AU2012245113B2

AU2012245113B2 - Laptop suspension and access structure

Info

Publication number: AU2012245113B2
Application number: AU2012245113A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kenzo Yoneno
Original assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings SARL
Current assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings SARL
Priority date: 2011-04-20
Filing date: 2012-04-20
Publication date: 2016-08-25
Anticipated expiration: 2032-04-20
Also published as: JP2014511743A; HK1193530A2; CN203709455U; AU2012245113A2; WO2012143521A1; JP5940142B2; KR101873085B1; KR20140022393A

Abstract

A luggage case (100) may include a compartment (110) for receiving an object and having first and second walls, a bottom wall, and an opening positioned opposite the bottom wall. A laptop suspension and access system (130) is positioned at least partially within the compartment (110) and may include first, second, third, and fourth straps (132, 136, 140, 144), all coupled together. A first end (133) of the first strap (132) may be coupled to a first wall of the compartment (110). Furthermore, a first end (137) of the second strap (136) may be coupled to a second wall of the compartment (110), and a first end (141) of the third strap (140) may be coupled to the second wall of the compartment. Second ends of the first strap, the second strap, and the third strap may be coupled to a fourth strap (144) at an intersection (146). The second (136) and third (140) straps may be configured to suspend an object.

Description

LAPTOP SUSPENSION AND ACCESS STRUCTURE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/477,551 filed on April 20, 2011 entitled “Laptop Suspension and Access Structure”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The technical field generally relates to luggage, and more particularly to a suspension and access system within a luggage case.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Travelers frequently bring a laptop computer or other electronic device with them on trips, often in conjunction with one or more luggage cases. Occasionally, the laptop may be placed within a luggage case to secure it, to consolidate bags, etc. The luggage may be subjected to harsh conditions in transit, such as handling by taxi drivers, dropping the luggage case, stacking luggage cases in the trunk of a car, and so forth. Many electronic devices, however, contain delicate components that call for careful handling.

Furthermore, in the event that an electronic device such as a laptop computer is initially placed within a luggage case, a traveler may later need to remove the device, for example to pass through security or to use the device.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment there is provided a luggage case comprising: a compartment for receiving an object and having a first wall and a second wall, and defining a bottom wall and an opening positioned opposite the bottom wall; a suspension and access system positioned at least partially within the compartment, and including: a first strap, a second strap, a third strap, and a fourth strap all coupled together; a first end of the first strap coupled to an upper portion of the first wall of the compartment; a first end of the second strap coupled to the second wall of the compartment above the bottom wall; a first end of the third strap coupled to the second wall of the compartment above the bottom wall; a second end of the first strap, a second end of the second strap, and a second end of the third strap coupled to a fourth strap at an intersection; and the second and third straps configured to suspend an object, and the first and fourth straps configured to allow retrieval of the object by applying a force to the fourth strap.

[0005] In one embodiment of a method of manufacturing provides a luggage case, comprising: coupling a first end of a first strap to a first wall of an interior compartment of the luggage case; coupling a first end of a second strap to a second wall of the interior compartment, the second wall opposite the first wall; and coupling a second end of the first strap, a second end of the second strap, and a third strap at an intersection; the second strap configured to suspend an object within the interior compartment and to allow retrieval of the object when a force is applied to the third strap.

[0006] In another embodiment there is provided a support and access system for a laptop in a luggage case, comprising: a case having a compartment, said compartment having an opening and a portion opposite said opening, and a first support structure and a second support structure; a plurality of extensions of at least one flexible member operably engaged with one another; one end of at least one strap engaging the first support structure; one end of at least one other strap engaging an upper portion of the second support structure; other ends of the at least one strap and the at least one other strap coupled together at an intersection; at least one of said engagement of the at least one strap to the first support structure and said engagement of the at least one other strap to the second support structure being adjustable; wherein, in a first retracted position, said plurality of extensions of said at least one flexible member and said laptop are positioned within the compartment and said plurality of extensions are positioned between the laptop and said portion opposite said opening of said compartment; and in a second extended position said plurality of extensions of said at least one flexible member and said laptop are positioned substantially external to said compartment t.

[0007] In another embodiment there is provided a luggage case comprising: a compartment for receiving an object and having a first wall and a second wall, and defining a bottom wall and an opening positioned opposite the bottom wall; a suspension and access system positioned at least partially within the compartment, and including: a first strap, a second strap, and a third strap, all coupled together; a first end of the first strap coupled to an upper portion of the first wall of the compartment; a first end of the second strap coupled to the second wall of the compartment above the bottom wall; a second end of the first strap and a second end of the second strap coupled to the third strap at an intersection; and the second strap configured to suspend an object, and the first and third straps configured to allow retrieval of the object by applying a force to the third strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a luggage case with a laptop suspension and access system.

[0009] FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the luggage case shown in FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the luggage case shown in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the luggage case shown in FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 5 shows a perspective partial cutaway view of the luggage case shown in FIG. 1, with the straps of the laptop suspension and access system inside the luggage, and a laptop suspended within an auxiliary or laptop compartment.

[0013] FIG. 6 shows a perspective partial cutaway view of the luggage case shown in FIG. 1, with the straps of the laptop suspension and access system, as well as a laptop, raised.

[0014] FIG. 7 shows a cross section view of the suspension and access system of the luggage case with the laptop suspended within the auxiliary or laptop compartment, viewed along line 7-7 in FIG. 5.

[0015] FIG. 8 shows a cross section view of the suspension and access system of the luggage case with the laptop raised, viewed along line 8-8 in FIG. 6.

[0016] FIG. 9 shows a partial perspective view of the luggage case shown in FIG. 1, with the auxiliary or laptop compartment partially open.

[0017] FIGS. 10A and 10B demonstrate how the laptop case may be removed from the auxiliary or laptop compartment of the luggage case shown in FIG. 1 using the laptop suspension and access system.

[0018] FIG. 10C shows a partial perspective view of the luggage case shown in FIG. 1, with the laptop case removed from the auxiliary or laptop compartment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Described herein is luggage with a laptop suspension and access system. The luggage may include a main compartment, and one or more auxiliary compartments. A first auxiliary compartment may be configured to receive and secure a laptop or other electronic device. The laptop or other electronic device may be enclosed within a sleeve or bag, or may be received or secured within the luggage alone.

[0020] The auxiliary or laptop compartment may include a suspension and access system, which may include one or more straps coupled to the walls of the auxiliary compartment. In one example, a first strap may be coupled to an upper portion of a first interior wall, while a second and a third strap may be coupled to a middle portion of a second interior wall. One or more of the straps may be fixed, or may be adjustably coupled at their connection point(s). The first strap may be coupled to the second and third straps at an intersection, and a fourth strap or pull tab may also be coupled to the intersection between the first, second, and third straps. The intersection coupling the straps may be fixed or may be adjustable. The straps may be configured to receive and/or secure a laptop when positioned in the auxiliary compartment, and facilitate the extraction of the laptop from the compartment. When secured to the walls, the straps have a defined length that loops downwardly to a bottom wall to create a hammock or suspended carrier to receive the laptop.

[0021] A user desiring to place a laptop in the luggage may partially position a lower portion of the laptop in the auxiliary or laptop compartment to slide along the straps, and allow the laptop to be received within the compartment. In moving from the top of the compartment towards the bottom of the compartment, the laptop may carry the straps downwardly along with it to a bottom or secured position, where the laptop is suspended within the auxiliary compartment. The laptop is held at a selectively fixed depth (as measured from the top of the auxiliary compartment) or alternatively at a selectively fixed height (as measured from the bottom of the auxiliary compartment) defined by the bottom of the straps of the laptop suspension and access system.

[0022] The depth or height may be set, for example, by adjustably positioning the second and third straps on the second interior wall at a predetermined distance from the bottom of the auxiliary compartment and selecting an appropriate length of the first strap. A user desiring to remove the laptop thus secured may pull the fourth strap in an upwards direction, which may apply an upward force to the other straps, which in turn may raise bottom of the strap assembly and thus the laptop from within the luggage. The laptop may be placed into the auxiliary compartment with or without being positioned within a laptop sleeve or laptop bag. Additionally, other electronic devices may be secured within the auxiliary compartment, for example tablet computers, e-book readers, and so forth. For convenience and clarity of description, the luggage case described herein will refer to laptops, but it will be understood that any electronic device or other object having an aspect ratio similar to that of a laptop may similarly be used.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a luggage case 100 with a laptop suspension and access system 130. With reference to FIG. 1, the luggage may include a main compartment 104, which defines an enclosed space. The luggage may include one or more zippers 106 or other opening fasteners 106 that provide access to the enclosed space. In FIG. 1, a first pair of zippers 106 may be positioned along at least a portion of the perimeter of the main compartment 104. Each zipper 106 may include a zipper track or tape, one or more zipper slider assemblies. Each of the zipper slider assemblies may include a zipper slider and a zipper pull tab joined to each of the zipper sliders. The luggage case 100 may also include one or more additional compartments. FIG. 1 shows an auxiliary or laptop compartment 110 configured to receive a laptop, and a front pocket 112. The luggage case 100 may include other compartments and/or pockets.

[0024] The luggage case 100 may further include one or more wheels 114 joined to the luggage. The wheels 114 may be fixed-axle wheels (as shown in FIG. 1), or spinner wheels. In some examples, one or more feet or other supports (not visible in FIG. 1) may be joined to the luggage case 100 to facilitate positioning and maintaining the luggage case 100 in an upright position on a support surface, similar to the position for the luggage case 100shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] The luggage case 100 may further include one or more handles. At least one of the handles may be a telescoping handle 116 that may be selectively moved between a retracted position and one or more extended positions. In an extended position, the telescoping handle 116 may facilitate using the wheels 114 to push or pull the luggage case 100 along a support surface. Positioning a telescoping handle 116 within the main compartment 104 of the luggage case 100 may provide sufficient support to guide the luggage case 100 with wheels 114 using the telescoping handle 116.

[0026] The luggage case 100 may further include one or more fixed handles 118. In FIG. 1, two fixed handles 118 are shown: one joined to the upper side of the luggage case 100, and one joined to the right side of the luggage case 100. The fixed handles 118 may be use to lift or carry the luggage case 100. Of course, more or less than two fixed handles 118 could be joined to the luggage case 100. Positioning fixed handles 118 on the main compartment 104 of the luggage case 100 may provide sufficient support to lift or carry the luggage case 100 by the one or more fixed handle(s) 118.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the luggage case 100 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 shows a side view of the luggage case shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 shows a front view of the luggage case shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] With reference to FIG. 5, a perspective partial cutaway view of the luggage case 100 of FIG. 1 is shown, with a laptop suspension and access system 130 in the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110 with an inner wall 120 and an outer wall 124. In this configuration, the system may receive a laptop 180 (see dashed line in FIG. 5, representing a laptop 180 secured by the suspension and access system 130). The laptop suspension and access system 130 may include several straps 132, 136, 140, 144, at least some of which may be coupled to the walls of the laptop compartment. In one example, the straps may be made of fabric, nylon, webbing tape, and so forth. In other examples, the straps may include elastic material and may therefore be resilient.

In general, the straps may include one or more different types of material suitable for receiving and supporting a laptop.

[0029] With reference to FIG. 5, a first end 133 of a first strap 132 may be coupled to the upper seam of the inner wall 120 (e.g., the wall closest to the main compartment 104) at the center of the upper portion of the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110. The upper seam may be reinforced with a piping structure 121 in some examples, and the first end 133 of the first strap 132 may be coupled to or along the piping structure 121. The first end of the first strap may alternatively be coupled to the exterior of the luggage case, or to a wall interior to the auxiliary compartment. A first end 137 of a second strap 136 and a first end 141 of a third strap 140 may be coupled to the inner surface of the outer wall 124 (e.g., the wall of the auxiliary or laptop compartment furthest away from the main compartment, or the wall opposite the inner wall 120). They ends may be attached at locations spaced laterally apart, for instance to define the lateral width of the outer wall of the auxiliary compartment into equal thirds, or into unequal spacing. With reference to FIG. 5, for example, where the first end 133 of the first strap 132 defines a vertical axis located centrally between the lateral edges of the auxiliary compartment, a first end 137 of a second strap 136 may be coupled to the outer wall 124 approximately halfway in between the left edge of the auxiliary compartment 110 and the vertical axis, and a first end 141 of a third strap 140 may be coupled to the outer wall 124 approximately halfway between the right edge of the auxiliary compartment 110 and the vertical axis. This particular positioning of the straps provides support generally equally spaced about the central vertical axis for a laptop received in the compartment.

[0030] The straps may be permanently fixed in their connection to the inner and outer walls 120, 124 of the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110 in some examples, but in other examples, one or more of the straps 132, 136, 140 may be adjustably connected to the walls. The length of the straps 132, 136, 140 as well as the vertical positioning of the straps 132, 136, 140, is described in more detail below.

[0031] The first, second, and third straps 132, 136, 140 may be coupled to the respective inner and outer walls 120, 124 of the luggage case 100 in one of several different fashions. As described above, the first end 133 of the first strap 132 may be coupled to the inner wall 120 along an upper seam that is reinforced with a piping structure 121. In other examples, the first end 133 of the first strap 132 may be coupled to an interior side of the inner wall 120 at a point spaced away from the seam. Furthermore, in some examples, the inner wall 120 may include a lining - in these examples, the first end 133 of the first strap 132 may be coupled to the inner wall 120 (either at the seam or spaced away from the seam) through the lining, or the first end 133 of the first strap 132 may be coupled to the lining.

[0032] The first ends 137, 141 of the second and third straps 136, 140 may be coupled to an interior side of the outer wall 124 of the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110 at a point spaced away from a side seam of the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110 in some examples, and if the outer wall 124 includes a lining, the first ends 137, 141 of the second and third straps 136, 140 may be coupled to the lining or may be coupled through the lining. In still other examples, the lining may include an opening or cutaway through which the first ends 137, 141 of the second and third straps 136, 140 may be positioned therethrough and coupled to the exterior wall. Also, in some examples, the first ends 137, 141 of the second and third straps 136, 140 may be coupled through the outer wall 124 with, for example, rivets extending into the front pocket compartment 112. Also, in some examples, the outer wall 124 may include one or more slits or openings through which the first ends 137, 141 of the second and third straps 136, 140 may pass through, in which case the second and third straps 136, 140 may be coupled to an exterior side of the outer wall 124, coupled to an outer wall of the front pocket compartment 112, or coupled to each other. In general, the first, second, and third straps 132, 136, 140 may be coupled to (or through) the respective inner and outer walls 120, 124 of the luggage case 100 in any suitable manner.

[0033] The second end 138 of the second strap 136 and the second end 142 of the third strap 140 may be coupled to the second 134 end of the first strap 132 at an intersection 146. In some examples, the second end 138 of the second strap 136 and the second end 142 of the third strap 140 may at least partially overlap one another to form an equilateral trapezoid shaped intersection 146 or interface, to which the second end 134 of the first strap 132 may be coupled.

The second end 134 of the first strap 132 may be coupled to the intersection 146 either on an upper or lower side of the intersection 146. Also, a fourth strap 144 may similarly be coupled to the intersection 146. The trapezoid shaped intersection 146 may be reinforced by a trapezoid shaped reinforcement member (such as a polypropylene board, aluminum sheet, and so forth), and may be covered on one or both sides with, for example, a cover (such as a PVC vinyl patch, a leather patch, and so forth). The first, second, third, and fourth straps 132, 136, 140, 144, as well as any reinforcements or covers, may be coupled by any suitable means including, but not limited to, stitching and gluing.

[0034] With reference to FIG. 5, the fourth strap 144 may in some examples be a pull tab. For example, the fourth strap 144 may be looped around and coupled at both ends of the strap 144 to the intersection 146. In other examples, only a single end of the fourth strap 144 may be coupled to the intersection 146, thereby leaving the other end of the fourth strap free for a user to use in pulling up a laptop 180, as described in more detail below.

[0035] The first strap 132, the second strap 136, the third strap 140, and the fourth strap 144 together form the suspension and access structure 130 that allows a user to adjustably secure a laptop 180 (or laptop case 182) within a luggage case 100 and also to conveniently retrieve a secured laptop from within the luggage case.

[0036] FIG. 6 shows a perspective partial cutaway view of the luggage case 100 shown in FIG. 1, with the straps 132, 136, 140, 144 of the laptop suspension and access system 130 raised as a result of an upward force F being applied to the fourth strap 144. In this raised position, the system 130 is in the configuration for allowing a user to grasp the laptop 180 to retrieve it from the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110 (see dashed line in FIG. 6, representing a laptop 180 available to be grasped by a user).

[0037] With reference to FIGS. 5 through 8, the vertical positioning and the length of the straps 132, 136, 140, 144 will now be described. In some examples, the first strap 132 may be slightly longer than the fourth strap 144 (including when the fourth strap 144 is folded over along itself to form a pull tab, and also when one end of the fourth strap is free), for example, 2 cm longer.

This may allow the fourth strap 144 to be enclosed within the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110 while a laptop 180 is secured in the compartment 110, and may also allow the fourth strap 144 to extend beyond the upper portion of the laptop 180 in order to facilitate a user engaging the fourth strap 144 in removing the laptop 180. The fourth strap 144 and the first strap 132 may be long enough to allow the laptop 180 or to be raised up sufficiently so that a user may grasp the laptop 180 to remove it from the laptop compartment 110.

[0038] Still with reference to FIGS. 5 through 8, the first end 137 of the second strap 136 and the first end 141 of the third strap 140 may be coupled to the outer wall 124 of the laptop compartment 110 at a point that is vertically higher on the outer wall 124 (as measured from the bottom of the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110) than the length of the first strap 132, for example, 2 cm higher. In other words, the height at which the first ends 137, 141 of the second and third straps 136, 140 are coupled to the outer wall 124 may be greater than the length of the first strap 132. This relative length keeps the bottom of the suspension from engaging the bottom of the compartment when loaded with a laptop.

[0039] Also, the length of the second and third straps 136, 140 may be approximately the same as the height of the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110. In examples where the length of the second and third straps 136, 140 are approximately the same height of the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110 and the height at which the first ends 137, 141 of the second and third straps 136, 140 are coupled to the outer wall 124 is greater than the length of the first strap 132,such a configuration may allow the second 136 and third 140 straps to create a hammock-type resting place for a laptop 180 when secured, with the laptop 180 suspended above the bottom of the compartment 110, on the second and third straps 136, 140. This may provide a suspension gap 150 so that the laptop is not in direct contact with the bottom of the laptop compartment 110 or luggage 100, which may help protect the delicate components within the laptop 180 (or other electronic device) from damage that may otherwise result from the luggage being dropped or transported. By suspending the straps from the sidewalls, the gravity force of a dropped bag will be attenuated or cushioned by the resilience of the sidewalls to which the straps are operably attached, which cushioning effect will help protect the laptop. No special cushioning material is needed. In general, if the length of the second and third straps 136, 140 is approximately the same as the height of the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110, the suspension gap may be approximately the difference between the height at which the first ends 137, 141 of the second and third straps 136, 140 are coupled to the outer wall 124 of the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110 and the length of the first strap 132.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 5 through 8, coupling the second 136 and third 140 straps at a height that is vertically higher on the outer wall 124 than the length of the first strap 132 helps ensure that when an upward force F is applied to the fourth strap 144, the intersection 146 between the fourth strap 144, first strap 132, second strap 136, and third strap 140 is also pulled upwards, which in turn pulls the second and third straps 136, 140 upwards until they are fully extended (as in FIG. 6), which in turn raises the Iaptop180 as it slides along the second and third straps 136, 140.

[0041] With reference to FIGS. 5 through 8, the straps 132, 136, 140, 144 may be fixed in their connection to the laptop compartment 110 and to each other in some examples, but in other examples, one or more of the straps 132, 136, 140, 144 may be adjustable and such adjustability may allow a user to customize, for example, the height of the suspension gap 150 of the laptop suspension and access system 130. Even if none of the straps 132, 136, 140, 144 are adjustable, the height of the suspension gap 150 may be controlled by using straps 132, 136, 140 of different lengths and coupling the straps 132, 136, 140 at different vertical heights of the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110. For example, if the second and third straps 136, 140 are shorter than the height of the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110, the length of the first strap 132 (and possibly the length of the fourth strap 144) may be increased in order to allow the laptop suspension and access system to cradle a laptop 180 on a middle portion of the second and third straps 136, 140, suspended above a suitable suspension gap 150. Also, whether the second ends 134, 137, 141 of the first, second and third straps 132, 136, 140 are coupled to the upper or lower side of the intersection 146 may determine the appropriate lengths of the first, second, and third straps 132, 136, 140.

[0042] With reference now to FIG. 7 a cross section view of the suspension and access system 130 of the luggage 100 with the laptop 180 suspended in the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110 is shown, viewed along line 7-7 in FIG. 5.

In this received or suspended position, the straps 136, 140 engage the laptop, and the laptop 180 is supported by the second and third straps 136, 140 for stability. Also, in this position, the fourth strap 144 is accessible for a user to grasp and pull upward. When a user grasps the fourth strap 144 with a finger and pulls upward, the second and third straps 136, 140 slide relative to the laptop, thereby forcing the laptop to slip up and out of the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110 at the same rate as the fourth strap 144 is pulled upward.

[0043] FIG. 8 shows a cross section view of the suspension and access system 130 of the luggage case 100 with the laptop 180 raised, viewed along line 8-8 in FIG. 6. In this position, a user may grasp the laptop 180 and remove it from the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110.

[0044] A laptop 180 may be inserted into the laptop compartment 110 either when the straps 132, 136, 140 are raised (e.g., as in FIG. 8), or when the straps are in the suspended position (e.g., as in FIG. 7). If the straps 132, 136, 140 are raised when the laptop 180 is inserted, the second and third straps 136, 140 may slide relative to the laptop 180 as it is inserted into compartment 110 and pushes the straps 136, 140 down, until the laptop 180 is suspended within the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110. If the straps 132, 136, 140 are in the suspended position when the laptop 180 is inserted, the laptop 180 may slide down along the second and third straps 136, 140 until it is suspendedly secured within the compartment 110.

[0045] With reference to FIG. 9, the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110 is shown partially open, with a laptop 180 enclosed within a laptop case or sleeve 182 secured within the laptop compartment 110. Also, the fourth strap 144 is visible, by which a user may retrieve the laptop case 182. In this configuration, the laptop suspension and access system 130 is retracted into the laptop compartment 110 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 and described above.

[0046] FIGS. 10A through 10C demonstrate how a laptop case 182 may be removed from the laptop compartment 110 of the luggage 100 shown in FIG. 1 using the laptop suspension and access system 130 described herein. FIG. 10A shows a user grasping the fourth strap 144 with a finger. An upward force F is applied to the fourth strap 144, which pulls the intersection 146 between the straps 132, 136, 140, 144 upwards, and along with it, the second 136 and third 140 straps, and the laptop case 182. More specifically, as the fourth strap 144 is pulled upward, the intersection 146 between the first, second, third, and fourth straps 132, 136, 140, 144 is forced upward, which forces the first ends 137, 141 of the second 136 and third 140 straps coupled to the intersection 146 upward, which forces the laptop case 182 to slide relative to lowest point of the second and third straps 136, 140, which forces the laptop case 182 partially out of the laptop compartment 110, thereby allowing a user to grasp and remove the laptop case 182 from the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110. As the fourth strap 144 is pulled upwardly, the lowest point of the second and third straps rises in the compartment and increases the suspension gap as the straps translate the laptop upwardly and out of the compartment.

[0047] FIG. 10B shows the straps 132, 136, 140, 144 of the laptop suspension and access system 130 fully extended, thereby allowing a user to grasp the laptop case 182 and retrieve it from the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110. It is also contemplated, however, that less than full extension of the straps will allow removal of the laptop from the compartment.

[0048] FIG. 10C shows the straps 132, 136, 140, 144 of the laptop suspension and access system 130 extended with the laptop case 182 removed from the laptop compartment 110 [0049] Many variations and modifications to the system shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are possible. For example, as mentioned above, the first strap 132 may be coupled to the interior side of the outer wall 124, while the second 136 and third 140 straps may be coupled to the interior side of the inner wall 120. In some examples, as also mentioned above, the straps 132, 136, 140 may extend through the inner and outer walls 120, 124 and be coupled to other walls or other support structures. Also, one or more straps may be coupled to a seam at the perimeter of a wall, or one or more straps may be coupled to a middle portion of a wall of the compartment 110 away from top, bottom, or side seams.

[0050] The straps 132, 136, 140, 144 may be made of fabric (such as nylon), string, cable, chain, or some combination of these materials. The straps may comprise a flexible member, and may be elastic, partially elastic, or not elastic. Also, instead of using straps, a piece of fabric may be used. For example, a first single piece of fabric (which may be nylon) may be used in place of the second and third straps, and/or a second single piece of fabric may be used in place of the first strap. Also, one wide strap (sufficiently wide to support or balance the laptop or laptop case) could be used in place of the second and third straps 136, 140. Additionally, the second and/or third strap 136, 140 may have a member that engages the laptop 180 or laptop case 182. The straps may be coated with a material to reduce friction, or a material to increase friction as desired. This friction controlling material may be applied to different portions of the strap for different purposes.

[0051] In some examples, the laptop and suspension system 130 may be adjustable. For example, one or more of the straps 132, 136, 140that form at least a portion of the laptop and suspension system may be adjustably coupled to one of the inner or outer walls 120, 124 (or even one of the sidewalls) of the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110, or adjustably coupled to another support structure. The intersection 146 between the straps may be adjustable in some examples. The straps 132, 136, 140, 144 or intersection 146 may be adjustable by velcro, buttons, tabs and slots, buckles, or any other adjustment mechanism. In other examples, one or more of the straps 132, 136, 140, 144 or the intersection 146 may not be adjustable, and may be fixed. By allowing one or more of the straps 132, 136, 140, 144 and/or the intersection 146 to be adjustable, the suspension and access system 130may accommodate laptops 180 and other objects of varying sizes. For example, the system may allow a large laptop to be suspended and accessed by a user during one trip, while allowing the user to suspend and access a small e-book reader during another trip, after making the appropriate adjustments.

[0052] Furthermore, the laptop or auxiliary compartment 110 need not be placed in a forward compartment of the luggage case 100, but may be placed, for example, in a middle or rear compartment of the luggage case 100. Also, the laptop suspension and access system 130 may be used in many different types of luggage cases, for example a much larger luggage case or a different type of luggage case than that shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 (e.g., a duffel bag, a garment bag, a backpack, an upright luggage case, a luggage case that is twice the height of a laptop or laptop case etc.). Additionally, the suspension and access system 130 may be oriented vertically (as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6), or it may be oriented sideways or upside down, or any other orientation.

[0053] Also, as mentioned above the suspension and access system 130 may be used for objects other than a laptop computer 180, such as a tablet computer, a notebook computer, an e-book reader, articles with a similar aspect ratio to a laptop, and so forth. Even non-electronic objects may be placed within the suspension and access system, for example a book or any other object that fits in the compartment. The term “laptop” as used herein is intended to be interpreted to include these other objects where appropriate.

[0054] In some examples, the laptop 180 or other object (particularly if it is large) may not be suspended by the straps 132, 136 described above, but may rest on top of the straps on the lower surface or floor of the laptop compartment 110. In this case, however, the fourth strap 144 may still be accessible for a user to actuate, thereby facilitating removal of the laptop or other object from the compartment. For example, if the lower surface or floor of the laptop compartment 110 includes shock absorbing material, the laptop 180 may be able to safely rest on the shock absorbing material. In these examples, the system 130, although it may not necessarily suspend the laptop 180, it may still be used to access and retrieve the laptop 180 from the auxiliary or laptop compartment 110.

[0055] In still another variation on the laptop suspension and access system, only a single strap may be coupled to the outer wall of the auxiliary or laptop compartment. The single strap may be coupled to the outer wall of the auxiliary or laptop compartment at approximately a mid-point of the lateral dimension of the second wall and may be positioned so as to be approximately under the center of gravity of a laptop or other object positioned within the laptop suspension and access system. In such an example, the sidewalls of the auxiliary or laptop compartment may help guide the object out of the compartment (even if the strap is not exactly under the center of gravity of the object) upon a user actuating the pull tab or other strap.

[0056] A variety of embodiments and variations of structures and methods are disclosed herein. Where appropriate, common reference numbers and words were used for common structural and method features. However, unique reference numbers and words were sometimes used for similar or the same structural or method elements for descriptive purposes. As such, the use of common or different reference numbers or words for similar or the same structural or method elements is not intended to imply a similarity or difference beyond that described herein.

[0057] References to “front,” “middle,” “rear,” “back,” “upper,” “lower,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “center,” “right,” “side,” as well as any other relative positional or directional descriptor are given by way of example to aid the reader’s understanding of the particular embodiment(s) described. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention 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. In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends” having a particular characteristic or being connected with another part. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts.

[0058] The apparatus and associated method in accordance with the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof. Therefore, the above description is by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Accordingly, it is intended that all such alterations, variations, and modifications of the embodiments are within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments.

[0059] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A luggage case comprising: a compartment for receiving an object and having a first wall and a second wall, and defining a bottom wall and an opening positioned opposite the bottom wall; a suspension and access system positioned at least partially within the compartment, and including: a first strap, a second strap, a third strap, and a fourth strap all coupled together; a first end of the first strap coupled to an upper portion of the first wall of the compartment; a first end of the second strap coupled to the second wall of the compartment above the bottom wall; a first end of the third strap coupled to the second wall of the compartment above the bottom wall; a second end of the first strap, a second end of the second strap, and a second end of the third strap coupled to a fourth strap at an intersection; and the second and third straps configured to suspend an object, and the first and fourth straps configured to allow retrieval of the object by applying a force to the fourth strap.
2. The luggage case of claim 1, wherein the first wall is proximate a main compartment of the luggage case and the second wall is opposite the first wall.
3. The luggage case of any of claims 1 -2, wherein the straps comprise elastic material.
4. The luggage case of any of claims 1 -3, wherein the fourth strap is a pull tab.
5. The luggage case of any of claims 1-4, wherein a portion of piping is coupled to the upper portion of the first wall of the compartment.
6. The luggage case of claim 5, wherein the first end of the first strap is coupled to the portion of piping.
7. The luggage case of any of claims 1-6, wherein the first, second, and third straps provide a suspension gap above the bottom wall at which the object is configured to be suspended.
8. The luggage case of claim 7, wherein the suspension gap is approximately 2 cm.
9. The luggage case of any of claims 1 -8, wherein the first strap is adjustable in length.
10. The luggage case of any of claims 1 -9, wherein the coupling of the first strap to the first wall is adjustable.
11. The luggage case of any of claims 1-10, wherein the second and third straps are adjustable in length.
12. The luggage case of any of claims 1-11, wherein the couplings of the second and third straps to the second wall are adjustable.
13. A method of manufacturing a luggage case, comprising: coupling a first end of a first strap to a first wall of an interior compartment of the luggage case; coupling a first end of a second strap to a second wall of the interior compartment, the second wall opposite the first wall; and coupling a second end of the first strap, a second end of the second strap, and a third strap at an intersection; the second strap configured to suspend an object within the interior compartment and to allow retrieval of the object when a force is applied to the third strap.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the third strap is a pull tab.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein a first end of the third strap is coupled to the intersection and a second end of the third strap is left free.
16. The method of any of claims 13-15, further comprising coupling a zipper around at least a portion of a perimeter of the interior compartment.
17. The method of any of claims 13-16, wherein the first end of the first strap is coupled to the first wall of the interior compartment along a portion of piping.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first end of the second strap is coupled to the second wall by stitching.
19. The method of any of claims 13-18, wherein the intersection is trapezoidal shaped and the second end of the first strap, the second end of the second strap, and the third strap are coupled to the trapezoidal shaped intersection by stitching.
20. The method of any of claims 13-19, further comprising: coupling a first end of a fourth strap to the second wall of the interior compartment; coupling a second end of the fourth strap at the intersection; wherein the second and fourth straps are configured to suspend the object within the interior compartment and to allow retrieval of the object when the force is applied to the third strap.
21. A support and access system for a laptop in a luggage case, comprising: a case having a compartment, said compartment having an opening and a portion opposite said opening, and a first support structure and a second support structure; a plurality of extensions of at least one flexible member operably engaged with one another; one end of at least one strap engaging the first support structure; one end of at least one other strap engaging an upper portion of the second support structure; other ends of the at least one strap and the at least one other strap coupled together at an intersection; at least one of said engagement of the at least one strap to the first support structure and said engagement of the at least one other strap to the second support structure being adjustable; wherein, in a first retracted position, said plurality of extensions of said at least one flexible member and said laptop are positioned within the compartment and said plurality of extensions are positioned between the laptop and said portion opposite said opening of said compartment; and in a second extended position said plurality of extensions of said at least one flexible member and said laptop are positioned substantially external to said compartment.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the extensions suspend the laptop above said portion opposite said opening of said compartment.
23. The system of claim 21 or 22, wherein the engagement of the at least one strap to the first support structure and the engagement of the at least one other strap to the second support structure are adjustable on the support structure.
24. A luggage case comprising: a compartment for receiving an object and having a first wall and a second wall, and defining a bottom wall and an opening positioned opposite the bottom wall; a suspension and access system positioned at least partially within the compartment, and including: a first strap, a second strap, and a third strap, all coupled together; a first end of the first strap coupled to an upper portion of the first wall of the compartment; a first end of the second strap coupled to the second wall of the compartment above the bottom wall; a second end of the first strap and a second end of the second strap coupled to the third strap at an intersection; and the second strap configured to suspend an object, and the first and third straps configured to allow retrieval of the object by applying a force to the third strap.
25. The luggage case of claim 24, wherein the first end of the second strap is coupled to the second wall approximately at a mid-point of the lateral dimension of the second wall.
26. The luggage case of claim 24 or 25, wherein the first end of the second strap is coupled to the second wall so as to be approximately under a center of gravity of the object.
27. The luggage case of any of claims 24-26, wherein first and second sidewalls of the compartment are configured to guide the object out of the compartment upon a user actuating the third strap.