CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S. provisional application number 61/408,437, entitled "Luggage with Looped Handles" and filed on October 29, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0002] The technological field generally relates to luggage.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Many luggage cases include handles that allow a user to carry the luggage cases in various ways. For example, existing luggage cases may include longer straps, such as backpack or duffel bag shoulder straps, that can be placed over the user's shoulder to position the main body of the luggage piece proximate the user's waist. Typically, such straps or handles are positioned to extend perpendicularly to the widest dimension of the luggage piece. This positioning of the handles can make carrying the luggage piece cumbersome and uncomfortable since the center of mass of the luggage piece is positioned further from the user's body, thereby increasing the amount of torque or moment created by the luggage piece with respect to the user and making the luggage piece more difficult to carry.

[0004] Many luggage pieces are often provided with zippers to access compartments of the luggage piece. Each zipper typically includes a zipper track, a zipper slider, and a zip pull tab. Typically, zippers allow for accessing a compartment. On some luggage pieces, a compartment may be used to conceal luggage straps or handles when not in use. However, existing zippers often do not allow for closing the compartment when the luggage straps or handles are in an extended position since the straps typically extend between the tracks of the zippers and block the path of the zipper slider. Accordingly, the compartment is left open, making it unsecure for storing additional goods or other items in the compartment. Other existing luggage pieces may include straps that may be removably attached to the body of the luggage. The straps may be stored in an exterior compartment of the luggage. However, such handles are typically attached to the luggage using fasteners that can easily be detached or broken, and thus may only support a limited amount of weight.

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4847-7235-7132\ I SUMMARY

[0005] One embodiment of a piece of luggage may include a front side, a rear side, a top side, a bottom side, a right side and a left side that define an enclosed space, and two handles located on either the right side or the left side of the luggage piece. The luggage piece may include a depth corresponding to a distance between the rear side and the front side, a length corresponding to a distance between the top side and the bottom side, and a width

corresponding to a distance between the right side and the left side. The depth may be less than the length and width. Each handle may include a length. Each handle may be oriented so that the length of the handle is substantially parallel to the length of the luggage piece.

[0006] In some embodiments, the luggage piece may include a zipper assembly for allowing and preventing access to a compartment. The zipper assembly may include a first zipper track, a second zipper track, and a third zipper track. The zipper assembly may further include a first zipper slider configured to move in a first direction to selectively engage the first and second zipper tracks, and a second zipper slider configured to move in a second direction to selectively engage the first and third zipper tracks. The second direction may be opposite to the first direction. One of the two handles may be configured to block the first zipper slider from moving in the first direction when the handle is in a first position. The handle may also be configured and to block the second zipper slider from moving in the second direction when said the handle is in a second position different from the first position.

[0007] Another embodiment of a luggage piece may include a front side, a rear side, a top side, a bottom side, a right side and a left side that define an enclosed space. The luggage piece may include a depth corresponding to a distance between the rear side and the front side, a length corresponding to a distance between the top side and the bottom side, and a width

corresponding to a distance between the right side and the left side. Based on the length, width, and depth of the luggage piece, two handles may be joined to one of the sides of the luggage such that when a user carries the luggage piece using the two handles, the luggage piece is readily positioned by a user so that a distance between a center of mass of the luggage piece and the user's body without the luggage piece significantly interfering with the user's stride is minimized and an amount of potential clearance between the luggage piece and the ground is maximized.

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4S47-7235-7132U BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Fig. 1 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a piece of luggage that shows a set of handles in an extended position.

[0009] Fig. 2 shows another front perspective view of the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1 that shows the handles positioned within compartments of the luggage piece.

[0010] Fig. 3 shows another front perspective view of the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1 with one of the handles in an extended position.

[001 1] Fig. 4 shows another front perspective view of the luggage shown in Fig. 1 with one of the handles in an extended position.

[0012] Fig. 5 shows another front perspective view of the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1.

[0013] Fig. 6 shows a rear perspective view of the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1.

[0014] Fig. 7 shows a top elevation view of the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1 .

[0015] Fig. 8 shows a side elevation view of the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1.

[0016] Fig. 9 shows a rear perspective view of the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1 .

[0017] Fig. 10 shows a cross-section view of the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1 , viewed along line 10-10 of Fig. 8, with one of the side handles in an extended position.

[0018] Fig. 1 shows a cross-section view of the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1 , viewed along line 10-10 of Fig. 8, with one of the side handles stored in the compartment and the compartment in an open configuration.

[0019] Fig. 12 shows a cross-section view of the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1 , viewed along line 10-10 of Fig. 8, with one of the side handles stored in the compartment and the compartment in a closed configuration.

[0020] Fig. 13 shows a partial side elevation view of the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1.

[0021] Fig. 14 shows another partial side elevation view of the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1 .

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4847-7235-7132\1 [0022] Fig. 15 shows yet another partial side elevation view of the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1.

[0023] Fig. 16 shows still another partial side elevation view of the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1.

[0024] Fig. 17 shows a schematic view of a user carrying the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1.

[0025] Fig. 18 shows a bottom perspective view of the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1.

[0026] Fig. 19 shows a rear perspective view of the luggage piece shown in Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Described herein is luggage that incorporates handles positioned on a narrow side of the luggage piece that allow for the center of gravity of the luggage piece to be positioned relatively close to a user's body when the handles are used by the user to carry luggage and a zipper assembly that provides access to a compartment for concealing at least one of the handles. The luggage piece may include a front side, a rear side, a top side, a bottom side, a right side and a left side that define an enclosed space. The enclosed space may be divided into one or more compartments. The luggage piece may further include one or more carry handles that extend from one or more of the sides of the luggage. Each of the one or more handles may be stored in a compartment. A zipper assembly may provide access the compartment. The zipper assembly may include a first zipper slider engaging a first zipper track and a second zipper track opposite the first zipper track. The zipper assembly may further include a second zipper slider engaging the first zipper track and a third zipper track opposite the first zipper track. When a handle is stored in the compartment, the second zipper slider may be pulled to close the compartment, concealing the handle, even though the handle may prevent the first zipper slider from being used to close the compartment. However, when the handle is external to the compartment, the first zipper slider may be pulled to close the compartment, even thought the handle may prevent the second zipper slider from being used to close the compartment.

[0028] Figs. 1-9 show various views of one example of a luggage piece 100 that utilizes a set of handles 105a-b to allow the user to carry the luggage piece 100. With reference to Figs. 1-8, the luggage piece may include a front side 110, a rear side 115, a top side 120, a bottom side

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4847-7235-7132\1 125, a right side 130 and a left side 135 that define an enclosed space (not shown). The enclosed space may be divided into one or more compartments, and may be accessed by a zipper 140 that extends around one or more of the sides of the luggage piece 100. The luggage piece 100 may be positioned on a surface in a first upright position as shown, for example, in Figs. 1-4. When in the first upright position, either the right or left sides 130, 135 of the luggage piece 100 may be proximate the surface. The luggage piece 100 may include one or more foots 145 or other supports (see Fig. 6) joined to either the right or left sides 130, 135 of the luggage piece 100 to facilitate engaging the luggage piece 100 with the surface when placed in the first upright position.

[0029] The luggage piece 100 may further include one or more wheels 150 joined to the bottom side 125 of the luggage piece 100. The wheels 150 may be wheels that allow for the rolling movement of each wheel along primarily a single line or may be spinner wheels. While two wheels 150 are shown in the figures, the luggage piece 100 may have more or less than two wheels. In embodiments that use two wheels 150, one or more foots 155 or other supports may be joined to the bottom side 125 of the luggage piece 100 to facilitate positioning and maintaining the luggage piece 100 in a second upright position, similar to the second upright position shown, for example, in Figs. 5-9.

[0030] The luggage piece 100 may further include one or more handles 105a-b, 160. At least one of the handles may be a telescoping handle 160 that may be selectively positioned between a retracted position and one or more extended positions. In an extended position, the telescoping handle 160 may be used to facilitate using the wheels 150 to push or pull the luggage piece 100 along a support surface. In addition to the telescoping handle 160, the luggage piece 100 may also have one or more carry handles 105a-b. In Figs. 1-9, three carry handles are shown: one top carry handle 105a joined to the top side 120 of the luggage piece 100, and two side carry handles 105b joined to the left side 135 of the luggage piece 100. The two side carry handles 105b may be laterally offset from one another. Each of the side carry handles 105b may include handle lengths that may be positioned to be substantially parallel to each other. The carry handles 105a-b may be used to lift or carry the luggage piece 100. Of course, more or less than three carry handles may be joined to the luggage piece 100. For example, other embodiments may include a single side carry handle and a single top carry handle, or only one carry handle.

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4847-7235-7132\1 [0031] In some examples, the carry handles 105a-b may be formed from a flexible material, such as a nylon or woven fabric, and may be joined to the luggage piece 00 at end regions of the carry handles 105a-b. The end regions of each carry handle 105a-b may be sufficiently spaced apart so that each carry handle 105a-b in combination with an outer surface of the luggage piece 100 defines a space through which the user may insert an arm or fingers. In particular, each carry handle 105a-b may be joined to the luggage piece 100 at a first end portion and a second end portion that is distal the first end portion. The length of each carry handle 105a-b may be defined by the distance between the respective first and second end portions of the carry handle 105a-b. With reference to Fig. 17, the length of any of the carry handles 105a-b may selected to be sufficient enough to allow a user to position the user's hand or arm through an opening defined by the carry handle 105a-b and the side of luggage piece 100 from which the carry handle 105a-b extends. Furthermore, and with reference to Fig. 17, in some embodiments the length of at least some of the carry handles 105a-b may be selected to be sufficient enough to allow a user to support the luggage piece 100 from the user's shoulder by allowing the user to place the carry handle 105a-b on the user's shoulder when the user positions the user's arm through an opening defined by the carry handle 105a-b and the side of luggage piece 100 from which the carry handle 105a-b extends.

[0032] The carry handles 105a-b may be joined to the luggage by any suitable connection method, including, but not limited to, by sewing, bonding, adhering, welding and so on.

Additionally, each carry handle 105a-b may further include a grip pad 165 that may be configured to encircle, or at least partially surround, at least a portion of the carry handle. In some embodiments, the grip pads 165 may be formed with foam or some other type of suitable padding material to allow the user to more comfortably grip or carry the luggage piece 100. The exterior facing surface of the grip pads 165 may also be textured or formed from a material having a high coefficient of friction to allow for better gripping and carrying of the luggage piece 100.

[0033] The top carry handle 105a and the two side carry handles 105b may be any length. In some embodiments, the two side carry handles 105b may be of a sufficient length to allow for toting the luggage piece 100 over one of a user's shoulders. In other embodiments, the side carry handles 105b may be longer to allow for positioning one or more of the side carry handles 105b across a user's chest in order to carry the luggage piece 100 like a messenger bag. In yet

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4847-7235-7132U other embodiments, the side carry handles 105b may be shorter than shoulder bag type handles. Each of the side carry handles 105b may be the same length, or one of the side carry handles 105b may be longer than the other side carry handle 105b.

[0034] The aspect ratio of the luggage piece 100 may be such that its length (e.g., the distance from the top side 120 to the bottom side 125 of the luggage piece 100) may be greater than its depth (e.g., the distance from the front side 110 to the rear side 115 of the luggage piece 100). The width of the luggage piece 100 (e.g., the distance from the right side 130 to the left side 135 of the luggage piece 100) may also be larger than the depth of the luggage piece 100.

[0035] The two side carry handles 105b may be joined to the same side of the luggage piece 100. This differs from traditional duffel bags in which the side carry handles are often positioned on different sides of the duffel bag. Further, the two side carry handles 105b may be joined to a side of the luggage piece 100 that includes the smallest dimension with respect to the length, width, and depth of the luggage piece 100 and may be oriented so that each of the side carry handle's lengths are oriented to run substantially parallel to the dimension of that side of the luggage piece that is substantially perpendicular to the smallest dimension. For example, with respect to the luggage piece 100 illustrated in Figs. 1-9, the shortest dimension of the luggage piece 100 may be the depth. Continuing with the example, the left side 135 of the luggage piece 100 may include the depth, and thus the side carry handles 105b may be joined to the left side 135 of the luggage piece 100. Still continuing with the example, the length may also define the left side 135 of the luggage piece 100, and the length is substantially perpendicular to the depth. Accordingly, in this example, the lengths of each side carry handle 105b are oriented to run substantially parallel to the length of the luggage piece 100.

[0036] Joining the two carry side handles 105b to the luggage piece 100 in such a manner as described in the previous paragraph allows for positioning the side carry handles 105b closer together, thereby helping a user to carry the luggage piece 100 by reducing the deformation of the luggage piece 100 when carried using the side carry handles 105b and by making it easier to grasp both side carry handles 105b simultaneously. Further, because the depth of the luggage piece 100 is the smallest dimension of the luggage piece 100 out of the length, width and depth, the user can position the center of mass of the luggage piece 100 relatively close to the user's body, thereby decreasing the amount of torque or moment created by the luggage piece 100 on the user. Yet further, the two side carry handles 105b may be positioned on the

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4847-7235-7132U luggage piece 100 sufficiently close together so that a user may readily grasp both side carry handles 105b concurrently.

[0037] Additional advantages may be obtained when the side carry handles 105b are joined to a side of the luggage piece 100 that includes the smallest dimension and the largest dimension out of the length, width, and depth of the luggage piece 100 and the lengths of the side carry handles 105b are oriented to run parallel to the largest dimension of the length, width, and depth. More particularly, with reference to Fig. 17, when a user utilizes the side carry handles 105b to carry the luggage piece 100 with one hand, the user may position the luggage piece 100 so that the greatest dimension of the luggage piece 100 (e.g., the length) extends forwardly and rearwardly of the user, the next greatest dimension {e.g., the width) of the luggage piece 100 extends up and down relative to the user, and the smallest dimension (e.g., the depth) of the luggage piece 100 extends laterally away from the user. In this orientation, the user obtains the benefit of being able to position the center of mass of the luggage piece 100 close to the user's body while also obtaining a greater amount of potential clearance distance between the luggage piece 100 and the ground when carrying the luggage piece 100 using the side carry handles 105b since the longest dimension of the luggage piece 100 runs parallel, rather than perpendicular, to the ground. Further, the user can carry the luggage piece 100 in this orientation using the side carry handles 105b without compromising the user's ability to grasp the side carry handles 105b. Yet further, in this orientation, the potential for the luggage piece 100 to interfere with the user's stride is minimized. In sum, a luggage piece 100 with the side carry handles 105b located on a side of the luggage piece 100 that includes the longest and the shortest dimensions out of the luggage piece's length, width and depth and further configured so that the lengths of the side carry handles 105b run parallel to the longest dimension of the length, width, and depth is readily positioned by a user, when the user carries the luggage piece 100 using one or both of the side carry handles 105b, so that a distance between a center of mass of the luggage piece 100 and the user's body without the luggage piece 100 significantly interfering with the user's stride is minimized and an amount of potential clearance between the luggage piece 100 and the ground is maximized.

[0038] In some embodiments and with reference to Fig. 17, the side carry handles 105b may also be long enough to be positioned over one of the user's shoulders with the same orientation of the luggage piece 100 as described above. This allows the user to carry heavier weight in a

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4847-7235-7132M more comfortable manner by supporting the luggage piece 100 from the user's shoulder while still maintaining the benefits of allowing for the center of mass of the luggage piece to be positioned closer to the user and increasing the clearance distance between the luggage piece 100 and the ground. Further, the side carry handles 105b may be configured to have a length such that when a user within a predetermined size range supports the luggage piece 100 from the user's shoulder using the side carry handles 105b, the main body of the luggage piece 100 rests proximate the user's hips.

[0039] The side carry handles 105b or the top carry handle 105a may also be formed to be adjustable so that a user may selectively adjust the length of the side carry handles 105b or the top carry handle 105a. Such an adjustable configuration may be designed to allow the user the change the length of the side carry handles 105b within a range that changes the location of the main body of the luggage piece 100 relative to the user's hips when the luggage piece 100 is supported from the user's shoulder via the side carry handles 105b. Further, such an adjustable configuration may be designed to change the lengths of the side carry handles 105b or the top carry handle 105a from lengths where the user cannot support the luggage piece 100 from the user's shoulder using the side carry handles 105b or the top carry handle 105a to lengths where the user can support the luggage piece 100 from the user's shoulder using the side carry handles 105b or the top carry handle 105a.

[0040] In some embodiments, and with reference to Figs. 1-9, 18 and 19, the wheels 150 may be positioned such that the distance between the wheels 150 is greater than the depth of the luggage piece 100. This may prevent the luggage piece 100 from tipping over, for example, in a forward direction (i.e., toward the front side of the luggage piece 100), and may allow for better maintaining the luggage piece 100 in an upright position. In such embodiments, the side carry handles 105b may be positioned such that their lengths run substantially parallel to the longest dimension (e.g., the length) of the luggage piece 100, which is greater than the distance between the wheels 150. Accordingly, when the luggage piece 100 is carried by the side carry handles 105b as shown, for example, in Fig. 17, the depth of the luggage piece 100, which is less than the distance between the wheels 150, may extend laterally away from the user, rather than the dimension of the luggage piece 100 {e.g., the width) defined by the distance between the wheels 150.

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4847-7235-7132U [0041] The luggage piece 100 may further include one or more exterior handle compartments configured to store the side carry handles. A zipper assembly may be positioned proximate the openings of the exterior handle compartments to access the compartment. Figs. 1 , 7 and 8 show the luggage piece 100 with both of the side carry handles 105b in an extended position, while Figs. 2 and 5 show the luggage piece 100 with both of the side carry handles 105b stored in respective exterior handle compartments. Figs. 3 and 4 each show the luggage piece 100 with one of the side carry handles 105b in an extended position and with the other side carry handle 105b stored in its respective external handle compartment.

[0042] Figs. 10-12 show cross-section views of the luggage piece 100 shown in Figs. 1-9. More particularly, Fig. 10 shows the luggage piece 100 with one of the side carry handles 105b in an extended position, Fig. 11 shows the luggage piece 100 with one of the side carry handles 105b stored in the exterior handle compartment 170 with the compartment 170 in an open configuration, and Fig. 12 shows the luggage piece 100 with one of the side carry handles 105b stored in the exterior handle compartment 1 0 with the compartment 170 in a closed configuration.

[0043] A zipper assembly 175 may be positioned proximate the opening of an exterior handle compartment 170 to provide access to the exterior handle compartment 170. The zipper assembly 175 may include three zipper tracks. A first zipper track 180 may include a first set of teeth joined to a first edge of the luggage piece 100 adjacent the opening of the exterior handle compartment 170, a second zipper track 185 may include a second set of teeth joined to a second edge of the luggage piece 100 adjacent to the opening of the exterior handle compartment 170, and a third zipper track 90 may include a third set of teeth joined to a third edge of the luggage piece 100 adjacent the opening of the exterior handle compartment 170. The first, second, and third zipper tracks 180, 185, 190 may be joined to the luggage piece 100, respectively, by any suitable connection method, including, but not limited to, by sewing, bonding, adhering, welding and so on. The first set of teeth may be configured to selectively engage corresponding teeth on the second set of teeth by moving a first zipper slider 195 along the first and second zipper tracks 180, 185. Additionally, the first set of teeth may be configured to selectively engage corresponding teeth on the third set of teeth by moving a second zipper slider 200 along the first and third zipper tracks 180, 190.

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4847-7235-7132U [0044] Moving the zipper sliders 195, 200 along the zipper tracks 180, 185, 190 causes the sets of teeth to be selectively engaged to prevent access to the exterior handle compartment 170 and selectively disengaged to allow access to the exterior handle compartment 170. More particularly, when a sufficient number of teeth in the first and second sets of teeth or the first and third sets of teeth are disengaged, the opening is sufficiently large to allow access to the enclosed space defined by the luggage body. In contrast, when the teeth of the first and second sets of teeth or the first and third sets of teeth are engaged along substantially the entire length of the zipper tracks, the opening is sufficiently small to prevent access to the exterior handle compartment 170.

[0045] With continued reference in Figs. 0-12, the side carry handle 105b may be attached to the second edge of the luggage piece 100 opposite the first zipper track 180. In one embodiment, the side carry handle 105b may be attached at an attachment area or point between the second and third zipper tracks 185, 190. Thus, the side carry handle 105b may be sandwiched between the third zipper track 190, a portion of which may be positioned underneath the side carry handle 105b, and the second zipper track 185, a portion of which may be positioned on top of the side carry handle 105b. The side carry handle 105b may be joined to the luggage piece 100 by any suitable connection method, including, but not limited to, by sewing, bonding, adhering, welding and so on.

[0046] Referring to Figs. 13-16, the zipper assembly 175 may include the first zipper slider 195 engaging the first zipper track 180 and the second zipper track 185. The first zipper slider 195 may include a first zipper tab 205 that allows for pulling the first zipper slider 195 along the first and second zipper tracks 180, 185 in a first direction to close the exterior handle compartment 170 and in a second direction that is opposite the first direction to open the exterior handle compartment 170. The zipper assembly 175 may further include a second zipper slider 200 that engages the first zipper track 180 and the third zipper track 190. The second zipper slider 200 may include a second zipper tab 210 that allows for pulling the second zipper slider 200 along the first and third zipper tracks 180,190 in the first direction to open the exterior handle compartment 170 and in the second direction to close the exterior handle compartment 170.

[0047] Returning to Figs. 10-12, the first zipper track 180 may be positioned on an opposite side of the opening to the exterior handle compartment 170 than the second and third zipper tracks 185, 190. Additionally, the second zipper and third zipper tracks 185, 190 may be

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4847-7235-7132U separated by the side carry handle 105b, which may extend from between the second and third zipper tracks 185, 190. In other words, at least a portion of the side carry handle 105b may be sandwiched between the second and third zipper tracks 185, 190. Depending upon the position of the side carry handle 105, these portions of the side carry handle 105b may prevent the use of either the first zipper slider 195 or the second zipper slider 200 to open and/or close the exterior handle compartment 170 by blocking the paths of the first and second zipper sliders 195, 200, respectively, along the zipper tracks 180, 185, 190.

[0048] With reference to Figs. 10 and 13, when the side carry handle 105b is configured in an extended position (i.e., external to the exterior handle compartment 170), the first zipper slider 195 may be pulled along the first and second zipper tracks 180, 185 in the first direction to prevent access to the exterior handle compartment 170. When in an extended position, the side carry handle 105b may prevent or block the second zipper slider 200 from being pulled along the first and third zipper tracks 180, 190 in the second direction to close the exterior handle compartment 170. As shown in Fig. 10, for example, a base portion of the side carry handle 105b, which is positioned between the second and third zipper tracks 185, 190, prevents engagement of the first and third zipper tracks 180, 190, thereby preventing the second zipper slider 200 from being pulled in the second direction. In contrast, the side carry handle 105b does not block the first zipper slider 195 from being pulled or otherwise moved in the first direction to close or prevent access to the exterior handle compartment 170 and also does not block the first zipper slider 195 from being pulled or otherwise moved in the second direction to allow access to the exterior handle compartment 170.

[0049] Now turning to Figs. 11 and 15, when the side carry handle 105b is placed into the exterior handle compartment 170, at least a portion of the side carry handle 105b may be positioned between the first and second zipper tracks 180, 185, thus preventing the first zipper slider 195 from being pulled along the first and second zipper tracks 180, 185 in the first direction. In particular, the side carry handle 105b may extend from an attachment area over the second zipper track 185 and between the first and second zipper tracks 180, 185.

[0050] With reference to Figs. 12 and 16, when the side carry handle 105b is contained in the exterior handle compartment 170, at least a portion of the side carry handle 105b may prevent the first zipper slider 195 from being pulled along the first and second zipper tracks 180, 185. In contrast, the third zipper track 190 may be pulled over the stored side carry handle 105b,

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4847-7235-7132U thereby allowing for pulling of the second zipper slider 200 in the second direction to engage the first and third zipper tracks 180, 190 to close the opening the exterior handle compartment 170. Accordingly, access to the exterior handle compartment 170 may be prevented and the stored side carry handle 105b concealed from view. The second zipper slider 200 may also be pulled or otherwise moved in the first direction to create the opening to the exterior handle

compartment 170, thus allowing access to the exterior handle compartment 170.

[0051] Figs. 13-16 show the zipper assembly 175 and the side carry handle 105b in different stages of operation. Fig. 13 illustrates a first stage, in which the exterior handle compartment 170 is closed, and the side carry handle 105b is in an extended position. As discussed above, extension of the side carry handle 105b allows the first zipper slider 195 to be pulled or otherwise moved in a first direction to engage the first and second zipper tracks 180, 185 in order to prevent access to the exterior handle compartment 170. The side carry handle 105b simultaneously prevents pulling of the second zipper slider 200 in the second direction since at least a portion of the side carry handle 105b is positioned between the first and third zipper tracks 180, 190. Fig. 14 illustrates a second stage, in which the exterior handle compartment 170 is in an open configuration, and the side carry handle 105b is in an extended position. In this position, the side carry handle 105b continues to prevent the second zipper slider 200 from being pulled or otherwise moved in the second direction since, again, at least a portion of the side carry handle 105b is positioned between the first and third zipper tracks 180, 190.

[0052] Fig. 15 illustrates a third stage, in which the exterior handle compartment 170 is in an open configuration, and the side carry handle 105b is positioned within the exterior handle compartment 170. Placing the side carry handle 105b within the exterior handle compartment 170 pulls the side carry handle 105b over the second zipper track 185, thereby preventing the first zipper slider 195 from being pulled or otherwise moved in the first direction. Fig. 16 illustrates a fourth stage, in which the exterior handle compartment 170 is in a closed configuration, and the side carry handle 105b is positioned within the exterior handle compartment 170. Storing the side carry handle 105b in the compartment allows for the second zipper slider 200 to be pulled or otherwise moved in the second direction to close the opening to the exterior handle compartment 170, thereby concealing the second zipper track 185 and the side carry handle 105b from view.

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4847-7235-7J32U [0053] While zipper assembly shown in Figs. 1-16 is described for use on a luggage piece to provide access to a compartment for concealing a handle, the zipper assembly may also be used on other products and/or to conceal other object. For example, the zipper assembly may be used on clothing, such as on a jacket or a coat, to conceal a hood that can be stored or extended similar to the described handle. As another example, the zipper assembly may be used on a backpack that includes multiple straps and/or handles to allow for concealing one or more of the straps and/or handles when not in use.

[0054] All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not create 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.

[0055] In some instances, components are described with reference to "ends" having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term "end" should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, part, member or the like. 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 present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

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4847-7235-7132U