2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART Luggage for use in traveling may include duffel bags and rollable upright carry cases, providing one or more compartments for storage of the user's belongings. Known carry cases generally have a top, a bottom, and four sides, and provide zippers or other fasteners for providing access to an inner compartment. In one known configuration a zipper is provided for opening three of four sides to allow pivotal movement of an upper compartment which provides access to an inner lower compartment. In the opened configuration, the fourth side remains attached to the case and allows access to the inner compartment between the upper and lower compartments of the carry case.

U. S. Patent No. 4,756, 394 to Cohen relates to expandable hand luggage with wheels and separable compartments. A collapsible bag is attached to a panel which is removably attached to the top panel of a lower case, with the top panel of the lower case being hingedly attached thereto. Such structure and arrangement prevents entry or nesting of one case with respect to the other.

U. S. Patent No. 6,382, 376 to Rosen et al. relates to multi-purpose luggage set which includes an exterior bag having an opening and an interior bag removably

nested therewithin. The bags are removably connecfed-so thaHhe'mteri6r of me interior bag is accessible through the opening in the exterior bag.

Other art provide hand luggage with compartments. U. S. Patent No.

4,506, 769 to Franco et al. relates to an activity bag system. U. S. Patent No. 5,186, 290 to Takayama relates to a combination trunk. U. S. Patent No. 5,289, 906 to Guidi relates to a folding bag, particularly a travelling bag. U. S. Patent No. 5,307, 908 to Shyr et al. relates to an expandable tote bag with wheels. U. S. Patent No. 5,515, 954 to Nordstrom relates to a mobile carry-on suitcase. U. S. Patent No. 5,653, 318 to Field relates to a detachable hard-shell bottom for soft-sided medical kits. U. S. Patent No.

6,050, 374 to Johnston relates to luggage case construction. U. S. Patent No. 6,401, 890 to Tan relates to folding collapsible wheeled luggage.

Still other art providing hand luggage with compartments includes published U. S. Patent Application, Pub. No. US 2002/0088679 Al to Abraham which relates to a luggage article; published U. S. Patent Application, Pub. No. US 2002/0125089 Al to Davis et al. which relates to wheeled lightweight collapsible luggage; and published U. S. Patent Application, Pub. No. US 2002/0125699 Al to Chang which relates to a wheel base structure of a dolly base wheel bag.

In one particular known configuration, a portion of the compartment enters the lower compartment and actually takes up some of the space in the lower compartment. When the zipper is closed along the three sides, both compartments are thus assembled as an integral carry case, and only a portion of the lower compartment beneath the upper compartment is available for storage of items. However, since the fourth side remains attached, the upper compartment is not completely separable from the lower compartment, and therefore the case is always configured as a single unit having physically inseparable compartments.

We have invented a carry case, kit, and method-which'prOvI'des detachable compartments, with each compartment adaptable to different uses, such as wheeled configurations and/or non-wheeled handle-carrying or strap-carrying configurations.

Our invention provides separable compartments with at least partial nesting of one within the other, leaving a storage space for a cover or other items.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Transformable carry cases are provided having different configurations to provide multiple compartments for diverse uses. A carry case has a first compartment, and a second compartment separable from the first compartment. In a first configuration, the first and second compartments are attached to form a combined carry case. In a second configuration, the first and second compartments are separable, thereby forming separate first and second carry cases, respectively.

Preferably, the carry case comprises a first compartment; and a second compartment separable from the first compartment; wherein in a first configuration, the first and second compartments are attached with the first compartment at least partially nested within the second compartment to form a combined carry case; and wherein in a second configuration, the first and second compartments are separable, thereby forming separate first and second carry cases, respectively.

In one embodiment, the first compartment is composed of flexible material. In another embodiment, at least one of the first and second compartments includes at least one handle. In a further embodiment, the first compartment has a portion which fits within an interior space of the second compartment in the first configuration. The portion of the first compartment is preferably composed of flexible material to be deformed to fit within the interior space.

In another embodiment, the first compartment hast at làstone-first ftstierSerfo' removably securing the first compartment to the second compartment. The second compartment has at least one second fastener complementary to the first fastener for removably securing the first and second compartments together to form the combined carry case.

In a still further embodiment, the first compartment, when separated from the second compartment, forms a duffel bag. In this embodiment, the first compartment is composed of at least a flexible material to form the duffel bag when separated from the second compartment.

In yet another embodiment, the second compartment includes at least one wheel mounted to the exterior thereof. When the second compartment is separated from the first compartment, an upright carry case is formed. In this embodiment, the second compartment is composed at least of a rigid material to form the upright carry case.

In addition, in this embodiment, a face panel is included, removably attachable to the second compartment in the second configuration, for providing with the second compartment a closure to form the upright carry case. The face panel is configured and dimensioned to be stored within an interior space of the second compartment.

Also, the face panel is configured and dimensioned to be stored in the interior space positioned between the first compartment and the second compartment in the first configuration.

A kit is also disclosed having a first compartment and a second compartment separable from the first compartment; wherein in a first configuration, the first and second compartments are attached with the first compartment at least partially nested within the second compartment to form a combined carry case; and wherein in a

second configuration, the first and second compartments are'separaBfe' ; *tMereby forming separate first and second carry cases, respectively.

In the kit, in one embodiment, the first carry case is a duffel bag, and the second carry case is an upright carry case. Alternatively, the first compartment of the kit is composed at least in part of a flexible material; and the second compartment of the kit is composed at least in part of at least of one rigid material.

A method is also disclosed for providing a plurality of carrying cases, comprising the steps of providing a first compartment; providing a second compartment separable from the first compartment; attaching the first and second compartments in a first configuration with the first compartment at least partially nested within the second compartment to form a combined carry case; and separating the first and second compartments in the first configuration, thereby forming separate and distinct first and second carry cases, respectively, in a second configuration. In this method, a further step may be to attach a face panel to the second compartment to form a closure of the second carry case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings wherein: FIG. 1 illustrates a transformable carry case in a combined configuration with a duffel bag being at least partially nested within a lower frame, in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates the transformable carry case of FIG. 1 with the duffel bag separated from the lower frame which has wheels attached thereto;

FIG. 3 illustrates the lower frame of FIG. 2 combined with àtàce paneS tO form a rolling upright carry case; FIG. 4 illustrates the duffel bag of FIG. 2 after removal from the lower frame ; and FIG. 5 illustrates the formed rolling upright carry case of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Transformable carry cases are provided having different configurations to provide multiple compartments for diverse uses. In an example embodiment shown for illustrative purposes only, a carry case has a first compartment, and a second compartment separable from the first compartment. In a first configuration, the first and second compartments are attached with the first compartment at least partially nested within the second compartment, preferably leaving a storage space therebetween, to form a combined carry case. In a second configuration, the first and second compartments are separable, thereby forming separate first and second carry cases, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the present invention provides at least three transformable embodiments in a carry case: a rolling duffel bag, a lightweight carry duffel bag, and a lightweight rolling upright case or frame. Generally, the rolling duffel bag, shown in FIG. 1, may be removed and completely separated from the wheels and frame, as shown in FIG. 2, transforming a first portion of the rolling duffel bag into an individual lightweight carry-type duffel bag, as shown in FIG. 4. A face panel may also be attached by a zipper or other fastener onto the frame with wheels, as shown in FIG. 3, transforming a second portion of the rolling duffel into a lightweight rolling upright carry case, as shown in FIG. 5.

In an illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the transformable upright carry case 10 is provided in a combined configuration, with an upper compartment 12 having one or more exposed handles 14,16, and with a lower compartment 18 having wheels 20. The lower compartment 18 may also include handles or other grippable members. In the preferred embodiment shown, the upper compartment 12 is in the form of a duffel bag which is at least partially nested in the lower compartment 18 which is configured as a wheeled frame forming, for example, an enclosed upright carry case.

In further embodiments, the handles 14,16 or other grippable members may be retractable into individual compartments, such as pockets provided on the walls or panels of the compartments 12,18, and/or grooves formed by overlapping folds in the walls or panels of the compartments 12,18. Accordingly, the handles 14, 16 on either of the compartments 12,18 may be concealed, and may be selectively exposed to present one or more handles, as needed or desired by the user carrying or toting the compartments 12,18, with the compartments 12,18 being configured as separate carry cases or as a combined carry case, as described herein.

Alternatively or in addition to the handles 14,16, one or more straps, such as shoulder straps, may be provided. The handles 14,16 and/or straps may be composed of flexible material, such as fabric or leather, or they may be composed of a rigid material such as plastic with an optional fabric covering for ease of use or comfort to the user. For example, the handles 14,16 may be composed of rigid metal having a curved-shape such as a C-shape. In this configuration, such rigid handles may be worn by the user with the C-shaped handles extending about the shoulders of the user as provided in backpacks or hiking bags. The rigid handles may be retractable and/or detachable for storage within one or more of the compartments 12,18. Accordingly,

either of the compartments 12,18, having either flexibel6 handles or straps, can be worn by the user as backpacks or hiking bags.

Various zippers 22,24, 26 provide access to various compartments in the carry case 10. For example, a first zipper 22 connects the upper compartment 12 to the lower compartment 18 (or frame). Alternatively or in addition, other known fastening devices may be used, such as buttons, push-button fasteners, clasps, and lacing, as well as hook-and-loop-type fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners commercially available under the brand name"VELCRO".

In addition, such zippers 22,24, 26 may be positioned under folds or covers substantially adjacent to the zippers 22,24, 26 and attached to the walls or panels of the compartments 12,18, so as to be concealed as the carry case 10 and/or the separated carry cases are being carried or toted. The folds or covers may then be bent or pushed back to expose the zippers 22,24, 26 for access to pockets or sub- compartments of the compartments 12,18, or for transforming the upright carry case 10 into separable carry cases, as described herein.

The walls or panels forming the compartments 12,18 may be composed of cloth, durable fabric, fabric mesh, leather, vinyl, or other flexible or semi-rigid material. Alternatively, the walls or panels may be composed of rigid material such as hardened plastic or metal, including aluminum, or a combination of rigid and flexible materials, such as fabric secured to and covering underlying metallic frame.

In other configurations, one compartment may be composed of at least one flexible material. For example, the upper compartment 12 may be composed of fabric to form a non-rigid duffel bag, as described herein. Another compartment may be composed of at least one rigid material; for example, the lower compartment 18 may be

composed primarily of metal or plastics to form a rigicMram'e Of all upright carry case, as described herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the transformable upright carry case 10 of FIG. 1 is shown in greater detail having a duffel bag 30 forming the upper compartment 12 removable from a lower compartment 18 which has wheels 20 attached. The first zipper 22 may be an open ended zipper, such as the type of zippers found on clothing including jackets, with two separable zipper halves being mutually joined together by the interleaving teeth of the first zipper 22. The free end 34a of zipper half 34 is left loose as shown to facilitate initiation of the attachment of zipper half 36 of zipper 22.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the compartments 12,18 has a respective zipper half 34,36 of the first zipper 22 shown in FIG. 1. By completely unzipping the first zipper 22, the compartments 12,18 are completely separable to provide a carryable duffel bag 30 as shown in FIG. 4 and a separate wheeled frame 18 as shown in FIG. 5.

Alternatively, the first zipper 22 may be partially unzipped to allow the compartments 12,18 to be hinged together with the unzipped portion of the first zipper 22 acting as a hinge.

The wheels 20 may be mounted about a fixed axle positioned in wheel assembly wells incorporated into the lower compartment 18, for example, as shown in FIG. 1-3 and 5. Alternatively, the wheels 20 may be removably secured to the lower compartment 18 by a detachable wheel frame, such that the wheel frame and wheels 20 thereon may be completely removed from the lower compartment 18. In still another embodiment, the wheels 20 may be pivotally mounted to the lower compartment 18 by casters or other wheel-mounting mechanisms.

The duffel bag 30 is dimensioned to sit partially within, and to be nested within the lower frame 32, as shown in FIG. 1. Optionally, lower frame 32 provides

an interior space between the bottom surface 38 of the duffel the Interior surface 40 of the lower frame 32 to store cover 42 as will be described. With the first zipper 22 partially unzipped such that the duffel bag 30 and the lower frame 32 are connected on one side in a hinged configuration, the user may access items stored within the interior space 48 between the duffel bag 30 and the lower frame 32. The dimensions of interior space 48 may be any of numerous selective heights, depending on the particular size desired.

Alternatively, multiple sub-compartments 12 may be nested in the lower compartment 18, with the sub-compartments 12 being interlocked together and to the lower compartment 18 to be removably secured to the lower compartment 18 by known fasteners such as zippers 22,24, 26 or other types or combinations of fasteners such as hook-and-loop-type fasteners. Therefore, the carry case 10 may be selectively disassembled to provide a plurality of carry cases formed from the separated sub- compartments nested in the lower compartment 18.

FIG. 3 illustrates the lower frame 32 of FIG. 2 combined with a face panel 42 to form a rolling upright carry case 44, as shown in FIG. 5. A zipper half 46 having a loose free end 46a engages the loose free end 36a of complementary zipper half 36 of the lower frame 32 to form the rolling upright carry case 44 with an enclosed compartment 48, as shown in FIG. 3. The enclosed compartment 48 is accessible by partial or complete unzipping of the zipper 36,46, formed by the complementary and interleaving zipper halves 36,46, shown in FIG. 5.

When not in use, face panel 42 conveniently fits within compartment 48 beneath duffel bag 30 for storage, and is removable when the compartments are separated for individual and separate uses as described hereinabove. In one embodiment, the face panel 42 may be composed of a rigid or semi-rigid planar

member composed of, for example, plastic, and covered'by a flexible'fabric. The-- flexible fabric has a first perimeter extending from and beyond the second perimeter associated with the planar member, with the zippers 46,46a mounted about the perimeter of the flexible fabric to attach to the zippers 36,36a of the lower compartment 18. This configuration of the planar member covered with fabric forming the face panel 42 allows a portion of the fabric extending from the second perimeter to be folded or otherwise bent, allowing the face panel 42 to fit within the compartment 48.

Alternatively, the face panel 42 may be composed of multiple interconnected rigid or semi-rigid planar members, optionally covered with fabric. The planar members may be interconnected by at least one hinge, such as a fabric hinge extending between the planar members. In this alternative embodiment, the planar members may be extended to form a substantially planar face panel covering the opening the planar members may be folded over to form an assembly having a surface area substantially covering the interior space 48 of the lower compartment 18. To store the face panel 42 in the lower compartment, the interconnected planar members are folded about the at least one hinge to form a folded assembly having a surface area smaller than the opening to the interior space 48, allowing the folded assembly to be stored within the interior space 48.

The combination of the duffel bag 30 and the lower frame 32, shown in FIG.

1, provides multiple compartments for storing items. By being completely separable, each of the duffel bag 30 and the lower frame 32 are individually lightweight relative to the combination shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, depending on the user's travel requirements for space, for weight limits, and for ease of use, with or without wheels

or for direct carry on, the user may temporarily discard-'' lower frame 32, resulting in a lightweight carry case.

Accordingly, the combination of compartments; i. e. , the duffel bag 30 and the lower frame 32, and optionally the attachable face panel 42, form a kit which permits the invention to be reconfigured for diverse uses as a rolling duffel, a lightweight carry duffel, and/or a lightweight rolling upright carry case.

A method using the described carry case 10 provides multiple carry cases.

The method includes the step of providing the initial carry case 10 with a first compartment 12 and a second compartment 18 therein, removing the first compartment 12 to form a first carry case 30, removing a face panel 42 from inside the second compartment 12, and removably attaching the face panel 42 to the second compartment 12 to form a second carry case 44.