Compact luggage

Abstract

A portable storage device comprising an openable outer enclosure, an inner storage compartment which is compressible by evacuation of air from the compartment and a pump integrated into the outer enclosure for evacuating the inner storage compartment.

1 . A portable storage device comprising:
 an openable outer enclosure;   an inner storage compartment which is compressible by evacuation of air from the compartment;   a pump integrated into the storage device for evacuating the inner storage compartment.   
     
     
         2 . The storage device of  claim 1  wherein the pump comprises an extendable handle comprising an inner segment which slideably fits inside an outer segment wherein
 the outer segment slideably fits inside a recess in the outer enclosure and wherein applying a pumping action to the handle allows air to be removed from the inner storage compartment. 
 
     
     
         3 . The storage device of  claim 2  further comprising a switch permitting the extendable handle mechanism to be switched between a function allowing the device to be pushed or pulled by the user to a function which allows the user to remove air from the inner storage compartment. 
     
     
         4 . The storage device of  claim 1  wherein the inner storage compartment is removable from the outer enclosure. 
     
     
         5 . The storage device of  claim 1  wherein the inner storage compartment is substantially cuboid in shape and further comprises a rigid rim about its length and breadth which prevents the compartment from collapsing in these dimensions when evacuated. 
     
     
         6 . The storage device of  claim 1  wherein the inner storage compartment comprises a means for fixing the inner compartment to the outer enclosure comprising an opening with a one way valve to allow evacuation of the inner compartment by a pump or other means. 
     
     
         7 . The storage device of  claim 1  further comprising a removable non-compressible compartment. 
     
     
         8 . The storage device of  claim 1  wherein the outer enclosure is formed from lightweight material such as polypropylene. 
     
     
         9 . The storage device of  claim 1  wherein the inner storage compartment is made from a plastics material, for example polyurethane. 
     
     
         10 . The storage device of  claim 1  further comprising a flat area moveable from a position substantially parallel to the outer enclosure to a position substantially perpendicular to the outer enclosure wherein applying a force to the area while in the substantially perpendicular position stabilises the device. 
     
     
         11 . The storage device of  claim 1  wherein the device has dimensions of about 50 cm×40 cm×20 cm. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 2  further comprising a scale to display the weight of the device and its contents when the device is suspended by the handle. 
     
     
         13 . The storage device of  claim 1  further comprising wheels recessed into the outer enclosure. 
     
     
         14 . A portable storage device comprising:
 an outer enclosure enclosing a main storage area consisting of two substantially rectangular shaped parts attached and hinged on one side;   an inner storage compartment which is compressible by evacuation of air from the compartment;   a pump integrated into the outer enclosure for evacuating the inner storage compartment;   a further non-compressible inner storage compartment which is accessible through an opening in one part of the outer enclosure allowing access to the compartment without opening the main storage area.