the suitcase, but if provided it could, for example, optionally be charged by the power box and it may also optionally be used for one implementation for packing in which clothes and/or other objects, particularly soft objects are packed into plastic bags and air is evacuated from the plastic bags, thereby reducing the volume required to pack the objects such as clothing. Of course it is possible when one is not traveling, and one is, for example, at home, or office, or another establishment, one could have access to vacuum suction from other sources, such as for example, a vacuum cleaner. But when one is traveling a smaller vacuum suction device would optionally and preferably be provided and could be as previously noted, charged by the previously described power box in the suitcase.
[0052] In this non-limiting example, a vacuum suction device 500 features a charger connector 502 for connecting it either for charging purposes or for operating purposes. For example charger connector 502 may be used to connect to the previously described power box for charging and/or operation. An on/off switch 504 determines whether or not the vacuum suction is on or off. Suction is taken through an input 506, which may for example, be optionally and preferably connected to a vacuum bag, and then air is output or exhausted through vents 508. A fan which is not shown may optionally be used to create this sucking exhaustion effect, so that air sucked through input 506 is removed from a container, such as the previously described plastic bag, or for other vacuum purposes as previously described.
[0053] FIG. 5B shows a side view and a front view of vacuum 500. The slight curvature may optionally be present in order to provide a better seal and/or to provide a better connection to a charging device.
[0054] An input 506 is shown in FIG. 5C, which is a more detailed view of the sucking input for connecting to a plastic bag or other device. A charger port 502 is shown in more detail in FIG. 5D. FIG. 5E shows an exemplary vacuum 500 with a charging cord 520 shown, optionally for charging through a USB port for example. FIG. 5F shows an exemplary circuit 530 for powering a motor 532 within vacuum 500 (not shown), for which power is controlled through an on/off switch 534.
[0055] As another illustrative improvement for optional use with luggage, a suitcase, a container, or some other some other type of box or other carrying device, there is provided a luggage strap 600, here as shown for use with a bag 602 in FIG. 6. Luggage strap 600 has a unique and innovative design in that it is shaped in a way that will lock securely around the bag, for example triangularly or according to any other suitable shape. Luggage strap 600 therefore grips the bag more securely and is large enough to also hold more intensely onto the bag, in case for example, of mishandling or rough handling of the luggage. With this distinctive shape and design, luggage strap 600 can optionally also be used to more easily identify the luggage. Luggage strap 600 also optionally features one or more pockets or sleeves for holding documents or other material outside of bag 602.
[0056] Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A-7K which are exemplary illustrations of a document holder according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7A optionally and preferably the document holder assembly 700 is integrated into a piece of luggage 704. Document holder assembly preferably comprises luggage handle assembly 702 and document holder cassette 704. Optionally document holder assembly 700 could be installed and used in any type of box, container, or other carrying device. FIG. 7A is a transparent view which shows luggage handle assembly 702 and document holder cassette 704 integrated into a piece of luggage 706.
[0057] For the sake of clarity FIGS. 7B-7J show document holder assembly 700 not installed in a piece of luggage. Luggage handle assembly 702 comprises handle 710, outer tubes 712, and inner telescoping tubes 714. Outer tubes 712 are fixedly attached to luggage 706. Attachment cowling 730 is additionally or alternatively (to outer tubes 712) fixedly attached to luggage 706. Inner tubes 714 are inserted into outer tubes 712 such that inner tubes 714 may be raised out of outer tubes 712 by pulling on handle 710 to which they are fixedly attached. Inner tubes 714 may also be pushed back into outer tubes 712 by pushing down on handle 710. With handle 710 and attached inner tubes 714 raised out of luggage 704, handle 710 will be a convenient height for a user to hold while standing/walking for moving luggage as known in the art.
[0058] Handle assembly 702 also comprises document cassette holder 716 which is fixedly attached to outer tubes 712. Cassette holder 716 comprises rails 718, which may optionally also be constructed as grooves, for guiding insertion and removal of document cassette assembly 704.
[0059] Cassette assembly 704 comprises cassette door 720. Cassette door 720 may also be referred to as document holder 720. Cassette assembly 704 further comprises rear panel 722. Cassette door 720 is attached to rear panel 722 with hinges (not shown) enabling tray 720 to hinge open from rear panel 722 as shown in FIGS. 7D, 7F, 7H, 7J, and 7K. Tray 720 is also shown in a closed position pushed up against rear panel 722 such as in FIGS. 7A, 7C, 7E, 7G, and 7I. Cassette handle 728 is used to open or close cassette assembly 704. Rear panel 722 comprises guides 724 which protrude from the sides of rear panel 722 to engage with rails 718 when cassette assembly 704 is inserted into handle assembly 702.
[0060] FIGS. 7E-7J shows cassette assembly 704 inserted into handle assembly 702. Cassette assembly 704 may be removed and inserted into handle assembly 702 as needed by the user. As shown in FIG. 7F, when handle 710 is raised, cassette assembly 704 may separately be raised by pulling on cassette handle 726. Cassette door 720 is opened by pulling on handle 726 such that door 720 swings open and down to accommodate documents 708 (shown in FIG. 7K). Optionally handle 726 further comprises a lock (not shown) to prevent theft of the documents stored in cassette assembly 704. FIGS. 7G and 7H show side views of document holder assembly 700, and FIGS. 7I and 7J show back views of document holder assembly 700. As shown in FIG. 7K, documents 708 are inserted into cassette assembly 704.
[0061] Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A-8H which are exemplary illustrations of a document holder according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. The document holder of FIGS. 8A-8H is an alternative embodiment of the document holder of FIGS. 7A-7I with similar functionality. As shown in FIG. 8A optionally and preferably the document holder assembly 800 is formed as part of a piece of luggage 802; optionally and preferably as part of the luggage handle 804. Optionally the document holder could be installed and used in any type of box, container, or other carrying device.
[0062] FIGS. 8B-8F show document holder assembly 800 not installed in a suitcase. Assembly 800 comprises handle 804 and document tray 806. Document tray 806 may also be referred to as document holder 806. Document tray 806 comprises securing strap 812 for holding documents in position. As shown in FIG. 8C, when handle 804 is raised, document tray 806 swings open and down to accommodate documents 810. Assembly 800 optionally comprises a latch 808 to hold tray 806 in a closed position when handle 804 is raised. Optionally latch 808 further comprises a lock (not shown) to prevent theft of the documents stored in document tray 806. FIGS. 8D and 8E show side views of document holder assembly 800, and FIG. 8F shows a back view of document holder assembly 800. As shown in FIGS. 8H and 8I, documents 810 are inserted into document tray 806 and are held in position by securing strap 812.
[0063] Different components, embodiments and sub-embodiments may optionally be combined herein in any suitable manner, beyond those explicit combinations and sub combinations shown herein. The invention is now further described by the claims which follow.
