(19)
(11) EP 2 618 691 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
05.04.2017 Bulletin 2017/14

(21) Application number: 11792796.2

(22) Date of filing: 20.01.2011
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A45C 13/00(2006.01)
A45C 5/04(2006.01)
A45C 5/14(2006.01)
 A45C 5/06(2006.01)
A45C 7/00(2006.01)
A45C 13/10(2006.01)
(86) International application number:
PCT/US2011/021922
(87) International publication number:
WO 2011/156013 (15.12.2011 Gazette 2011/50)

(54)

LUGGAGE COMBINATION WITH OUT OF SEAM DOCKING ZIPPER

GEPÄCKTASCHENKOMBINATION MIT NAHTEXTERNEN REISSVERSCHLÜSSEN

BAGAGE COMBINÉ COMPORTANT UNE FERMETURE À GLISSIÈRE DE FERMETURE HORS COUTURE

(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30) Priority: 26.09.2010 US 386549 P

(43) Date of publication of application:
31.07.2013 Bulletin 2013/31

(73) Proprietor: Custer, Dan
Germantown, TN 38138 (US)

(72) Inventor:
  • Custer, Dan
    Germantown, TN 38138 (US)

(74) Representative: Hewett, Jonathan Michael Richard et al
Venner Shipley LLP 200 Aldersgate
London EC1A 4HD
London EC1A 4HD (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
FR-A- 1 130 567
US-A- 1 962 594
US-A1- 2004 188 205
US-A1- 2008 116 026
US-A1- 2009 139 814
 FR-A1- 2 769 803
US-A1- 2004 154 889
US-A1- 2005 039 260
US-A1- 2008 116 026
US-A1- 2009 139 814
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    FIELD



    [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a luggage combination.

    BACKGROUND



    [0002] It is known from US2008/116026 to provide a luggage combination comprising first and second bags releasably connected by a zipper. Reference is also directed to FR1130567 and US1962594.

    SUMMARY



    [0003] Embodiments of a luggage combination described herein include an out of seam docking zipper. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper which enables a user to more easily begin the zipping process for attachment of a first bag or piece of luggage to a second bag or piece of luggage.

    [0004] The invention is set forth in the claims hereinafter.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0005] The present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

    FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

    FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper of FIG. 1.

    FIG. 3 is a back perspective view of the luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper of FIG. 1.

    FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper of FIG. 1.

    FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper of FIG. 1.

    FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper of FIG. 1.


    DETAILED DESCRIPTION



    [0006] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper allows a person to easily and quickly attach a first bag or piece of luggage to a second bag or piece of luggage. In one exemplary embodiment, the luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper comprises a first bag, a second bag and a slider. In one embodiment, the first bag comprises a first strip of fabric tape carrying teeth. The first strip of fabric tape may be attached to the front of the first bag. The first strip of fabric tape comprises an out of seam portion. In another exemplary embodiment, the second bag comprises a second strip of fabric tape carrying teeth. The second strip may be attached to the rear of the second bag. In one embodiment, the second strip of fabric tape is complementary to the first strip of fabric tape allowing attachment of the first strip of fabric tape to the second strip of fabric tape. The first and second strips of fabric tape form a zipper. The second strip of fabric tape comprises an out of seam portion.

    [0007] In one embodiment, the luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper comprises a slider attached to either the first strip of fabric tape or the second strip of fabric tape. The slider is configured to connect the first strip of fabric tape of a first bag to the second strip of fabric tape of a second bag.

    [0008] The luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper allows the attachment of two bags which may then function, be used as or transported as, one bag. The luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper allows two bags to function as one bag which is ideal, for example, for those who travel by plane and are limited to one carry on item.

    [0009] In one exemplary embodiment, the out of seam docking zipper may be a #10 zipper size but any other zipper size may be used as needed as desired by one skilled in the art. The luggage combination with out of seam docking zipper comprises two strips of fabric tape carrying teeth. One strip of fabric tape is attached to a first bag. The second strip of fabric tape is attached to a second bag. A slider of a zipper is attached to one strip of fabric tape. An out of seam portion of each fabric tape extends out of the seam allowing quick and easy connection of a first bag to a second bag. In one embodiment, the out of seam portion of each fabric tape extend out of seam in a downward direction when the bags are held upright. In another embodiment, the out of seam portions of each fabric tape extend about 5.1 cm (two inches) out of the seam. The out of seam portion may extend other lengths as desired by one of skill in the art.

    [0010] The luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper may be used to attach any two bags. In one embodiment, the luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper may attach a first bag which is an upright luggage roller to a second bag which is a backpack. In another embodiment, out of seam docking zipper may be used to attach a first bag which is a laptop computer sleeve to a second bag which is small sleeve or pouch.

    [0011] A method of using a luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper is also disclosed. The method comprising the following steps: a) obtaining a luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper comprising a first bag having a first strip of fabric tape carrying teeth, wherein the first strip is attached to the front of the first bag, wherein the first strip of fabric tape has an out of seam portion; a second bag having a second strip of fabric tape carrying teeth attached to the rear of the second bag, wherein the second strip of fabric tape is complementary to the first strip of fabric tape, further wherein the second strip of fabric tape has an out of seam portion; and a slider attached to either the first strip of fabric tape or second strip of fabric tape, wherein the slider is configured to connect the first strip of fabric tape to the second strip of fabric tape; b) holding the out of seam portion of the first strip of fabric tape; c) holding the out of seam portion of the second strip of fabric tape; d) aligning the first and second strips of fabric tape; and e) connecting the first and second strips of fabric tape using the slider.

    [0012] The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Modifications of the disclosed embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art which fall within the scope of the claims set forth hereinafter.


    Claims

    1. A luggage combination comprising first and second bags connected by a zipper having a slider having an out of seam docking zipper comprising:

    a) a first strip of fabric tape carrying teeth, the first strip being attached to the front of the first bag, wherein the first strip of fabric tape has an out of seam portion;

    b) a second strip of fabric tape carrying teeth attached to the rear of the second bag, wherein the second strip of fabric tape is complementary to the first strip of fabric tape, further wherein the second strip of fabric tape has an out of seam portion; and

    c) the slider being attached to either the first strip of fabric tape or second strip of fabric tape, wherein the slider is configured to connect the first strip of fabric tape to the second strip of fabric tape.


     
    2. The luggage combination of claim 1, wherein the out of seam portion of the first strip of tape and the second strip of tape extends 5.1 cm in length out of the seam.
     
    3. The luggage combination of claim 1 wherein the out of seam portion extends in a downward direction when the luggage combination is set upright.
     
    4. A method of using a luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper, the method comprising the following steps:

    a) obtaining a luggage combination with an out of seam docking zipper comprising a first bag having a first strip of fabric tape carrying teeth, wherein the first strip is attached to the front of the first bag, wherein the first strip of fabric tape has an out of seam portion; a second bag having a second strip of fabric tape carrying teeth attached to the rear of the second bag, wherein the second strip of fabric tape is complementary to the first strip of fabric tape, further wherein the second strip of fabric tape has an out of seam portion; and a slider attached to either the first strip of fabric tape or second strip of fabric tape, wherein the slider is configured to connect the first strip of fabric tape to the second strip of fabric tape;

    b) holding the out of seam portion of the first strip of fabric tape;

    c) holding the out of seam portion of the second strip of fabric tape;

    d) aligning the first and second strips of fabric tape; and

    e) connecting the first and second strips of fabric tape using the slider.


     


    Ansprüche

    1. Gepäcktaschenkombination, die erste und zweite Taschen umfasst, die durch einen Reißverschluss verbunden sind, der einen Schieber aufweist, der einen nahtexternen Kopplungsreißverschluss aufweist, der Folgendes umfasst:

    a) einen ersten Gewebebandstreifen, der Zähne aufweist, wobei der erste Streifen an der Vorderseite der ersten Tasche angebracht ist, wobei der erste Gewebebandstreifen einen nahtexternen Abschnitt aufweist;

    b) einen zweiten Gewebebandstreifen, der Zähne aufweist und an der Rückseite der zweiten Tasche angebracht ist, wobei der zweite Gewebebandstreifen komplementär zu dem ersten Gewebebandstreifen ist, wobei der zweite Gewebebandstreifen ferner einen nahtexternen Abschnitt aufweist; und

    c) wobei der Schieber entweder an dem ersten Gewebebandstreifen oder an dem zweiten Gewebebandstreifen befestigt ist, wobei der Schieber so konfiguriert ist, dass er den ersten Gewebebandstreifen mit dem zweiten Gewebebandstreifen verbindet.


     
    2. Gepäcktaschenkombination nach Anspruch 1, wobei der nahtexterne Abschnitt des ersten Bandstreifens und des zweiten Bandstreifens sich 5,1 cm in der Länge aus der Naht heraus erstreckt.
     
    3. Gepäcktaschenkombination nach Anspruch 1, wobei sich der nahtexterne Abschnitt nach unten erstreckt, wenn die Gepäcktaschenkombination aufrecht steht.
     
    4. Verfahren zur Verwendung einer Gepäcktaschenkombination mit einem nahtexternen Kopplungsreißverschluss, wobei das Verfahren folgende Schritte umfasst:

    a) Erhalten einer Gepäcktaschenkombination mit einem nahtexternen Kopplungsreißverschluss, die Folgendes umfasst: eine erste Tasche, die einen ersten Gewebebandstreifen aufweist, der Zähne aufweist, wobei der erste Streifen an der Vorderseite der ersten Tasche angebracht ist, wobei der erste Gewebebandstreifen einen nahtexternen Abschnitt aufweist; eine zweite Tasche, die einen zweiten Gewebebandstreifen aufweist, der Zähne aufweist und an der Rückseite der zweiten Tasche angebracht ist, wobei der zweite Gewebebandstreifen komplementär zu dem ersten Gewebebandstreifen ist, wobei der zweite Gewebebandstreifen ferner einen nahtexternen Abschnitt aufweist; und einen Schieber, der entweder an dem ersten Gewebebandstreifen oder an dem zweiten Gewebebandstreifen befestigt ist, wobei der Schieber so konfiguriert ist, dass er den ersten Gewebebandstreifen mit dem zweiten Gewebebandstreifen verbindet;

    b) Halten des nahtexternen Abschnitts des ersten Gewebebandstreifens;

    c) Halten des nahtexternen Abschnitts des zweiten Gewebebandstreifens;

    d) Ausrichten des ersten und des zweiten Gewebebandstreifens; und

    e) Verbinden des ersten und des zweiten Gewebebandstreifens unter Verwendung des Schiebers.


     


    Revendications

    1. Bagage combiné comprenant des premier et second sacs reliés par une fermeture à glissière dotée d'un curseur ayant une fermeture à glissière de fermeture hors couture comprenant :

    a) une première bande de ruban de tissu portant des dents, la première bande étant attachée au devant du premier sac, la première bande de ruban de tissu ayant une partie hors couture ;

    b) une seconde bande de ruban de tissu portant des dents attachée à l'arrière du second sac, la seconde bande de ruban de tissu étant complémentaire de la première bande de ruban de tissu, en outre la seconde bande de ruban de tissu ayant une partie hors couture ;

    c) le curseur étant attaché à l'une ou l'autre de la première bande de ruban de tissu ou seconde bande de ruban de tissu, le curseur étant configuré pour raccorder la première bande de ruban de tissu à la seconde bande de ruban de tissu.


     
    2. Bagage combiné selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la partie hors couture de la première bande de ruban ou de la seconde bande de ruban s'étend sur 5,1 cm de long hors de la couture.
     
    3. Bagage combiné selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la partie hors couture s'étend vers le bas quand le bagage combiné est tenu droit.
     
    4. Procédé d'utilisation d'un bagage combiné comprenant une fermeture à glissière de fermeture hors couture, le procédé comprenant les étapes suivantes :

    a) obtention d'un bagage combiné avec une fermeture à glissière de fermeture hors couture comprenant un premier sac ayant une première bande de ruban de tissu portant des dents, la première bande étant attachée au devant du premier sac, la première bande de ruban de tissu ayant une partie hors couture ; un second sac ayant une seconde bande de ruban de tissu portant des dents attachée à l'arrière du second sac, la seconde bande de ruban de tissu étant complémentaire de la première bande de ruban de tissu, en outre la seconde bande de ruban de tissu ayant une partie hors couture ; et un curseur attaché à l'une ou l'autre de la première bande de ruban de tissu ou seconde bande de ruban de tissu, le curseur étant configuré pour raccorder la première bande de ruban de tissu à la seconde bande de ruban de tissu.

    b) saisie de la partie hors couture de la première bande de ruban de tissu ;

    c) saisie de la partie hors couture de la seconde bande de ruban de tissu ;

    d) alignement des première et seconde bandes de ruban de tissu ; et

    e) raccordement des première et seconde bandes de ruban de tissu au moyen du curseur.


     




    Drawing

















    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description