Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/340,084, filed March 12, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to luggage items specifically configured, and tailor made, for the storage and transport of baby items.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Traditionally, when using regular luggage to pack for a baby, many items get packed in a messy and unorganized manner into a general purpose suitcase. The packing experience is also stressful and tedious, especially when packing and unpacking several times during any given trip. Some of the items that a parent typically needs to pack are bottles, a bottle warmer, diapers, powdered milk and baby food, sterilizer, bathroom accessories, first aid kit, toys, clothes, diaper bag, and pacifiers. Not all items may be needed for every trip, but the tendency for a parent to pack them anyway can lead to overpacking. It is also difficult for a parent to determine, often in a rush, which items are necessary. Thus, the tendency to pack everything often prevails.

Ironically, it is this pack-all approach to packing that often causes essential items to be left behind.

[0004] In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide luggage items specifically configured for the storage and transport of baby items. It would also be desirable to provide luggage items that contain packing lists and other memory aids which are designed to ensure that essential baby items are not left behind.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to luggage items specially designed, and tailor-made, for baby travel. In some embodiments, a suitcase with adjustable, specific compartments is provided, which is configured for storage of everything from diapers to sterilizer. Embodiments of the present invention allow parents to organize, enjoy, and simplify packing for their babies.

[0006] In some embodiments, items are organized in specifically configured compartments such that unpacking is unnecessary. In some embodiments, one or more storage sections or compartments are labeled with icons, identifiers, or other memory aids that help parents to remember what to pack. In some embodiments, a packing checklist (e.g., paper or plastic) is provided that makes packing easier, saving time and helping to organize every detail.

[0007] For example, in one embodiment, an apparatus for transporting baby items is provided that includes a housing having a first side, a second side, and a closure extending around a periphery of the housing that separates the first side from the second side. At least one of the first side and the second side may include at least one compartment (e.g., removable

compartment) that is configured to hold one or more baby items (e.g., baby food tote, diaper compartment, compartment for baby wipes). The apparatus also includes a baby changing pad having at least one padded wall, where the baby changing pad is configured for removable attachment to the housing (e.g., using one or more fastener clips) such that, when the baby changing pad is attached to the housing and the closure is closed, the baby changing pad functions as a divider between the first side and the second side of the housing to secure the baby items during transport.

[0008] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a packing list that identifies a plurality of baby items. The baby changing pad, or other portion of the apparatus, may include a compartment configured for receipt of the packing list. In some embodiments, the packing list includes a reusable insert identifying a plurality of baby items, and has a reusable mechanism that permits a user to identify which of said plurality of baby items is present. In some embodiments, the packing list includes a paper pad having multiple pages, each page having preprinted thereon a list of baby items suggested for packing together with space for allowing a user to write in which of the baby items is present.

[0009] Other features of luggage items according to embodiments of the present invention include, for example, that the luggage is easy to move around (e.g., provided with rotatable wheels, a handle, is lightweight, etc.), that the luggage is fabricated from strong, waterproof material to protect its contents (e.g., a hard suitcase, a strong fabric, a hybrid of both, or nylon), that the luggage is airline approved (e.g., size, shape and weight), that the luggage is easy to identify or locate on the luggage conveyor belt (e.g., distinctive design patterns, tracking device, remote control-activated alarm), and that various sizes of the luggage may be provided (e.g., as diaper bags, for toddler travel, kids travel, outdoor travel, etc.). Apparatus for storage and transport of baby items, and corresponding methods of use, are disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front, exposed view of the interior of a luggage item according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a zipper around the periphery of the luggage item is unzipped to reveal left-side and right-side compartments of the luggage;

[0012] FIG. 2 A is another view of the luggage item of FIG. 1 in which a removable baby changing pad is removed thus exposing additional storage sections in the left-side compartment of the luggage;

[0013] FIGS. 2B-2D are views of the right-side compartment of the luggage item of FIG. 1 in -which top, middle, and bottom portions of the right-side compartment are highlighted for reference and wherein each of the top, middle, and bottom portions contain storage pouches or areas specially-configured and/or labeled for the storage of baby items;

[0014] FIGS. 3A-C are views of the specially-configured storage pouches highlighted in FIG. 2B;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a view of the specially-configured and labeled storage pouch and specially- configured storage area highlighted in FIG. 2C;

[0016] FIGS. 5A-B are views of the specially-configured and labeled storage pouches highlighted in FIG. 2D;

[0017] FIGS. 6A-C are views of the removable storage compartments contained in the left-side compartment of the luggage item of FIG. 1; [0018] FIG. 7 shows views of carry-on luggage and a diaper bag according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 8 shows additional views of the diaper bag of FIG. 7 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0020] FIG. 1 is a front, exposed view of the interior of a luggage item 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, luggage item 100 is specifically- configured for the storage of baby items during travel, although other embodiments are of course possible. A zipper 102 around the periphery of the luggage item has been unzipped to reveal a left-side compartment 104 and a right-side compartment 106 of the luggage. Luggage item 100 also includes handle 108 and wheels 110 (e.g., rotatable in 360 degrees) for easy handling and transport. In some embodiments, luggage item 100 may be provided with external fasteners for attaching to another luggage item. For example, clips may be provided on the exterior of luggage item 100 for attaching luggage item 100 (e.g., in a piggy-back fashion) to a parent's suitcase.

[0021] Luggage item 100 also includes a removable baby changing pad 112. Changing pad 1 12 (e.g., 22 inches long x 14 inches wide x 1.5 inches thick) may be a water-resistant, wipable changing surface with padded side walls. As described in greater detail below, changing pad 1 12 functions as a divider within the luggage to help secure items while traveling. It can also be used as a changing pad while inside the luggage, or completely removed for cleaning and/or use as a stand-alone changing pad. In the embodiment shown, changing pad 112 connects securely to the luggage by fastening four clips 1 14, one at each corner point, to the luggage. In other embodiments, other fastening mechanism(s) may be provided (e.g., zipper, snap buttons, velcro, etc.) for fastening the changing pad 112 to the luggage.

[0022] In some embodiments, changing pad 112 may include a clear window (e.g., sewn in on three sides) for receipt (e.g., insertion) of a packing list. Such a packing list (e.g., hard plastic insert) may be provided with the luggage and may recommend baby items (and optionally specific brands of baby items) to pack. Alternatively or additionally, a user of luggage item 100 can create their own packing list by, for example, replacing the provided list with their own list. In some embodiments, the packing list provided with the luggage may enable the user to identify which items on the full, recommended list of items are packed and which are not (e.g., by sliding a plastic tab to reveal either a check mark "V" or an "X" respectively). In some embodiments, a pad (e.g., paper pad) may be provided with the luggage with multiple copies of the packing list, to allow the user to manually check off which items are included, and optionally write in others, each time the user takes a trip.

[0023] FIG. 2 A is another view of the luggage item 100 of FIG. 1 in which the removable baby changing pad 112 is removed thus exposing additional storage sections in the left-side compartment 104 of the luggage.

[0024] FIGS. 2B-2D are views of the right-side compartment of the luggage item of FIG. 1 in which top, middle, and bottom portions of the right-side compartment 106 are highlighted for reference and wherein each of the top, middle, and bottom portions contain storage pouches or areas specially-configured and/or labeled for the storage and transport of baby items. As shown in FIG. 1, right-side compartment 106 may include structural dividers 116 which divide the top, middle, and bottom portions.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 2B and 3 A, an insulated and removable lunch tote 202 is provided in the top portion of the right-side compartment 106. Lunch tote 202 (e.g., 7.5 inches high x 10.5 inches wide x 3.5 inches thick) can be used for carrying, for example, food and drinks on the go. On one exterior side, tote 202 includes two outer bottle holders 302 and a pouch 304 specifically configured for holding a cell phone and/or other similarly-sized item (e.g., hand sterilizer). On the interior, tote 202 includes small side pouches (e.g., 306) as well as storage loops 308 (e.g., elastic loops) specifically configured for holding utensils and/or other feeding items. The interior of tote 202 may be exposed by, for example, unzipping a zipper. Tote 202 also includes a clear window 310, for example, covered by plastic, open on one end for insertion of a packing list (e.g., plastic or paper packing list as described above). Clear window 310 is shown in FIG. 3 A as being included on the interior lid of the lunch tote although other locations are possible (e.g., externally). Tote 202 includes adjustable strap 312 which can be worn on a shoulder or carried by hand.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2B and FIG. 3C, a specially-configured storage pouch 314 is also provided in the top portion of the right-side compartment 106. In some embodiments, storage pouch 314 may be permanently attached to the interior of the case and may zip open and closed. Other configurations are of course possible. For example, in other embodiments, pouch 314 (and optionally some or all of the other compartments in the right-side compartment 106 of luggage item 100) may be removable and may be secured within luggage item 100 with velcro or a friction fit with the other storage compartments in the right-side compartment 106 of the luggage. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, storage pouch 314 may be specifically configured for storage of baby formula.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 2C and 4, a storage compartment 402 is provided in the middle portion of the right-side compartment 106 which is specifically configured for storage of diapers. As shown in FIG. 2C, compartment 402 may include an icon or other identifier which identifies the intended contents (e.g., picture of a baby in diapers). Storage compartment 402 (e.g., 8.5 inches wide x 11.5 inches long x 5 inches deep) may hold one package of diapers (e.g., size NB - 3). In some embodiments, a pocket 404 may also be provided for storage of diaper cream or other item(s). In this embodiment, storage compartment 402 has a snap closure on the flap mat keeps the pouch securely closed in transit. Alternatively or additionally, other fastening mechanisms (e.g., zipper) may be provided. For example, in the embodiment shown, the flap can be opened to remove diapers, one at a time. In addition, side zippers are provided which, if unzipped, allow for access to the entire diaper storage area (e.g., to load an entire package of diapers). A storage compartment 406 is also provided which is specifically configured for storage of a standard tub of diaper wipes, where the tub may be store-bought from another manufacturer or part of the luggage. Storage compartment 406 may include, for example, a plurality of fabric-covered elastic straps for securing the tub of diaper wipes within the luggage.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2D, 5A, and 5B, storage pouches 500 are provided in the bottom portion of the right-side compartment 106; In some embodiments, storage pouches 500 (e.g., 5.5 inches long x 5.5 inches wide x 4.75 inches deep) are removable (e.g., albeit fastened to the interior of the luggage by velcro or fixed into position by a friction fit). In other embodiments, storage pouches are permanently fastened to the interior of the luggage by, for example, stitching. In the embodiment shown, three removable travel pouches 500 are provided, each of which includes a carry handle 502, zip opening 504, internal mesh pouch 506, and strap 508 (e.g., elastic strap) for securing items inside. Each pouch also includes a clear window 510, for example, sewn into the interior lid, for receipt of a packing list (e.g., plastic or paper packing list as described above). In some embodiments, each pouch may include an icon or other identifier which identifies the intended contents (e.g., picture of baby bottles).

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 6A-C, the left-side compartment 104 of luggage item 100 is shown upon removal of changing pad 112. One or more small pouches 602 (e.g., approximately 4 inches x 4 inches x 5 inches) may be provided which clip onto interior walls to hold small items. In some embodiments, pouches 602 may be closed by a zipper or velcro flap. A mesh laundry bag 604 (e.g., 14 inches by 19 inches, and flat) may also be provided that has a zip closure at the top and an integrated hook for hanging the bag, for example, on the back of a door or in a closet. In some embodiments, velcro may be provided for holding bag 604 in place within the luggage. Bag 604 can be rolled up, folded, or stored flat inside the luggage. Wet bag 606 (e.g., approximately 8 inches x 19 inches, and flat) may also be provided for holding wet or soiled items. In some embodiments, velcro may be provided for holding bag 606 in place within the luggage. Bag 606 can be rolled up, folded, or stored flat inside the luggage.

[0030] FIG. 7 shows additional luggage items (702, 704) according to some embodiments of the present invention. Luggage item 702 may be, for example, carry on luggage sized and configured to be within airline baggage requirements for carry-on luggage (e.g., a 20-inch luggage item). Luggage item 704 may be a diaper bag. As shown, in some embodiments, diaper bag 704 may be sized and configured to rest upon and/or for attachment to carry-on luggage (e.g., with one or more attachment clips). In some embodiments, diaper bag 704 may be removable from carry-on item 702, for example, for placement under the seat in an airplane. In some embodiments, luggage items 702 and 704 may be sized proportionately relative to one another according to their relative dimensions shown in FIG. 7. In other embodiments of the present invention; other dimensions and relative proportions may be used. ·

[0031] Carry-on luggage 702 may include a top divider 706 that holds one or more (e.g., two) travel pouches. The travel pouches may be the same as or similar to pouch 500 (FIG. 5A). Luggage item 702 may also include one or more link loops 708 (e.g., formed from metal or plastic), for example, for use to attach toys or other items. In some embodiments, luggage item 102 may include wall 710 to hold items in place and/or zipper 712 on an inner flap for allowing access to a zip storage compartment. In some embodiments, luggage item 102 may include one or more handles 714, for example, for toddlers or older children to hold onto. In some embodiments, luggage item 702 may include additional elements (e.g., 360 degree wheels, adjustable telescoping handle, etc.).

[0032] Diaper bag 704 may include an adjustable shoulder strap 716 and/or one or more internal wire supports 718 that maintain the top of the bag in an open position. In some embodiments, luggage item 704 includes ticket packet or pouch 720, which may be closeable by, for example, a zipper.

[0033] FIG. 8 shows additional views of diaper bag 704 (FIG. 7) according to some embodiments of the present invention. Luggage item 704 may include one or more pouches 802 (e.g., two pouches on opposed sides) sized and configured for holding a baby bottle. In some embodiments, the interior of luggage item 704 may include a storage pocket 804 (e.g., closeable with a zipper), storage for an insulated lunch tote 806 (e.g., same or similar to lunch tote 302 (FIGS. 3A and 3B)), and/or storage for travel pouch 808 (e.g., same or similar to travel pouch 500 (FIG. 5A)). In some embodiments, travel pouch 808 may include one or more hooks 810 and/or other attachment mechanism for attaching, for example, to an airplane tray. In some embodiments, travel pouch 808 may fold (e.g., in half) for storage in diaper bag 704. As shown, in some embodiments, travel pouch 808 may be configured for storage of diapers and/or baby wipes. Travel pouch 808 may include a storage pocket 812 (e.g., mesh pocket), for example, for storage of toys and/or books. Alternatively or additionally, travel pouch 808 may include one or more (e.g., two) link loops 814 (e.g., formed from metal or plastic), for example, for use to attach toys or other items. In some embodiments, diaper bag 704 may include a logo strap closure 816 (e.g., magnetic closure).

[0034] Thus it is seen that luggage items are provided which are specifically configured for storage and transport of baby items. Also disclosed are corresponding methods of use of such luggage items. Although particular embodiments have been disclosed herein in detail, this has been done by way of example for purposes of illustration only, and is not intended to be limiting. It is contemplated that various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, and without limitation, the contents of the top, middle, and bottom portions of the right-side compartment of luggage item 100 could be varied (e.g., by interchanging the contents of the top and middle portions) or could be provided in the left-side compartment of the luggage instead. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the invention.