Suitcase featuring dual compartments with zippered divider

Abstract

A suitcase, which can include first and second hard-sided shells defining storage compartments. The suitcase can include a divider, which can be positioned between the first and second hard-sided shells, wherein the first and second hard-sided shells are connectable to edges of the divider by utilizing first and second zipper mechanisms respectively. The divider can comprise flexible material and can be utilized to separate the storage compartments of the hard-sided shells. The hard-sided suitcase can also include a third zipper mechanism, which can extend around a plurality of sides of the divider. The third zipper mechanism can include a double-sided zipper that can be operated from each side of the divider. Upon opening the portion of the divider, simultaneous access can be provided to the storage compartments of the first and second hard-sided shells by folding or removing the flexible divider material.

1 . A hard-sided suitcase comprising:
 first and second hard-sided shells defining storage compartments;   a divider positioned between the first and second hard-sided shells, wherein the first and second hard-sided shells are connectable to edges of the divider by utilizing first and second zipper mechanisms respectively, and wherein the divider comprises flexible material and separates the storage compartments of the hard-sided shells; and   a third zipper mechanism for opening at least a portion of the divider, wherein the third zipper mechanism extends around a plurality of sides of the divider and comprises a double-sided zipper that can be operated from each side of the divider, and wherein, upon opening the portion of the divider, simultaneous access is provided to at least a portion of the storage compartments of the first and second hard-sided shells by folding the flexible divider material.   
     
     
         2 . The hard-sided suitcase of  claim 1 , wherein the double-sided zipper comprises a pair of double-sided sliders. 
     
     
         3 . The hard-sided suitcase of  claim 2 , wherein the double-sided sliders each comprise a pair of pull tabs, one pull tab of each pair being positioned on either side of the slider. 
     
     
         4 . The hard-sided suitcase of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second hard-sided shells comprise polycarbonate composite shells, and wherein the polycarbonate composite is adapted to flex upon experiencing stress from one or more stressors. 
     
     
         5 . The hard-sided suitcase of  claim 1 , wherein the divider comprises a first pocket on a front side of the divider and a second pocket on a back side of the divider. 
     
     
         6 . The hard-sided suitcase of  claim 5 , wherein the first and second pockets are openable by utilizing fourth and fifth zipper mechanisms respectively. 
     
     
         7 . The hard-sided suitcase of  claim 1 , further comprising a rigid frame extending around the flexible divider, the rigid frame being connectable to the first and second zipper mechanisms, and the third zipper mechanism extending around the flexible divider interior to the rigid frame. 
     
     
         8 . A hard-sided suitcase comprising:
 first and second hard-sided shells defining storage compartments of the suitcase;   a divider positioned within the suitcase, wherein the first and second hard-sided shells are connectable to the divider by utilizing first and second zipper mechanisms respectively, and wherein the divider separates at least a portion of the storage compartments of the shells; and   a fastening mechanism for removing and attaching at least a portion of the divider, wherein simultaneous access is provided to the portion of the storage compartments of the first and second hard-sided shells when the portion of the divider is removed.   
     
     
         9 . The suitcase of  claim 7 , wherein the fastening mechanism comprises one of a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a snap fastener, a buckle, and a button. 
     
     
         10 . The suitcase of  claim 7 , wherein the double-sided zipper comprises a pair of double-sided sliders. 
     
     
         11 . The suitcase of  claim 10 , wherein the double-sided sliders each comprise a pair of pull tabs, one pull tab of each pair being positioned on either side of the slider. 
     
     
         12 . The suitcase of  claim 7 , wherein the divider comprises a pocket. 
     
     
         13 . The suitcase of  claim 7 , wherein the divider comprises pockets on each side of the divider. 
     
     
         14 . The suitcase of  claim 13 , wherein the pockets are openable by utilizing at least one other zipper mechanism. 
     
     
         15 . The suitcase of  claim 7 , wherein the divider comprises flexible material. 
     
     
         16 . A suitcase comprising:
 first and second shells defining storage compartments;   a divider positioned between the first and second shells, wherein the first and second shells are connectable to the divider by utilizing first and second zipper mechanisms respectively; and   a third zipper mechanism for opening at least a portion of the divider, wherein the third zipper mechanism comprises a double-sided zipper that can be operated from each side of the divider.   
     
     
         17 . The suitcase of  claim 16 , wherein at least a portion of the divider is opened by utilizing the third zipper mechanism, and wherein, upon opening the portion of the divider access is provided to at least a portion of the storage compartments of the first and second shells. 
     
     
         18 . The hard-sided suitcase of  claim 16 , wherein the portion of the divider is at least one of adjustable and removable when the portion is opened. 
     
     
         19 . The hard-sided suitcase of  claim 18 , wherein the divider is completely encircled by the third zipper mechanism and is removable from the suitcase. 
     
     
         20 . The hard-sided suitcase of  claim 18 , wherein the divider is at least one of flexible and foldable.