CN210120957U - Luggage case article - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided an article of luggage comprising: opposing front and rear panels, opposing left and right side panels, and opposing top and bottom panels that together define a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a top side, and a bottom side of the luggage article. The luggage article further includes a rigid or semi-rigid stiffener plate, the stiffener plate including: a central portion extending on the rear side; and first and second side portions extending from opposite lateral sides of the central portion, the first and second side portions extending over at least a portion of opposite left and right side surfaces and each including a distal edge. The luggage article further comprises: a closed-loop frame including a frame portion that mates with and aligns with a distal edge of the first or second side of the reinforcement panel; and an outer fabric covering on at least a portion of the front, left and right sides.

Description

Luggage case article

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application No.29/628,096 filed on 12/1/2017 and claiming priority from that application at 35u.s.c. § 120, and is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application No.29/628,103 filed on 12/1/2017 and claiming priority from that application at 35u.s.c. § 120, the entire contents of both applications being incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to luggage items, and more particularly to luggage item frame structures.

Background

Some luggage cases include a frame structure or arrangement to support the softside or hybrid luggage case. Many frame structures include rectangular wire loop frames for the sides of the luggage case. However, conventional frame constructions typically include relatively sharp corners or edges along the intersection between adjacent housing panels. These corners or edges may include beads or beading along the seam to help prevent wear and damage. Nevertheless, such constructions are often susceptible to high levels of wear and even failure along the seams and edges due to wear, seam and/or corner damage. For example, sharp edges at the intersection between adjacent housing panels can create inherent structural weakness that is prone to damage.

In addition, luggage generally protects the items inside the luggage and often reinforces the back or rear of the luggage with additional structure (e.g., additional reinforcement panels), which disadvantageously increases the weight of the luggage.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved luggage case, and more particularly, an improved frame structure that addresses one or all of the above problems and/or more generally provides an improvement or replacement for existing arrangements.

Documents that may be relevant to the present disclosure include: CA2760430, EP1251760, EP2139357, EP2512279, EP2537432, EP2592963, EP2729033, EP2787857, EP2982263, US2298786, US4055239, US4895230, US5833039, US6502677, US6883654, US7188714, US7278539, US8695770, US9375062, US20110162931 and WO 2011033218.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

According to an aspect of the utility model, a suitcase article is provided, include: opposing front and rear panels, opposing left and right side panels, and opposing top and bottom panels that together define a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a top side, and a bottom side of the luggage article. Characterized in that the luggage item further comprises a rigid or semi-rigid stiffener, the stiffener comprising: a central portion extending on the rear side; and first and second side portions extending from opposite lateral sides of the central portion, the first and second side portions extending over at least a portion of opposite left and right side faces, each of the first and second side portions including a distal edge. The luggage article further comprises a closed-loop frame including a frame portion that mates with and aligns with a distal edge of the first or second side of the gusset; and an outer fabric covering on at least a portion of the front, left and right sides.

Wherein one of the first and second side portions supports one of the opposing left and right side panels.

Wherein at least a portion of the first or second side portion extends at least as far as a centerline of the left or right side panel.

Wherein the closed loop frame comprises a wire loop.

Wherein the closed loop frame comprises: a front section; a top section and a bottom section extending from opposite ends of the front section; and a rear section extending from the top and bottom sections, the rear section including a shape that mates with and aligns with a distal edge of the first or second side of the reinforcement panel.

Wherein the rear section includes a central section that curves inwardly toward the front section to mate and align with a distal edge of the first or second side of the reinforcement panel.

Wherein a distal edge of the first or second side is curved toward the front side to mate and align with a rear section of the closed loop frame.

Wherein a distal edge of the first side or the second side has an arcuate shape.

Wherein the apex of the arcuate shape is located in a middle portion of the length of the left or right side.

Wherein the front, top and bottom sections of the closed-loop frame are substantially linear; the top and bottom sections extending generally perpendicularly from the front section; and the rear section connects the ends of the top and bottom sections together.

Wherein the rear section has a curvature that curves toward the front section.

Wherein the rear section is a long side of the closed loop frame and the bend has an arcuate shape.

Wherein the apex of the curve is located in a middle portion of the length of the left or right lateral face.

Wherein the closed loop frame is coupled to a distal edge of the first or second side of the stiffener.

Wherein the luggage article further comprises a fabric seam aligned with distal edges of the first and second sides of the gusset.

Wherein the first and second side portions are resiliently bent from the central portion so as to extend over at least a portion of opposite left and right sides of the luggage article.

Wherein the closed loop frame comprises: a first closed-loop frame supporting the left side panel, the first closed-loop frame including a frame portion that mates with and aligns with a distal edge of the first side; and a second closed-loop frame supporting the right side panel, the second closed-loop frame including a frame portion that mates with and aligns with a distal edge of the second side.

Wherein the reinforcement panel includes a top portion extending over at least a portion of the top surface.

Wherein the closed-loop frame is a wire loop and includes an upper top portion extending at least partially over the top surface; the top of the reinforcing plate defines a curved surface; and the upper part of the closed loop frame matches the curved surface of the top of the reinforcing plate.

Wherein the top extends over a top end front edge of the front side to form a top end lip on a portion of the top of the front side.

Wherein the gusset includes a bottom portion that extends over at least a portion of a bottom surface of the luggage article.

Wherein the bottom portion extends beyond a bottom end front edge of the bottom surface to form a bottom end lip on a portion of the bottom portion of the front side surface.

Wherein a bracket is coupled between the top of the stiffener and the bottom of the stiffener along the left and right sides, and the bracket extends between the front and rear sides along the central portion.

Wherein the stent is formed from two separate stents.

Wherein at least one wheel is positioned on the bottom surface.

Wherein four wheels are positioned on the bottom surface.

Wherein the luggage item further comprises a door opening formed on the front side for selectively accessing an interior of the luggage.

Wherein the closed loop frame may include a top, and the top may extend at least partially over the top surface.

Wherein the closed loop frame is a wire loop frame.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a luggage article, comprising: a housing defining a rear edge between a lateral side and a rear side. Characterized in that the luggage item further comprises: a reinforcement plate including a first portion extending around a rear edge of the housing; and a closed-loop frame including a frame portion that mates with and aligns with the first portion of the stiffener.

Wherein the first portion defines at least one bend; and the frame portion defines a mating curve to match and align with the curve defined by the first portion.

Wherein the housing comprises a rear panel, a left side panel and a right side panel that together define a rear side, a left side and a right side of the housing, an intersection between the rear side and the left side defining a left rear edge, and an intersection between the rear side and the right side defining a right rear edge; a first portion of the reinforcement panel is bent around a left rear edge of the housing so as to extend at least partially over a left side of the housing; the reinforcing plate includes a second portion extending around a right rear edge of the housing so as to extend at least partially over a right side of the housing; the closed-loop frame is a first closed-loop frame supporting a left side panel of the housing; and the luggage item comprises a second closed loop frame supporting the right side panel of the shell, the second closed loop frame comprising a frame portion that mates with and aligns with a second portion of the stiffener plate.

Wherein the first and second portions of the reinforcement plate extend only over the rear of the left and right sides of the housing adjacent the rear side.

Wherein the closed loop frame comprises a non-rectangular shape.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a luggage article, comprising: opposing front and rear panels, opposing left and right side panels, and opposing top and bottom panels that together define a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a top side, and a bottom side of the luggage article. Characterised in that the rear panel comprises a rigid or semi-rigid reinforcing panel defining opposite sides, each side defining a curved distal edge, each extending around so as to cover at least a portion of the opposite left and right sides respectively.

Wherein the side portion extends at least as far as a centerline of the left and right side surfaces.

Wherein the side portion extends no further than a centerline of the left and right side surfaces.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a luggage article, comprising: opposing front and rear panels, opposing left and right side panels, and opposing top and bottom panels that together define a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a top side, and a bottom side of the luggage article. Wherein one of the left and right side panels is non-rectangular and includes an edge having a middle portion defining a curved shape.

Wherein one of the left and right side panels defines opposing long sides, one of the long sides being curved inwardly toward the other of the long sides.

Wherein one of the left and right side panels defines opposing short sides, one of the short sides curving outwardly away from the other of the short sides.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a luggage article, comprising: a shell defined by opposing front and rear panels, opposing left and right side panels, and opposing top and bottom panels that together define a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a top side, and a bottom side of the luggage article. Characterised in that at least one of these panels surrounds an edge of the shell so as to extend over a plurality of faces of the luggage item.

Additional embodiments and features will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the description or may be learned from 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 form a part hereof. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may be advantageously used alone in some cases or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other cases.

Drawings

The specification will be more fully understood with reference to the following drawings, in which elements are not drawn to scale. The accompanying drawings, which are presented as various examples of the disclosure and are not to be construed as a complete description of the scope of the disclosure, are characterized in that:

fig. 1 is a front isometric view of an article of luggage according to some examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the luggage article of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the luggage article of FIG. 1, showing an internal frame structure in a shell according to some examples of the present disclosure, wherein the shell is shown in phantom for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the frame structure of FIG. 3, without the housing;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the luggage article of FIG. 1, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 illustrates a stiffener plate in an expanded flat configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a rear isometric view of an additional luggage article according to some other examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the frame structure of the luggage article of FIG. 7, with certain structures of the luggage article removed for illustration purposes, according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the frame structure of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates a stiffener plate in an expanded flat configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure, such as the examples shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 11 is a partial isometric view of an additional luggage article with a top pocket according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates a stiffener plate in an expanded flat configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure, such as the example shown in FIG. 11;

fig. 13 is an isometric view of the gusset of fig. 12 in a folded configuration, according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a method of manufacturing a luggage article according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an article of luggage according to some examples of the present disclosure; and

fig. 16 is a perspective view of an additional luggage article according to some examples of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

In accordance with the present disclosure, a frame structure is provided that is configured to support an outer fabric shell of an article of luggage. The frame structure includes a reinforcement plate along a rear panel of the luggage item and one or more closed loop frame assemblies supporting side panels of the luggage item. The reinforcement panel may include a contoured side portion that encloses and extends over or along at least a portion of one or more sides of the luggage article. The closed loop frame may comprise a non-rectangular shape. For example, the closed loop frame may include inward extensions to mate and align with the contoured sides of the reinforcement panel. The shaped side of the stiffener plate may have a scallop shape. The inward extensions of the closed loop frame may have a scallop shape to match the corresponding sides of the stiffener plate. The reinforcement panel may also include a top portion that folds over or along the top surface of the luggage article and/or a bottom portion that folds over or along the bottom surface of the luggage article. The bottom of the stiffening plate may be attached to the chassis assembly.

Fig. 1 is a front isometric view of a luggage article 100 according to some examples of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a rear isometric view of the luggage article 100. Referring to fig. 1 and 2, an article of luggage 100 includes a housing 102 formed from a plurality of walls or panels (hereinafter "panels" for convenience and without intended limitation) that define an interior storage space for carrying a user's belongings. In one example, the housing 102 may be formed from opposing front and rear panels 104, 106 and a plurality of side panels extending between the front and rear panels 104, 106. For example, the luggage article 100 may include opposing top and bottom panels 108, 110 and opposing left and right side panels 112, 114 that, in combination with the front and rear panels 104, 106, define the enclosure 102. The various panels may be formed of a softside material, a hardside material, or various combinations thereof (such as, for example, a hybrid luggage case). The various panels may be constructed or arranged to provide the desired size and shape of the housing 102. For example, the various panels may be sized and shaped such that the luggage article 100 has a height greater than a width, a width greater than a depth, and so forth.

The luggage article 100 may include a plurality of sides that define the geometry of the shell 102. For example, the luggage article 100 may include opposing front 118 and rear 120 side surfaces, opposing top 122 and bottom 124 side surfaces, and opposing left 126 and right 128 side surfaces that collectively define the rectangular parallelepiped shape of the luggage article 100. The luggage article defines a length, which is generally a length dimension along the left, right, front, and rear sides. Each side may be defined or covered by a respective panel, depending on the particular application. For example, the front side 118 may be defined or covered by the front panel 104, the rear side 120 may be defined or covered by the rear panel 106, the top surface 122 may be defined or covered by the top panel 108, the bottom surface 124 may be defined or covered by the bottom panel 110, the left side 126 may be defined or covered by the left side panel 112, and the right side 128 may be defined or covered by the right side panel 114.

In some examples, at least one face of the luggage article 100 may be defined or covered by a plurality of panels. For example, the top surface 122 of the luggage article 100 may be defined or covered by the top panel 108 and at least one other panel of the shell 102 (such as at least one of the front panel 104, the rear panel 106, the left side panel 112, and the right side panel 114). Similarly, the right side 128 of the luggage article 100 may be defined or covered by the right side panel 114 and at least one other panel of the shell 102 (such as at least one of the front panel 104, the rear panel 106, the top panel 108, and the bottom panel 110). In a similar manner, the left side 126 of the luggage article 100 may be defined or covered by the left side panel 112 and at least one other panel of the shell 102 (such as at least one of the front panel 104, the rear panel 106, the top panel 108, and the bottom panel 110). The front side 118, the rear side 120, and the bottom 124 of the luggage article 100 may be similarly constructed. In this manner, any one panel may extend over two or more sides of the luggage article 100. For example, the back panel 106 may extend over the rear side 120 and the left and right sides 126, 128 of the luggage article 100. In some examples, the right side panel 114 may extend over the right side 128 and the top surface 122 of the luggage article 100 (see fig. 7). Similarly, the left side panel 112 may extend over the left side 126 and the top 122 of the luggage article 100.

Any two adjacent sides of the luggage article 100 may intersect to define an edge of the shell 102. For example, the intersection of the front side 118 and the top surface 122 may define a top front edge 130 of the housing 102. The intersection of the front side 118 and the bottom surface 124 may define a bottom front edge 132 of the housing 102. Similarly, the intersection of the rear side 120 with the top 122, bottom 124, left 126, and right 128 sides may define a top 134, bottom 136, left 138, and right 140 rear edge of the housing 102, respectively. In a similar manner, the lines of intersection between the top surface 122 and the left and right side surfaces 126, 128 can define the upper left and right edges 142, 144, respectively, of the housing 102, and the lines of intersection between the bottom surface 124 and the left and right side surfaces 126, 128 can define the lower left and right edges 146, 148, respectively, of the housing 102.

In some examples, at least one of the panels may wrap around an edge of the housing 102 so as to extend across multiple faces of the luggage article 100. For example, as explained more fully below, the rear panel 106 may wrap around at least one of the left and right rear edges 138, 140 of the housing 102 to extend over the rear side 120 and at least one of the left and right sides 126, 128 of the luggage article 100. Additionally or alternatively, the right side panel 114 may wrap around the upper right edge 144 of the housing 102 to extend over the right side 128 and top 122 surfaces of the luggage article 100. Similarly, the left side panel 112 may wrap around the upper left edge 142 of the housing 102 to extend over the left side 126 and top 122 of the luggage article 100, as described below.

With continued reference to fig. 1 and 2, the luggage article 100 may include a base 160 and a cover 162 defined by a separation line 164. The luggage article 100 may be varied between different configurations, such as between a closed configuration and an open configuration. For example, the cover 162 may be hingedly coupled to the base 160 by a hinge structure 166 or similar mechanism to allow the cover 162 to be selectively positioned relative to the base 160. In such examples, the cover 162 may be pivoted toward or away from the base 160 to close or open the luggage article 100, respectively. The cover 162 may be referred to as a first luggage case portion or section, which may be defined by one or more panels. For example, the cover 162 may be defined in whole or in part by the front panel 104. In some examples, the cover 162 may be defined by the front panel 104 and at least a portion of the top panel 108, the bottom panel 110, the left side panel 112, and/or the right side panel 114 such that the cover 162 includes a sidewall portion. In a similar manner, the base 160, which may be referred to as a second luggage portion or section, may be defined by one or more panels. For example, the base 160 may be defined, in whole or in part, by the back panel 106. Similar to the cover 162, the base 160 may be defined by the rear panel 106 and at least a portion of the top panel 108, bottom panel 110, left side panel 112, and right side panel 114 such that the base 160 includes a sidewall portion. In such an example, the sidewall portions of the base 160 may combine with the sidewall portions of the cover 162 to define the top panel 108, the bottom panel 110, the left side panel 112, and the right side panel 114. In some examples, the base 160 may be defined by a portion of the front panel 104. The hinge structure 166 may be a fabric strap, piano hinge, living hinge, spaced apart discrete hinges, zipper structure, hinged joint made of elastomeric material, or other suitable structure arranged to allow selective positioning of the cover 162 relative to the base 160 from fully closed to fully open.

The luggage article 100 shown in fig. 1 and 2 is an upright wheeled case, such as a softside luggage case, but may be any type of luggage article, such as a purse, bag, container, backpack, or the like. In a similar manner, the shell 102 of the luggage article 100 may be at least partially formed from a softside material, entirely formed from a softside material, or a hybrid construction of a softside material and a hardside material. In some examples, the luggage article 100 may include one or more support members 180 to support the luggage article 100 against a support surface (e.g., against the ground). The support member 180 (which may be a foot, a fixed wheel assembly, a rotating wheel assembly, or any combination thereof) may be associated with any suitable panel, such as at least connected to the bottom panel 110. In one example, the luggage article 100 may include a plurality of wheels, such as a plurality of swivel wheels, mounted on the bottom panel 110. In some examples, the luggage article 100 may also include one or more handles. For example, the luggage article 100 may include a top carrying handle 182 coupled to the top panel 108 and/or a side carrying handle 184 coupled to one of the left and right side panels 112, 114 (e.g., coupled to the right side panel 114). As shown, the telescoping tow handle 186 may extend from the top panel 108 of the luggage article 100 (such as from adjacent the top end rear edge 134).

The luggage article 100 may include a closure mechanism 190 to selectively secure the cover 162 and the base 160 together. The closure mechanism 190 may be positioned along or adjacent to the separation line 164 between the cover 162 and the base 160 (such as along the perimeter of the cover 162) to allow selective actuation for opening and closing the luggage article 100. In the open configuration, the closure mechanism 190 is disengaged along substantially the entire length of the separation line 164, allowing the cover 162 and base 160 to pivot relative to each other any amount from partially open to fully open. In the closed configuration, the closure mechanism 190 is engaged along at least a portion of the length of the separation line 164 to limit relative movement between the cover 162 and the base 160. The closure mechanism 190 may be any suitable closure device or system. For example, the closure mechanism 190 may be a zipper-type closure or attachment, although other types of closure devices are contemplated, including one or more latches spaced along the separation line 164.

In one example, the closure mechanism 190 may extend along at least three edges of the cover 162, with the hinge structure 166 positioned on the remaining edges of the cover 162. In this manner, cover portion 162 may be defined as door panel 192. As one example, the front panel 104 may at least partially define the door panel 192. As shown in fig. 1, the door panel 192 may be hingedly coupled to one of the top panel 108, the bottom panel 110, the left side panel 112, and the right side panel 114. In such an example, door panel 192 may be releasably connected to the other of top panel 108, bottom panel 110, left side panel 112, and right side panel 114.

Fig. 3 is an isometric view of the luggage article 100 and shows the internal frame structure in a shell, which is shown in phantom for illustrative purposes. Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the frame structure of fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the luggage article 100 taken along line 5-5 of fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a front view of a stiffener in an expanded flat configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a rear isometric view of an additional luggage article according to some examples of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is an isometric view of a frame structure of the luggage article of fig. 7, according to some examples of the disclosure. Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the frame structure of fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a front view of the stiffener plate 202 in an expanded flat configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 3-10, the luggage article 100 includes a frame structure 200, the frame structure 200 supporting the shell 102 and providing shape to the luggage article 100. For example, the frame structure 200 may be operable to maintain the stiffness of one or more panels of the housing 102 to a degree necessary to maintain the shape of the housing 102 and support a load therein when in use. The frame structure 200 may be positioned at least partially within the interior of the housing 102, and the frame structure 200 may include a variety of elements that are interconnected together, positioned apart from one another, or a combination of both. For example, the frame structure 200 may include one or more chassis assemblies, one or more frame assemblies, one or more reinforcement panels or plates, or any combination thereof, to define the skeletal architecture of the luggage article 100.

In one example, the frame structure 200 includes a stiffener 202 and at least one closed-loop frame 204. In some examples, the frame structure 200 may include a plurality of closed-loop frames 204, such as a first closed-loop frame 206 and a second closed-loop frame 208. The frame structure 200 may also include a chassis assembly 210. As described below, each closed-loop frame 204 may support one of the side panels of the housing 102. For example, the closed-loop frame 204 may support one of the opposing left and right side panels 112, 114. In examples having a first closed-loop frame 206 and a second closed-loop frame 208, the first closed-loop frame 206 may support the left side panel 112 of the housing 102 and the second closed-loop frame 208 may support the right side panel 114 of the housing 102, as explained more fully below. Unless otherwise indicated, the following description for the closed-loop framework 204 may apply to the first closed-loop framework 206 and the second closed-loop framework 208, individually or collectively.

The stiffener plates 202 may be arranged to extend over multiple sides of the housing 102 or along multiple sides of the housing 102. For example, the stiffener plate 202 may include multiple portions that extend over or along respective sides of the housing 102. "on.. means" over.. or "covering" or simply along the outside or inside of the luggage article 100, or as one or more of a plurality of layers that form a covering for the luggage article 100, depending on the particular application. In one example, the reinforcement panel 202 may include a central portion 220 and at least one side portion 222 extending therefrom. As shown, the reinforcement panel 202 may include a first side portion 224 and a second side portion 226 extending from opposite lateral sides of the central portion 220. The first and second side portions 224, 226 may be integrally formed with the central portion 220. In some examples, the reinforcement panel 202 may include a top portion 228 extending from a top end of the central portion 220. Additionally or alternatively, the reinforcement plate 202 may include a bottom portion 230 extending from a bottom end of the central portion 220. In such an example, the central portion 220 may extend over the rear side 120 of the housing 102 or along the rear side 120 of the housing 102. For example, the central portion 220 may extend over substantially the entire rear side 120 of the housing 102 or along substantially the entire rear side 120 of the housing 102. The first and second side portions 224, 226, which may be referred to as wings, may extend from the central portion 220 onto or along at least a portion of the opposing left and right sides 126, 128, respectively, of the housing 102. For example, the first and second side portions 224, 226 of the reinforcement plate 202 may be resiliently bent from the central portion 220 onto or along at least a portion of the opposing left and right side portions 224, 226. The first and second side portions 224, 226 may extend only over or along the rear portions of the left and right side surfaces 126, 128 adjacent the rear side 120, depending on the particular application. The top portion 228 may be resiliently flexible to extend from the central portion 220 onto at least a portion of the top surface 122 or along at least a portion of the top surface 122. Depending on the particular application, the top 228 may be curved to extend beyond the top front edge 130 of the housing 102, forming a top lip 240 that extends over or along a portion of the top end of the front panel 104. Similarly, the bottom portion 230 may be resiliently curved to extend from the central portion 220 onto or along at least a portion of the bottom panel 110. As with the top portion 228, the bottom portion 230 may be curved to extend beyond the bottom end front edge 132 of the housing 102, thereby forming a bottom end lip 242 that extends over or along a portion of the bottom end of the front panel 104. As shown, the base 230 may be positioned outside of the tray assembly 210. Alternatively, the base 230 may be positioned inside the tray assembly 210. The top 228 and/or bottom 230 may be integrally formed with the central portion 220. The sides of the reinforcing plate may extend along the sides at least as far as the centerline 221 (fig. 5) of the sides. Alternatively, the sides of the stiffener may extend along the sides, not beyond the centerline of the sides.

The reinforcement panel 202 may include a number of shapes and configurations. For example, the stiffening plate 202 may be generally planar, linear, arcuate or curved, or the like, in whole or in part. As shown, the first side 224 of the reinforcement plate 202 may be curved around the left rear edge 138 of the housing 102 to extend at least partially over the left side 126 or along the left side 126. At least a portion of the first side 224 may extend in the plane of the left side panel 112 when bent around the left rear edge 138 of the housing 102. In a similar manner, the second side 226 of the reinforcement plate 202 may be curved around the right rear edge 140 of the shell 102 to extend at least partially over the right side 128 or along the right side 128. Similar to the first side portion 224, at least a portion of the second side portion 226 can extend in the plane of the right side panel 114 when bent around the right rear edge 140 of the housing 102. The curvature of the first and second side portions 224, 226 at their respective interfaces with the central portion 220 may be smooth and continuous, providing the right and left rear edges 140, 138 of the shell 102 with a rounded shape. In one non-limiting example, the radius of curvature of the gusset 202 at the right and left rear edges 140, 138 can be between about 1.25 inches and about 2.25 inches, but can be greater or less. In other examples, the curvature of each of the side portions 224, 226 at the respective interface with the central portion 220 may be a series of straight line segments angled relative to each other, forming a curve when joined together. Additionally, the curve formed at the interface between the central portion 220 and either or both of the side portions 224, 226 may have a continuous radius of curvature, or have an increasing or decreasing radius of curvature.

The curved nature of the stiffener plate 202 around the edge of the shell 102 may limit undesirable failure of the luggage article 100 when dropped on or otherwise impacted against the edge. For example, the stiffening plate 202 may distribute impact forces throughout the stiffening plate 202 and/or other portions of the frame structure 200 by bending around respective edges of the housing 102 to limit failure of the housing 102 during operation. For example, some conventional luggage case construction methods include straight edges at the intersections between adjacent panels. While sometimes protected by piping or trim strips, these straight edges can be weak points of construction and sometimes fail due to wear and/or seam failure. This is particularly true for edges that extend along the back of the case. However, the present disclosure reduces or eliminates hard edges along the edges of the luggage article 100 by establishing a radius in the middle of the edge span. Because no point of the bow is weaker than any other point, impacts to these areas are not concentrated on sharp corners and may result in less damage. The curved nature of the gusset 202 may also create tension in the frame of the luggage article 100 that creates elasticity and allows the shell 102 to spring back to a shape after impact.

The top 228 and bottom 230 of the stiffener plate 202 may be arranged similarly to the first 224 and second 226 sides. Specifically, the top 228 of the stiffener plate 202 may be bent around the top rear edge 134 to extend at least partially over the top surface 122 of the housing 102 or along the top surface 122 of the housing 102. In such an example, at least a portion of the top 228 of the stiffening plate 202 may extend in the plane of the top panel 108. In one example, the top 228 of the stiffener plate 202 may be bent around the top rear edge 134 and the top front edge 130 to extend at least partially over or along the front side 118 and the top side 122 of the housing 102. In such an example, at least a portion of the top 228 of the reinforcement panel 202 may also extend in the plane of the front panel 104. The base 230 may be similarly positioned. For example, the bottom 230 of the stiffener plate 202 may be bent around the bottom rear edge 136 to extend at least partially over the bottom surface 124 of the housing 102 or along the bottom surface 124 of the housing 102. In such an example, at least a portion of the bottom portion 230 of the reinforcement panel 202 may extend in the plane of the bottom panel 110. In some examples, the bottom 230 of the reinforcement panel 202 may be bent around both the bottom rear edge 136 and the bottom front edge 132 to extend at least partially over or along the front side 118 and the bottom 124 of the housing 102. In such an example, at least a portion of the bottom 230 of the reinforcement panel 202 may also extend in the plane of the front panel 104.

With continued reference to fig. 3-10, each of the first side 224, the second side 226, the top 228, and the bottom 230 of the reinforcement plate 202 may include a distal edge 250. As shown, the distal edges 250 may be curved along their length. As one example, the distal edges 250 of the first and second sides 224, 226 may be convexly curved. The distal edges 250 of the top 228 and bottom 230 may be similarly or differently shaped. For example, the distal edges 250 of the top 228 and bottom 230 may be concavely curved. As explained below, the distal edge 250 may be shaped to align with other portions of the luggage article 100. For example, the distal edge 250 may be shaped to align with other portions of the frame structure 200 described below. Although shown and described as being curved along its length, distal edge 250 may also be straight or substantially straight, depending on the particular application. In such an example, each distal edge 250 may extend in the plane of a respective panel of the housing 102. For example, the distal edges 250 of the first and second sides 224, 226 may extend generally in the plane of the left and right side panels 112, 114, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, the distal edges 250 of the top 228 and bottom 230 may extend generally in the plane of the front panel 104.

The reinforcement panel 202 may take the form of a sheet of material that may be formed into a panel structure. The stiffening plate may be rigid or semi-rigid, the sheet of rigid material being more difficult to bend than the semi-rigid material. In one example, the sheet of material may be elastic so as to bend and regain its original form when released, or may be semi-elastic so as to bend and take a similar but different shape to its original form when released. The sheet may be a single layer, or may be more than one layer, and/or may additionally be a structural sheet, for example having a honeycomb, rib, corrugated or other structure. The stiffener plate may be relatively thin, such as having a thickness dimension of about 0.5 to 2.5 mm. The reinforcing plate may be formed from a number of materials to provide the desired characteristics. As an example, the reinforcement plate 202 may be formed of a material that allows the reinforcement plate 202 to elastically deform. Such material selection may limit undesirable failure of the luggage article 100 when dropped or otherwise impacted. For example, the resilient nature of the reinforcement plate 202 may allow the housing 102 to bend or flex during operation when impacted by an impact force. As an example, the stiffening plate 202 may be formed from PE or PP material, or may be formed from a combination of materials, although many suitable materials are contemplated.

The closed-loop framework 204 will now be discussed in more detail. As shown, the closed-loop frame 204 may include frame portions 260 that mate and align with the respective distal edges 250 of the reinforcement plate 202. For example, the frame portion 260 of the first closed-loop frame 206 may mate with and align with the distal edge 250 of the first side 224 of the reinforcement plate 202. In a similar manner, the frame portion 260 of the second closed-loop frame 208 may mate with and align with the distal edge 250 of the second side 226 of the reinforcement plate 202. The closed-loop frame 204 may include a front section 262 extending adjacent the front panel 104 and a rear section 264 extending adjacent the rear panel 106. The closed-loop frame 204 may include a top section 266 and a bottom section 268 extending between the front section 262 and the rear section 264 and adjacent to the top panel 108 and the bottom panel 110, respectively. Specifically, a top section 266 and a bottom section 268 may extend from opposite ends of the front section 262. In such an example, the rear section 264 may extend from the top section 266 and the bottom section 268. For example, the rear section 264 may connect the ends of the top section 266 and the bottom section 268 together.

The closed-loop frame 204 may comprise many shapes and configurations. For example, the closed-loop frame 204 may include a non-rectangular shape to match and align with the stiffener plate 202. As one example, the rear section 264 of the closed-loop frame 204 may include a shape that mates with and aligns with the distal edge 250 of the first side 224 or the second side 226 of the reinforcement plate 202. Specifically, the aft section 264 may include a central section 280, the central section 280 extending inwardly toward the forward section 262, and preferably extending inwardly in a curve or fan shape to match and align with the curved shape of the distal edge 250 of the first side 224 or the second side 226 of the reinforcement plate 202. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the front section 262, the top section 266, and the bottom section 268 of the closed-loop frame 204 may be generally linear between the front section 262 and the rear section 264. The top section 266 and the bottom section 268 may extend generally perpendicularly from the front section 262.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, the top section 266 and the bottom section 268 of the closed-loop frame 204 may include shapes that generally match and align with the top 228 and the bottom 230 of the stiffener plate 202. For example, the top section 266 of the closed-loop frame 204 may include a shape that mates with and aligns with the side edges 282 of the top 228 of the reinforcement plate 202. Similarly, the bottom section 268 of the closed-loop frame 204 may include a shape that mates with and aligns with the side edges 284 of the bottom 230 of the stiffener plate 202. The side edges 282, 284 of the top portion 228 and/or the bottom portion 230 of the reinforcement plate 202 may be bent inward toward opposite sides of the housing 102. In such an example, the top section 266 of the closed-loop frame 204 may be curved outward of the closed-loop frame 204 (e.g., away from the bottom section 268) to match and align with the inwardly curved side edges 282 of the top portion 228. More specifically, the top section 266 of the closed-loop frame 204 may be defined by a short edge and may be bent around the upper left edge 142 or the upper right edge 144 of the housing 102 to extend at least partially over the top surface 122 or along the top surface 122. The bottom section 268 of the closed-loop frame 204 may be similarly configured to mate and align with the inwardly extending side edges 284 of the bottom 230 of the reinforcement plate 202.

Referring to fig. 3, 4, 8, and 9, the closed-loop frame 204 may be coupled or otherwise connected to the stiffener plate 202. For example, the rear section 264 of the closed-loop frame 204 may be connected to the distal edge 250 of the first side 224 or to the distal edge 250 of the second side 226 of the reinforcement panel 202, such as by stitching, by a border or trim strip structure, or otherwise. Similarly, the top section 266 of the closed-loop frame 204 may be connected to the side edges 282 of the top portion 228 of the reinforcement plate 202. The bottom section 268 of the closed-loop frame 204 may be connected to the side edges 284 of the bottom 230 of the stiffener plate 202. In embodiments where the top portion 228 of the reinforcement plate 202 extends around the top end front edge 130 of the housing 102, the front section 262 of the closed-loop frame 204 may be connected to the side edges 282 of the top portion 228. In embodiments where the bottom portion 230 of the reinforcement plate 202 extends around the bottom end front edge 132 of the housing 102, the front section 262 of the closed-loop frame 204 may be connected to the side edges 284 of the bottom portion 230.

The closed-loop frame 204 may include various levels of desired stiffness or flexibility. For example, the closed loop frame 204 may be designed to be resiliently flexible to allow the closed loop frame 204 to elastically deform or deflect during use. The resilient properties of the closed-loop frame 204 may allow the closed-loop frame 204 to absorb impacts to the luggage article 100 and/or allow the closed-loop frame 204 to flex to accommodate packaging of the contents within the luggage article 100. More specifically, when a portion of the closed-loop frame 204 is caused to deform or deflect (such as inwardly or outwardly), the closed-loop frame 204 may provide an oppositely directed biasing force that resists such deformation or deflection. The elastic properties of the closed loop frame 204 may be provided by the material properties of the front section 262, the rear section 264, the top section 266, and/or the bottom section 268, the shape of the respective frame sections, the connection structures between the various frame sections, or a combination thereof.

The closed-loop frame 204 may be formed in a number of configurations. For example, the closed-loop frame 204 may be formed as a continuous wire loop. Additionally or alternatively, the closed loop frame 204 may comprise one or more elongate elements connected together at adjacent corners and/or along the length of the elongate elements, if desired. More specifically, the front section 262, the rear section 264, the top section 266, and the bottom section 268 of the closed-loop frame 204 may be separate elements coupled together, such as elongated rods, wire rods, or pultrusions. As noted above, the anterior segment 262, the posterior segment 264, the top segment 266, and the bottom segment 268 may extend in a straight or substantially straight line, may be curved along their length, or may include a combination of straight and curved segments.

Referring to fig. 3, 4, 8, and 9, the frame structure 200 of the luggage article 100 may include a panel frame 300 supporting the cover 162. To allow the cover 162 to be selectively positioned relative to the base 160, the panel frame 300 may be separate from any other elements of the frame structure 200 to provide independent support for the cover 162. For example, the panel frame 300 may be associated with a cover 162 (e.g., door panel 192) to support the cover 162 independent of and independent of the support provided to other portions of the housing 102.

The panel frame 300 may be defined in a closed loop. For example, the panel frame 300 may include one or more elongated elements connected together to define a closed-loop frame structure. As shown, the panel frame 300 may be formed in a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners, although the panel frame 300 may be formed in other suitable shapes, such as polygonal, elliptical, circular, or the like. The elongate element may extend in a straight or substantially straight line, may be curved along its length, or may comprise a combination of straight and curved sections. As shown, the distal edges 250 of the top 228 and bottom 230 of the reinforcement plate 202 may be shaped to mate and align with the panel frame 300. For example, the distal edges 250 of the top 228 and bottom 230 of the reinforcement panel 202 may be concavely curved to match and align with the convexly curved segments of the panel frame 300.

The panel frame 300 may be resiliently flexible in a manner similar to the closed loop frame 204. In one example, panel frame 300 may be arranged to tension door panel 192. For example, panel frame 300 may bias the inner periphery of door panel 192 outward to properly tension door panel 192 for use. More specifically, panel frame 300 may engage at least a portion of an inner perimeter of door panel 192 to create tension in door panel 192.

Referring to fig. 1-3, for convenience, the luggage article 100 may include other features. For example, the housing 102 may cover at least a portion of the frame structure 200 depending on the particular application. More specifically, the luggage article 100 may include an outer fabric covering 310 on at least a portion of the opposing left and right sides 126, 128 and the front side 118. In one example, the outer fabric covering 310 extends on all sides of the luggage article 100. The outer fabric cover 310 may include or otherwise define a fabric seam 312 that is aligned with the distal edges 250 of the first and second side portions 224, 226 of the reinforcement panel 202. By positioning the fabric seam 312 along the distal edges 250 of the first and second side portions 224, 226 of the reinforcement panel 202, the fabric seam 312 may be spaced apart from the left and right back edges 138, 140 to limit seam failure.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, the frame structure 200 may include a brace 320 extending between opposing portions of the reinforcement panel 202. For example, the brace 320 may extend between the top 228 and the bottom 230 of the stiffener plate 202 to limit deformation of the housing 102. For example, the brace 320 may limit inward deformation of the top and bottom portions 228, 230 toward each other. In some examples, the bracket 320 may be coupled to the chassis assembly 210, such as with mechanical fasteners or otherwise. As shown, the bracket 320 may be generally C-shaped, and the end 322 of the bracket 320 is connected to the bottom panel 110 of the housing 102. The carrier 320 may not extend continuously as one integral piece, but may be embodied in two parts. For example, one portion may be attached between the top and bottom of the gusset (and/or the floor assembly) and extend along the left side of the luggage item, and/or a second portion may be attached between the top and bottom of the gusset (and/or the floor assembly) and extend along the right side of the luggage item. One or more of the brackets may be made from strips of structural material, such as a honeycomb material, or other such material, which may have sufficient structural properties to withstand the loads applied to the frame members of the luggage article.

Figure 11 is a partial isometric view of the luggage article 100. Fig. 12 is a front view of a stiffener plate 202 in an expanded flat configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 is an isometric view of the reinforcement panel 202 of fig. 12 in a folded configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 11-13, the luggage article 100 may include a top end pocket 330 defined in the top panel 108 of the shell 102. In such an example, the reinforcement plate 202 may be arranged to receive the tip pocket 330. For example, as shown in fig. 12 and 13, the top 228 of the reinforcement plate 202 may include a cutout 332 defined therein. When the top 228 of the reinforcement panel 202 is folded over or along the top surface, the cutout 332 aligns with the top end pocket 330 to allow for selective positioning of the contents therein. As shown in fig. 11, the tip pocket 330 may be selectively secured or covered by a tab 334. For example, the flap 334 may be releasably secured to the top panel 108 of the housing 102 by a zipper seal 336.

Fig. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method 350 of manufacturing a luggage article, such as luggage article 100. Referring to fig. 14, the method 350 includes providing a stiffener plate 202 (block 352). The reinforcement panel 202 may include a central portion 220 and one or more side portions 222 extending from the central portion 220. The one or more sides 222 may include at least one of a first side 224, a second side 226, a top 228, and a bottom 230 of the reinforcement plate 202. With continued reference to fig. 14, the method 350 may include positioning the central portion 220 of the reinforcing panel 202 on or along a first side of the luggage article 100 (block 354) and wrapping one or more side portions 222 of the reinforcing panel 202 on or along a second side of the luggage article 100 adjacent the first side (block 356). For example, as described above, the central portion 220 may be positioned on or along the rear side of the housing 102. In such examples, one or more side portions 222 of the reinforcement panel 202 may be wrapped on or wrapped around the left, right, top, and/or bottom surface of the housing 102. As shown in fig. 14, the method 350 may further include positioning the closed-loop frame 204 adjacent to one or more sides 222 of the reinforcement panel 202 (block 358). As described above, the closed-loop frame 204 may include a frame portion 260 that mates with and aligns with one or more sides 222 of the reinforcement plate 202. The closed-loop frame 204 may be a first closed-loop frame 206 positioned adjacent to a first side 224 of the reinforcement plate 202.

With continued reference to fig. 14, the method 350 may include positioning the second closed-loop frame 208 adjacent the second side 226 of the stiffening plate 202 (block 360). The second closed-loop frame 208 may include a frame portion 260 that mates with and aligns with the second side 226 of the reinforcement plate 202. As shown in fig. 14, the method 350 may include extending the top 228 or the bottom 230 of the gusset 202 on or along the top or bottom surface of the luggage article 100 (block 362).

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a luggage article 100 according to some examples of the present disclosure. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an additional luggage article 100 according to some examples of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 15 and 16, the luggage article 100 may include a shell 102 defined by opposing front and rear panels 104, 106, opposing left and right side panels 112, 114, and opposing top and bottom panels 108, 110, which together define a front side 118, a rear side 120, a left side 126, a right side 128, a top side 122, and a bottom side 124 of the luggage article 100. Any two adjacent sides of the luggage article 100 may intersect to define an edge of the shell 102. At least one of the panels may be wrapped around an edge of the housing 102 so as to extend over multiple faces of the luggage article 100. In this manner, at least one face of the housing 102 may be defined or covered by a plurality of panels.

The luggage article 100 may be formed from a variety of materials and manners. For example, portions of the frame structure 200 may be formed from (self-reinforced or fiber reinforced) thermoplastic materials, ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, and/or PTFE, among others. In some examples, the closed-loop frame 204 and the panel frame 300 may be extruded from aluminum or other similar metals. Additionally, the closed-loop frame 204 and the panel frame 300 may be formed from fiber-reinforced epoxy, resin, or other similar materials. The bottom panel 110 may include a honeycomb structure. For example, the floor assembly 210 may include a honeycomb design. The frame structure 200 may be formed or molded in any suitable manner, such as by plug molding, blow molding, injection molding, extrusion, casting, and the like. As described above, the luggage article 100 may be formed of a softside material and/or a hardside material. The softside material may be nylon, canvas, polyester, leather, PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene and/or PTFE, among others. The hardfacing material can be a (self-reinforced or fiber-reinforced) thermoplastic, ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, and/or PTFE, among others.

All relational and directional references (including: up, down, left, right, left, back, top, bottom, side, above, below, front, middle, back, vertical, horizontal, and the like) are given by way of illustration to assist the reader in understanding the specific examples described herein. They are not to be interpreted as requirements or limitations, particularly as to position, orientation, or use, unless expressly recited in a claim. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. Thus, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless expressly recited in a claim.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the presently disclosed examples are taught by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims (41)

1. An article of luggage comprising:

opposing front and rear panels, opposing left and right side panels, and opposing top and bottom panels that together define a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a top, and a bottom of the luggage article;

the method is characterized in that: the luggage article further comprises:

a rigid or semi-rigid stiffener, the stiffener comprising:

a central portion extending on the rear side; and

a first side portion and a second side portion extending from opposing lateral sides of the central portion, the first and second side portions extending over at least a portion of opposing left and right side surfaces, each of the first and second side portions including a distal edge;

a closed-loop frame including a frame portion that mates with and aligns with a distal edge of the first or second side of the reinforcement panel; and

an outer fabric covering on at least a portion of the front side, left side, and right side.

2. The luggage article of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second sides supports one of the opposing left and right side panels.

3. The luggage article of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first or second side extends at least as far as a centerline of the left or right side panel.

4. The luggage article of claim 1, wherein the closed-loop frame comprises a wire loop.

5. The luggage article of any of claims 1-4, wherein the closed-loop frame comprises:

a front section;

a top section and a bottom section extending from opposite ends of the front section; and

a rear section extending from the top and bottom sections, the rear section including a shape that mates with and aligns with a distal edge of the first or second side of the reinforcement panel.

6. The luggage article of claim 5, wherein the rear section includes a central section that curves inwardly toward the front section to mate and align with a distal edge of the first or second side of the gusset.

7. The luggage article of claim 5, wherein a distal edge of the first or second side is bent toward the front side to mate and align with a rear section of the closed-loop frame.

8. The luggage article of claim 7, wherein a distal edge of the first or second side has an arcuate shape.

9. The luggage article of claim 8, wherein the apex of the arcuate shape is located in a middle portion of the length of the left or right side.

10. The luggage article of claim 5, wherein:

the front, top and bottom sections of the closed-loop frame are substantially linear;

the top and bottom sections extending generally perpendicularly from the front section; and

the rear section connects the ends of the top and bottom sections together.

11. The luggage article of claim 6, wherein the rear section has a curvature that curves toward the front section.

12. The luggage article of claim 11, wherein the rear section is a long side of the closed loop frame, and the bend has an arcuate shape.

13. The luggage article of claim 11, wherein the apex of the curve is located in a middle portion of the length of the left or right side.

14. The luggage article of claim 5, wherein the closed-loop frame is coupled to a distal edge of the first or second side of the gusset.

15. The luggage article of claim 5, wherein the luggage article further comprises a fabric seam aligned with distal edges of the first and second sides of the gusset.

16. The luggage article of claim 5, wherein the first and second side portions are resiliently bent from the central portion so as to extend over at least a portion of opposing left and right sides of the luggage article.

17. The luggage article of claim 5, wherein the closed-loop frame comprises:

a first closed-loop frame supporting the left side panel, the first closed-loop frame including a frame portion that mates with and aligns with a distal edge of the first side; and

a second closed-loop frame supporting the right side panel, the second closed-loop frame including a frame portion that mates with and aligns with a distal edge of the second side.

18. The luggage article of claim 5, wherein the stiffener panel includes a top portion extending over at least a portion of the top surface.

19. The luggage article of claim 18, wherein:

the closed-loop frame is a wire loop and includes an upper top portion extending at least partially over the top surface;

the top of the reinforcing plate defines a curved surface; and

the upper portion of the closed loop frame matches the curved surface of the top of the stiffener.

20. The luggage article of claim 18, wherein the top portion extends beyond a top front edge of the front side so as to form a top end lip on a portion of the top portion of the front side.

21. The luggage article of claim 18, wherein the stiffener plate includes a bottom portion that extends over at least a portion of a bottom surface of the luggage article.

22. The luggage article of claim 21, wherein the bottom portion extends beyond a bottom end front edge of the bottom surface so as to form a bottom end lip on a portion of the bottom of the front side surface.

23. The luggage article of claim 21, wherein:

a brace is coupled between the top of the stiffener and the bottom of the stiffener along the left and right sides, and the brace extends between the front and rear sides along the central portion.

24. The luggage article of claim 23, wherein the brace is formed from two separate braces.

25. The luggage article of claim 5, wherein at least one wheel is positioned on the bottom surface.

26. The luggage article of claim 25, wherein four wheels are positioned on the bottom surface.

27. The luggage article of claim 5, wherein the luggage article further comprises a door opening formed on the front side for selectively accessing an interior of the luggage.

28. The luggage article of claim 5, wherein the closed loop frame may include a top, and the top may extend at least partially over the top surface.

29. The luggage article of claim 28, wherein the closed-loop frame is a wire-loop frame.

30. An article of luggage comprising:

a housing defining a rear edge between a lateral side and a rear side;

the method is characterized in that: the luggage article further comprises:

a reinforcement plate including a first portion extending around a rear edge of the housing; and

a closed-loop frame including a frame portion that mates with and aligns with the first portion of the stiffener.

31. The luggage article of claim 30, wherein the first portion defines at least one bend; and the frame portion defines a mating curve to match and align with the curve defined by the first portion.

32. The luggage article of claim 30, wherein:

the housing includes a rear panel, a left side panel, and a right side panel that together define a rear side, a left side, and a right side of the housing, an intersection between the rear side and the left side defining a left rear edge, and an intersection between the rear side and the right side defining a right rear edge;

a first portion of the reinforcement panel is bent around a left rear edge of the housing so as to extend at least partially over a left side of the housing;

the reinforcing plate includes a second portion extending around a right rear edge of the housing so as to extend at least partially over a right side of the housing;

the closed-loop frame is a first closed-loop frame supporting a left side panel of the housing; and is

The luggage item includes a second closed-loop frame supporting the right side panel of the shell, the second closed-loop frame including a frame portion that mates with and aligns with a second portion of the stiffener plate.

33. The luggage article of claim 32, wherein the first and second portions of the gusset extend only over a rear portion of the left and right sides of the shell adjacent the rear side.

34. The luggage article of any of claims 30-33, wherein the closed-loop frame comprises a non-rectangular shape.

35. An article of luggage comprising:

opposing front and rear panels, opposing left and right side panels, and opposing top and bottom panels that together define a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a top side, and a bottom side of the luggage article;

the method is characterized in that:

the rear panel includes a rigid or semi-rigid reinforcement plate defining opposing side portions, each side portion defining a curved distal edge, each extending circumferentially so as to cover at least a portion of the opposing left and right side surfaces, respectively.

36. The luggage article of claim 35, wherein the side portion extends at least as far as a centerline of the left and right sides.

37. The luggage article of claim 35, wherein the side portions extend no further than a centerline of the left and right sides.

38. An article of luggage comprising:

opposing front and rear panels, opposing left and right side panels, and opposing top and bottom panels that together define a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a top side, and a bottom side of the luggage article;

the method is characterized in that:

one of the left and right side panels is non-rectangular and includes an edge having a middle portion defining a curved shape.

39. The luggage article of claim 38, wherein one of the left and right side panels defines opposing long sides, one of the long sides being curved inward toward the other of the long sides.

40. The luggage article of claim 38, wherein one of the left and right side panels defines opposing short sides, one of the short sides being curved outwardly away from the other of the short sides.

41. An article of luggage comprising:

a shell defined by opposing front and rear panels, opposing left and right side panels, and opposing top and bottom panels that together define a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a top side, and a bottom side of the luggage article;

the method is characterized in that:

at least one of these panels surrounds an edge of the shell so as to extend over multiple faces of the luggage article.

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