LUGGAGE ARTICLE WITH SEPARABLE MAIN BODY COMPARTMENTS

Abstract

 A luggage article (e.g., a backpack (100)) includes a main body (102) defining first (108) and second (110) compartments, each defining at least one internal storage volume (104, 106). The first (108) and second (110) compartments are attached together at a first location (406) and a second location (408) spaced from the first location (406) such that the first (108) and second (110) compartments are separable from each other at least between the first (406) and second (408) locations to define a gap (400) between the first (108) and second (110) compartments to receive an object.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates to luggage articles, and particularly to external access to store objects in a luggage article, as well as retrieve objects stored in the luggage articles. One aspect of a typical luggage article is that objects are often stored inside of the internal compartments formed inside the main housing of a luggage article. In order to store an object in a luggage article, a user must select in which of the often multiple internal compartments to store the object, open the internal compartment and place the object therein, and close the compartment. Retrieving an object stored in the internal compartment then requires a user to recall in which of the often multiple internal compartments an object is stored, and then open the internal compartment to retrieve the object, and close the internal compartment.

[0002] This scenario interferes with the user's ability to quickly store an object, as well as quickly retrieve an object from the typical luggage article. For instance, if a user needs to store an object in a luggage article, such as a backpack, the user must often remove the backpack, open one of the internal compartments, place the article therein, and then close the compartment. Quick retrieval of that object is inconvenient because the backpack must again be removed to then access the compartment, open the compartment to access the object, remove it from the internal compartment and close the compartment. These problems may be amplified where the user may not prefer to stop a current activity, or may not be in a position to be able to stop a current activity to store or retrieve an object in the manner described above.

[0003] There exists a need to provide a luggage article (e.g., a backpack) which may allow quick and easy access to store objects on the luggage article, and/or retrieve objects from the luggage article while reducing the inconvenience to the user.

SUMMARY

[0004] A luggage article is disclosed. In one example, a luggage article includes a first compartment and a separate second compartment, each defining at least one internal storage volume, the first and second compartments attached together at a first location and a second location spaced from the first location such that the first and second compartments are separable from each other at least between the first (406) and second locations to define a gap between the first and second compartments to receive an object. Additionally, the first location may be at an upper portion of the luggage article; and the second location may be positioned at a middle or lower portion of the luggage article. Additionally, the luggage article may be a backpack.

[0005] Additionally or alternatively, the first and second locations are respectively positioned adjacent opposite ends of the luggage article.

[0006] Additionally or alternatively, the first and second compartments are separable along left and right sides of the luggage article.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, the first and second compartments are attached directly together at the first location and attached together by at least one connector member at the second location. Additionally, the gap between the first and second compartments is limited by a length of the at least one connector member. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one adjustment member may be releasably connected between the first and second compartments. Additionally or alternatively, the connector member may have an adjustable length.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one connector member comprises a gusset extending along at least left and right sides of the luggage article. Additionally, the gusset may define a receptacle.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, the connector member comprises a single retaining member attached at a lateral middle between the first and second compartments of the luggage article.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, the connector member comprises at least two connector members. Additionally, there may be one connector member on each lateral side of the luggage article.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the connector member comprises at least in part a resiliently extendable portion.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, the gap is sized to receive and hold a garment between the first and second compartments to support the garment on the connector member.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, a releasable connector releasably selectively joining at least part of the first and second compartments in abutment together in a first closed configuration, while allowing the selective separation of the first and second compartments when the releasable connector is released and in a second open configuration.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, the releasable connector comprises a zip assembly selectively joining the first and second compartments along at least a part of one edge of the compartments.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the zip assembly extends at least partially along a left, right, and bottom sides of the main body.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, the attachment of the first and second compartments at the first location comprises attaching the first and second compartments along at least part of their respective upper edges.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the first and second compartments are pivotally connected about and along their upper edges.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the luggage article comprises a backpack comprising one or more shoulder straps connected to one of the first and /or second compartments.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the zip assembly conceals the retaining member when engaged.

[0020] An example of the invention described herein may relate to luggage article, such as a backpack, including separate first and second compartments each defining at least one internal storage volume. The first and second compartments may be attached together at a first location and a second location spaced from the first location, such as at upper and lower portions of the luggage respectively. The first and second compartments may be selectively separable from each other at least between the first and second locations to define a gap between the first and second compartments to receive an object. The gap may be defined by a connector member. The connector member may be defined by one or more individual components, such as cords, ropes, straps, gussets, or retaining members, or combinations, extending between the first and second compartments. The connector members support the object received in the gap, such as for example the connector member may define a receptacle for receiving the object.

[0021] Additional embodiments and/or features are set forth in part in the description that follows, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure. One of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures in which components are not drawn to scale, which are presented as various examples of the disclosure and should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the disclosure, characterized in that:

FIG. 1 shows a backpack in an closed configuration according to some examples of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows the backpack of FIG. 1 in an expanded configuration according to some examples of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows the backpack of FIG. 1 in an open configuration according to some examples of the disclosure;

FIG. 4A shows a cross-section of the backpack taken along line 4A-4A of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B shows a cross-section of the backpack taken along line 4B-4B of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows the backpack of FIG. 3 with a jacket positioned between first and second compartments of the backpack according to some examples of the disclosure; and

FIGS. 6-7 show the backpack of FIG. 1 in additional or alternative open configurations according to some examples of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Luggage having selectively separable main body compartments is provided. A luggage article may include separate first and second compartments each defining at least one internal storage volume. The first and second compartments may be attached together at a first location and a second location spaced from the first location, such as at upper and lower portions of the luggage. The first and second compartments may be selectively separable from each other at least between the first and second locations to define a gap between the first and second compartments to receive an object.

[0024] For example, the first and second compartments may be attached directly together at the first location and attached together by a connector member at the second location. In such examples, the gap at the second location is limited by a length of the connector member. A releasable connector may releasably selectively join the first and second compartments to allow the selective separation of the first and second compartments. The gap may be sized to receive and hold a garment between the first and second compartments, such as to support the garment on the connector member at the second location. The gap may allow an object to be positioned at least partially in the gap for support on the luggage article. The gap may also allow an object to be conveniently retrieved from being supported on the luggage article and at least partially received within the gap. The engagement with the article in the gap, for storage and/or retrieval, may be done in some examples from the exterior of the luggage article and without requiring access to the interior of the first and second compartments.

[0025] The arrangements described herein may be suitable for use on many different types of luggage articles, including but not limited to hard-sided luggage cases, soft-sided luggage cases, hybrid luggage cases, brief cases, and other styles of luggage. Various arrangements are described herein with respect to a backpack by way of example only; however, the invention may be particularly suitable and beneficial for use on such a backpack.

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a luggage article in the form of a backpack 100 in a closed configuration according to some examples of the disclosure. The backpack 100 includes a main body 102 having a plurality of walls or panels defining one or more internal compartments or storage volumes in which to carry a user's belongings. For example, the main body 102 may define a first compartment 108 and a second compartment 110. Each of the first compartment 108 and the second compartment 110 may define at least one internal storage volume 104, 106, such as the first compartment 108 defining a first storage volume 104. The second compartment 110 may be similar or different than the first compartment 108 and define a second storage volume 106. The second compartment 110 may be a separate or distinct compartment from the first compartment 108. Each of the first compartment 108 and the second compartment 110 may include front and back panels 112, 114 (see FIG. 4B) joined together to define its respective storage volume 104, 106. For example, the front and back panels 112, 114 of each compartment may be joined together directly. Alternatively, the front and back panels 112, 114 of each compartment may be indirectly joined together by one or more panels extending between the front and back panels 112, 114, such as in one example opposing side panels and top and bottom panels, without intent to limit. Depending on the application, the backpack 100 may include one or more additional pockets to hold additional belongings of a user. For example, the second compartment 110 may include a front pocket, as shown without intent to limit. In this manner, the backpack 100 may provide multiple storage compartments, volumes, or areas to hold a user's belongings, such as while traveling, hiking, exercising, or the like.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, the main body 102 of the luggage article includes a top or upper end or side 120, a bottom or lower end or side 122, a left side 124, and a right side 126. The top end 120 may include an upper portion (e.g., including up to and including a top half, a top third, or a top quarter) of the main body 102, and the bottom end 122 may include a lower portion (e.g., including for example up to and including a bottom half, a bottom third, or a top quarter) of the main body 102. A middle portion of the main body may be located between the upper portion and the bottom portion. Similarly, the left side 124 may include a left portion (e.g., a left half) of the main body 102, and the right side 126 may include a right portion (e.g., a right half) of the main body 102.

[0028] As shown, the luggage article may include one or more straps by which a user may carry the luggage article. In one example, the one or more straps may include a pair of shoulder straps 130. The shoulder straps 130 may be connected to the first compartment 108, such that the first compartment 108 rests against the user's back when worn. In one example, the shoulder straps 130 are connected to the first compartment 108 and extend along the back panel 114 of the first compartment, such that when worn by a user, the back panel 114 engages the user's back. Such examples are illustrative only, and the backpack 100 may include other forms or types. For example, features of the disclosure may be embodied in other luggage types, including, for instance, a hard-side luggage case, a soft-side luggage case, a hybrid case, a bag, and the like. Any description herein of the backpack 100 and its features may be applied to luggage in general, where applicable, without intent to limit. Accordingly, reference to the backpack 100 is by convenience and illustration only.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows the backpack 100 in a flat configuration according to some examples of the disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2, the backpack 100 may be at least partially compressible or collapsible. For instance, either or both of the first compartment 108 and the second compartment 110 may be fabricated at least in part from a soft or compliant material, such as woven or nonwoven materials, or a combination or composite of soft and hard materials allowing the first compartment 108 and/or the second compartment 110 to be collapsed flat or generally flat, and to expand to accommodate articles positioned in the first 108 and second 110 compartments.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows the backpack 100 in an open, or split, configuration according to some examples of the disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3, the first and second compartments 108, 110 may be attached together in a manner to selectively define a gap 400 between the first and second compartments 108, 110. For instance, the first and second compartments 108, 110 may be attached at first and second locations 406, 408 along their respective lengths and selectively separable from each other at least between the first and second locations 406, 408 to define the gap 400 between the first and second compartments 108, 110. In one example, the first and second compartments 108, 110 are attached together at the first location 406 and the second location 408 spaced from the first location 406. The first and second compartments 108, 110 may be separable from each other, to form a gap 400, along at least part of the distance defined between the first and second locations 406, 408. The gap 400 may define a storage space 118. The respective storage volumes 104, 106 inside each of the first 108 and second 110 compartments of the backpack 100 are generally independent of whether or not the first and second compartments are configured to define gap 400 or not. The storage space 118 defined by the gap 400 and may include a receptacle 430 as described below.

[0031] As shown, the first location 406 may be positioned at an upper portion of the backpack 100, such as for example adjacent one end of the main body 102. For example, the attachment of the first and second compartments 108, 110 at the first location 406 may include attaching the first and second compartments 108, 110 along at least part of their respective upper edges. In such examples, the first and second compartments 108, 110 may be flexibly connected about and along their upper edges, and in one example may pivot relative to one another along the flexible connection. The second location 408 may be positioned at a middle or lower portion of the backpack 100, such as for example between the first location 406 and bottom end 122 of the main body 102. In examples, the first and second locations 406, 408 may be positioned adjacent opposite ends (e.g. top end 120 and bottom end 122) of the backpack 100. For instance, the first and second compartments 108, 110 may be attached along the top end 120 and separable along the bottom end 122 of the backpack 100 to define the gap 400, although other configurations are contemplated as discussed below. In some examples, the first and second compartments 108, 110 are separable along the left and right sides 124, 126 of the backpack 100. In some examples, the gap 400 may have a wedge-shape, having a smaller width at the first location 406 and wider width at the second location 408. In some examples, the gap may resemble an angle 440 with the vertex at the first location 406. In some examples the angle 440 may range from 0 degrees to 45 degrees, and may be larger or smaller. In some examples, the width of the gap 400 at the first location 406 is nonexistent because the first and second compartments are connected. In some examples, the width of the gap 400 at the second location 408 may be defined by the length of the connector member 418, as described herein. The connector member 418 may have a length ranging from less than 5 cm to greater than 25 cm, as may be appropriate for the size of the luggage article and the intended capacity of the storage space 118 formed by the gap 400.

[0032] The gap 400 may be defined to receive one or more objects 500. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5, the object 500 may be an article of clothing, such as a jacket, coat, sweater, or the like, or may be another object, such as a bottle, smaller bag, travel items, or the like. The object or objects may be positioned between the first and second compartments 108, 110, as detailed below, although other configurations are contemplated. The object or objects may be at least partially supported by the connector member 418

[0033] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the backpack 100 may include a connector member 418 fixedly or releasably coupled between the first and second compartments 108, 110 to limit an extension of the second compartment 110 away from the first compartment 108. In this manner, the connector member 418 may define the width of the gap 400 between the first and second compartments 108, 110 at the second location 408. For example, the width of the gap 400 at the second location 408 may be limited by a length of the connector member 418. In such examples, at least a portion of the second compartment 110 and at least a portion of the second compartment may be spaced away from one another until the connector member 418 is fully extended and define the width of the gap 400. The height 128 of the gap 400 (see FIG. 4B) may be defined by the distance between the connection member at the second location 408 and the first location 406. In one example, the height 128 of the gap 400 may be approximately the same as the height of the luggage article. In another example, the height 128 of the gap 400 may be less than the height of the luggage article. In another example, the height 128 of the gap 400 may range from 5 cm to 65 cm or more. One or more objects 500 may be at least partially received in the gap 400 (see FIG. 5). The object or objects 500 may be supported within the gap 400 at least partially by the connector member 418, as described below. Where the connector member 418 is releasably coupled, such as by a releasable hook or clasp, the first and second compartments 108, 110 to move away, such as by pivoting about the first location 406, without limit. The connector member 418 may be have an adjustable length, to allow the width of the gap 400 to be adjusted by the user. In one example, the connector member 418 may be a strap having an adjustment buckle along its length for this purpose. In one example the length of the connector member 418 may be from 10 cm to 20 cm, with other lengths contemplated. As noted above, the connection member 418 may be adjustable in length.

[0034] As noted above, the connector member 418 may be positioned at the second location 408 spaced away from the first location 406. For example, the first and second compartments 108, 110 may be attached directly together at the first location 406 and attached together by the connector member 418 at the second location 408. For instance, as shown in FIG. 3, the connector member 418 may be positioned near the bottom end 122 of the backpack 100 with the first and second compartments 108, 110 directly attached together at the top end 120. Depending on the application, the connector member 418 may include or be defined by one or more ropes, straps, gussets, or retaining members, or a combinations, extending between the first and second compartments 108, 110. Referring to FIG. 3, the connector member 418 may include at least in part a resiliently extendable portion, such as in one example being made of an elastic material. In such examples, the elastic material may resiliently stretch if needed to accommodate the object 500 in the gap 400 between the first and second compartments 108, 110.

[0035] The connector member 418 may be positioned at a location in the bottom or lower portion of the length of the backpack 100 (from the bottom edge 122), including in the lower one half, lower one third, or lower one quarter, or at the bottom edge 122, . The closer to the bottom edge 122 that the connection member 418 is positioned, the greater the height 128 of the gap 400. This may be beneficial for receiving larger objects 500 in the gap 400. The connector member 418 may be positioned at a location in the top. The connector member 418 may be positioned at a location in the upper portion of the length of the backpack 100 (from the top edge 120), so long as it is positioned below the first location 406. This relatively higher location may allow the object or objects 500 to be supported at least in part by the connector member 418 and extend below the connector member and still be within the gap 400 and between the first and second compartments 108, 110. This may facilitate protecting the object(s) 500. The connector member 418 may be positioned at a middle portion of the luggage article, such as between the upper portion and the lower portion.

[0036]  In one example, connector member 418' may extend from a central location on panel 112 of the first compartment to a similar central location on panel 114 of the second compartment, as shown in dash in FIG. 3. In this example, the connector member 418' may be a single retaining member (700) attached at a lateral middle between the first (108) and second (110) compartments of the luggage article.

[0037] In other examples, the connector member 418" may extend between dissimilar locations on each of the first and second compartments, such as from a higher location on the first compartment 108 to a lower location on the second compartment 110, as shown in dash on FIG. 4B.

[0038] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the connector member 418 includes a gusset 424. The gusset 424 includes sidewalls 426, 428 extending, respectively, between lateral sides of the first and second compartments 108, 110; and in a further example may extend generally in line with at least the left and right sides 124, 126 of the main body 102. In some examples, such as that shown in Fig. 3, the gusset 424 may include a bottom side 432 that extends, respectively, between the bottom end 122 of the first and second compartment 108, 110; and in a further example may extend generally in line at least the bottom side or end 122 of the main body 102 to define a receptacle 430 between the first and second compartments 108, 110. The receptacle 430 may be open to the gap 400, and define an open basket-type structure to receive one or more objects. In such examples, an object may be at least partially received within the receptacle 430 formed at least partially in the gap 400. In some examples the sidewalls 426, 428 of the gusset 424 may be positioned inwardly or extend outwardly from the lateral sides 124, 126 of the main body 102. In some examples the bottom side 432 of the gusset 424 may be positioned inwardly or extend outwardly from the bottom side 122 of the main body 102.

[0039] In examples, the first and second compartments 108, 110 may be separable along the left and right sides 124, 126 of the main body 102 to receive the object positioned into the gap 400 at least partially from a lateral direction through a side 124, 126 of the backpack 100, although other configurations are contemplated.

[0040] FIG. 4A shows a cross-section of the backpack 100 taken along line 4A-4A of FIG. 4 and shows the connection of the first compartment 108 to the second compartment 110 at the second location 408. As shown, the connector member 418 may extend between lateral portions of the main body 102. For instance, each of the first compartment 108 and the second compartment 110 may include lateral portions 434. In some examples, the lateral portions 434 of the first compartment 108 may be complementary to the lateral portions 434 of the second compartment 110, such that the lateral portions 434 of the first and second compartments 108, 110 align when the compartments are attached together. As shown, the connector member 418 may extend between the lateral portions 434 of the first and second compartments 108, 110 to attach the first and second compartments 108, 110 together at the second location 408, although other configurations are contemplated.

[0041] FIG. 4B is a cross-section of the backpack 100 taken along line 4B-4B of FIG. 1 and shows the connection of the first compartment 108 to the second compartment 110 at the first location 406. As shown, the first and second compartments 108, 110 may be attached directly together at the first location 406. For example, the first and second compartments 108, 110 may be stitched together at the first location 406, such as along the top end 120 of the main body 102 as shown. Also shown in FIG. 4B is the connector member 418 in the example of the gusset 424 forming receptacle 430. The gusset 424 may include a connector member 422 on each end of the gusset 424 to connect the first and second compartments 108, 110 together. The receptacle 430 may be attached to the connector member 422 and be supported therefrom. Additionally or alternatively, the receptacle 430 may be attached to the side walls 112, 114 of the first and second compartments 108, 110, and be supported at least in part therefrom.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows the backpack 100 with an object 500, such as a garment (e.g., a jacket) positioned between the first and second compartments 108, 110 of the backpack 100 according to some examples of the disclosure. Referring to FIG. 5, the first and second compartments 108, 110 may be selectively separable from each other at least between the first and second locations 406, 408 to define the gap 400. The connector member in this example is a gusset 424 in the form of the receptacle 430 as described above with respect to at least FIGs. 3, 4A and 4B. In this example, the gap 400 may be sized (e.g., by the connector member 418) to receive and hold the garment 500 between the first and second compartments 108, 110. As shown in this example, the garment 500 may not extend below the first and second compartment 108, 110. In some examples, the garment 500 may or may not extend laterally outside of the gap 400. (FIG. 5 shows the garment 500 extending laterally out of the gap 400). In other examples, the connecting member 418 may be sized such that the gap 400 may receive an object 500 supported on the connector member 418 at the second location 408 and at least in part hang or suspend downwardly therefrom to extend below the first and second compartments 108, 110. In this manner, the garment 500 may be quickly stored and accessed by a user as needed.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the backpack 100 may include a releasable connector 510 selectively joining the first and second compartments 108, 110. For example, the releasable connector 510 may releasably selectively join the first and second compartments 108, 110 in abutment together in a first closed configuration (e.g. see FIGS. 2-3). For instance, in the first closed configuration the releasable connector 510 may releasably join the first and second compartments 108, 110 in abutment along the respective edges portions of the front panel 112 of the first compartment 108 and the back panel 114 of the second compartment 110. The releasable connector 510 may allow the selective separation of the first and second compartments 108, 110 when the releasable connector 510 is released and in a second open configuration to form gap 400. For example, when the receptacle 430 is to be exposed for use, the releasable connector 510 may be released or otherwise disengaged at least partially to allow the selective separation of the first and second compartments 108, 110 to define the gap 400 and expose the releasable connector 418 for use.

[0044] The releasable connector 510 may include many configurations. In some examples, the releasable connector 510 may be continuous or non-continuous. In some examples, the releasable connector 510 can be a press stud, a clip, a buckle, a tie, or a strap. In some examples, the releasable connector 510 may be a zip assembly 512 configured to selectively join the first and second compartments 108, 110 along at least a part of one edge region of the compartments 108, 110. In some examples, the zip assembly 510 is configured to extend along one side or more than one side of the backpack 100. For example, the zip assembly 510 may be a U-shaped zipper extending along the left side, right side, and bottom end 124, 126, 122, respectively, of the main body 102. In this example, the first and second compartments 108, 110 would be connected along their respective opposing lateral sides and bottom side. Other configurations are contemplated, such as configurations in which the zip assembly 510 extends along adjacent sides (for example one lateral side and the bottom end) or non-adjacent sides (for example along opposing lateral sides and not the bottom end of the main body 102). In other examples, the zip assembly 510 may extend along a single side of the main body 102. For example, the zip assembly 510 may extend along the bottom end 122 only, or in another example along one of the left or right sides 124, 126. In some examples, the releasable connector 510 may be closed with an object received in the gap 400, where the object 500 is sufficiently sized to allow the first and second compartments to conform around the object to allow the releasable connector to move from an open to a closed configuration.

[0045] As shown in FIGS 2-3, the zip assembly 510 when engaged may conceal the connector member 418. For instance, the connector member 418 may be positioned interiorly of the zip assembly 510 such that the connector member 418 is visible only when the zip assembly 510 is disengaged. For example, referring to FIG. 4A, the zip assembly 510 may extend along the lateral edges regions 434 of the main body 102, with the connector member 418 positioned interiorly of the zip assembly 510. In this manner, disengagement of the zip assembly 510 may reveal the connector member 418 once opened.

[0046] FIGS. 6-7 show the backpack 100 in additional or alternative open configurations according to some examples of the disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6, the first location 406 may be positioned at substantially any location on the main body 102 that is above the second location 408 and allows the separation of the first and second compartments 108, 110 to form the gap 400. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the first location 406 may be formed in positioned in a top third of the main body 102. The first and second compartments 108, 110 may be attached (e.g., stitched) along at least portions of the left and right sides 124, 126 of the main body 102, with the first location 406 being effectively located where the stitching ends, which defines where the first and second compartments 108, 110 initially separate to form the gap 400. The connector member 418 in the example of Fig. 3 is shown as the gusset 424 forming receptacle 430. It may, however, take the form of the various connector members 418 as described with respect to FIG. 3.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 7, the connector member 418 may include a single connector member 700, such as a single rope or strap. As shown, the single connector member 700 may be attached at a lateral middle of the bottom end 122 of the main body 102. In other examples, multiple connecting members 700 may be attached at the second location 408 between the first and second compartments 108, 110. For instance, an outer connector member 700' is shown on each lateral side of a central connecting member 700 in Fig. 7. In this example, the outer retaining members 700' are positioned adjacent the lateral sides 124, 126 of the first and second compartments 108, 110...

[0048] All relative and directional references (including: upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, side, above, below, front, middle, back, vertical, horizontal, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader's understanding of the particular examples described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the presently disclosed examples teach by way of example and not by limitation. Therefore, the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.

Claims

1. A luggage article comprising:
a first compartment (108) and a separate second compartment (110), each defining at least one internal storage volume (104,106), the first (108) and second (110) compartments attached together at a first location (406) and a second location (408) spaced from the first location (406) such that the first (108) and second (110) compartments are separable from each other at least between the first (406) and second (408) locations to define a gap (400) between the first (108) and second (110) compartments to receive an object.

2. The luggage article of claim 1, wherein:

the first location (406) is at an upper portion of the luggage article; and

the second location (408) is positioned at a middle or lower portion of the luggage article.

3. The luggage article of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first (406) and second (408) locations are respectively positioned adjacent opposite ends of the luggage article.

4. The luggage article of any of claims 1-3, wherein the first (108) and second (110) compartments are separable along left (124) and right (126) sides of the luggage article.

5. The luggage article of any of claims 1-4, wherein:
the first (108) and second (110) compartments are attached directly together at the first location (406) and attached together by at least one connector member (418) at the second location (408).

6. The luggage article of claim 5, wherein:
the gap (400) between the first (108) and second (110) compartments is limited by a length of the at least one connector member (418).

7. The luggage article of any of claims 5 or 6, wherein the at least one connector member (418) comprises a gusset (424) extending along at least left (124) and right (126) sides of the luggage article.

8. The luggage article of claim 7, wherein the gusset 424 defines a receptacle 430.

9. The luggage article of any of claims 5 or 6, wherein the connector member (418) comprises a single retaining member (700) attached at a lateral middle between the first (108) and second (110) compartments of the luggage article.

10. The luggage article of any of claims 5 or 6, wherein the connector member (418) comprises at least two connector members (700).

11. The luggage article of any of claims 5-10, wherein the connector member (418) comprises at least in part a resiliently extendable portion.

12. The luggage article compartment of any of claims 5-11, wherein the gap (400) is sized to receive and hold a garment (500) between the first (108) and second (110) compartments to support the garment (500) on the connector member (418).

13. The luggage article of any of claims 1-12, further comprising a releasable connector (510) releasably selectively joining at least part of the first (108) and second (110) compartments in abutment together in a first closed configuration, while allowing the selective separation of the first (108) and second (110) compartments when the releasable connector (501) is released and in a second open configuration.

14. The luggage article of claim 13, wherein the releasable connector (510) comprises a zip assembly (512) selectively joining the first (108) and second (110) compartments along at least a part of one edge of the compartments.

15. The luggage article of claims 1-14, wherein the luggage article is a backpack including at least one shoulder strap 130 connected to one of the first 108 and /or second 110 compartments.

Drawing