PACKING ORGANIZER FOR USE WITH A LUGGAGE CASE

Abstract

 A packing organizer 200 for use inside a luggage case 102. The packing organizer 200 includes a first compartment 203 and a separate second compartment 206, each compartment defining an interior volume 240, and each compartment 203, 206 defining a selectively openable lid 226 to allow access to each compartment's respective internal volume 240. A hinge 210 is fixedly attached to or removably attached to the first compartment 203 and the second compartment 206 to allow relative movement between the first compartment 203 and the second compartment 206 about the hinge 210; the first and second compartments 203,206 movable about the hinge 210 between a first configuration 302 where the compartments 203, 206 are folded to overlie each other, and a second configuration 304 where the first and second compartments 203, 206 are unfolded and positioned side by side next to one another in an extended position. The packing organizer 200 may be positioned in a luggage case 102 in a variety of orientations and locations to assist a user in efficiently packing a luggage case.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to packing organizers for use with luggage cases.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Inefficiently packing articles in a luggage case or disorganized packing of articles in a luggage case can result in reducing the effective volume of the luggage case, which in turn can result in requiring the use of additional luggage articles. Using more luggage cases than are needed for a trip can result in increased fees for checked luggage, the attendant risk of losing luggage, and create the inconvenience of handling more luggage cases while traveling. Efficiently packing a luggage case requires experience in the folding and placement of garments, shoes, travel accessories, in an organized manner within the internal compartment of a luggage case, and the ability to repeat the strategy consistently during a trip with many stop-overs.

[0003] To ease the complications of packing a luggage case to efficiently utilize the internal compartment, improved packing organizers are desired that are simple to use and reconfigurable based on the size and shape of all the cases to be packed within the internal compartment of a luggage case.

SUMMARY

[0004] A packing organizer for use in a luggage case is disclosed. In one embodiment the packing organizer includes a first compartment and a separate second compartment each defining an interior volume, and each compartment defining a selectively openable lid to allow access to each compartment's respective internal volume. A hinge connects the first compartment to the second compartment to allow relative movement between the first compartment and the second compartment about the hinge. The first and second compartments are movable about the hinge between a first configuration where the compartments are folded to overlie on top of each other and a second configuration where the first compartment and second compartment are unfolded and positioned side by side next to one another. The reconfigurable shape of the packing organizer allow it to fit into luggage cases in a variety of ways to aid in efficient packing the luggage case.

[0005] Additionally, each compartment may be defined by opposing major panels and a plurality of side panels attaching the major panels to form the internal volume, and wherein in each respective compartment one of the opposing major panels forms the lid. The lid allows controlled access to the cavity.

[0006] Additionally or alternatively, in the first configuration the respective lids engage one another and a side panel of each of the first and second compartments coupled to the hinge extend to generally form a plane relative to one another. In this configuration the packing organizer is thicker than it is long, and fits into a luggage case to take up more of the depth of the luggage case and less of the length of the luggage case. The packing organizer may extend across part of or all of the width of the luggage case.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, in the second configuration the lids generally define a plane relative to one another and a side panel of each of the first and second compartments coupled to the hinge engage each other. The packing organizer in this configuration is longer than it is deep/thick, and thus takes up more of the length of the luggage case while taking up only a portion of the depth. The packing organizer may extend across part of or all of the width of the luggage case.

[0008] In some examples, the lid includes a mesh material to allow the contents of the packing organizer to be seen through the lid, and/or to allow ventilation for the contents.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, the hinge is a flexible member, and one edge of the hinge is coupled adjacent a top edge of a side panel on the first compartment, and an opposing edge of the hinge is coupled to a top edge of a side panel on the second compartment. The respective lid of each of the first and second compartments is coupled to the respective compartment along at least part of the length of the hinge. The hinge location allows the packing container to fold in a manner that allows the lids to engage when in the first configuration, and form a substantially planar surface when in the extended second configuration.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, the lid for each respective compartment selectively couples along a top edge of three adjacent side panels by a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a snap fastener, or a releasable clasp for controlling access to the internal volume.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the first configuration defines a thickness dimension, a length dimension, and a width dimension, and the second dimension defines a thickness dimension, a length dimension and a width dimension. The thickness dimension is greater than the thickness dimension in the second configuration, and a length dimension is less than the length dimension in the second configuration. These relative dimensions allow the packing organizer to be utilized in at least two distinct configurations in a luggage case to help pack the luggage case efficiently.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, in the first configuration the thickness dimension is approximately 160% to approximately 200% of the thickness dimension of the second configuration.

[0013] In another example, additionally or alternatively to the above, the packing organizer may be used with a luggage case, wherein the luggage case includes at least one shell defining opposing end (top and bottom) walls , opposing sidewalls, and a major face wall that together define a cavity, the cavity having a height, length and width dimensions, and wherein the packing organizer is positioned within the cavity in either the first configuration or the second configuration. The options to use the packing organizer in the first or second configuration, each of which using a different amount of the length of the luggage case and the height of the luggage case, allows the user to decide which configuration best allows the packing of the luggage case in an efficient manner.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, a front panel may be hingedly attached to the shell (116 or 118) to allow access to the cavity.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively , the luggage case includes two shells, each shell having a cavity.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, in the first configuration the packing organizer takes up more of the height dimension and less of the length dimension compared to the second configuration, and in the second configuration the packing organizer takes up more of the length dimension and less of the height dimension compared to the first configuration. The different configurations allow the user to orient the packing organizer in the luggage case to aid in packing both the articles in the packing organizer, and the other articles not in the packing organizer based on the size of the luggage case cavity, and the width, length and depth.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, in the first configuration the packing organizer takes up between 40% and 60% of the length dimension and between 80% and 100% of the height dimension, and in the second configuration takes up between 40% and 60% of the height dimension and 80% to 100% of the length dimension.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, in the first configuration the packing organizer takes up approximately 50% of the length dimension and approximately 100% of the height dimension, and in the second configuration takes up approximately 50% of the height dimension and approximately 100% of the length dimension.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the packing organizer is positioned in an end region abutting one of the opposing ends of the shell.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, in the second configuration the packing organizer may be positioned on a base wall of the cavity and below at least some of any other articles positioned therein.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, in the second configuration the packing organizer may be positioned on top of at least some of the other articles positioned in the cavity as a divider panel and preferably engaged by a compression device mounted on the shell to compress the articles and the packing organizer.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, in both the first configuration and the second configuration the packing organizer extends across the entire width dimension of the cavity.

[0023] 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 present 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.

DRAWINGS

[0024] 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 present disclosure and should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the disclosure, characterized in that:

Fig. 1 shows a luggage case in a closed configuration.

Fig. 2 shows a luggage case in an open configuration, showing two luggage shells, each with an interior cavity.

Fig. 3 shows a packing organizer with a first and second compartments hingedly coupled together.

Fig. 4 shows the packing organizer of Fig. 3 in a folded and overlain configuration.

Fig. 5 shows the packing organizer of Fig. 3 an extended and open configuration.

Fig. 6 shows a packing organizer above an open luggage case prior to insertion into one of the interior cavities.

Fig. 7 shows the packing organizer in the folded and overlain configuration positioned in an interior cavity.
Fig. 8 shows a section taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 shows the packing organizer in the extended configuration positioned in and at the bottom of an interior cavity.

Fig. 10 shows a section taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 shows the packing organizer in the extended configuration positioned in an interior cavity positioned above other packed articles.

Fig. 12 shows a section taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The improved packing organizer for use with a luggage case described herein may be suitable for use on many different types of luggage cases, including but not limited to hard-sided luggage cases, soft-sided luggage cases, and hybrid luggage cases.

[0026] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a luggage case 102 in a closed configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure. The luggage case 102, in this example a hard sided luggage case, may be formed from a plurality of walls or panels defining, when the shells 116, 118 are in a closed configuration, an internal compartment and storage volume 150 in which to carry a user's belongings. As shown, the luggage case 102 includes opposing main panels such as a front panel 104 and an opposing rear panel 106, opposing end panels such as a top end panel 108 and an opposing bottom end panel 110, and opposing side panels, such as a left side panel 112 and an opposing right side panel 114. These panels collectively define a pair of opposing shells, such as in this example, luggage shells 116, 118 and that form the outer structure of the luggage case 102. Each shell 116, 118 defines at least one cavity 152 that form part of the internal compartment 150. The cavity in each luggage shell 116, 118, has an internal height dimension LSH, an internal length dimension LSL, and an internal width dimension LSW, for example as measured on and between the respective panels as shown in Fig. 2. In an alternative example, the luggage case 102 may include a single shell (such as in a soft-sided luggage case) that defines an internal compartment 150 accessible through a front panel (e.g. a door) that is hingedly attached to the shell to allow access to the internal compartment 150. In this example, the internal compartment 150 may be one and the same as the cavity 152, and similarly defines the dimensions as found in the luggage shell example.

[0027] Returning to FIG. 1, and with respect to a hard sided case or a soft sided case 102, the left side panel 112, right side panel 114, front panel 104 and rear panel 106 extend along the long dimension of the luggage case. As shown, a plurality of wheel assemblies 120, which may be caster-type wheel assemblies, may be coupled to at least the bottom panel 110, such as at the lower corner regions 122. When the luggage case 102 rests on a support surface (such as a floor) by the engagement of the wheel assemblies 120, the bottom panel 110 is nearest the support surface, the top panel 108 is furthest from the support surface, and the front panel 104 (also a base wall), rear panel 106 (also a base wall), left side panel 112, and right side panel 114 extend upwardly from the bottom panel 110 to the top panel 108. Examples of other luggage cases 102 with which the packing organizer may be used include luggage cases (hard sided or soft sided) where a long side rests on a support surface; a soft sided luggage case having a single shell defining a cavity 152 and a door panel that closes over an opening in the shell to control access to the cavity 152; packing trunks that are rectangular box-shaped with a large lid pivoting upwardly from a top rim, and other sized and shaped luggage cases. The packing organizer 200 may be used in each of these styles of cases in a first configuration or a second configuration. In the first configuration, the packing case 200 is folded over with the two compartments 203, 206 overlying each other, in which case it covers only a portion of the major face (major wall) of the luggage case 102 but uses a significant portion of the depth of the luggage case. In the second configuration the packing case is extended with the compartments lying side by side to cover or substantially cover the main surface (major wall) and using only a fraction of portion (e.g. for example 50% or less) of the depth of the luggage case 102.

[0028] The luggage case 102 may also include one or more carry handles 124, typically one on a side panel (for example 114), and another on the top panel 108 of the luggage case 102. The luggage case 102 may also include an extendable or telescopic tow handle 125 attached to or configured with at least one panel of the luggage case 102, such as to the rear panel 106.

[0029] Each of the two shells 116, 118, in the orientation as shown in FIG. 2, have a peripheral wall 126 defining a peripheral rim 132. The peripheral rim 132 in one example extends across at least the top panel 108, left side panel 112, bottom panel 110, and at least partially across the right side panel 114. The peripheral rim 132 of the peripheral wall 126 in one example may be formed by the top edge 138 of the peripheral wall 126.

[0030] The shells 116, 118 may be selectively secured in a closed configuration by a closure mechanism 128, such as a clamp or clamps positioned to engage across the line of closure formed by the peripheral rim 132 between the shells 116, 118. Alternatively, the closure mechanism 128 may be a continuous closure mechanism 128, such as for example a zipper structure extending along at least a part of the peripheral rim 132 of each shell 116, 118. A hinge structure 130 (See FIG. 2) may be formed on the right side panel 114 such that two portions (shells 116, 118) of the luggage case 102 remain connected by the hinge 130 when the closure mechanism 128 is disconnected and the shells 116, 118 rotate apart about the hinge 130 to access the internal compartment 150 of the luggage case 102.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, the shells 116, 118 may define an inner surface 140 and an outer surface 144, and may be at least partially formed from materials used to construct hard-sided or rigid luggage cases, such as a plastic material, such as for example polypropylene, polyurethane, self-reinforced polypropylene, and combinations or alloys thereof or other materials. A liner material may be positioned over the inner surface of either or both shells 116, 118. The luggage case 102 may, in the alternative, be of a soft-side or hybrid of soft-side and hard-side construction.

[0032] FIGs. 3, 4, and 5 show a packing organizer 200 including a first compartment 203 and a second compartment 206, each compartment defines an internal volume 240 for receipt of articles to be placed within the packing organizer 200. The first 203 and second 206 compartments are attached together by a hinge 210 that allows the first 203 and second 206 compartment to move relative to one another as indicated by the arrow 20 in FIG. 3. In this example, the hinge 210 allows the first 203 and second 206 compartments to fold about the hinge 210 from at least a first configuration 302 to at least a second configuration 304.

[0033] In one example, as shown in Fig. 4, the first 203 and second 206 compartments may be positioned in the first configuration 302 where the first 203 and second 206 compartments are folded about the hinge 210 to overlie one another, such as in a stacked manner. The first configuration 302 defines a thickness dimension 1T, a length dimension 1L, and a width dimension 1W. The first 203 and second 206 compartments may be selectively held together in the first configuration by a securement device 214, such as a zipper, hook and loop fastener, snap or releasable clasp. See Fig. 4, where a hook and loop fastener is used to releasably secure the first 203 and second 206 compartments together in the first configuration.

[0034] In another example, as shown in Fig. 5, the first 203 and second 206 compartments are folded about the hinge 210 to be positioned side by side next to each other in a laterally-extended manner (e.g. the second configuration 304). The second configuration 304 defines a thickness dimension 2T, a length dimension 2L, and a width dimension 2W. In this second configuration 304, the first 203 and second 206 compartments may be positioned in a general plane relative to one another.

[0035] In another example, the hinge 210 may detach from one or both of the first 203 and second 206 compartments to allow them to be separated and used independently. For example, the first 203 and the second 206 compartments in FIG. 3, with the hinge 210 detached from either or both of the compartments, would be separate from one another, and may be used for packing independent from one another. In the separated configuration, each of the first 203 and second 206 packing compartments defines a thickness dimension ST, a length dimension SL, and a width dimension SW. These dimensions are shown with respect to the second compartment 206 in FIG. 5. Where both the first 203 and second 206 compartments are of identical size and shape, as described herein, these dimensions are approximately the same for both. The size and shape of each compartment 203, 206 may vary, as is described below.

[0036] The different dimensions of the first 302 and second 304 configurations, as well as the separate unconnected state, provide options for using the packing organizer 200 in a luggage case 102. In the first configuration, a thickness dimension 1T is greater than the thickness dimension 2T of the second configuration 304, and the length dimension 1L is less than the length dimension 2L of the second configuration 304. In some examples, the thickness dimension 1T is approximately 160% to approximately 200% of the thickness dimension 2T.

[0037] In some examples, the length dimension 1L is approximately 40-60% of the length dimension 2L, and alternatively in some examples may be approximately 50% of the length dimension 2L. The difference in the length dimension 1L of the first configuration 302 may be caused by the first 203 and second 206 compartments each having unequal length dimensions. Where the length dimension 1L is 50% of length dimension 2L, the first 203 and second 206 compartments have respective lengths that are approximately equal.

[0038] The packing organizer 200 improves the organization of a luggage case 102 because it can easily be customized based on the user's packing needs. The packing organizer 200 improves packing organization and efficiency because it can be positioned in a luggage case 102 in at least three ways: in its first configuration (folded and overlying one another) 302, in its second configuration (side by side) 304, and optionally where the hinge 210 is disconnected, as separate first 203 and second 206 compartments.

[0039] Additionally, the packing organizer 200 may provide further options for improving packing efficiency by the different configurations of the packing organizer 200 being positionable in various locations within a luggage case 102. Examples of the alternate positioning of the packing organizer 200 are shown in FIGS. 6-12, as described below.

[0040] FIG. 6 shows the packing organizer 200 positioned above the cavity 152 of the luggage shell 116, at which point the user can decide which configuration of the packing organizer 200 to implement to most efficiently pack the luggage case 102 based on the other articles 50 to be included. For these examples, the luggage case 102 may include a luggage shell for a hard sided case 116, 118, defining opposing ends 108, 110, opposing sidewalls 112, 114, and a base wall 104, 106 (also referred to in some examples as a major face).

[0041] FIGS. 7 and 8 show the packing organizer 200 in its first configuration 302 and positioned in the luggage shell 116. In this example, the packing organizer 200 is positioned in an end region 248 of the luggage shell 116, for example abutting one of the opposing ends 108,110 of the shell. In this location, the packing organizer 200 fills a significant portion of only one end of the luggage shell 116 by extending approximately 50% of the length dimension LSL of the cavity 152, approximately the full width dimension LSW of the cavity 152, and approximately the entire height LSH of the cavity 152. In one example, the packing organizer 200 defines a width 1W of about the same as the width dimension LSW of the cavity 152 of the luggage shell 116, a thickness dimension 1T about the same as the height dimension LSH of the cavity 152 of the luggage shell 116, and a length dimension 1L about 50% of the length dimension LSL of the cavity 152 of the luggage shell. With reference to FIG. 10, this leaves approximately 50% of the length the opposite end of the luggage shell (equating to approximately 50% of the volume of the cavity 152) unfilled and available for other articles 50 to be packed. This may allow the user to pack bulkier items that require the entire height dimension LSH in the "empty" half of the luggage shell 116 if desired.

[0042] FIGS. 9 and 10 show the packing organizer 200 in its second configuration 304 and positioned in the luggage shell 116. In this example, the packing organizer 200 is positioned on the base wall 104, 106 and extends along approximately the entire length LSL of the cavity 152, approximately the entire width LSW dimensions of the cavity 152, and approximately 50% of the height dimension LSH of the cavity. In this location, the packing organizer 200 extends the entire length LSL and width LSH of the cavity 152 while leaving the entire length LSL and 50% of the height LSH, above the packing organizer 200, available for packing other articles 50. See FIG. 10. This may allow the user to pack longer items that require the entire length dimension LSH in the "empty" top half of the luggage shell 116 if desired.

[0043] In one example, a luggage case system may include the packing organizer 200 wherein a luggage case 102 comprises at least one shell 116, 118 (also alternatively referred to as a housing) defining opposing end (top and bottom) walls 108, 110, opposing sidewalls 112, 114, and a base wall 104, 106 that together define the cavity 152. The cavity may have a height LSH, length LSL and width dimensions LSW. The packing organizer 200 is positioned within the cavity 152 in either the first configuration 302 or the second configuration 304. In the first configuration 302 the packing organizer 200 takes up more of the height dimension LSH and less of the length dimension LSL compared to the second configuration 304. In the second configuration 304 the packing organizer 200 takes up more of the length dimension LSL and less of the height dimension LSH compared to the first configuration 302.

[0044] In another example, in the first configuration 302 the packing organizer 200 takes up between 40% and 60% of the length dimension LSL and between 80% and 100% of the height dimension LSH, and in the second configuration (304) takes up between 40% and 60% of the height dimension LSH and 80% to 100% of the length dimension LSL.

[0045] In another example, in the first configuration 302 the packing organizer 200 takes up approximately 50% of the length dimension LSL and approximately 100% of the height dimension LSH, and in the second configuration 304 takes up approximately 50% of the height dimension LSH and approximately 100% of the length dimension LSL.

[0046] In the first configuration 302, the packing organizer 200 may be positioned in an end region 248 abutting one of the opposing ends 108, 110 of the shell 116, 118, in order to leave significant portion of the internal cavity 152 free for use in receiving other articles within the luggage case.

[0047] In one example, where the packing organizer 200 is in the second configuration, and with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the packing organizer 200 may be positioned on top of articles 50 packed along the base wall (also major wall or major face) 104, 106 of the cavity 152 and along the length LSL and width LSW of the cavity 152. This is similar to the example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, with the packing organizer 200 on top, rather than below, the other articles 50 in the luggage shell 116. In this example, the packing organizer 200 is positioned in a top portion of the height dimension LSH of the cavity 152. A compression device 160, such as compression straps, elastic cords, or attached to the luggage shell 116 ( such as for example to one of, a combination of or all of the end walls 108, 110, side walls 112, 114 or base wall 104, 106 (also referred to as a major face), may be used to compress the packing organizer 200 against the articles 50 below it to hold the items 50 in place. This may be beneficial for the user if it would like to secure the position of the articles 50 in place underneath the packing organizer 200.

[0048] In one example, in the second configuration (304) the packing organizer (200) may be positioned on a base wall (104, 106) of the cavity (152) and below at least some of any other articles (50) positioned therein.

[0049] In another example, in the second configuration 302 the packing organizer 200 may be positioned on top of at least some of the other articles 50 positioned in the cavity 152 and engaged by a compression device 160 mounted on the shell 116, 118 to compress the articles 50 and the packing organizer 200. The compression device 160 may be a set of compression straps

[0050] Also, in some examples, in both the first configuration 302 and the second configuration 304 the packing organizer 200 extends across the entire width dimension LSW of the cavity 152.

[0051] The packing organizer 200 may also be used with the two compartments 203, 206 separated from one another by disconnecting the hinge 210 from between them. In this example, the first 203 and second 206 compartments may be positioned independently from one another in the luggage shell 116, or alternatively may be positioned one in each luggage shell 116, 118, or alternatively only one of the two compartments 203, 206 may be used with the other compartment 203, 206 left unused. This is beneficial where the user may not require the packing volume of both the compartments 203, 206 of the packing organizer 200.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the packing organizer 200 includes in one example the two compartments 203, 206 connected to each other by a hinge 210, which is optionally detachable from either or both of the first and second compartments, 203, 206 as described below. In this example the two compartments 203, 206 are similarly sized and shaped, so the description herein is of one of the two compartments 203, 206. The first compartment 203 may be defined by a plurality of walls 224, which defining an internal volume 240, with one of the walls 224 defining a lid 226 allowing selective access to the internal volume 240 for packing articles therein. The walls 224 may be formed of flexible material, including mesh or 3D mesh. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the walls 224 may include opposing major panels 230 and a plurality of portions or side panels 232 attaching the major panels 230 together to form the interior volume 240, with one of the major panels forming the lid 226. In one example the first compartment 203 has a rectangular box shape.

[0053] In one example, the lid 226 may be selectively secured, such as by a zipper, hook and loop fastener, snap or releasable clasp (generally 215), to at least some of the side panels 232 to allow access to the internal volume 240. In the examples shown and described herein for the lid 226, the selective fastener 215 is a zipper. The lid 226 may be formed of mesh to allow the contents to be at least partially seen through the lid 226. The lid 226 may be formed by another major 230 or side panel 232 or panels 224 selectively secured to at least some of the other panels 224 to allow access to the internal volume 240. The opening 242 to the internal volume 240 may also be formed by a slit zipper opening through one or more of the panels 224. As noted above, the second compartment 206 may have the same or similar structure as described for the first compartment 203.

[0054] The first 203 and second 206 compartments are hingedly attached together to allow the compartments 203, 206 to move between the first 302 and second configurations 304 as described above. The hinge 210 may be made of a flexible strip of fabric material, plastic, leather, a living hinge or one or more flexible connections attached between the first 203 and second 206 compartments. In other examples the hinge may be a rigid structure that still allows the desired relative motion, such as a piano hinge or strap hinges. In one example, best shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, a hinge 210 attaches one long edge 234 of a major panel 230 on the first compartment 203 to an adjacent long edge 236 of a major panel 230 on the second compartment 206. More specifically, in one example, an edge 222 of the hinge 210 is coupled adjacent a top edge 228 of a side panel 232 on the first compartment 203. An opposing edge 244 of the hinge 210 may be coupled to a top edge 246 of a side panel 232 on the second compartment 206, and wherein the respective lid 226 of each of the first 203 and second 206 compartments is coupled to the respective compartment along at least part of the length of the hinge 210. Coupling of the hinge 210 to the respective compartment may be stitching or adhesive for a permanent or fixed connection. Alternatively, for a releasable connection, the coupling of the hinge 210 along either or both edges 222, 244 to the compartment may be by a zipper, hook and loop fastener, snap, releasable fastener or the like.

[0055] In the example shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the hinge 210 is attached to each compartment along the edge of the respective lid 226. In this way, Referring to Figs. 4, 7 and 8, when the first 203 and second 206 compartments are folded about the hinge 210 to the first configuration 302 (e.g. folded and overlying one another), the lid 226 of the first compartment 203 and the lid 226 of the second compartment 206 engage one another. Additionally, as shown in FIG 8, a side panel 232 of each of the first 203 and second 206 compartments coupled to the hinge 210 extend to generally form a plane relative to one another.

[0056] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 5, 9, and 10, when the first 203 and second 206 compartments are positioned in the second configuration 204 (side by side) the lids (226) generally define a plane relative to one another. Also, in the second configuration, a side panel (232) of each of the first (203) and second (206) compartments coupled to the hinge

[0057] (210) engage each other. In the second configuration, the lids 226 are both on the same side of the packing organizer 200 and are accessible from the same side for the user's convenience. In another embodiment, the hinge 210 may be removable from the packing organizer 200 to allow each of the first 203 and second 206 compartments to be used separately. In this instance, the hinge 210 may be attached to the first 203 and second 206 compartments by hook and loop fastener, a zipper, snapes, or clasps that allow it to be attached and de-attached at the selection of the user.

[0058] The first compartment 203 and/or the second compartment 206 may each include a handle 250 for use in carrying the packing organizer 200 in the first 302 or second 304 configurations, or in carrying one compartment 203, 206 when separated from the other compartment 203, 206. The at least one handle 250 may be a bale handle secured adjacent to a long edge 238 of a major panel 226 opposite the long edge adjacent to which the hinge 210 is attached. Additionally, the bale handles 250 may be used to carry the packing organizer as a carry case. The bale handles 250 may also be used to hang the packing organizer 200 from either end when in the second configuration 304 for ease of access when removed from the luggage case 102.

[0059] The first 203 and second 206 compartments may have different sizes or shapes, which result in different dimensions when in the first 302 and second 304 configurations based on their respective individual dimensions. However, the benefits in assisting with efficient packing and the convenience of placing the packing organizer 200 in different locations within the luggage shell 116 remain the same or similar to a packing organizer 200 having first 203 and second 206 compartments of the same or similar size.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 packing organizer (200) for use inside a luggage case (102) comprising:

A first compartment (203) and a separate second compartment (206) each defining:

an interior volume (240), and

each compartment (203, 206) defining a selectively openable lid (226) to allow access to each compartment's respective internal volume (240);

a hinge (210) connecting the first compartment (203) to the second compartment (206) to allow relative movement between the first compartment (203) and the second compartment (206) about the hinge (210);

the first and second compartments (203,206) movable about the hinge (210) between a first configuration (302) where the compartments (203, 206) are folded to overlie on top of each other;

and a second configuration (304) where the first compartment (203) and second compartment (206) are unfolded and positioned side by side next to one another.

2. The packing organizer of claim 1, wherein:

each compartment (203, 206) is defined by opposing major panels (230) and a plurality of side panels (232) attaching the major panels (230) to form the internal volume (240); and

wherein in each respective compartment (203, 206) one of the opposing major panels (230) forms the lid (226).

3. The packing organizer of claims 1 or 2, wherein in the first configuration (302) the respective lids (226) engage one another and a side panel (232) of each of the first and second compartments coupled to the hinge (210) extend to generally form a plane relative to one another.

4. The packing organizer of claims 1, 2, or 3, wherein in the second configuration (304) the lids (226) generally define a plane relative to one another and a side panel (232) of each of the first (203) and second (206) compartments coupled to the hinge (210) engage each other.

5. The packing organizer of any of the preceding claims, wherein:

the hinge (210) is a flexible member (250);

one edge (222) of the hinge (210) is coupled adjacent a top edge (228) of a side panel (232) on the first compartment (203);

an opposing edge (244) of the hinge (210) is coupled to a top edge (246) of a side panel (232) on the second compartment (206), and

wherein the respective lid (226) of each of the first (203) and second (206) compartments is coupled to the respective compartment along at least part of the length of the hinge (210).

6. The packing organizer of any of the preceding claims, wherein:
The lid for each respective compartment selectively couples along a top edge of three adjacent side panels (232) by a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a snap fastener, or a releasable clasp for controlling access to the internal volume.

7. The packing organizer of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first compartment (203) and the second compartment (206) include a flexible handle (250).

8. The packing organizer of claim 7, wherein the at least one handle (250) is secured adjacent a long edge (238) of a major panel (226) opposite a long edge to which a hinge (210) is adjacent of the respective compartment (203, 206).

9. A luggage case system including the packing organizer of any of the preceding claims, wherein a luggage case (102) comprises at least one shell (116, 118) defining opposing end walls (108, 110), opposing sidewalls (112, 114), and a base wall (104, 106) that together define a cavity (152), the cavity having a height (LSH), length (LSL) and width dimensions (LSW), and wherein:
the packing organizer (200) is positioned within the cavity (152) in either the first configuration (302) or the second configuration (304).

10. The luggage case system of claim 9, further comprising a front panel hingedly attached to the shell (116 or 118) to allow access to the cavity (152).

11. The luggage case system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the luggage case (102) comprises two shells (116, 118), each shell (116, 118) having a cavity (152).

12. A luggage case system as defined in any of claims 9, 10, or 11, wherein:

in the first configuration (302) the packing organizer (200) takes up more of the height dimension (LSH) and less of the length dimension (LSL) compared to the second configuration (304), and

in the second configuration (304) the packing organizer (200) takes up more of the length dimension (LSL) and less of the height dimension (LSH) compared to the first configuration (302).

13. A luggage system as defined in any of claims 9 to 12, wherein in the second configuration (302) the packing organizer (200) may be positioned on a base wall (104, 106) of the cavity (152) and below at least some of any other articles (50) positioned therein.

14. A luggage system as defined in any of claims 9 to 13, wherein in the second configuration (302) the packing organizer (200) may be positioned on top of at least some of the other articles (50) positioned in the cavity (152) as a divider panel and preferably engaged by a compression device (160) mounted on the shell (116, 118) to compress the articles (50) and the packing organizer (200).

15. A luggage system as defined in any of claims 9 to 14, wherein in both the first configuration (302) and the second configuration (304) the packing organizer (200) extends across the entire width dimension (LSW) of the cavity (152).

Drawing