Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CONVERTIBLE LUGGAGE AND DRESSING STATION
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Application Number
61/076,761, which was filed on June 30, 2008, the contents of which are
incorporated herein
by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to storage containers. More
particularly, the
invention relates to a convertible luggage and dressing station having a
clothing rack.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] When participating in certain activities such as dance or ice skating,
it is
necessary to transport several clothing combinations to a location where a
competition is to
occur and then display the clothing to facilitate selecting between the
clothing items. While
there are duffel bag-like items that are utilized for this purpose, the prior
art devices each fall
significantly short of providing an optimal system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An embodiment of the invention relates to a convertible luggage and
dressing
station that enables clothing to be transported to a use location and enables
the clothing to be
displayed on a clothing rack to facilitate changing between various clothing
items.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding
of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification. The
drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to
explain principles
of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of
embodiments
will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to
the following
detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to
scale relative to
each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.
[0006] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible luggage and dressing
station
according to an embodiment of the invention where the convertible luggage and
dressing
station is in a storage configuration.
[0007] Fig. 2 is a first side view of the convertible luggage and dressing
station in the
storage configuration.
[0008] Fig. 3 is a second side view of the convertible luggage and dressing
station in
the storage configuration.
[0009] Fig. 4 is top view of the convertible luggage and dressing station in
the storage
configuration.
[0010] Fig. 5 is a first end view of the convertible luggage and dressing
station in the
storage configuration.
[0011] Fig. 6 is a second end view of the convertible luggage and dressing
station in
the storage configuration.
[0012] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the convertible luggage and dressing
station in a
display configuration.
[0013] Fig. 8 is a top view of the convertible luggage and dressing station in
the
display configuration.
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[0014] Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along a line A-A in Fig. 8.
[0015] Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along a line B-B in Fig. 8.
[0016] Fig. 11 is a side view of a stool for use with the convertible luggage
and
dressing station.
[0017] Fig. 12 is a top view of the stool.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] An embodiment of the invention is directed to a convertible luggage and
dressing station, as illustrated at 10 in Figs. 1-10. The convertible luggage
and dressing
station 10 facilitates transportation of clothing and accessories to a
location where the
clothing and accessories will be used. The convertible luggage and dressing
station 10 also
facilitates displaying the clothing and accessories at the location where the
clothing and
accessories will be used such to facilitate changing between different
clothing and
accessories.
[0019] While the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may be used in
conjunction with a variety of applications, the convertible luggage and
dressing station 10 is
particularly suited for use in conjunction with dance competitions and ice
skating
competitions that each require multiple changes of clothing and/or accessories
while
participating in a particular competition.
[0020] Displaying the clothing and/or accessories in an organized manner
enables the
participants in such competitions to rapidly change clothing and/or
accessories because the
participants may have a relatively limited amount of time between the
performances to make
such changes.
[0021] The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may be positioned in a
storage
configuration, as illustrated in Fig. 1, or a display configuration, as
illustrated in Fig. 7. The
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configuration of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 enables the
convertible
luggage and dressing station 10 to be readily changed between the storage
configuration and
the display configuration.
[0022] The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may include a storage
region
20 that is defined by a bottom panel 22, a pair of side panels 24 and a pair
of end panels 26.
The storage region 20 may also include a top panel 28 that engages one or more
of the pair of
side panels 24 and the pair of end panels 26.
[0023] In certain embodiments, the top panel 28 may be attached to one of the
side
panels 24 and releasably engage the other side panel 24 as well as the pair of
end panels 26
using a zipper to substantially enclose objects placed in the storage region
20. It is possible
to use other devices for releasably engaging the top panel 28, the side panel
24 and the end
panels 24, examples of which include snaps, buttons and hook and loop
fasteners. In other
embodiments, the top panel 28 may be entirely detachable from the other
portions of the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10.
[0024] To facilitate organizing objects that are stored inside of the storage
region 20,
at least one of the bottom panel 22, the side panels 24, the end panels 26 and
the top panel 28
may include at least one pocket. The pocket may be maintained in a closed
position with a
fastener such as a snap, zipper or hook and loop fastener. The pocket may also
be maintained
in a closed position with a resilient material such as elastic.
[0025] It is also possible to include at least one loop or hook in the storage
region 20.
In certain embodiments, there are several hooks or loops that are generally
arranged in a line.
The hooks and loops may be used to attach a hanger within the storage region
20 to thereby
minimize movement of the item that is placed on the hanger.
[0026] To reduce the potential of damage to outer surfaces of the convertible
luggage
and dressing station 10 such as when the convertible luggage and dressing
station 10 is slid
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along a surface, at least one protector may be attached to the outer surface
of the convertible
luggage and dressing station 10. In certain embodiments, there are two
elongated protectors
attached to the outer surface of the bottom panel 22.
[0027] The storage region 20 may be formed with dimensions that are selected
based
upon the volume and type of objects that are desired to be placed in the
storage region 20. In
certain embodiments, the storage region 20 may have a length of between about
24 inches
and 48 inches, a width of between about 6 inches and 24 inches and a height of
between
about 6 inches and 24 inches.
[0028] The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may be formed from a
variety
of materials depending on the desired durability and appearance. Examples of
materials that
may be utilized to fabricate the convertible luggage and dressing station 10
include canvas,
leather and vinyl.
[0029] The storage region 20 may be divided into multiple compartments. The
storage region 20 may also include one or more retaining devices to retain
objects in a fixed
position therein. Examples of these retaining devices include straps, pouches
and hooks.
Depending on the intended use of the convertible luggage and dressing station
10, the
retaining devices may be transparent, waterproof or fabricated from a mesh
material.
[0030] As an alternative to or in addition to the preceding retaining devices,
the
storage region 20 may include one or more hard-sided or soft-sided storage
containers. The
storage containers may include one or more compartments therein to facilitate
organizing
objects that may be utilized in conjunction with the convertible luggage and
dressing station
10.
[0031] At least one storage pouch 30 may be provided on an outer surface of
the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10. In certain embodiments, at least
two storage
pouches 30 are provided on each of the side panels 24. While the storage
pouches 30 are
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illustrated as being generally square, it is possible for the storage pouches
30 to have a variety
of other configurations depending on the objects that are to be stored
therein.
[0032] At least one of the storage pouches 30 may be insulated to maintain
objects
placed therein at a temperature that is warmer or cooler than ambient
temperature. A person
of skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of materials may be used to
provide the
insulation. Additionally, a thickness of the insulating materials may be
selected to provide a
desired degree of insulation.
[0033] To retain objects in the storage pouch 30, a closure device may be
provided
thereon. Examples of suitable closure devices include zippers, snaps, buttons
and hook and
loop fasteners.
[0034] It is also possible to provide at least one hook or loop on the outside
of the
storage region 20. The at least one hook or loop may be placed along opposite
ends of the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10. The hook or loop may be utilized
for attaching
objects to the storage region 20 such as using a bungee cord. This feature is
particularly
useful for objects having a length and/or width that is greater than a length
and/or width of
the storage region 20.
[0035] The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may include at least
one
wheel 32 mounted thereon to facilitate moving the convertible luggage and
dressing station
10. In certain embodiments, there are two wheels 32 mounted proximate to one
end of the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10.
[0036] Alternatively, the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may be
configured with multiple wheels 32 that support the convertible luggage and
dressing station
above a ground surface. This configuration enables the convertible luggage and
dressing
station 10 to be moved without the person moving the convertible luggage and
dressing
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station 10 having to support any of the weight of the convertible luggage and
dressing station
10.
[0037] A handle 34 may extend from the convertible luggage and dressing
station 10
such that the handle 34 extends from an end of the convertible luggage and
dressing station
that is opposite the wheels 32. The handle 34 and the wheels 32 thereby enable
the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10 to be rolled along the ground,
which obviates the
need to lift the convertible luggage and dressing station 10.
[0038] The handle 34 may be slidably mounted with respect to the convertible
luggage and dressing station 10 to enable the handle 34 to move between a
retracted
configuration and an extended configuration. When in the retracted
configuration, the handle
34 may be substantially confined within the dimensions of the convertible
luggage and
dressing station 10. When in the extended configuration, the handle 34 may
extend a
distance of up to about 20 inches from the convertible luggage and dressing
station 10 to
facilitate holding the handle 34 while pulling the convertible luggage and
dressing station 10.
[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the handle 34 may be pivotally attached
to the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10. This configuration enables the
handle 34 to be
pivoted between a retracted position and an extended position. A locking
mechanism may be
provided to maintain the handle 34 in at least one of the retracted position
and the extended
configuration.
[0040] In other embodiments, the handle 34 may be detachably connected to the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10 such that the handle 34 may be
detached from the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10 when not in use.
[0041] For situations where it is necessary to carry the convertible luggage
and
dressing station 10, at least one strap 50 may be attached to the storage
region 20. In certain
embodiments, one strap 50 is attached to each of the side panels 24. Multiple
straps may be
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used in conjunction with the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 such
that the
convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may be carried like a back pack.
Small handles
may also be attached to at least one of the outer surfaces of the convertible
luggage and
dressing station 10.
[0042] The convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may also include a
clothing
support bar 40 on which clothes or other objects may be hung to facilitate
viewing the
clothing options. The clothing support bar 40 may be positioned between a
storage
configuration and a use configuration.
[0043] When in the storage configuration, the clothing support bar 40 may fit
entirely
within the storage region 20. When in the use configuration, the clothing
support bar 40
extends substantially between the end panels 26 and is positioned above the
storage region
20.
[0044] The clothing support bar 40 may include a pair of side bars 42 and a
top bar 44
that extends between the side bars 42. To facilitate storing the clothing
support bar 40 within
the storage region 20, the side bars 42 and the top bar 44 may each include a
multiple part
configuration. In certain embodiments, the multiple parts of the side bars 42
and the top bar
44 have a telescoping configuration. In other embodiments, the clothing
support bar 40 may
include sections that are attached together using other mechanisms, examples
of which
include snaps and screws.
[0045] A length of the side bars 42 may be selected based upon a length of the
clothing that is to be hung upon the clothing support bar 40 so that the
clothing hangs
substantially above the storage region 20. Forming the side bars 42 with these
dimensions
reduces the potential of the clothing being wrinkled.
[0046] Depending on a variety of factors such as the width of the convertible
luggage
and dressing station 10, it may be possible to include an outrigger that
extends from at least
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one side of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. The outrigger
maybe slidably or
pivotally attached to the convertible luggage and dressing station 10. The
outrigger thereby
resists tipping over of the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 when
objects are placed
on the clothing support bar 40.
[0047] To facilitate a person using the convertible luggage and dressing
station 10, a
stool 70 may also be provided, as illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12. The stool 70
may include a
collapsible configuration to facilitate either storing the stool 70 in the
storage region or in a
pouch attached to the outside of the storage region 20.
[0048] The pouch may be formed with a width that is slightly wider than a
widest
point of the stool 70 to facilitate sliding the stool 70 into the pouch. The
pouch may be
formed with a length that is less than a length of the stool 70 such that a
portion of the stool
70 extends outside of the stool 70 when the stool 70 is stored in the pouch.
[0049] The stool 70 may be placed into the pouch with a top portion 74
oriented
toward the pouch. A strap may be provided to extend around at least one of the
legs 72 to
thereby retain the stool 70 in the pouch. While not illustrated, the stool 70
may include a
back to provide additional support to the person sitting on the stool 70.
[0050] In certain configurations, the stool 70 includes three legs 72 that are
pivotally
attached to each other. The stool 70 may also include a top portion 74 that is
mounted to an
upper end of each leg 72. The top portion 74 may be flexible so that it can
collapse for
storage.
[0051] In one configuration, the stool 70 includes three legs that are
pivotally
mounted to each other proximate an intermediate portion thereof. The chair
also includes a
flexible seating surface that is attached to the legs proximate an end
thereof.
[0052] When in the storage configuration, the size of the chair is minimized
because
the legs are substantially parallel to each other. When in the use
configuration, the legs are
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oriented at an angle with respect to each other to provide a stable support
base with the
seating surface at an upper end thereof.
[0053] In use, objects that need to be utilized at a location away from where
the
objects are typically stored are placed in the storage region 20. These
objects may be used,
for example, in conjunction with a dance or ice skating completion. The
storage region 20 is
then closed so that the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 may be
transported to a
location where the objects are to be used.
[0054] Thereafter, the convertible luggage and dressing station 10 is opened
and the
clothing support bar 40 is placed in the use configuration. The objects are
attached to the
clothing support bar 40 so that the person who is to be using the objects may
readily view the
objects and select between the objects. Once done using the objects, the
clothing support bar
40 is detached and the objects are stored inside of the storage region 20 for
transport back to
the initial location.
[0055] In the preceding detailed description, reference is made to the
accompanying
drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of
illustration specific
embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard,
directional
terminology, such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "leading," "trailing,"
etc., is used with
reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because
components of
embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the
directional
terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It
is to be
understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical
changes may be
made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The preceding
detailed
description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope
of the present
invention is defined by the appended claims.
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[0056] It is contemplated that features disclosed in this application, as well
as those
described in the above applications incorporated by reference, can be mixed
and matched to
suit particular circumstances. Various other modifications and changes will be
apparent to
those of ordinary skill.
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