CN118141192A

CN118141192A - Luggage article attachment member

Info

Publication number: CN118141192A
Application number: CN202311671968.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 菲利普·贾斯廷·卡尔; 尤利亚达·布帕南
Original assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings SARL
Current assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings SARL
Priority date: 2022-12-07
Filing date: 2023-12-07
Publication date: 2024-06-07
Also published as: CA3222433A1; EP4381988A1; AU2023278063A1; KR20240085214A; JP2024082274A

Abstract

In one embodiment, a luggage case is disclosed. The luggage case includes a main body including a cover shell and a base shell. The cover and base shells are hingedly coupled to one another and can be selectively closed by a closure mechanism. The luggage case also includes a main recess defining a bottom wall. A sub recess is formed in a bottom wall of the main recess, and an attachment member is positioned in the sub recess.

Description

Luggage article attachment member

Cross reference to related applications

The present application is a continuation-in-part application from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/546,167, entitled "luggage item attachment Member," filed on day 12 and 9 of 2021, which application Ser. No. 17/546,167 claims priority from 35U.S. C. ≡119 (e) for the following U.S. provisional patent applications: U.S. patent application No. 63/182,580 entitled "luggage article attachment Member" filed on 4/30 of 2021. The entire contents of the above two patent applications are now incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Background

Travelers often travel with multiple pieces of luggage. It can be cumbersome to carry more than one item of luggage around. For example, when a traveler (especially a traveler alone) carries more than one piece of luggage, it may be difficult to maneuver multiple pieces of luggage on an airport, train station, bus station, or street. Many luggage items today lack features by which a second luggage item can be selectively attached to a first luggage item to alleviate this travel burden. Some luggage items today include removable or telescoping features, such as straps or ties, by which a second luggage item may be selectively attached to a first luggage item. A disadvantage of these solutions is that they add unnecessary weight, complexity and/or cost to the luggage item. Furthermore, the removable attachment member is easily lost or misplaced. In addition to the retractable attachment members, features that enable the selective attachment of a second item to an item of luggage are not often added to hard-sided items of luggage, mainly due to the difficulty and expense of adding external features to the hard-sided housing structure.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure provides a luggage case. The luggage case includes: a body comprising a cover shell and a base shell, wherein the cover shell and the base shell are hingedly coupled to each other and can be selectively closed by a closure mechanism; a main recess formed in the luggage case, the main recess defining a bottom wall; a sub-recess formed in a bottom wall of the main recess; and an attachment member positioned in the secondary recess.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the primary recess may be defined by a frame plate (bezel) positioned near the intersection between the top panel and the main panel of one of the shells, a retractable traction handle operatively coupled to the luggage case may extend from and retract into the primary recess, and a secondary recess may be formed in the bottom wall of the frame plate.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the attachment member may be located below the telescoping traction handle when the telescoping traction handle is in the retracted position.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the secondary recess may include an upper region having an upper width and a lower region having a lower width that is less than the upper width.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the attachment member may include a base portion extending from the secondary recess and an extension portion extending from the base portion in a direction at least partially toward the secondary recess.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, a slot may be formed adjacent each opposing side of the base portion.

Optionally, in some embodiments, an auxiliary item may be received in the slot.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the extension may be positioned flush with or below the bottom wall of the main recess.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the base portion may define a width that is greater than one third of the width of the lower portion.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the base portion may taper (taper) along its length.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the attachment member may be configured to engage a portion of the auxiliary article, and the secondary recess may be configured to receive the portion of the auxiliary member.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the attachment member and the secondary recess may be configured to position a portion of the auxiliary article below the telescoping traction handle in the retracted position.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the attachment member and the secondary recess may be configured to position a portion of the auxiliary article at or below the bottom wall of the primary recess.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the attachment member and the secondary recess may be configured to receive portions from more than one auxiliary article.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the attachment member and the secondary recess are integrally formed with the frame plate.

The present disclosure provides a luggage case, the luggage case comprising: a body comprising a cover shell and a base shell, wherein the cover shell and the base shell are hingedly coupled to each other and can be selectively closed by a closing mechanism; a primary recess formed on the luggage case, the primary recess including a secondary recess formed in a wall of the primary recess and an attachment member positioned over a portion of the secondary recess; and a telescoping traction handle operably coupled to the luggage case, the telescoping traction handle extendable from and retractable into the main recess.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the attachment member may be in contact with or below a telescoping traction handle.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the attachment member may include a base portion extending from the secondary recess and an extension portion extending from the base portion in a direction at least partially toward the secondary recess, wherein an outer surface of the extension portion may be located at or below a bottom wall of the primary recess.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the primary recess and the secondary recess may be integrally formed in a frame plate positioned near the intersection between the top panel and the main panel of one of the housings.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, a slot may be formed near each opposing side of the attachment member and between each opposing side and the wall of the secondary recess.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of an article of luggage with an attachment member.

Fig. 2A is a partial front view of the article of luggage of fig. 1, showing the attachment member.

Fig. 2B is a front view of another embodiment of an attachment member.

Fig. 3 is a partial right side view of the article of luggage of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the article of luggage of fig. 1, taken along section line 4-4 of fig. 2A.

Fig. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the article of luggage of fig. 1, taken along section line 5-5 of fig. 2A.

Fig. 6 is a partially exploded isometric view of the article of luggage of fig. 1.

Fig. 7A is an isometric view of an article of luggage with an example attachment member.

Fig. 7B illustrates a right rear close-up perspective view of the example attachment member of fig. 7A.

Fig. 7C illustrates a right side cross-sectional view of an example attachment member.

Fig. 8 illustrates a rear right close-up perspective view of an auxiliary article held by an example attachment member.

Fig. 9 shows a close-up rear view of an attachment member with a telescoping traction handle.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1-6, an attachment member 200 for an article of luggage 100 is disclosed according to one embodiment. Another article of luggage 101 may engage the attachment member 200 for transport with the article of luggage 100. In some examples, the attachment member 200 may include a hook member 211 to which another item of luggage 101 or other object is attached.

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of an article of luggage 100 in a closed configuration, which article of luggage 100 may be referred to as a luggage case in some examples. The luggage article 100 shown in fig. 1 is an upright hard-sided case. The article of luggage 100 has a body 102, the body 102 having a plurality of panels defining an interior storage space 130 for carrying user items. The article of luggage 100 includes a front panel 104 and opposing rear panel 106, a top panel 112 and a bottom panel 114, and opposing left panel 108 and right panel 110. The corner region 116 may be defined by the intersection of any two or three adjacent panels. The article of luggage 100 may be movable between a closed configuration in which the lid 118 and the base 120 of the body 102 are positioned adjacent to one another to selectively open or close to provide access to the interior storage space 130. In some examples, the luggage article 100 may include one or more handles 128 and/or a telescoping towing handle 126 that may extend from the frame plate 500 of the rear panel 106 of the luggage article 100. The frame plate 500 may be a recess or depression 532 formed on the rear side of the body of the luggage article 100, such as on the top panel 112 or the rear panel 106. The frame plate 500 may be formed near the intersection between the top panel 112 and the rear panel 106. The frame plate 500 may be defined in part by both the top panel 112 and the rear panel 106 of the luggage case.

The telescoping towing handle 126 may extend outwardly from the frame plate 500 and retract into the frame plate 500. The telescoping towing handle 126 may include a gripping portion 126a and one or more telescoping tubes 126b extending from the luggage case 100 and connected to the gripping portion 126a. In one example, two telescoping tubes 126b are included. In operation, the telescoping tube 126b may be retracted to allow the gripping portion 126a to be received within the frame plate 500. The telescoping tube 126b may be retracted such that the gripping portion 126a contacts the bottom wall 501 of the frame plate 500 or such that the gripping portion 126a is closely spaced from the bottom wall 501 of the frame plate 500. The telescoping tube 126b may also extend the full length thereof to allow the user to pull or tow the luggage item 100.

The article of luggage 100 may include one or more foot elements 148, such as wheels, casters, swivel assemblies, struts, etc., for supporting or enabling the article of luggage 100 to be moved on a supporting surface, such as a floor, street, sidewalk, or ground. The luggage article 100 may be a variety of types of luggage including a soft-sided rotating case, a hybrid rotating case, a container, or the like.

Throughout this disclosure, mention may be made of a width or lateral direction 150, a length or vertical direction 152, and/or a depth direction 154. The width or lateral direction 150 is generally the direction between the left panel 108 and the right panel 110. The length or vertical direction 152 is generally the direction between the top panel 112 and the bottom panel 114. The depth direction 154 is generally the direction between the front panel 104 and the rear panel 106. In some examples, the width direction 150, the length direction 152, and the depth direction 154 may be orthogonal to one another. These directions are for illustration only and are in no way limiting.

The article of luggage 100 has a recess 132 formed in the body 102. The article of luggage 100 includes an attachment member 200 coupled to the body 102, and in this example, the attachment member 200 is received in the recess 132. The attachment member 200 may be positioned in the recess 132 and coupled to an outer surface of the body 102 along with the locking mechanism 300. The attachment member 200 may be entirely hook-shaped. In many embodiments, the recess is formed in the cover or base. In the example shown in fig. 1, a recess 132 is formed in the cover 118, and the attachment member 200 is coupled to the cover 118 in the recess 132. In other examples, the attachment member 200 may be coupled to another portion of the body 102, may be positioned in a recess, or not. As shown in fig. 1, a second or other item of luggage 101 (e.g., a handbag) engages the attachment member 200 for hanging along the front panel 104 of the item of luggage 100. The second item of luggage 101 may include a portion, such as a handle 103, for engaging the attachment member 200. One or more handles 103 are disposed in and selectively engaged with the attachment member 200 (see also the dashed handles 103 represented in fig. 5).

The article of luggage 100 may be configured in an open position in which the lid 118 and the base 120 are positioned apart from each other. The cover 118 and base 120 may be pivotally attached together, such as by a hinge 122 or similar mechanism, and may be releasably attached together by a closure mechanism 124 to releasably secure the cover 118 and base 120 together in a closed configuration. In some examples, the closure mechanism 124 is a zipper 125. The closure mechanism 124 may extend along one or more edges of the cover 118 and the base 120. The closure mechanism 124 may include complementary portions on each of the cover 118 and base 120, wherein the complementary portions may be selectively coupled or uncoupled with respect to each other. When the complementary portions of the closure mechanism 124 are coupled, the lid 118 and the base 120 form a closed interior storage space 130. The closure mechanism 124 may include an actuator, such as one or more tabs, that enable a user to selectively couple or decouple complementary portions of the closure mechanism 124. In the example of a zipper, the closure mechanism 124 may have one or more tab actuators 127 that may slide along the length of the closure mechanism 124 to selectively couple or decouple complementary portions of the closure mechanism 124.

The locking mechanism 300 may be operable to frustrate, prevent, or deter unauthorized opening of the article of luggage 100. For example, the locking mechanism 300 may be a zipper lock and may be operable to receive and secure a pull tab actuator 127 (see fig. 1) of a zipper 125 as an example of the closure mechanism 124, thereby preventing the actuator from sliding along the length of the closure mechanism 124 and thus preventing the closure mechanism 124 from opening. In addition, the locking mechanism 300 may include a key or combination lock 129 such that a person having the key or combination may remove the pull tab actuator from the locking mechanism 300, such as by pushing the actuator 318, which causes the locking mechanism 300 to release the pull tab.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 300 is secured to the body 102 by an anchor element 302. The anchor element 302 is disposed inside the luggage article 100 and the locking mechanism 300 is disposed outside the luggage article 100, with a portion of the body 102 being sandwiched between the anchor element 302 and the locking mechanism 300. In this example, the anchor element 302 includes a plate 312 having an upper surface 310 and an opposite lower surface 314. Wall 316 connects upper surface 310 and lower surface 314. The anchor element 302 may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, composite (e.g., fiber reinforced composite), wood, and the like. One or more holes 304a, 304b may be formed in the anchor member 302. The apertures 304a, 304b may be adapted to receive one or more fasteners 306. As shown in fig. 4-6, the anchor element 302 is disposed on an inner surface of the cover 118. In other embodiments, the anchor element 302 may be disposed on an inner surface of another portion of the body 102 (such as the base 120). As shown in fig. 5, the locking mechanism 300 may include one or more recesses 308 formed therein, the recesses 308 being operable to receive one or more fasteners 306. The recess 308 and the fastener 306 may be threadably engaged as the fastener 306 rotates relative to the recess 308. Other types of fasteners 306 may be used, such as pins, nails, rivets, or the like. The recesses 308 may be blind recesses as shown, or they may be through holes extending through the locking mechanism 300.

As best shown in fig. 4-6, in one embodiment, the attachment member 200 is coupled to the body 102 as an assembly 322 with the locking mechanism 300, in this example, positioned outside of the body 102. The anchor element 302 is disposed inside the luggage article 100. The attachment member 200 is disposed on the exterior of the article of luggage 100. The locking mechanism 300 is disposed on the top or outside of the attachment member 200. The anchor element 302, a portion of the body 102 (in the recess 132), the base plate 210 of the attachment member 200, and the locking mechanism 300 are secured together by fasteners 306. In one example, the fastener engages with the anchor element 302 and the locking mechanism 300 to clamp the base plate 210 of the attachment member 200 and the portion of the body 102 therebetween. An advantage of coupling the attachment member 200 with the locking mechanism 300 as an assembly to the article of luggage 100 may be: by using the locking mechanism 300 and the anchoring element 302 to achieve the additional function of securing the attachment member 200 to the article of luggage 100, a cost saving is achieved. Furthermore, connecting the attachment member 200 and the locking mechanism 300 together in the assembly 322 may increase the strength and/or rigidity of the assembled assembly 322. The locking mechanism 300 is received in a recess in the top end of the base to better prevent it from being damaged, in part because the edge covers a portion of the periphery of the locking mechanism.

A recess 132 is formed in the body 102 of the luggage article 100. A recess 132 is defined by the body 102 being recessed into the article of luggage 100. Recess 132 has a depth, length, and width suitable for receiving at least a portion of attachment member 200. The attachment member 200 is defined by a body 202, the body 202 including a base plate 210, a handle 208, an intersection 206, and tines 204. In some embodiments, the handle 208 extends at an angle from the base plate 210. In some embodiments, the intersection 206 extends at an angle from the handle 208. In some embodiments, the tines 204 extend at an angle from the intersection. In some embodiments, the handle 208, the intersection 206, and the tines 204 smoothly transition between each other, such as with one or more curved transitions. In one example, the attachment member 200 may include, in part, a hook member 211. The body 202 of the attachment member 200 may partially form the hook member 211. In one example, the hook member 211 can be formed at least by the handle 208, the intersection 206, and the tines 204. In one example, such as the example of fig. 4, the hook member 211 may have a generally curved shape, such as a generally J-shaped curve. Accordingly, the attachment member 200 may include the hook member 211 and the base plate 210. In one example, such as shown in fig. 1 and 4, the attachment member 200 is bent away from the article of luggage 100. For example, the hook members 211 of the attachment members 200 may be bent away from the luggage item 100, e.g., the tines 204 of the hook members 211 may be bent upward and away from the top panel 112 of the luggage item.

The substrate 210 includes an upper surface 244 with an edge 212 extending around the upper surface 244 to form a recess. The height of a portion of edge 212 may be varied to form scallops 224 to allow access to actuator 318 when assembling article of luggage 100 such that a user can operate actuator 318 to disengage locking mechanism 300. The rim 212 and recess in the upper surface 244 form a receiving chamber 246 adapted to receive the locking mechanism 300. The height of the edge 212 near the front panel 104 may be higher than its height near the rear panel 106 (see, e.g., fig. 5) to strengthen and/or strengthen the front of the base plate 210 and reduce deflection of the attachment member 200 and/or stabilize the locking mechanism 300 against lateral forces. Further, the lower rear portion of the rim 212 may allow for better access to the pull tab of the closure mechanism 124. As described above, the locking mechanism 300, the attachment member 200, and the anchor element 302 may be co-clamped with a portion of the body 102 in the assembly 322. On the bottom of the body 202 are one or more holes 216a that may extend through the body 202 to enable the attachment element to be coupled in the assembly 322. The aperture 216a may extend through the upper surface 244 such that the aperture 216a communicates with the receiving chamber 246 at one end and with the lower surface 222 at the other end. The apertures 216a may act to receive respective fasteners 306 to couple the attachment member 200 to the article of luggage 100. The holes 216a and 216b may be clearance holes that are sized larger than the fastener 306.

The body 202 may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, composite (e.g., fiber reinforced composite), wood, and the like. The body 202 may be formed by any suitable method, such as vacuum forming, injection molding, subtractive manufacturing (e.g., machining), additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing), and the like. The body 202 may be a single unitary piece. The body 202 may be two or more components connected to each other, such as by fasteners, adhesives, brazing, welding, and the like.

In some embodiments, the dimension 240 between the upper surface 244 and the lower surface 222 of the substrate 210 is about 3-4 millimeters. In other embodiments, the dimension 240 may be about 1 millimeter or 2 millimeters. In other embodiments, the dimension 240 may be about 5 millimeters, 6 millimeters, 7 millimeters, 8 millimeters, 9 millimeters, 10 millimeters, or more.

The handle 208 may extend from the base plate 210. The handle 208 may extend generally downward into the recess 132 of the top panel 112 of the body 102. The handle 208 may also extend from the base plate 210 into the recess 132 toward the front panel 104. In one embodiment, the stem 208 extends into the recess 132 at an angle to a plane defined by the top panel 112 (see, e.g., fig. 5). In some embodiments, the fixation recess 214 may be formed in the body 202, for example near the intersection of the stem 208 and the intersection 206. The securing recesses 214 may act to receive fasteners to better secure the attachment member 200 to the article of luggage 100. In many embodiments, the fixation recess 214 is optional. The handle 208 has a width dimension 248 (see, e.g., fig. 4). The shank 208 defines a mid-plane 220 on a lower surface thereof. In many embodiments, the intermediate face 220 is planar. In other embodiments, the intermediate face 220 may be a curved or irregularly shaped surface.

The intersection 206 extends from a lower end of the shank 208 opposite an upper end of the shank 208. The intersection 206 is a transition between the handle 208 and the tines 204. In one embodiment, the intersection forms a surface 232 on its upper surface. The surface 232 may be planar. The surface 232 is operable to receive or support a second luggage item attachment, such as a strap or handle, for selectively attaching the second luggage item to the main luggage item 100. In one embodiment, surface 232 has a length along dimension 234 of approximately 4 millimeters. In other embodiments, the length along dimension 234 may be about 0 mm, 1mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9mm, 10 mm, or more. In other embodiments, surface 232 may be curved or rounded in shape with no effective length along dimension 234.

The hook-shaped tines 204 extend generally upward from the intersection 206. The tines 204 may also extend rearward toward the rear panel 106 (see, e.g., fig. 5). In some embodiments, the tines 204 may extend at an angle 250 of about 18 ° relative to the normal direction 158 of the top panel 112, in some examples along the central direction of the luggage case 100, in the illustrated example along the direction of the locking mechanism 300 (see fig. 3). In some embodiments, the tines 204 may extend at an angle 250 of about 0 °,5 °,10 °,15 °,20 °, 25 °,30 °,35 °, 40 °, 45 °, or more with respect to the normal direction 158 of the top panel 112. The tines 204 may also have a width dimension 248 (see, e.g., fig. 2A). The tines 204 have a thickness dimension 238 at their transition with the intersection 206. In some embodiments, thickness dimension 238 is about 9.5 millimeters. In other embodiments, the thickness dimension 238 may be about 5 millimeters, 6 millimeters, 7 millimeters, 8 millimeters, 9 millimeters, 10 millimeters, or more. The thickness dimension 238 may be the thickest portion of the attachment member 200, for example, to counteract bending forces exerted on the tines 204 by an attached item of luggage or the like. The tines 204 have a thickness dimension 236 near their ends 242. In some embodiments, thickness dimension 236 is about 7 millimeters. In other embodiments, the thickness dimension 236 may be about 1 millimeter, 2 millimeters, 3 millimeters, 4 millimeters, 5 millimeters, 6 millimeters, 7 millimeters, 8 millimeters, 9 millimeters, 10 millimeters, or more. In some embodiments, the thickness dimension 236 may taper from the center portion of the tine 204 along its width toward the edge of the tine 204. In some embodiments, the size of the tines 204 tapers from a thickness dimension 238 to a thickness dimension 236. For example, thickness dimension 236 may be less than thickness dimension 238.

When the additional luggage case is engaged with the attachment member 200, a portion of the additional luggage case (e.g., a handle) is received by at least a portion of the engagement portion of the attachment member, which is formed by a portion of the upper surface of the handle 208, a portion of the tines 204, and the intersection 206.

In some embodiments, the attachment member 200 (e.g., as shown in fig. 2A) has a width dimension 248 of about 70 millimeters. For example, at least a portion of the handle 208, the intersection 206, and/or the tines 204 may have a width dimension 248 of approximately 70 millimeters. In some embodiments, the width dimension 248 of the handle 208, the intersection 206, and/or the tines 204 may be about 10 millimeters, 20 millimeters, 30 millimeters, 40 millimeters, 50 millimeters, 60 millimeters, 70 millimeters, 80 millimeters, 90 millimeters, 100 millimeters, or more. The width dimension 248 may be generally uniform between the handle 208, the intersection 206, and/or the tines 204.

Alternatively, in another example of an attachment structure 200 'as shown in fig. 2B, the width 248' (in the same or similar width direction as the width 248) of the region of the tine 204 'near the end 242' may be greater than the width 249 of the tine 204 'at or near its intersection with the intersection 206'. In this example, the width dimension 248 'of the region of the tine 204' near the end 242 'may be approximately 50 millimeters, with the tine 204' tapering inwardly as it extends downwardly to a width dimension 249 of approximately 47.5 millimeters at or near the junction of the tine 204 'and the intersection 206'. The attachment structure 200' is structurally identical or identical to the attachment structures mentioned elsewhere herein, except for the width dimensions described above. A benefit of a relatively wider tine, such as that achieved by a relatively uniform width dimension 248 or varying width dimensions 248' and 249, may be that the attachment member is strong enough to resist deflection, torsion, deformation, or breakage, and may place less stress on an article coupled to the luggage article 100 via the attachment member relative to a narrower attachment member. Further, a width dimension 248 of approximately 70 millimeters is approximately the width of a typical human hand, which is the basis for the size of the handles on the bags that may be coupled with the attachment member 200.

As best shown in fig. 6, the body 102 may have a recess 132 formed therein. Recess 132 may be adapted to receive attachment member 200 and/or locking mechanism 300. The benefit of the attachment member 200 and/or a portion of the locking mechanism 300 being received in the recess 132 may be: reducing the protruding distance of the attachment members above the top panel 112 is a challenge for additional features and functional structures attached to the exterior of the hardsided luggage case. The attachment member 200 and the locking mechanism 300 do not increase the outer dimensions of the luggage article 100 when received in the recess 132. Furthermore, by being at least partially received in the recess 132, the attachment member 200 and the locking mechanism 300 may be protected to some extent from damage, such as from being hooked by an object while being handled or being impacted by an object. Positioning the attachment member 200 and/or the locking mechanism 300 in the recess 132 may result in an article of luggage 100 that is more aesthetically pleasing than simply attaching the attachment member 200 and/or the locking mechanism 300 to the body 102. Positioning the attachment member 200 and/or the locking mechanism 300 in the recess 132 may form a stronger assembly 322 because the walls of the recess 132 help prevent lateral displacement of the tines 204. For example, the side walls 134a, 134b may support the attachment member 200 such that its lateral or torsional displacement is limited.

In many embodiments, a recess 132 is formed in the cover 118. In this example, the recess 132 is formed in the top panel of the cover 118. In other embodiments, the recess 132 may be formed in another portion of the body 102, such as the base 120. Recess 132 is formed as an offset recessed region. The recess may be defined by the periphery, in the present example, by the side wall 134 and the bottom 135. The side walls 134 may extend from the bottom 135 at right angles, or may extend from the bottom 135 at angles other than right angles. The recess has at least one depth, at least one width (e.g., the width measured between the side walls 134a and 134 b), and at least one length (e.g., the length measured between the front wall 142 and the rear wall 146). Recess 132 may have one or more sub-portions such that when combined together, an entire recess 132 is formed. The depth, width and length of any subsection of the recess may be the same or different from another subsection. Generally, the width of recess 132 between walls 134a and 134b and the length of the recess between front wall 142 and rear wall 146 are sized to adequately receive attachment member 200, as described further below. In one example, the width of the recess between the sidewalls 134a and 134b is greater than the width of the attachment member 200. The difference in width dimensions may form gaps 147, 149 between either side of the hook member 211 and the respective side wall 134a and/or 134 b. In one example, the width between walls 134a and 134b may be about 115 millimeters.

In some embodiments, recess 132 includes a first sub-portion 137 defined by upper bottom surface 138, side walls 134a and 134b, and rear wall 146. The upper bottom surface 138 may be at a depth of about 6-7 millimeters. In some embodiments, the upper bottom surface 138 extends generally in a plane that is similar in orientation (e.g., parallel) to the panel in which the recess 132 is formed. One or more apertures 156a and 156b may be formed in the upper bottom surface 138. Apertures 156a and 156b may function to receive one or more corresponding fasteners 306. Apertures 156a and 156b may be clearance apertures that are sized larger than the corresponding fasteners 306.

In some embodiments, recess 132 includes a second sub-portion 139 defined by an intermediate bottom surface 140. The intermediate bottom 140 may extend from the first sub-portion to the third sub-portion. Because the third sub-portion has a greater depth than the first sub-portion, the depth of the intermediate bottom surface may increase as it slopes downwardly from the first sub-portion to the third sub-portion 141, forming a slope between the first sub-portion and the second sub-portion. In this example, the intermediate bottom 140 may be located at a depth of about 6-7 millimeters where it intersects the first subsection 137 and at a depth of about 18-19 millimeters where it intersects the third subsection. In this example, the intermediate bottom 140 extends at an angle relative to the first and third sub-portions. As discussed further herein, the slope or incline of the intermediate bottom surface may support a portion of the attachment member 200, such as the handle 208.

In some embodiments, the third sub-portion 141 of the recess 132 may extend toward the front panel 104, and in some examples may extend far enough to overlap the front panel 104. The recess may include a lower bottom surface 136 and a front wall 142, the front wall 142 extending between the side walls 134a and 134b, proximate the front panel 104, at the front panel 104, or overlapping the front panel 104. The lower bottom surface 136 may be at a depth of about 18-19 millimeters. The front wall 142 may be included in a lip 144 of the body 102, e.g., the front wall 142 may be formed by a lip. In some embodiments, the front wall 142 extends at an angle relative to the lower bottom surface 136. For example, the front wall 142 may form an inclined surface that provides a smooth transition from the lower bottom surface 136 to the panel in which the recess 132 is defined. In other embodiments, the front wall 142 may extend substantially at right angles to the lower bottom surface 136. A gap 151 may be formed between the attachment member 200 and the front wall 142. For example, a gap 151 may be formed between the end of the hook member 211 and the front wall 142. The gap may be continuous with the gaps 147, 149 on opposite sides of the attachment member 200 when in the recess 132. In one embodiment, recess 132 does not include front wall 142, and attachment member 200 (e.g., hook member 211) may not be enclosed at front panel 104 or near front panel 104.

In some embodiments, recess 132 includes a rear wall 146 extending between side wall 134a and side wall 134b opposite front wall 142. In some embodiments, the rear wall 146 extends from the adjacent upper bottom surface 138 at a generally right angle.

As best shown in fig. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the attachment member 200 may be received in the recess 132 when the article of luggage 100 is assembled. The lower surface 222 may be disposed on the upper bottom surface 138. As best shown in fig. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the anchor element 302 may be disposed on an inner surface of the body 102 below the upper bottom surface 138 of the recess 132. The locking mechanism 300 may be disposed above the attachment member 200. The locking mechanism 300 may be received in the receiving chamber 246. One or more fasteners 306 may be inserted through one or more corresponding apertures 304a and 304 b. The one or more fasteners 306 may be inserted through the respective apertures 156a and 156 b. Fasteners 306 may be inserted through the one or more holes 216a and 216 b. The fastener 306 may be inserted into the one or more recesses 308. In some embodiments, the fastener 306 may include helical threads such that when the fastener 306 is rotated relative to the recess 308, the respective threads of the fastener 306 and the recess 308 engage to secure the attachment member 200 to the article of luggage 100 between the anchor element 302 and the locking mechanism 300. In other embodiments, such as when fastener 306 is a rivet, the head of the rivet may be inserted through the hole as described above, and the rivet expanded to secure attachment member 200 to article of luggage 100 via locking mechanism 300 and anchor element 302.

The lower surface 218 may be disposed on the lower bottom surface 136 when mounted with the article of luggage 100. In some embodiments, lower surface 218 rests on, but is not coupled to, lower bottom surface 136. In some embodiments, lower surface 218 is coupled to lower bottom surface 136. In some embodiments, the intermediate surface 220 may be disposed on the intermediate bottom surface 140. In some embodiments, the intermediate surface 220 rests on, but is not coupled to, the intermediate bottom surface 140. In some embodiments, the intermediate face 220 is coupled to the intermediate bottom face 140. In some embodiments, the stem 208 and/or the intersection 206 are coupled to one or more of the lower bottom surface 136 or the intermediate bottom surface 140, such as by suitable fasteners received in the fixation recess 214. Tines 204 may be spaced apart from front wall 142. The benefit of not coupling the handle 208, the intersection 206, and/or the tines 204 to the body 102 may be: the attachment member 200 forms a cantilever structure. The cantilever structure may flex, for example, when it is hooked by an object during handling. Flexing of the attachment member 200 may cause the attachment member 200 to release from the object without breaking.

As shown in fig. 5, a portion 103 (such as one or more handles) of the second item of luggage 101 may engage the attachment member 200. In some examples, the portion 103 may be disposed in the attachment member 200, may engage a portion of the handle 208, a portion of the intersection 206, and/or a portion of the tines 204, so as to remain removably secured to the attachment member 200. As described above, the portion of the attachment member 200 that receives the second item of luggage 101 may have a width dimension of about 70 millimeters. The width dimension may be a suitable dimension because many handle structures for luggage items suitable for hand carrying have a grip portion of about 70 millimeters. In addition, a width dimension of about 70 millimeters provides a sufficiently wide and stable contact for the loop grip of the second luggage item, reducing lateral movement of the second luggage item 101 suspended from the engagement member 200 as the main luggage item 100 is pulled or moved along the support surface.

As best shown in fig. 3, the tips 242 of the tines 204 may be disposed a distance higher than the luggage body 102 by a bump 228 when the attachment member 200 is mounted with the luggage article 100. For example, the tip 242 may rise above the top panel 112 by the ridge 228. Similarly, the upper surface 320 of the locking mechanism 300 may be disposed one protuberance 230 above the body 102. For example, the upper surface 320 may be disposed one ridge 228 above the top panel 112. The ridge 228 may be less than or equal to the upper surface 320 such that the tip 242 is disposed below the upper surface 320 at a gap 226. An advantage of this arrangement is that the likelihood of the tines 204 catching on an object is reduced when the luggage item 100 is moved. Reducing the likelihood of hooking may enable the luggage article 100 to be more easily moved (e.g., by a luggage handling system), and may reduce the risk of breakage of the attachment member 200. The ends 242 of the tines 204 may also be disposed at or below the upper surface of the handle 128.

In another example of the luggage article 100, as shown in fig. 7A-9, an attachment member in the form of an attachment member 700 for supporting the auxiliary article 101 may be defined on the frame plate 500 or by the frame plate 500 and configured to be placed under the retractable traction handle 126. The article of luggage 100 may be the same or similar to the article of luggage 100 previously described and may include all or some of the same features. For example, the luggage may have a body 102 with a top panel 112, a bottom panel 114, a front panel 104, a rear panel 106, a left panel 108, and a right panel 110. The attachment member 700 may allow the auxiliary article 101 to hang on the luggage article 100 or to be supported by the luggage article 100.

As shown in fig. 7A-7C, the luggage case 100 may define a concave-shaped main recess 532 in the main body 102 (e.g., in the base shell 120 of the luggage case 100). In one example, the main recess 532 may be defined in whole or in part by the frame plate 500. The secondary recess 600 may be defined by the frame plate 500 for receiving the portion 103 of the auxiliary article 101. The attachment member (e.g., attachment member 700 in one example) may be positioned in the frame plate, such as on the bottom wall 501 in one example. In one example, the attachment member 700 may be positioned in a secondary recess 600 formed in the bottom wall 501 of the bezel 500. The attachment member 700 may be used to receive and retain a portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101, such as a strap of a purse or handbag. The attachment member 700 may include a first base portion 701 and a second extension portion 704. The base portion 701 may extend upwardly from the lower wall 605 of the secondary recess 600, the extension portion 704 may extend toward the secondary recess, and in one example, it may extend at an angle from the base portion 701 to cover the lower wall 605 of the secondary recess 600. The outer surface 713 of the extension 704 of the attachment member may be positioned at or below the height of the bottom wall of the main recess 532, which may be the bottom wall 501 of the frame plate 500. Accordingly, the attachment member 700 as an attachment member may be positioned below the telescoping handle so as not to interfere with the gripping portion 126a of the telescoping handle 126 when the telescoping handle 126 is in the retracted position and the gripping portion 126a is stored in the frame plate 500.

The main recess 532 may be formed in the bezel 500 at the intersection of the top panel 112 and the rear panel 106. The frame plate 500 may be integral with the panels, for example, as a molded feature of the luggage article 100, or may be one or more separate components that are inserted into a bottom recess of the luggage article 100. The bottom recess may be a main recess 532, which may be defined by panels of the luggage case 100. For example, the frame plate 500 may cover a recess or opening defined by the luggage case 100. In other examples, the frame plate 500 may only partially define the main recess 532 and cover a portion of the recess or opening defined by the luggage case 100. In additional examples, a first portion of the frame plate 500 may cover or define a first section of the main recess 532, while another portion may cover another section of the main recess 534. The bezel 500 may include a main wall 503, a pair of opposing walls (such as a left side wall 505a and a right side wall 505 b), and a bottom wall 501. The frame plate 500 may further define an outer wall 508, the outer wall 508 being positioned between the bottom wall 501 and the back panel 106 of the luggage article 100. The main wall 503 may extend upwardly from the bottom wall 501. Left and right side walls 505 may extend upwardly from the bottom wall 501 and are located at opposite side ends of the main wall 503. Each of the main wall 503 and the side wall 505 may be perpendicular to the bottom wall 501 or at an angle to the bottom wall 501. The side walls 505 and the main wall 503 may be angled with respect to each other or may have smooth or curved transitions. The bottom wall 501 may further define one or more apertures, such as a towing handle aperture 510, for the telescoping towing handle 126 to extend from the frame plate 500 and attach within the main recess 532.

As shown in fig. 7A-7C, the bottom wall 501 of the frame plate 500 may define an attachment member 700. In some examples, the attachment member 700 may be positioned in a secondary recess 600 formed in the bottom wall 501 of the bezel 500. The attachment member 700 may be integrally formed in the frame plate 500, or may be a separate part attached to the bottom wall 501 of the frame plate 500. The attachment member 700 may be positioned in the sub-recess 600 or above the sub-recess 600.

The sub recess 600 may be formed in the bottom wall 501 of the frame plate 500. The sub recess 600 may have openings in more than one direction. For example, the secondary recess 600 may extend to the exterior of the luggage case 100, such as the outer wall 508, opening outwardly in a direction away from the rear major wall 503. The opening in the outer wall 508 may define one or more slots or grooves 720. The secondary recess 600 may be a space into which a portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101 (such as the strap 103 of a bag) may be inserted so as not to interfere with the traction handle 126 in the retracted position. The secondary recess 600 may be located in a central region of the bottom wall 501 or, in other examples, located closer to one of the main wall 503 or the side walls 505. The sub recess 600 may have a rear wall 601, opposite end walls 603 (left and right end walls 603a and 603 b), and a lower wall 605. The rear wall 601 may be aligned in direction with the main wall 503.

Referring to fig. 7B and 9, laterally spaced step features 607 may or may not be formed between the lower wall 605 and the side walls 603. A step feature 607 may be defined at the intersection of the lower wall 605 and each of the opposing end walls 603. There may be a plurality of step features, such as a first step feature 607a, a second step feature 607b (lower wall 605 in the illustrated example), and so forth. In other examples, there may be only a single step feature, such as step feature 607a. The step feature 607 may divide the secondary recess 600 into an upper region 610 and a lower region 611, wherein the upper region 610 is wider than the lower region 612, as best shown in fig. 9. Upper region 610 and lower region 611 may define part of slot 720. The step feature 607 may be used to engage and retain a portion of the auxiliary article 101 in the secondary recess 600 or to assist in conforming the portion 103 of the auxiliary article 101 tightly in the secondary recess 600. For example, the step feature 607 may be aligned with a portion of the auxiliary article 101 to curve around or under the attachment member 700. If the auxiliary article 101 has more than one portion 103 to be held by the step feature 607, the first auxiliary portion may be held in the lower region 611 and the second auxiliary portion may be held in the upper region 610.

As shown in fig. 7B and 9, the end wall may optionally define a smooth wall 613. Smooth wall 613 may extend from bottom wall 501 to lower wall 605. Smooth wall 613 may have a straight shape, a circular shape, or a concave shape. The secondary recess 600 formed with the smooth wall 613 may define a wider slot 720 than when the step 607b is present. The wider slot 720 may help guide the portion 103 of the auxiliary article 101 into engagement with the attachment member 700 and may accommodate a handle 103 having a larger structure. Smooth wall 613 may also provide for bending over portion 103 of auxiliary article 101 and aligning portion 103 around attachment member 700 and through recess 720. In some examples, the secondary recess 600 may have a smooth wall 613 with a slope such that the upper width dimension of the recess 600 is greater than the lower width dimension of the recess 600. In such an example, the upper width may define an upper region 610 having an upper width dimension and a lower region 611 having a lower width dimension. The upper width dimension may be greater than the lower width dimension. In other examples, smooth wall 613 may define a single region having the same or similar width dimension along its height.

The attachment member 700 may be positioned in or near the secondary recess 600. The attachment member 700 may support or retain at least a portion of the auxiliary item 101 on the luggage case 100, and in some examples within the recess 532 formed by the frame plate 500, and in other examples within the secondary recess 600. The attachment member 700 may include a first portion or base portion 701 and a second portion or extension portion 704 and define an outer surface 713, an inner surface 710, and an opposing edge 715. The base portion 701 may extend upwardly from the lower wall 605 of the secondary recess 600 and may be centrally located so as to define an adjacent slot or groove 720 between the base portion 701 and the end wall 603. The slot or groove 720 may receive a portion 103 of the auxiliary article 101 supported by the attachment member 700. The base portion 701 may be straight, curved, or a combination of shapes. In other examples, the base portion 701 may be angled relative to the lower wall 605, such as in one example, the base portion 701 being angled inwardly toward the main wall 503 of the secondary recess 600. The inward tilt may help to keep the portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101 engaged with the attachment member 700. The base portion may define a width between its opposite edges 715 that is approximately equal to or greater than one third of the width of the lower portion of the secondary recess 600. The width of the base portion 701 may be approximately equal to or less than one-fourth of the width of the upper region 610 of the sub-recess 600. The base portion 701 may also define a constant width along its height, or in another example, it may taper from wide to narrow along its height.

A second portion or extension 704 of the attachment member 700 may extend away from the base portion 701 and above the secondary recess 600 toward the main wall 503 of the secondary recess 600. For example, the extension portion 704 may extend from the base portion 701 and be angled with respect to the base portion 701, and in some examples, the extension portion 704 may extend at an acute angle, a right angle, or an obtuse angle with respect to the base portion 701. The extension 704 may be straight, curved, or a combination of shapes. In one example, the base portion 701 and the extension portion 704 may together define an inverted J-shaped hook. In such an example, the base portion 701 may be a handle and the extension portion 704 may be a hook-shaped tine. In another example, the upper portion 701 and the extension portion 704 may together form a curve, such as a constant curve in one example. The opposite edges 715 of the extension portion 704 may define a width that may vary as the extension portion 704 extends from an intersection with the base portion 701 to an end thereof, such as tapering to a narrower width in one example. In other examples, the extension 704 may have a constant width. The outer surface 713 of the extension 704 may be the highest point or region of the attachment member 700. The outer surface 713 may be flush with or below the bottom wall 501 of the main recess 532 and does not interfere with the handle of the telescoping towing handle 126 when the telescoping towing handle 126 is in the retracted position. In other examples, the outer surface 713 may extend above the bottom wall 501 in the luggage case, wherein in the retracted position, the grip portion 126a of the telescoping traction handle 126 is spaced above the secondary recess 600 from the bottom wall 501.

The attachment member 700 may allow a user to store one or more auxiliary items 101 on the luggage item 100 and reduce the number of items that must be carried. Further, when the attachment member 700 supports the auxiliary article 101 and the retractable traction handle 126 is in the retracted position, the attachment member 70 and traction handle may prevent removal of the auxiliary article 101 or make removal of the auxiliary article 101 difficult.

As shown in fig. 8, the auxiliary article 101 may be supported and held by the attachment member 700. In this example, the portion 103 of the auxiliary article 101 may be a flexible grip of a purse, bag, or soft briefcase. In operation, a portion 103 (e.g., a handle) of the auxiliary article 101 may be placed in the lower region 611 of the secondary recess 600 and engaged with the inner surface 710 of the attachment member 700. The portion 103 of the auxiliary article 101 may engage the base portion 701 and extend through a transverse slot or groove 720 formed adjacent each opposite side of the base portion 701. In one example, the portion extending through slot 720 may engage the edge of base portion 701 and adjacent step feature 607 on opposite sides. This may cause bending of the portion 103 of the auxiliary article 101, thereby enhancing the retention of the article 101 by the attachment member 700. In other examples, smooth wall 613 may also create a bend on portion 103 such that article 101 is positioned in slots 720 formed on either side of attachment member 700. The article 101 may also be engaged with the attachment member 700. The portion 103 of the auxiliary article 101 may also be positioned below the extension portion 704 of the attachment member 700, with or without engagement with the inner surface 710 of the extension portion 704.

In other examples, as shown in fig. 9, the attachment member 700 may receive more than one portion 103 of the auxiliary article 101, such as two handles of a purse, bag, or soft briefcase. In other examples, the attachment member 700 may receive more than one auxiliary item 101, such as two different purses, bags, or soft briefcases. In these examples, one portion may be in a lower portion of the secondary recess 600, while another portion may be received in an upper region 610 of the secondary recess 600. In this way, more than one portion may be stacked in the attachment member 700 for support and securement to the luggage case 100.

With continued reference to fig. 9, the retractable traction handle 126 may be retracted to a retracted position. In the retracted position, the gripping portion 126a may be closely spaced or engaged with the bottom wall 501 of the main recess 532. In this case, because the outer surface 713 of the extension 704 may be flush or below flush with the bottom or bottom wall 501 of the main recess 532, the attachment member 700 may not contact the gripping portion 126a of the telescoping traction handle 126. Because the portion 103 of the auxiliary article 101 may be located within the secondary recess 600 and below the extension portion 704 of the attachment member 700, the portion 103 may be located entirely below the traction handle 126 in the retracted position. Further, the entire auxiliary item 101 may be located below the traction handle 126 in the retracted position. Such a configuration may allow the retractable traction handle 126 to take advantage of its full retraction and extension capabilities, while allowing the portion 103 of the auxiliary article 101 to remain in the attachment member 700 and be retained by the attachment member 700 even when the traction handle 126 is retracted.

When the attachment member 700 is located in the frame plate 500, the frame plate 500 and the attachment member 700 may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, composite material (e.g., fiber reinforced composite material), wood, or a combination thereof. The frame plate 500 and the attachment member 700 may be formed by any suitable method, such as vacuum forming, injection molding, subtractive manufacturing (e.g., machining), additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing), and the like. A relatively rigid material may be advantageous to support heavier loads in the attachment member 700, although softer materials may be suitable. The attachment member 700 may be a single unitary piece or may be two or more components connected to one another, such as by fasteners, adhesives, brazing, welding, or the like. Furthermore, the precise orientation and angle of the attachment member 700 may be adjusted to accommodate different injection molding techniques. For example, the second step feature 607b of the secondary recess 600 may be arranged for a mold to form the extension 704 or the inner surface 710 of the attachment member 700.

The description of certain embodiments included herein is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, its application, or uses. In the inclusive detailed description of the embodiments of the present systems and methods, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the described systems and methods may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the presently disclosed systems and methods, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, when certain features are apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, a detailed description of the features will not be discussed so as not to obscure the description of the embodiments of the disclosure. The detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. The body 102 of the luggage case may include one or more layers of material used to make hard-sided luggage cases. References herein to attaching or coupling to the inner or outer surface of the cover 118 and/or base 120 include attaching or coupling to any one or more of the one or more layers of hardfacing material forming the body.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

The terms "a" and "an" are to be understood as referring to "one", "at least one" or "one or more", unless otherwise indicated, as used herein. As used herein, the singular terms shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular unless the context requires otherwise.

Throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be interpreted in an inclusive rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense, unless the context clearly requires otherwise; that is, interpreted in the sense of "including but not limited to". Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural and singular number, respectively. Furthermore, the words "herein," "above" and "below," and words of similar import, as used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the examples, embodiments, or processes described herein may be combined with one or more other examples, embodiments, and/or processes, or separated and/or performed in a single device or device portion, in accordance with the systems, devices, and methods of the present invention.

Finally, the above-discussion is intended to be merely illustrative of the present system and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims to any particular embodiment or group of embodiments. Thus, while the system of the present invention has been described in particular detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that numerous modifications and alternative embodiments may be devised by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the broader and intended spirit and scope of the system of the present invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A luggage case, comprising:

a body comprising a cover shell and a base shell, wherein the cover shell and the base shell are hingedly coupled to each other and are selectively closable by a closure mechanism;

a main recess formed in the luggage case, the main recess defining a bottom wall;

a sub-recess formed in a bottom wall of the main recess; and

An attachment member positioned in the secondary recess.

2. The luggage case of claim 1, wherein:

The main recess is defined by a frame plate positioned near the intersection between the top panel and the main panel of one of the housings;

a retractable traction handle operably coupled to the luggage case, the retractable traction handle being extendable from and retractable into the main recess; and

The sub-recess is formed in the bottom wall of the frame plate.

3. The luggage case of claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment member is located below the telescoping traction handle when the telescoping traction handle is in the retracted position.

4. A piece of luggage as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:

the secondary recess includes an upper region having an upper width and a lower region having a lower width that is less than the upper width.

5. The luggage case of any of claims 1-4, wherein the attachment member comprises:

A base portion extending from the secondary recess, and

An extension portion extending from the base portion in a direction at least partially toward the sub-recess.

6. The luggage case of claim 5, wherein a slot is formed adjacent each opposing side of the base portion.

7. The luggage case of claim 6, wherein an auxiliary item is received in the slot.

8. The luggage case of any of claims 5-7, wherein the extension is positioned flush with or below a bottom wall of the main recess.

9. The luggage case of any of claims 5-8, wherein the base portion defines a width that is greater than one third of the lower width.

10. The luggage case of any of claims 5-9, wherein the base portion tapers along its length.

11. The luggage case of any of claims 1-10, wherein the attachment member is configured to engage a portion of an auxiliary item and the secondary recess is configured to receive a portion of an auxiliary member.

12. The luggage case of any of claims 1-11, wherein the attachment member and secondary recess are configured to position a portion of an auxiliary item below a telescoping traction handle in a retracted position.

13. The luggage case of any of claims 1-12, wherein the attachment member and secondary recess are configured to position a portion of the auxiliary article at or below a bottom wall of the primary recess.

14. The luggage case of any of claims 1-13, wherein the attachment member and secondary recess are configured to receive portions from one or more auxiliary items.

15. The luggage case of any of claims 1-14, wherein the attachment member and secondary recess are integrally formed with the frame plate.

16. A luggage case, comprising:

A primary recess formed in a luggage case, the primary recess comprising:

a secondary recess formed in a wall of the primary recess; and

An attachment member positioned over a portion of the secondary recess; and a retractable traction handle operatively coupled to the luggage case, the retractable traction handle being extendable from and retractable into the main recess.

17. The luggage case of claim 16, wherein the attachment member is in contact with or below the telescoping traction handle.

18. The luggage case of any of claims 16-17, wherein the attachment member comprises:

A base portion extending from the secondary recess, and

An extension portion extending from the base portion in a direction at least partially toward the secondary recess, wherein an outer surface of the extension portion is located at or below a bottom wall of the primary recess.

19. The luggage case of any of claims 16-18, wherein the primary recess and secondary recess are integrally formed in a bezel positioned near an intersection between a top panel and a main panel of one of the shells.

20. The luggage case of any of claims 16-19, wherein a slot is formed adjacent each opposing side of the attachment member and a wall of the secondary recess.