Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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LUGGAGE ARTICLE WITH AN EXTERNAL COMPARTMENT
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to luggage cases and, in particular,
wheeled
generally rectangular suitcases.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Luggage cases typically provide an internal volume for storing user
contents within the luggage. During travel or when quick access is needed, it
is
difficult to access the major internal volume of a luggage case. The
difficulty is
related to sorting through the bulk of the contents contained within the
internal
volume to obtain the desired contents. Additionally, opening the lid or shell
portion to
the contents of the internal volume is difficult in many circumstances, such
as
confined spaces or even on the floor. Also, while it is recognized that side
pockets
may be provided on the exterior of certain luggage cases, these are frequently
insufficient in size or geometry. The pockets also tend to be located on the
vertical
sides the luggage case (when in an upright position), which may not be readily
accessible as they are positioned lower on the luggage and away from the pull
handle.
[0003] Luggage cases, or suitcases, can be contrasted with other types of
luggage
and bags. In particular such luggage suit cases now conventionally include one
or
more pairs of wheels on their bottom edges and are typically more rigid and
with a
structure defining a rectangular storage volume as compared to more
amorphously
structured bags such as backpacks/rucksacks.
[0004] Documents that may be related to the present disclosure in that they
include various approaches to luggage compartments include PCT Pub. No.
W02014/097337A1, U.S. Pub. No. 2005/0284717, PCT Pub. No.
W02014/177863A1, GB2512089, U.S. Pub. No. 20150027833, U.S. Pub. No.
20140166416, European Pat. No. 2630889, U.S. Pat. No. 7374071, U.S. Pat. No.
5526907, and U.S. Pat. No. 5526907. These proposals, however, may be improved.
[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide an improved luggage case and,
in
particular, an improved luggage compartment that provides easy access for a
user
without opening the main internal volume of luggage, and without having to
access
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inconveniently-placed side pockets, that addresses the above-described
problems or
which more generally offers improvements or an alternative to existing
arrangements.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to the present disclosure there is, therefore, a luggage
case
provided as described in the specification and accompanying claims. The
luggage
case described herein provides an improved location of a compartment
structure,
which may simplify and improve access to contents stored within the luggage
case.
The luggage case may have a primary internal storage compartment, and an
improved secondary compartment divided from the primary compartment and
located on a top face (also "wall") of the luggage case. The secondary
compartment
is separated from the primary compartment by one or more walls or panels. By
positioning the secondary storage compartment on a top face of the luggage
case,
and at least separating the two storage volumes, the user is afforded
convenient
access to the contents of the secondary compartment without having to access
the
primary compartment or pockets formed on the side faces (also "walls"). Where
the
secondary compartment is positioned on the top wall of the luggage case, the
user
does not have to reach down as far, nor manipulate a securement mechanism
without a clear view to open a pocket on a side face. Preferably the secondary
compartment is proximal to the carry handle and pull handle utilized to
transport the
luggage case in order to be convenient for the user to open, close, access,
and
utilize. The secondary compartment may be collapsible so as to reduce the
amount
of space it takes up inside the primary internal storage compartment.
[0007] The present disclosure in particular provides a luggage case that may
include
a bottom portion having wheels. The luggage case may also include front and
rear
opposing major walls, with the rear major wall housing a pull handle and side
opposing minor walls connecting the front and rear opposing major panels. The
luggage case may further include a top wall positioned opposite the bottom
portion
with the bottom portion, top wall, minor walls and major walls defining a
major
internal volume. At least one of the top wall or the side minor walls may
include an
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aperture opening to a compartment operable for storage that is separate from a
housing that stores the pull handle.
[0008] The present disclosure in particular provides a luggage case that may
include
a housing defining a major internal storage compartment. The housing may
include
a bottom portion having a bottom wall and wheels, a plurality of side walls,
and a top
wall opposite the bottom wall. The housing may operably open up to provide
access
to the major internal storage. The top wall may define an aperture having a
plurality
of edges. One edge may form a hinge with a cover panel that allows access
through
the aperture into a recessed secondary smaller storage compartment. The hinge
may be operable to allow the cover panel to move relative to the top wall. The
recessed compartment may be operable for storage of user articles and is
divided
from the major internal storage compartment. In one alternative, the
compartment
extends into the major internal storage compartment. The plurality of side
walls
forming the housing may include opposing major front and rear walls. The rear
major wall may include a pull handle. Opposing minor side walls may extend
between the opposing major front and rear walls.
[0009] In one embodiment, the front wall may form an access to the major
internal
compartment by forming a hinge with one minor side wall and connecting to the
other minor side wall with a releasable fastener. In an alternate embodiment,
one of
the minor side walls and the top and bottom walls may include a separable seam
forming separate portions of each of the minor side wall, the top wall, and
bottom
wall. The other minor side wall may include a hinge connecting separate
portions
thereby forming a clamshell type housing. Clamshell type housings may be
beneficially made of hard side material and provide for a structure some users
prefer
for transporting goods during travel.
[0010] In accordance with various embodiments, the at least one edge, or
alternatively a plurality of edges, may define the aperture to the compartment
and in
one example the at least one or the plurality of edges follow parallel with
the
perimeter of the top wall. The compartment may extend into the major internal
storage compartment from the top wall of the luggage case. A fastener
comprising a
zipper may releasably secure the cover panel to the top wall and attaches at
least
one edge of the cover panel to the top wall. The cover panel may overlay
between
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30% to 50% of the top wall to provide for varying size of recessed
compartments.
The cover panel hinge may be located on the side of the top wall proximal to
the
major front wall or proximal with the rear major wall to allow for more
convenient
access based on a user's position relative to the luggage case. The top wall
and the
bottom wall may be formed at least partially of a hard shell material and at
least part
of one of the minor walls or major front and back walls is formed at least
partially of a
soft sided material, forming a hybrid structure. Hybrid structures are
sometimes
preferred because they allow for structural variety in forming the case, and
for a
variety of performance characteristics (localized weight differences,
localised
abrasion resistance, localized strength aspects), and flexibility in the
appearance of
the luggage case.
[0011] In accordance with various embodiments, the aperture may be formed in
the
hard shell material with the secondary smaller storage compartment extending
towards the bottom wall of the case from the aperture. The cover panel may be
comprised of a material that is more flexible than the hard shell material.
The
secondary smaller storage compartment may be collapsible. The secondary
smaller
storage compartment may include a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels
with
the bottom panel formed from a material with greater rigidity than the
plurality of side
panels. The plurality of side panels may form the secondary smaller storage
compartment are attached to the top wall around the edges of the aperture.
[0012] In many examples, the secondary recessed compartment may be formed by a
sack or bag made of flexible material and aligned with the aperture, such as
by
being coupled ((secured)) at least partially around the edges of the aperture,
and
collapsible to a small volume. The secondary recessed compartment may extend
into the primary compartment.
[0013] In accordance with various embodiments, the plurality of side panels
may be
operable to fold in on themselves to reduce the size of the compartment to
match its
contents, or to reduce the volume it takes up in the primary compartment. The
connection between first side panel and the bottom panel may fold towards the
top
wall. The bottom panel may fold toward a second side panel until the bottom
panel is
substantially parallel with the second side panel. The first side panel may
fold
toward the aperture to the secondary smaller storage compartment until the
first side
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panel is substantially parallel with the top wall. The secondary smaller
storage
compartment may include a bracing panel, which connects to the bottom panel
and
extends to the rear major wall of the luggage case such that the bracing panel
biases
the compartment so that the compartment collapses towards the back wall.
[0014] In accordance with various embodiments, a frame structure may be
included
in the luggage case, and a portion of the frame structure extends along the
intersection between at least any two adjacent panels. This frame
configuration
enhances the strength of the luggage case. Additionally or alternatively, a
portion of
the frame portion may include a side frame for supporting a minor side face
(also
"wall") of the luggage case about its periphery. These frame structure options
enhance the manufacturing, strength, and weight of at least soft sided or
hybrid
luggage cases.
[0015] In accordance with various embodiments, where the luggage case is at
least
partially constructed of soft sided material, an external rim structure may
extend
around at least a portion of the perimeter of the top wall. This external rim
structure
provides additional strength to the top wall of the luggage case, and may
enhance
the abrasion resistance of parts of the luggage case, as well as provide a
desirable
appearance.
[0016] In accordance with various embodiments, a handle assembly may be
positioned at least partially in a recessed region formed at least partially
in said top
wall, the handle assembly including a carry handle, the carry handle mounted
within
the recessed region to at least pivotally move between a retracted position
and an
operative position. This configuration of handle assembly concentrates the
forces for
lifting and carrying the luggage case by the carry handle into the area of the
luggage
case already structurally enhanced for use with the pull handle. This can
reduce the
cost of construction by creating a single component to assemble both the carry
handle and pull handle into the luggage case. It also reduces the need to
reinforce
or strengthen the top wall of the luggage case to support the suspended weight
of
the luggage case because the luggage case is not lifted from a central portion
of the
top wall or panel, and is instead lifted from the bezel structure, which is
tied to the
frame and existing reinforcements for use with the pull handle.
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[0017] According to various embodiments of the luggage case, the may be
constructed at least partially of soft sided material, and include a rear
major wall
including a pull handle, and a major front wall that forms an access panel to
the
internal compartment.
[0018] According to various embodiments, the luggage case including a
secondary
compartment, the luggage case may be constructed of soft side material wherein
the
bottom portion is made at least partially of hard side material or has a
relatively rigid
bottom structure to support the luggage case and wheels.
[0019] According to various embodiments of the luggage case including a
secondary
compartment, the luggage case may be constructed at least partially of hard
side
material, wherein the rear major wall includes a pull handle, opposing minor
side
walls extending between the opposing major front and rear walls, and wherein
at
least one of the minor side walls and the top and bottom walls include a
separable
seam forming separate portions of each of the minor side wall, the top wall,
and
bottom wall, wherein the other minor side wall includes a hinge connecting the
separate portions to form a clamshell type housing.
[0020] According to various embodiments, the luggage case including a
secondary
recessed compartment may include sidewalls formed from soft side material and
hard side material to define a hybrid construction.
[0021] In another example, a luggage case includes a housing defining a major
internal storage compartment, and also includes a bottom portion having a
bottom
wall and wheels, a plurality of side walls, and a top wall, having a
perimeter, opposite
the bottom wall, the top wall including an aperture defined by at least one
edge or
alternatively a plurality of edges. The luggage case also includes a recessed
compartment coupled to the top wall and generally aligned with the aperture,
the
recessed compartment being at least partially collapsible within the major
internal
storage compartment, and includes a cover panel selectively covering the
aperture
to selectively allow access through the aperture into the compartment, wherein
the
recessed compartment may be at least partially divided from the major internal
storage compartment.
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[0022] Alternatively in this example, the top wall may be formed at least
partially of a
rigid frame portion. The rigid frame portion may include a rim extending at
least
partially around a peripheral portion of the top wall to at least partially
encompass
the recessed compartment. Further in this example, the top wall may include a
front
edge portion, a rear edge portion, and opposing side edge portions, and where
the
rim extends along at least a portion of each of the three edge portions or
alternatively
extends along at least portions of the opposing side edges, or alternatively
the rim
frames the recessed compartment on at least two sides. The rigid frame portion
and
the rim may be covered by material, or may be external to the material and
exposed.
The rigid frame portion may provide additional strength to the luggage case
generally, and specifically to the top wall of the luggage case. Where
externally
exposed, the rigid frame portion may enhance the abrasion resistance for
portions of
the luggage case.
[0023] Further in an example, the recessed compartment may extend into the
major
internal storage compartment from the top wall of the luggage case.
[0024] Further in an example, the recessed compartment extends towards a
bottom
wall of the luggage case from the aperture formed in the top wall of the
luggage
case.
[0025] Further in an example, the plurality of side panels forming the
recessed
compartment are attached to the top wall at or near the edges of the aperture.
[0026] Further in an example, the plurality of edges defining the aperture are
parallel
with the perimeter or peripheral edge portions of the top wall.
[0027] In a further example, a fastener releasably secures the cover panel to
the top
wall and attaches at least one edge of the cover panel to the top wall.
[0028] In yet another example, the recessed compartment includes a bottom
panel
and a plurality of side panels with the bottom panel formed from a material
with
greater rigidity than the plurality of side panels. Further to this example,
in one
embodiment the plurality of side panels are operable to fold in on themselves.
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[0029] In another example, the recessed compartment includes a bracing panel
which couples the bottom panel and a selected one of the side walls of the
luggage
case such that the bracing panel biases the recessed compartment so that the
recessed compartment collapses towards the selected one of the side walls.
[0030] In another example, the plurality of side walls forming the housing of
the
luggage case includes opposing major front and major rear walls, opposing
minor
side walls extending between the opposing major front and rear walls, and
wherein a
hinge may be formed between the cover and the top wall, and the hinge may be
located on the top wall proximal to the major front wall or on the top wall
proximal to
the major rear wall, to allow differing access to the compartment based on the
position of the hinge.
[0031] In another example, at least one of the plurality of side walls of the
luggage
case and the top wall may be formed at least partially from soft sided
material.
[0032] In another example, a frame structure may be included in the luggage
case
and a portion of the frame structure extends along the intersection between at
least
one intersection of any two adjacent walls.
[0033] In another example, an external rigid rim structure extends around at
least a
portion of the perimeter of the top wall.
[0034] In another example, the luggage case including a compartment may also
include a handle assembly positioned at least partially in a recessed region
formed
at least partially in the top wall, the handle assembly including a carry
handle and an
extendable pull handle. The carry handle may be at least pivotally mounted
within
the recessed region to move between a retracted position and an operative
position.
Further to this example, an extendable pull handle having a hand grip may be
coupled in the recessed region. Further to this example, the recessed region
may be
formed in a bezel structure positioned adjacent a rear edge of the top wall.
[0035] In another example, an external rim extends along the rear edge of the
top
wall, and the recessed region may be formed in the rim, which optionally may
be
external. Forming the recessed region in the external rim may reduce or
eliminate
the need to have a separate bezel structure on the luggage case.
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[0036] In another example, the carry handle includes a grip portion and at
least one
arm portion extends from the grip portion, the at least one arm portion may be
pivotally coupled in the recessed region, and wherein the grip portion may be
movable between at least a first position proximal to the top wall and a
second
position distal to the top wall and accessible by a user.
[0037] Further to this example, the at least one arm portion may be angled
relative to
the top wall in at least one position. Further to this example, the at least
one arm
portion may be pivotally coupled to a side wall at least partially forming the
recessed
region. Further to this example, the grip portion may be positioned in
alignment with
the hand grip of the pull handle or out of alignment with the hand grip of the
pull
handle. Further this example, the at least one arm portion may extend from the
grip
portion and comprise first and second arms extending from the grip portion and
be
spaced apart.
[0038] Also in this example, the carry handle may be biased to the first
position.
[0039] In yet another example, a luggage case includes a housing defining a
major
internal storage compartment, and includes a bottom portion having a bottom
wall
and wheels, a plurality of side walls, and a top wall having a perimeter, the
top wall
being opposite the bottom wall and including an aperture defined by at least
one
edge or a plurality of edges, and a recessed compartment coupled to the top
wall
and generally aligned with the aperture, the recessed compartment being at
least
partially divided from the major internal storage compartment and extending at
least
partially into the major internal storage compartment, a cover panel
selectively
covering the aperture to selectively allow access through the aperture into
the
compartment, and a carry handle pivotally coupled in a recessed region
positioned at
least partially on the top wall.
[0040] Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the
description
that follows, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
examination of
the specification or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject
matter. A
further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure
may be
realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the
drawings,
which forms a part of this disclosure. One of skill in the art will understand
that each
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of the various structure, aspects and features of the disclosure may
advantageously
be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and
features of the disclosure in other instances, even where such structure,
aspects and
features may be described or disclosed as an assembly or specific component
structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] The description will be more fully understood with reference to the
following
figures in which components are not necessarily drawn to scale, which are
presented
as various embodiments of the disclosure and should not be construed as a
complete recitation of the scope of the disclosure, characterized in that:
[0042] Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a luggage case having a closed
compartment;
[0043] Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of a luggage case having an open
compartment;
[0044] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a luggage case that has both the major
internal
compartment open and the secondary smaller compartment open;
[0045] Fig. 4 is a top view of the luggage case of claim 1;
[0046] Fig. 5 is a side cross sectional view of the luggage case of Fig. 2
taken along
section line A-A shown in Fig. 4;
[0047] Fig. 6 is a detailed view of the cross section of Fig. 5 taken at view
B shown
in Fig. 5 with the compartment shown in the first position as shown in Fig. 4;
and
[0048] Fig. 7 is a detailed view of the cross section of Fig. 5 taken at view
B shown
in Fig. 5 with the compartment in a second position shifted from the position
shown
in Fig. 5.
[0049] Fig. 8 is a top perspective view of an example of a luggage case having
a
carry handle fastened to the cover panel of the closed compartment.
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[0050] Fig. 9 is an enlarged partial view of the luggage case of Fig. 8 with
the cover
panel partially opened to reveal the container portion.
[0051] Fig. 10 is a top view of the luggage case of Fig. 8 showing the frame
structure.
[0052] Fig. 11 is a rear perspective view of the luggage case of Fig. 8
showing the
frame structure.
[0053] Fig. 12 is a top view of another example of a luggage case having a
structural
rim formed around a portion of the periphery of the top wall of the luggage
case, with
the top compartment closed.
[0054] Fig. 13 is a top perspective view of the luggage case of Fig. 12 with
the cover
panel in an open position to reveal the container portion.
[0055] Fig. 14 is an example of the luggage case of the present disclosure
including
a pivoting carry handle.
[0056] Fig. 15 is an example of the luggage case of Fig. 14 with the pivoting
carry
handle in an extended position.
[0057] Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of the bezel of the luggage case of Figs.
14 and
15, with the pivoting carry handle in an extended position in solid line, and
in a
retracted position in dashed line.
[0058] Fig. 17 is a top view of another example a luggage case having a
structural
rim formed around a portion of the periphery of the top wall of the luggage
case, with
the top compartment closed.
[0059] Fig. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the luggage case of Fig. 17.
[0060] Fig. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the handle assembly of the
luggage
case of Fig. 17 with the carry handle in the operative position.
[0061] Fig. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the handle assembly of the
luggage
case of Fig. 17 with the carry handle in the retracted position.
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[0062] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of another example a luggage case having
a
structural rim formed around a portion of the periphery of the top wall of the
luggage
case, with the top compartment closed.
[0063] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the luggage case in Fig. 21 with the
top
compartment open.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0064] The
luggage case described herein provides an improved compartment
structure, which may simplify and improve access to contents stored within the
luggage case. The luggage case may have a primary internal storage
compartment,
and a secondary compartment, divided from the primary compartment, located on
a
top face of the luggage case. The secondary compartment is separated from the
primary compartment by one or more walls or panels. By positioning the
secondary
storage compartment on a top face of the luggage case, and separating the two
storage volumes, the user is afforded convenient access to the contents of the
secondary compartment without having to access the primary compartment or
pockets formed on the side faces. Preferably the secondary compartment is
proximal to the carry handle and pull handle utilized to transport the luggage
case.
[0065] Referring to Fig. 1, a luggage case 10 may include any of a variety of
luggage
having a primary internal storage compartment 15 (see Fig. 5) defining a
relatively
large volume and being operable for storage of sundry items. The luggage case
10
may also define a secondary compartment 100, also referred to as a recessed
compartment, on an upper portion of the luggage case 10, such as a top wall
20,
with the secondary compartment 100 defining a separate minor volume from the
primary storage volume, which may extend into the primary internal storage
compartment 15. The luggage case 10 may have a housing structure 12 in a
variety
of shapes and sizes, including but not limited to a generally cuboid or
parallel-piped
housing structure 12. The luggage case 10 may also be structured as any other
shape defining a primary internal storage compartment for storage. As shown in
the
various figures, the luggage case 10 may be a vertical or upright-type case
having a
width and depth being less than the height. The luggage case 10 may include a
panel or wall 50 that acts as a lid 52 and is selectively openable along a
hinge 19
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using closure mechanism or fastener 55 to allow access to primary internal
storage
compartment 15 through access 17. The fastener 55 may include one or more of a
zipper, buckles, snaps, hook and loop system, buttons, or any like fastener.
As
shown in Figs. 1-5, the fastener 55 may be a zipper, which extends around a
plurality
of sides of the panel. While the specific luggage case 10 illustrated in each
of the
figures is depicted with an access panel, (shown herein, by way of example as
front
panel 50) forming a door, openable by a zipper attachment 55 to gain access to
the
primary internal storage compartment 15. An example of this embodiment shown
with an open access panel is illustrated in Fig. 3. Also shown separately in
Fig. 3 is
an example of an open secondary compartment 100 thereby illustrating an
example
of the divisions between the primary or major internal storage compartment 15
and
the secondary compartment 100. In this example, and the other examples
described
and shown herein, the compartment 100 (also referenced as 218 below) is
positioned inside the luggage case, and is recessed underneath the side wall
on
which the compartment 100 is configured (see Fig. 5). In another alternative
example, the compartment 100 may also be formed at least partially external to
the
side wall on which the compartment 100 is configured, which would maintain the
benefit of keeping articles accessible for a user, but would not be fully
contained
within the housing structure of the luggage case
[0066] In other embodiments the luggage case 10 may have a clam shell
structure,
where one of the clam shells forms the lid. Accordingly, the housing 12 may
include
opposing major front and rear walls 50, 60, one of the minor side walls and
the top
and bottom walls include a separable seam 55 forming separate portions of each
of
the side walls and the top wall 20 and bottom wall 70. One minor side wall
(e.g. wall
40) may include the hinge 19 connecting the separate portions thereby forming
a
clamshell type housing when closed, the clam shells form the primary internal
storage compartment 15. Other designs may also benefit from the disclosure
provided herein and a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand the
applicability of the disclosure herein to other luggage designs.
[0067] Referring to Figs. 1-5, the luggage case 10 includes a housing
structure 12,
and includes opposing minor side walls 30, 40 defining its width, front and
back
major walls 50, 60 defining its depth, and top and bottom opposing walls 20,
70
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defining its height. Together the walls define the primary internal storage
compartment 15. The bottom wall 70 may be configured as in Fig. 5 to include
wheels 80, rests, or the like, and operate as the primary bottom platform when
the
luggage case 10 is in an upright position. In this orientation, the
compartment 100
may remain on an upper portion of the luggage case 10, such as the top wall 20
when the luggage is in the upright position.
[0068] The compartment 100 may be accessible through aperture 102 formed in
top wall 20. The aperture 102 may have at least one edge, or may have a
plurality of
peripheral edges 115 defining a recess in the top wall 20. The plurality of
peripheral
edges 115 may follow parallel with the perimeter of the top wall such that the
aperture and the top wall have similar shapes. The interior volume of the
compartment 100, forming the container portion 105, may be defined by one or
more
internal walls. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the one or more internal
walls may
include rear wall 150, a front wall 160, opposing end walls 130, 140, and a
bottom
wall 120, each attached to an adjacent wall along a respective edge. Each of
the
sidewalls 130, 140, 150, and 160 define a top edge. The top edge of the one or
more walls may be engaged with top wall 20, such as an inner surface 22 of the
top
wall 20, to secure and suspend the compartment 100 from the top wall 20. The
engagement of the top edges of the one or more walls may generally align with
peripheral edges 115 of aperture 102. The one or more walls (e.g. 120, 130,
140,
150, and 160) of the compartment 100 define a container portion 105 having a
volume or recess, and separate the secondary compartment 100 from the major
internal storage compartment 15 of the luggage case 10. In one example, the
panels 150 and 120 are connected at attachment point 122. The aperture 102
edge
115 along the top wall 20, the top wall 110, and the panel 150 may be
connected at
attachment point 152 forming hinge 112. The panels 120 and 160 may be
connected at attachment point 124. The attachment point 156 may connect
panel 160 to top portion 20.
[0069] Regarding the compartment 100 or 218 (as referenced in examples
described
below), the plurality of peripheral edges may form one continuous edge having
the
shape of a rectangle, square, circle, half-circle, oval, or other desired
shape of the
opening. The walls 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160, in one example, may be
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continuous or separate, or separate and secured together to be continuous. In
another example, the top edges of the walls making up the recessed compartment
(100 or 218) need not be secured to the edge or plurality of edges forming the
aperture in the top wall. Instead, the walls making up the compartment 100 or
218
may be coupled (directly or indirectly) to other portions of the top wall
spaced away
from the edge or edges forming the aperture, or may be coupled to other walls
of the
luggage case.
[0070] The walls 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160 may be planar or curved, and
may
be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible, and made of a single layer of fabric, a
laminate of
fabrics and foam, or even a plastic sheet material. One or more of the walls
120,
130, 140, 150, and 160 may divide the smaller secondary storage compartment
100
from the main storage volume. The walls are connected together with the top
edges
of the side walls connected to and extending from the peripheral edge of the
aperture 102. The compartment 100 may have a defined shape or the compartment
100 may be amorphous in shape. In an alternative example, the compartment 100
may have fewer walls connected together, or even a single wall having a sack
type
structure forming the recess of the container portion 105 and separating it
from the
primary internal compartment 15. Some embodiments may have fewer panels than
others. In such embodiments, fewer attachment points may be present. As an
example, in embodiments having side panels 130, 140 in the compartment 100,
those side panels 130, 140 may have attachment points with the adjacent panels
such as panel 120, 150, 160, or top portion 20. In embodiments without side
panels
130, 140, no such attachment points are provided. In embodiments with the
compartment 100 having an amorphous shape, the compartment may be formed of
a single or multiple panels in such a way that the compartment has an
undefined but
flexible shape similar to a sack.
[0071] The aperture 102 is selectively covered by a cover panel 110. The cover
panel 110 may be a door, a lid, a flap, a panel, or any type of movable cover
operable to separate the container portion 105 from the exterior environment.
In a
first position of the cover panel 110, the recess formed by the compartment
100 is
accessible (see e.g. Figs. 2-7). In a second position of the cover panel 110,
the
recess formed by the compartment 100 is covered by the cover panel 110 (see
e.g.
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Fig. 1), thereby at least partially enclosing the compartment 100 and its
contents.
The cover panel 110, in this example, is a flexible panel having long side
edges
(running parallel with the front and back walls 50, 60) and opposing short
side edges
(running parallel with side walls 30, 40). Each of the side edges of the cover
pane
110 generally aligns with peripheral sides 115 of aperture 110. The cover
panel 110
may be pivotably attached along one side 112 of the aperture 102 by a living
hinge,
or by a separate hinge structure (e.g. a hardware style hinge). One or more of
the
other side edges of cover panel 110 may be separably attached to adjacent
edges of
the aperture 102. The separable attachment may include a securement mechanism
118, such as a zipper. Other types of fasteners may be used as well including,
buckles, snaps, hook and loop, buttons, etc. The fastener 118 may selectively
engage edges of cover panel 110 with edges 115 of aperture 102 to secure the
cover panel 110 over the aperture 102. When the cover panel 110 is open, the
cover panel 110 may be secured in the open position by a fastener such as a
hook
and loop fastener. In other embodiments, the cover panel 110 may be a hard
sided
panel formed by a plastic injection mold or plug mold or the like. The cover
panel 110
may connect to the top wall 20 and or the compartment panels similarly to the
soft
sided panel discussed above.
[0072] As illustrated in Figs. 6-7, the compartment 100 may preferably be
collapsible. For example, the internal side walls (e.g. 120, 130, 140, 150,
and 160)
may be sufficiently flexible to allow the compartment 100 to collapse or the
connection points (e.g. 156, 122, and 124) between the internal side walls
(e.g. 120,
150, and 160) may be sufficiently flexible to allow the walls to fold or pivot
relative to
one another and allow the compartment 100 to collapse. The compartment 100 may
be collapsible under the forces applied to the compartment 100 by the articles
stored
in the primary internal compartment 15. Alternatively, the compartment may be
collapsed by the user prior to packing, and held in the collapsed position by
a
fastener, such as a snap, strap, or hook and loop fastener. The flexibility of
these
internal sidewalls allows for the compartment 100 to be expanded when it is
desirable to use the compartment and to be collapsed when it is not desirable
to use
the compartment. Collapsing the compartment 100 maximizes the volume of the
major internal storage compartment 15, when the use of the compartment 100 is
not
desirable. Whereas, expanding the compartment 100 maximizes the internal
volume
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of compartment 100 and provides a separate useable space separated from the
major internal compartment 15.
[0073] The ability of the panels (e.g. 120, 150, and 160) to pivot relative
to their
respective adjacent panels is shown in detail in Figs. 6-7. Both Figs. 6 and 7
depict
a detailed view of the cross section A-A of Fig. 5 taken at view B shown in
Fig. 5,
with the difference being that Fig. 6 shows the compartment 100 in an expanded
position and Fig. 7 shows the compartment 100 in a collapsed position. In one
example, each attachment point 152, 156, 122, and 124 may be similarly
flexible, for
example, forming a living hinge. The panels 120, 150, and 160 can fold in on
themselves allowing the compartment to collapse or expand. In one example, as
shown in Fig. 6, the panels 150 and 120 can fold upwardly along paths C as
shown.
Panel 120 is able to fold toward panel 160. Panel 150 is able to fold toward
the
opening in the compartment until panel 150 is substantially parallel with the
top wall
20. This collapsed position is illustrated in Fig. 7. From here, the panels
150 and
120 can expand back out in the opposite direction along paths C shown in Fig.
7.
During collapse, the side panels 130, 140 may fold over or buckle back on
themselves as shown by example of the fold line 132.
[0074] In alternative examples, the compartment 100 may be comprised of
rigid
or semi-rigid internal walls. In this example, the one or more internal walls
of the
compartment may hold their form thereby limiting the ability of the
compartment 100
to collapse. Rigid internal walls may be molded in fixed shape.
[0075] In various examples, the compartment 100 may be generally supported
from the aperture 102. Additional features may be present to maintain the
position of
the compartment 100. For example, a brace 170 may extend from the bottom of
the
compartment (e.g. the bottom panel 120) to one or more of the various walls
defining
the major internal storage compartment 15 of the luggage case 10. The brace
170
may be any structure such as straps, threads, hardware, etc. that may connect
to
one or more portions of the compartment 100 to restrain its movement. In one
example, attachment point 124 may also connect a bracing panel 170 to panels
120
and 160. The bracing panel 170 may be connected to a sidewall such as the rear
panel 60 via an attachment point 132. In one example, specifically in
embodiments
having a hard shell top potion 25, the attachment point 132 may be located at
a
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seam between the sidewall 60 and the top portion 25. The bracing panel 170 may
bias the compartment 100 relative to at least one of the sidewalls such as
panel 60
shown in Figs. 5-7. This bias may result in the compartment 100 only being
able to
collapse toward the rear panel 60.
[0076] In addition to the compartment 100, the top wall 20 may include one or
more
handles. For example, a carry handle 90 and/or a pull handle 92 may form parts
of
the top wall 20. The compartment 100 may be positioned between the two
handles.
The top carry handle 90 may occupy the area of the top 20 that is not
otherwise
occupied by the compartment 100. For example, the top carry handle 90 may be
biased towards one of the side panels and away from the centerline of the
luggage.
Each of the handles 92 and 90 may be positioned such that they do not
interfere with
the opening of the compartment 100. In some embodiments, the carry handle 90
may be attached directly to the compartment 100 so that if the cover panel 110
is
unfastened the handle 90 can be used to open the compartment 100 and when the
cover panel 110 is fastened, it can be used to lift the luggage. The luggage
case 10
may also include a side carry handle on a side panel.
[0077] In accordance with the examples shown in Figs. 1-7, the luggage case 10
may be of soft-side, hard-side, or hybrid construction. One or more of the
sidewalls 30, 40, 50, and 60 may be formed of both soft and hard side
construction
to form a luggage case with hybrid construction. The top wall 20 and or the
bottom
wall 70 may generally be hard sided with portions of soft material such as the
handle
90 or cover panel 110. The hard sided portions may be formed of thermoplastic
or
other type of hard sided material, and may be injection molded, plug molded,
vacuum molded, or formed in other manners. The soft side portions may be made
of
flexible material, and may be one or more layers thick, and may include some
stiffening panels for general shaping. The compartment 100 may be positioned
on a
sidewall having hybrid construction, or may be positioned on a sidewall having
soft
side construction, or may be positioned on a side wall having hard side
construction.
[0078] As shown in the Figs. 1-2, the top wall 20 of luggage case 10 may be
made of
a hard side construction, forming a rigid frame portion, and which may in one
example extend over the edges or shoulders and down a portion of the sidewalls
30,
40, and 60, all together forming a top portion 25 of the luggage case. The
hard-
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shelled top portion 25 may include the aperture 102 formed therein with the
compartment 100 located within the aperture 102. The sides of the top portion
25
may be operable to be attached to the sidewalls 30, 40, and 60. The hard-
shelled
portion provides sufficient strength and rigidity allowing for the formation
of aperture
102 without sacrificing the overall rigidity of the luggage case 10. In other
embodiments, one or more of the sidewalls 30, 40, 50 and 60 may made of a
fabric
or similar soft sided material with the bottom wall 70 and adjacent portions
are made
of a hard sided material (e.g. injection molded plastic) sufficient to support
the rest of
the luggage case 10 and wheels 80. Other elements of the case may also be
formed of hard material such as an injection molded plastic including tow
handle 92,
handle housing, braces, rods, skeleton, and similar structural features.
[0079] In various examples, the towing handle 92 may be located within a
housing 95
on or proximal to the rear panel 60. The housing 95 may be located as part of
either
or both the top wall 20 and the rear wall 60. The aperture 102 may be separate
and
apart from any aperture or access to the housing 95 for the pull handle 92.
[0080] In various other embodiments, the compartment 100 may be located on any
sidewall of the luggage case 10, such as the sidewalls 30 or 40. However,
locating
the compartment 100 on the top of the luggage case 10 allows for quick access
by
the user, especially during transport of the luggage case 10 in its upright
position.
The aperture 102 may take up the entire area of the top wall 20 or it may take
up
only a fraction of this area. The aperture 102 may occupy greater than 10% of
the
top wall 20. In one particular embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1-4, the panel
110 may
cover more than 50% of the area and positioned between the handle 90 (which
occupies some remaining portion of the area) and the pull handle 92 that is
located
proximal to the back wall 60. The aperture 102 may be between 20% to 60% of
the
top wall 20 area, or preferably between 30% to 50% of the top wall 20 area, or
more
preferable about 50% of the top wall 20 area.
[0081] The cover panel 110 may open in any direction. For example, the hinge
112
may be located on the side of the top portion 20 adjacent to a tow handle 92
such
that the panel 110 opens away from the tow handle 92. In one embodiment, as
shown in Figs. 1-2, the hinge 112 may be located on the top portion 20
adjacent to
the center line or carry handle 90 of luggage case 10. In another embodiment,
the
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hinge 112 may be located adjacent to the access panel 50 and open toward the
pull
handle 92. While the compartment 100 is depicted as a cuboid with the panel
110
having four sides, it is appreciated that the compartment may be any shape or
size.
Likewise, panel 110 may be any shape or size, such as in one example having
three
or more separate sides, or having two sides, or having at least one curved
edge
[0082] As indicated above, the container portion 105 may have a minor internal
volume that is separate from the internal volume of storage compartment 15 by
at
least the bottom panel 120. The bottom panel 120 may be structured in variety
of
manners. For example, as described above, the bottom panel may be suspended
from the top of the luggage by one or more panels (e.g. 130, 140, 150, or
160).
Alternatively, the bottom panel 120 may extend from two or more of the
sidewalls of
the luggage case e.g. 30, 40, 50, and 60. A combination of these two
approaches
may also be applied in which the bottom panel is suspended on one side from
the
luggage case 10 side panel (e.g. panel 60) and on another side from a panel
(e.g.
panel 150) suspended from the top portion 20 of the luggage case 10. In some
examples, the compartment 100 may be only partially enclosed forming an
incomplete barrier between the compartment 100 and the major internal storage
compartment 15. For example, the ends of the compartment 100 proximate to
sidewalls 30 and 40 may not be enclosed, i.e. panel 170 may be absent. In this
way
there may be some minor opening between the container portion 105 and the
major
internal storage compartment 15. Alternatively, one or more of the sidewalls
of the
compartment 100 may be selectively disconnected from adjacent sidewalls or the
bottom in order to allow some access to the primary compartment through the
compartment 100.
[0083] Each of the various attachments points may be formed by any known
processes or structures. Examples, of such processes and structures include,
sewn
seams, hardware (e.g. hinges, fasteners, etc.), adhesives, or the like forming
the
connections at the various attachment points. In some examples, each of the
panels
may be formed continuously (i.e. few or no attachment points) such as through
a
molding process, or as a single piece of fabric.
[0084] The various panels of the recessed compartment 100 may be formed out of
many types of materials, such as natural or artificial fabrics, polymers,
composites,
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etc. In one example, one or more of the panels 150, 160, 170, or 140, as
applicable,
may be formed from a flexible fabric. The various panels may each be formed
from
different materials as well. For example, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the
bottom panel
may be more ridged than the side panels. One of a variety of methods of
accomplishing this is by providing a foam interior in the bottom panel. The
foam
interior may make the bottom panel 120 more ridged than the side fabric panels
(e.g.
panels 160 or 150). The added rigidity of the bottom panel 120 may keep the
side
panels separated providing a structure to the container portion 105 within the
compartment 100. In some examples, one or more of the side panels (e.g. 150,
160,
170, or 140) may be formed of more than one layer of fabric. For example, the
side
panel extending between connection point 152 and 122 may comprise two layers
of
fabric 154 and 150. Multiple layers may add strength without significantly
effecting
flexibility.
[0085] The luggage case formed with a soft side structure is shown in further
detail in
Figs. 8, 9, 10, and 11. Similar to the luggage case shown in Figs. 1-5, the
luggage
case 200 includes a housing structure 202 having a primary internal storage
compartment, and includes opposing minor side walls 204, 206 defining its
width,
front and back major walls 208, 210 defining its depth, and top and bottom
opposing
walls 212, 214 (Fig. 11) defining its height. The bottom wall 214 may include
a
bottom structure 215 (Fig. 11) to support the attachment of spinner type
wheels,
trolley wheels, or other types of wheels 217. The pull handle 92 includes
tubes 217
that are coupled to the bezel structure 240 and extend along the rear face and
couple with respective collars 219 on the bottom structure 215. The tubes 217
may
be extendable or telescopic tubes allowing the hand grip 221 to extend and
retract.
The coupling of the tubes in this configuration further strengthen the frame
for
handling the load of pulling the luggage case on its wheels. Together these
walls
define the primary internal storage compartment 216. The walls of the soft
side
luggage case may be made of flexible material, and may include one or more
layers,
and may include one or more stiffening panels for general shaping and
structure.
Additionally, a soft side luggage shell may include an internal frame, as
shown in
Figs. 10 and 11.
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[0086] Additionally, as with the luggage case shown in Figs. 1-7, a
compartment 218
may be accessible through opening or aperture 220 formed in top wall 212 and
having a cover portion, also referred to as cover panel, 222 movable about a
hinge
area 224 between a closed position (Fig. 8) and an open position (Fig. 9). In
this
example, the hinge area comprises a living hinge, which may be formed of the
material, or other similar material, of which the cover panel 222 is made. The
compartment 218 is defined internally and extends into the primary storage
compartment, similarly to examples provided above for compartment 15 of Figs 1-
7.
The cover panel 222 is secured to the edges 226 of the opening 220 by a
releasably
securable mechanism, 225 such as a zipper structure or hook-and-loop fastener,
or
the like.
[0087] A carry handle 228 (shown in dash) may optionally be secured to the
cover
panel 222 in Fig. 8 to allow a user to lift and maneuver the luggage case when
in an
upright orientation. In this configuration, the cover panel 222 may be secured
to the
top wall 212 by a releasably securable mechanism 225 sufficiently strong to
withstand the stresses of the luggage case being lifted by the carry handle,
such as
a zipper structure.
[0088] The soft side construction of the luggage case shown in Figs. 8-11 may
include a frame structure 230, best shown in Figs. 10 and 11. The frame
structure
may be positioned at least partially within the luggage case, and generally
extends
along the perimeter of the luggage case, which may be defined by the
intersection of
any two adjacent sidewalls. The frame structure may extend along only a
portion of
any two adjacent side walls. The frame structure may include a wire frame 232
formed around the periphery of each of the side walls 204, 206, each forming a
respective side frame 233. The front edge of each side wall 204, 206 is
coupled to a
respective side edge of the front major wall 208, and the rear edge of each
side wall
204, 206 is coupled to a respective edge of the rear major wall 210. The
bottom end
of each side wall 204, 206 is coupled to the structure 215 of the bottom wall
214.
The top end of each side wall 204, 206 is coupled to a respective end of the
top wall
212. The frame structure 230 may generally be formed about the peripheral
region
of the top wall 212 so as to allow access to the compartment 218 through cover
panel 222.
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[0089] Continuing with Figs. 10 and 11, a pulltrusion member 234 extends along
the
front edge of the top wall 212, at or near its intersection with the front
major wall 208,
to provide strength in that region. A connector 236 is coupled to the wire
frame 232
of each side wall 204, 206 for receipt of and coupling with a respective end
of the
pulltrusion 234, which helps connect the side frames together to help stiffen
the
entire frame structure 230. Each connector 236 is positioned at or near a
corner
bend of the wire frame 232.
[0090] Along the rear edge of the top wall 212, at or near its intersection
with the rear
major wall 210, a separate pulltrusion member 238 extends from a connector 236
at
each side frame 233 to a central bezel structure 240 that receives the pull
handle,
such as pull handle 92 of Figs. 1 and 2. Together, the two pulltrusion members
238
and the central bezel structure 240 are coupled together to attach side frames
233
together across the intersection of the top wall 212 and the rear major panel
210 to
further stiffen the frame 230. A sheet 239 of stiffening material, such as
polypropylene board, extends from a top region of the rear major wall 210 and
over
the interface between the top wall 212 and the rear major wall 210 to cover a
portion
of the top wall 212. The end of the sheet 239 may be formed at or near the
rear
edge of the compartment 218. The sheet 239 is coupled with the soft side
panels
forming the rear major wall 210 and the top wall 212, to help provide
stiffness to the
areas over which the sheet 239 extends. The sheet 239 may be coupled to the
frame structure also.
[0091] A further example of a luggage case incorporating a compartment 218 is
shown in Figs. 12 and 13, with similar structure as the example shown and
described
in Figs. 8-11, and having similar reference numerals where convenient. In this
example the luggage case is a hybrid luggage case, having a combined
construction
of both soft side materials and hard side materials. The top wall 212 may be
formed
at least partially of a relatively rigid frame portion 243, which couples with
the frame
structure 230. The frame portion 243 may be partially or fully covered by the
soft
side material of the top wall 212, or may be partially or fully external to
the soft side
material of the top wall 212. In this example, the frame portion 243 includes
a
relatively rigid rim structure 242, which may be formed around at least a
portion of
the periphery 241 of the top wall 212, and is coupled with the frame structure
230. In
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this example, the rim 242 is external, and extends around the section of the
periphery 241 formed by the opposing short edges of the top wall 212, and
along the
rear edge at the intersection of the top wall 212 and the rear major side 210.
In this
configuration, the free ends of the rim 242 may also extend over a portion of
the front
edge at the intersection of the top wall 212 and the front major side 208 and
down
along the vertical edges of the front major side 208 a desired amount. The rim
242
may be positioned around more or fewer portions of the periphery of the top
wall
212, including the entirety of the top wall 212. The rim 242 may also extend
continuously or discontinuously around all or a portion of the periphery 241.
Since
the compartment 218 is positioned in the central portion of the top wall 212,
the
extension of the rim 242 around the compartment 218 is generally the same as
the
extension of the rim 242 around the periphery of the top wall 212 . The rim
242 may
be relatively flush with the top wall 212, below flush relative to the top
wall 212, or
may protrude above the top wall 212, for example forming an elongated, raised
rib or
ribs. The compartment 218 is at least partially framed by the rim 400. The rim
242
of Figs. 12 and 13 may be formed of plastic, metal or other material, or a
combination, so as to be relatively rigid. The rim 242 provides additional
stiffening to
the frame structure 230, as well as specifically adding strength to the top
wall 212 of
the luggage case 200, and including around the periphery 241. The rim 242 may
also provide enhanced abrasion resistance for the regions of the luggage case
covered by the rim 242. This additional stiffening and strengthening afforded
by the
rim may make the use of the carry handle 228 coupled to the panel 222 of the
compartment 218 more convenient. As used herein, the term "periphery" or
"perimeter" is intended to include a peripheral region or perimeter region of
the outer
extent of the structure described. For instance, the periphery of the top wall
212
includes the actual geometric periphery of the top panel, as well as a region
adjacent
to and inset from the geometric periphery of the top wall 212.
[0092] In another example, such as shown in Figs. 14-16, a luggage case
includes a
selectively openable compartment 218 positioned on top wall 212, and also
includes
a handle assembly 260 mounted in a recessed region 262 positioned in the top
wall
212 of the luggage case. In this example, the luggage case is similar to that
shown
and described with respect to Figs. 8-11, and similar structures may be
denoted by
similar references numbers. In many instances, the handle assembly 260 is
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positioned to extend out from and retract at least partially into the recessed
region
262. The recessed region 262 may be formed on soft sided, hard sided, hybrid,
or
other types of luggage cases, and be positioned at least partially or entirely
in the top
wall 212. In many examples, such as Figs. 14-16, the recessed region 262 is
formed
by a housing structure 264, which in one example is a bezel structure 266,
secured
to the luggage case, for instance at or near the intersection of the top wall
212 and
the rear major side 210. The handle assembly 260 as shown in Figs. 14-16 may
include an extendable pull handle 268 and a carry handle 270, or only a carry
handle
270, each of which may be at least partially coupled to a portion of the
recessed
region 262, and in one example to a portion of the bezel structure 266. The
extendable pull handle 268 may be mounted along the rear wall of the luggage
case,
and may also be coupled with the bottom portion of the luggage case, as
described
with respect to Fig. 11 above. The carry handle 270 may be at least partially
mounted within the bezel structure 266 so as to pivot relative to the luggage
case
between a retracted position and an operative position.
[0093] In the retracted position (Fig. 14), the carry handle 270 is positioned
so as to
allow access to the extendable pull handle 268. In the operative position, the
carry
handle 270 may be pivoted to extend generally upright relative to the top wall
212 of
the luggage case and allow a user to grasp the carry handle 270 to lift the
luggage
case. Additionally, the carry handle 270 may be movably coupled with the bezel
structure 266 alone without the pull handle 268. In various examples, the
bezel
structure 266 may be a molded plastic insert positioned at an interface of a
rear
major side 210 and a top wall 212 of the luggage case. Optionally, the handle
assembly 260 may be secured to the luggage case without the use of a bezel
structure 266. The handle assembly may include the pivoting carry handle 270
individually, the extendable pull handle 268 individually, or both the
pivoting carry
handle and the extendable handle.
[0094] In some examples, and with reference to Fig. 16, the carry handle 270
may
include a central grip portion 272 and at least one arm portion extending from
the
grip portion 272. The at least one arm portion may include first and second
arms
274, extending from, at or adjacent to opposing ends of the elongated grip
portion
272. The elongated grip portion 272 includes a top surface 276 and a bottom
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surface 278, with the top surface 276 including less of a contour, and which
contour
may have a generally planar or flat shape, than the bottom surface. The width
of the
grip portion 276 and each of the arms 274 is defined by an inner 280 edge and
an
outer 282 edge. The outer 282 edge of each arm 274 is shorter than the inner
edge
280 of each arm 274 because the grip portion 272 extends between the arms 274
with the top surface 276 at an angled position relative the length of each arm
274.
The top 276 of the grip portion 272 faces away from the luggage case in the
retracted position. Each arm 274 may include a coupling feature to couple with
a
corresponding coupling feature 284 located in the bezel structure 266 to
create a
pivotal coupling between the carry handle 270 and the bezel 266. The coupling
feature 284 on each of the arms 274 may include an outwardly extending boss
286,
and the corresponding coupling feature on the bezel may include an aperture
288 to
rotatably receive the boss 286. In this example, the apertures 288 each
rotatably
couple with a corresponding boss 286 to form a pivot structure and rotatably
couple
the carry handle 270 to the bezel structure 266. As shown best in Fig. 16, the
terminal ends 290 of the arms 274 are attached to the opposing sidewalls 292
of the
bezel structure 266, above a bottom wall 293 of the bezel structure, and below
a top
peripheral edge 294 of the bezel structure 266, which in one example aids the
handle in creating a low profile relative to the top wall 212 of the luggage
case when
in the retracted position. The location of the coupling features may be moved
within
the bezel structure, both fore and aft, as well as vertically, if desired.
[0095] In one example, the carry handle 270 may be moved at least between a
retracted position (shown in dash in Fig. 16) and an operative position (shown
in
solid in Fig. 16). In the retracted position, the bottom surface of the grip
portion
engages the periphery of the bezel structure 266, which also overlies and
movably
couples the grip portion to the top wall 212 of the luggage case. In this
position,
much of length of the arms 274 extend at an angle to the top wall 212 of the
luggage
case, and are largely received in the recessed region 262 of the bezel
structure 266.
The grip portion 272 extends above the top wall 212 of the luggage case a
small
amount, with the top surface 276 of the grip portion 272 extending generally
parallel
with the top wall 212 of the luggage case to define a relatively low profile.
The top
surface 276 may also be at an angle to the top wall 212 of the luggage case,
or may
extend further away from or closer to the top wall 212 of the luggage case and
still
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be considered to maintain a low profile. In the retracted position the grip
portion 272
is positioned relative to the top wall 212 of the luggage case to both create
a low
profile, almost flush position relative to the top wall 212 to reduce
accidental catching
and snagging of the carry handle. The position of the grip portion 272 when
retracted also allows a user to access and engage the grip portion 272 and
move it
to an operative position. In the operative position shown in Fig. 16, the
carry handle
270 extends nearly directly upwardly relative to the bezel, with the arms 274
each in
a generally vertical position (see Fig. 14). In the operative position, the
top surface
276 of the grip portion 272 is angled relative to the top wall 212 of the
luggage case,
and away from the luggage case towards the rear major side 210 (e.g.
outwardly).
In this orientation, a user may grasp the grip portion 272 with her palm
engaging the
grip portion 272. The carry handle 270 may rotate further away from the top
wall 212
of the luggage case, such as in one example to contact the lower peripheral
edge
294 of the recessed region 262. The carry handle 270 may be biased towards the
retracted position by a biasing member, such as a spring, configured to create
a
retraction force when the carry handle is moved from the retracted position to
an
operative position. The biasing member helps keep the carry handle in the
retracted
position, with the low profile, when not in use.
[0096] As the carry handle 270 pivots between the retracted and operative
positions,
the arms 274 pivot about the pivot axis 296 defined by the pivot structure
formed by
the engagement of the arm 274 and the opposing sidewalls 292 of the bezel. The
coupling feature (e.g. aperture 288) of the bezel structure 266 may be
laterally
positioned in a variety of locations ranging from adjacent the open side of
recessed
region 262 to adjacent the back wall 298 of recessed region 262. The lateral
location may adjust the location of the carry handle 270 relative to the
center of
gravity of the luggage case. Additionally, the coupling feature of the bezel
structure
266 may be vertically located between the peripheral rim 294 of the bezel
structure
266 and the floor of the bezel structure 266. Separately or together, the
lateral and
vertical location of the coupling feature affects the position of the pivot
axis 296 of
the carry handle. The axis of rotation of the carry handle 270 as defined by
the axis
296 may be positioned such that the handle 270 is approximately in line with
the pull
handle 268 and/or the path of extension of the pull handle 268 defined when
the
carry handle 270 is positioned in its fully extended position.
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[0097] The pivot axis 296 of the carry handle 270, being defined by the pivot
structure, may be positioned in the bezel structure 266 as noted above. In one
example, the axis of rotation 296 is positioned to be substantially in or near
the
plane defined by the extension of the pull handle 268. The axis of rotation
296 may
be positioned so as to pass through the fully retracted hand grip of the pull
handle
268, or may be positioned to extend above the fully retracted hand grip of the
pull
handle 268. In this position, the carry handle 270 is able to pivot around the
pivot
axis 296 such that in the upright extended position, as shown in Fig. 16, the
carry
handle 270 extends above and generally in line with the pull handle 268.
[0098] A further example of a luggage case 200 incorporating a compartment 218
is
shown in Figs. 17, 18, 19, and 20, with similar structure as the example shown
and
described in Figs. 8-11, and in Figs. 12 and 13, and having similar reference
numerals where convenient. In this example the luggage case is a hybrid
luggage
case, having a combined construction of both soft side materials and hard side
materials. In this example, the luggage case 200 includes a secondary
compartment 218, a top wall 212 which may be formed at least partially by a
relatively rigid frame portion 380 that couples with the frame structure 230,
and a
handle assembly coupled within a recessed region positioned at least partially
on the
top wall 212. The frame portion 380 may be partially or fully covered by the
soft side
material of the top wall 212, or may be partially or fully external to the
soft side
material of the top wall 212. In this example, the frame portion 380 includes
a
relatively rigid rim 400, which may be formed around at least a portion of the
periphery 241 of the top wall 212, and is coupled with the pulltrusion members
234 of
the frame structure 230. The rim 400 may extend a distance down the side walls
and front and rear major walls. The rim 400 may extend continuously or
discontinuously around the periphery, and may be exposed around the entire
periphery or only a portion of the entire periphery, as described below. The
rim 400
may be relatively flush with the top wall 212, below flush relative to the top
wall 212,
or may protrude above the top wall 212, for example forming an elongated,
raised rib
or ribs. The rim 400 of Figs. 17-20 may be formed of plastic (such as by press
form
molding or injection molding), metal or other material, or a combination, so
as to be
relatively rigid. The rim 400 provides additional stiffening to the frame 230,
as well
as specifically adding strength to the top wall 212 of the luggage case 200.
The rim
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400 may also provide improved abrasion resistance for the portions of the
luggage
case protected by the rim structure. The frame structure 230, in this example
and
the other examples, may include pulltrusions, wire frame structures, hard
sided
members, or other components; all in combination or sub-combinations as
needed.
[0099] The rim 400 includes a main body 406 which may in turn include a front
portion 408, rear portion 410, and opposing side portions 412 and 414, that
each
generally align with a respective one of the front major wall 208, rear major
wall 210,
and opposing side walls 204 and 206, of the luggage case 200. A corner region
416
is formed between adjacent portions 408, 410, 412, and 414, and each corner
region
416 generally aligns with the corners or vertical edges formed by the
intersection of
adjacent front and rear major walls 208, 210 and opposing side walls 204, 206.
The
rear portion 410 and opposing side portions 412 and 414 are typically external
to the
soft side material, and thus may be exposed. The portions 408, 410, 412 and
414
define a central recess 424. The front portion 408 may be covered by soft side
material and so may not be exposed, as is shown in Figs. 17 and 18, or
alternatively
the front portion 408 may be external to the soft side material. Also
alternatively, the
front portion 408 may not be included in the main body 406 of the rim 400.
[00100] The external portions, for instance in this example, portions 410,
412, and
414, of the main body 406 define an outer surface 418, a top surface 420, and
an
inner surface 422. The outer surfaces 418 of each exposed portion are
generally
aligned, for instance are generally in the same plane as, the respective major
wall
210 or opposing side wall 204, 206. The inner surfaces 422 of each exposed
portion
form a wall surrounding the central recess 424. The central recess 424 is
deeper at
its rear edge 425 adjacent the rear major wall 210, and less deep at its front
edge
427 adjacent front major wall 208, and in this example tapers or slopes
upwardly
from the rear edge 425 to the front edge 427. Soft side material forms the
surface of
the top wall 212 inside the central recess, and may be coupled, such as by
stitching
in one example, to the rim 400. The compartment 218 is formed in the top wall
212
within the central recess 424. The cover panel 222 is secured around its
periphery
by a selectively releasable mechanism, such as a zipper or hook-and-loop
fastener,
to allow selective access to and closure of minor compartment. The cover panel
222
may fold about a hinge located generally adjacent the rear edge of the central
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recess, or alternatively may be located generally adjacent the front edge of
the
central recess, or alternatively may be located generally adjacent to either
of the two
opposing side edges of the central recess 424. The compartment 218 is at least
partially framed by the rim 400.
[00101] A recessed region 426 may be formed at least partially on the top
wall
212 of the luggage case, and in this example the recessed region may be formed
in
the rear portion 410 of the rim 400, with the recessed region 426 including at
least
opposing sidewalls 428, and a bottom wall 430. The handle assembly, recessed
region and bezel structure are similar to that shown and described with
respect to
Figs. 14-16, and common reference numbers may be used for common features.
The rear portion 410 of the rim 400 forming the recessed region 426 may be
referred
to as a bezel structure 436 (also referred to elsewhere as a housing structure
264).
A handle assembly, in this example including a carry handle 432 and a pull
handle
434, may be at least partially coupled to a portion of the recessed region 426
as
described below. The opposing side walls 428 may or may not be parallel to one
another, and may have a shape that is defined by the profile of the
transitions
between the outer surface 418, top surface 420, and inner surface 422. The
profile
in this example is generally triangular, but may also be other geometric or
non-
geometric shapes. In this example no back wall is shown in the recessed
region,
however a back wall is alternatively included where desired, which may extend
in
general alignment with the inner surface 422 of the rear portion 410. The
bottom
wall 430 may include a lower recessed section 431 providing access to a user's
hand to grasp the pull handle 434.
[00102] The extendable pull handle 434 may be mounted along the rear wall
210
of the luggage case, and may also be coupled with the bottom portion of the
luggage
case, as described with respect to Figs. 8-11 above. The carry handle 432 may
be
at least partially mounted within the bezel structure 436 so as to pivot
relative to the
luggage case between a retracted position and an operative position, again
having
structure similar to that shown and described relative to Figs. 14-16.
[00103] In the retracted position shown in dash in Fig. 18, the carry
handle 432 is
positioned so as to allow access to the extendable pull handle 434. In the
operative
position, shown in solid in Fig. 18, the carry handle 434 may be pivoted to
extend
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generally upright relative to the top wall 212 of the luggage case and allow a
user to
grasp the carry handle 434 to lift the luggage case.
[00104] The carry handle 432, pull handle 434, and bezel structure 436 may
include the same or similar structural features and related functions as
described
with respect to the example shown and described in Figs. 14, 15, and 16.
[00105] In one example, the carry handle 432 may be moved at least between
a
retracted position (shown in dash in Fig. 18, and in Fig. 20) and an operative
position
(shown in solid in Fig. 18, and in Fig. 19). In the retracted position in Fig.
20, the
carry handle 432 may extend into the central recess 424, and may overly the
top wall
212 of the luggage case. The carry handle 432 in this position may lie flush
with or
below the top surface 420 of the rim 440. In the retracted position, the
bottom
surface of the grip portion 438 overlies and movably couples the grip portion
438 to
the top wall 212 of the luggage case. In this position, much of length of the
arms 444
extend along the top wall 212 of the luggage case, and are at least in part
received
in the recessed region 426 of the bezel structure 436. The grip portion 438
extends
relative to the recessed region in a manner so as to define a relatively low
profile.
The top surface 442 of the grip 438 may also be at an angle to the top wall
212 of
the luggage case. In the retracted position the grip portion 438 is positioned
relative
to the top wall 212 of the luggage case to both create a low profile, almost
flush
position relative to the top wall 212 to reduce accidental catching and
snagging of
the carry handle. The position of the grip portion 438 when retracted also
allows a
user to access and engage the grip portion 438 and move it to an operative
position.
[00106] In the operative position shown in solid in Fig. 18 and in Fig. 19,
the
handle 432 extends nearly directly upwardly relative to the bezel structure
436, with
the arms 444 each in a generally vertical position. In the operative position
in Fig.
19, the top surface 442 of the grip portion 438 is angled relative to the top
wall 212 of
the luggage case, and away from the luggage case towards the rear major side
210
(e.g. outwardly). In this orientation, a user may grasp the grip portion 438
with her
palm engaging the grip portion 438. The handle 432 may rotate further away
from
the top wall 212 of the luggage case, such as in one example to contact the
lower
peripheral edge 446 of the recessed region 426. The carry handle 432 may be
biased towards the retracted position by a biasing member, such as a spring,
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configured to create a retraction force when the carry handle is moved from
the
retracted position to an operative position. The biasing member helps keep the
carry
handle in the retracted position, with the low profile, when not in use.
[00107] As the carry handle 432 pivots between the retracted and operative
positions about pivot axis 448 defined by the pivot structure 450 formed by
the
engagement of the arm 444 and the opposing sidewalls 428. Again, as noted
above
relative to the example described with respect to Figs. 14-16, the lateral and
vertical
location of the coupling feature on the opposing sidewalls 428 affects the
position of
the pivot structure 450, which changes the location of the pivot axis 448 of
the carry
handle. The axis of rotation of the carry handle 432 as defined by the axis
448 may
be positioned such that the carry handle 432 is approximately in line with the
pull
handle 434 and/or the path of extension of the pull handle 434 defined when
the
carry handle 438 is moved to its fully extended position.
[00108] In one example, the axis of rotation 448 is positioned to be
substantially
in or near the plane defined by the extension of the pull handle 434. The axis
of
rotation 448 may be positioned so as to pass through the fully retracted hand
grip of
the pull handle 434, or may be positioned to extend above the fully retracted
hand
grip of the pull handle 434 (as shown in solid in Fig. 18). In this position,
the carry
handle 438 is able to pivot around the pivot axis 448 such that in the upright
extended position, as shown in solid Figs. 18 and 19, the carry handle 432
extends
above and generally in line with the pull handle 434.
[00109] Additionally, as with the luggage cases shown and described for the
other examples, compartment 218 may be accessible by opening the cover panel
222 by disengaging the securable mechanism 225 (e.g. a zipper) and folding the
cover panel 222 about the hinge 224. The compartment 218 is defined
internally,
similarly to examples provided above, for example with respect to compartment
105
of Figs 1-7.
[00110] Figs. 21 and 22 show another example of a luggage case 500
incorporating a secondary compartment 218. In this example the luggage case
500
is a hybrid luggage case, having a combined construction of both soft side
materials
and hard side materials. In this example, the luggage case 500 includes a
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secondary compartment 218, a top wall 212 which may be formed at least
partially
by a relatively rigid frame portion 380 that couples with the frame structure
230, and
a handle assembly coupled within a recessed region positioned at least
partially on
the top wall. The frame portion 501 may be partially or fully covered by the
soft side
material of the top wall 212, or may be partially or fully external to the
soft side
material of the top wall 212. The frame portion 501 may extend a distance down
the
end walls. In this example, the frame portion 501 includes an external rim 503
that
may be formed around at least a portion, such as for example opposing edge
portions, of the top wall 212. The external rim 503 in this configuration may
be
configured as relatively rigid cover members, which may be formed around at
least a
portion of the periphery 241 of the top wall 212, and are coupled with the
pulltrusion
members 234 of the frame structure 230. The luggage case in this example may
have similar structure to the examples shown and described with respect to
Figs. 8-
11 and Figs. 17-21, and the bezel structure and handle assembly may have
structure
similar to that shown and described with respect to Figs. 14-16 and Figs. 17-
21.
[00111]
Referring to Fig. 21, top lateral side edges 504, 506 of the luggage case
500 are defined at the intersection of the top wall 212 and each of the
opposing side
walls 204, 206. In this example, a cover member 508 is positioned on each of
the
opposing top lateral side edges. In another example, the cover members may be
positioned on opposing front and rear edges of the top wall 212. Each cover
member 508 is made of relatively rigid hard sided material, and form a portion
of the
opposing lateral ends of the top wall 212 and extend over a portion of the top
end of
the respective opposing side walls 204, 206. The cover members 508 are
positioned on opposing sides of the compartment 218, and at least partially
frame
the compartment 218. The cover members 508 may be flush with the top wall 212,
below flush with the top wall 212, or protrude above the top wall 212, such as
in one
example forming a rib or ribs. The cover members 508 may be formed of
thermoplastic or other type of hard sided material, and may be injection
molded, plug
molded, vacuum molded, or formed in other manners. Each cover member may be
formed of a single integral portion or multiple portions coupled together to
create a
single functional member. The cover members 508 provide enhanced abrasion
resistance to the regions of the luggage case covered by the edges. The cover
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members also couple with the frame structure 230 of the soft sided portions of
the
luggage case 500 to provide desired stiffness.
[00112] The cover members 508 are secured along their respective peripheral
edges to the adjacent soft sided material by sewing, adhering, or other
suitable
technique. In the example shown in Figs. 20 and 21, the top peripheral edge
510 of
the cover member 508 is secured to the soft sided material of the top wall
212, the
rear peripheral edge 512 of the cover member 508 is secured to the soft sided
material of the rear major wall 210, the front peripheral edge 514 of the
cover
member 508 is secured to the soft sided material of the front major wall 208,
and the
bottom peripheral edge 516 of the cover member 508 is secured to the soft
sided
material of the side panel 204. As noted above the soft sided material may
include
more than one layer of various types of materials, which may include plastic
stiffening sheets
[00113] Each cover piece 508 is coupled with the internal frame structure
230 to
create a suitably stiff luggage case. Connector elements 518 are coupled to
each
cover piece 508, internal to the luggage case, to in turn couple with
pulltrusion
elements used to form the frame structure 230. Referring to Fig. 21, a
connector
element 518 is secured to a cover member 508, and in this example, the
connector
element 518 is positioned adjacent a lower edge 516 of the cover member and at
or
near the intersection between the side wall 204 and the rear major wall 210.
The
connector element 518 is sewn, adhered, or otherwise secured to the cover
member
508. The connector element 518 includes one or more cavities for coupling with
ends of pulltrusions. In one example shown in Fig. 21, the connector element
518
receives an end of the pulltrusion 526 that extends across the rear major wall
210 of
the luggage case 500, and it receives an end of a pulltrusion 528 extending
along
the intersection between the side wall 206 and the rear major wall 210, and it
receives an end of the pulltrusion 530 extending across the side wall 206. The
other
connector elements 518 are similarly configured to receive respective
pulltrusion
members used to form the frame structure 230. Alternatively, a wire frame
structure
used in forming side panels for soft sided luggage, such as that shown Fig. 8-
11 may
also be utilized as the frame structure, together with or apart from the use
of
pulltrusions or other frame members.
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[00114] A
sheet 239 of stiffening material, such as polypropylene board, may be
positioned to extend from a top region of the rear major wall 210 and over the
interface between the top wall 212 and the rear major wall 210 to cover a
portion of
the top wall 212, and in this example extend around a bezel structure. The
sheet
239 provides a desired curved transition between the rear major wall and the
top wall
212. The end of the sheet 239 may be formed at or near the rear edge of the
compartment 218. The sheet 239 is coupled with the soft side panels forming
the
rear major wall 210 and the top wall 212, and may be coupled with the bezel
structure, to help provide stiffness to the areas over which the sheet 239
extends. The sheet 239 may be coupled to the frame structure also.
[00115] A
handle assembly may be positioned in a recessed region formed in a
housing structure, such as a bezel structure, in accordance with the example
shown
and described with respect to Figs. 14-16. The recessed region is positioned
adjacent the top wall 212 and the rear major wall 210 such that the recessed
region
is positioned at least partially on the top wall 212. A handle assembly, in
this
example including a carry handle 432 and a pull handle 434, may be at least
partially
coupled to a portion of the recessed region 426 as described below.
[00116] The extendable pull handle may be mounted along the rear wall 210
of
the luggage case, and may also be coupled with the bottom portion of the
luggage
case, as described with respect to Figs. 8-11 above. The carry handle may be
at
least partially mounted within the bezel structure 436, and in this example
may be at
least partially mounted within the recessed region so as to pivot relative to
the
luggage case between a retracted position and an operative position, again
having
structure similar to that shown and described relative to Figs. 14-16.
[00117] In
the retracted position shown in Fig. 20, the carry handle is positioned
so as to allow access to the extendable pull handle. In the operative
position, shown
in Fig. 21, the carry handle may be pivoted to extend generally upright
relative to the
top wall 212 of the luggage case and allow a user to grasp the carry handle to
lift the
luggage case.
[00118] In many of the examples described herein, the secondary recessed
compartment may be formed by a sack or bag made of flexible material and
aligned
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with the aperture, such as by being coupled at least partially around the
edges of the
aperture, and collapsible to a small volume. The secondary recessed
compartment
may extend into the primary compartment.
[00119] The luggage case structure of the present disclosure has broad
application. It may also be implemented on any, some, or all types of luggage
cases
and in particular on the upper surfaces of the luggage case opposite the
wheels, and
in any orientation thereon to maximize the possible uses of compartment within
a
luggage case. The apparatuses and associated methods in accordance with the
present disclosure have been described with reference to particular
embodiments
thereof in order to illustrate the principles of operation. The above
description is thus
by way of illustration and not by way of relative and directional references
(including:
upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom,
side,
above, below, front, middle, back, vertical, horizontal, height, depth, width,
and so
forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader's understanding of the
particular
embodiments described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or
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, secured 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,
unless specifically
