CN210783217U

CN210783217U - Soft shell luggage article

Info

Publication number: CN210783217U
Application number: CN201821670021.4U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 赖因哈德·梅尔斯查尔特
Original assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings SARL
Current assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings SARL
Priority date: 2017-10-13
Filing date: 2018-10-12
Publication date: 2020-06-19
Anticipated expiration: 2028-10-12
Also published as: EP3469946A1; EP3469946B1; CN109662414B; CN109662414A

Abstract

The utility model provides a soft shell luggage article. The luggage item may include a first panel, a frame supporting the first panel, and a carrying handle. The frame may include a first structural member extending along a first edge of the first panel, a second structural member extending along a second edge of the first panel, and two or more lateral supports connected to and extending between the first and second structural members. The carrying handle may include opposing first and second ends. Each end of the carrying handle may be coupled to one of the two or more lateral supports.

Description

Soft shell luggage article

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to luggage articles, and more particularly, to a soft shell luggage article.

Background

Some soft shell luggage cases include a frame structure or arrangement that supports the luggage case shell. However, conventional frame constructions typically include solid or integral top and bottom pan assemblies (pans), which add unnecessary weight to the luggage case and may limit design options. Conventional frame constructions may also include frame structures that provide insufficient rigidity to the luggage case. For example, some frame structures may cause undesirable deformation of the luggage case when the user lifts the luggage case from carrying the handle.

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 alternative to existing arrangements.

Documents that may be relevant to the present disclosure include: EP2363037B1, EP2421402a1, EP2787857B1, GB2440206B, GB2441580B, GB2477087A, GB2545036A, US1155475A, US2806563A, US3447648A, US4813520A, US6408997B1, US6926129B2, US7207577B2, US7984797B1, US8118145B1, US8662268B2, US8727083B2, US8851144B2, US9220326B2, US9675154B2, US 20040079604 a1, US20140311844a1, US20160088915a1, US20160345694a1 and WO2011033218a 1.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The present disclosure provides an article of soft shell luggage as described below and defined in the appended claims, comprising a frame structure. The frame structure may include a split (split) top disc assembly having a pair of structural members and one or more supports connected to and extending between the pair of structural members. A carrying handle may be attached to the support. Additionally or alternatively, the frame structure may include one or more panel frames, such as a top panel frame and/or a side panel frame, each panel frame including a pair of structural elements extending along opposite edges of the luggage item and one or more supports connected to and extending between the structural elements. The structural member or element may be a disc structure or an elongated bar or pultrusion.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include an article of soft shell luggage. The luggage item may include a first panel, a frame supporting the first panel, and a carrying handle. The frame may include a first structural member extending along a first edge of the first panel, a second structural member extending along a second edge of the first panel, and two or more lateral supports connected to and extending between the first and second structural members. The carrying handle may include opposing first and second ends. Each end of the carrying handle may be coupled to one of the two or more lateral supports.

In some embodiments, the article of luggage may include a reinforcing strap coupled to an end of the carrying handle. The reinforcing strip may extend to and be coupled with an edge of the first panel. The first panel may be defined by two or more fabric panels at least partially overlapping one another. The reinforcement strip may be positioned at least partially between the two or more fabric panels. The reinforcing band may be formed as a single band.

In some embodiments, the first panel may be a top panel or a side panel of the luggage item.

In some embodiments, the luggage item may include a second panel and a split tray (split pan) supporting the second panel. The split tray may include at least two cross members extending between opposing first and second tray members. The second panel may be a top panel. The luggage item may include a second carrying handle including opposing first and second ends. Each end of the second carrying handle may be coupled to one of the at least two cross members.

In some embodiments, the frame may include a pair of end bars interconnecting ends of the first and second structural members. The article of luggage may include a pair of reinforcing straps. Each reinforcing strap may be coupled to an end of the carrying handle and extend to and be coupled with one of the pair of end bars.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second structural members may be an elongated rod, a pultrusion, or a disc member.

In some embodiments, the first and second structural members may extend vertically between the top panel frame and the bottom tray assembly. The article of luggage may include a plurality of wheel assemblies attached to the bottom plate assembly.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include an article of soft shell luggage. The luggage item may include a top panel and a frame supporting the top panel. The frame may include a first tray member extending along a front edge of the top panel, a second tray member extending along a rear edge of the top panel, and two or more cross supports extending between the first tray member and the second tray member. The two or more lateral supports may limit movement of the first and second tray members relative to each other to fix a distance between the front and rear edges of the top panel.

In some embodiments, the luggage item may include a top carrying handle including opposing first and second ends. Each end of the top carrying handle may be coupled to one of the two or more lateral supports.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include an article of soft shell luggage. The luggage item may include a frame structure and a carrying handle coupled to the frame structure. The frame structure may include a top panel frame, a bottom plate assembly, a pair of elongated rods connected to and extending between the top panel frame and the bottom plate assembly, and one or more lateral supports connected to and extending between the pair of elongated rods. The one or more lateral supports may be positioned along the length of the elongated rod between the top panel frame and the bottom plate assembly. The carrying handle may be coupled to the one or more transverse supports.

In some embodiments, the carrying handle may include opposing ends coupled to the first and second lateral supports. The article of luggage may include a first handle reinforcing strap and a second handle reinforcing strap. The first handle reinforcement strap may extend between the first cross support and the top panel frame. The second handle reinforcement strap may extend between the second cross support and the bottom pan assembly. The first and second lateral supports may be received within respective sleeves. The first handle reinforcing band and the second handle reinforcing band may be sewn to the sleeve. The first handle reinforcement strap may be sewn to the top panel frame. The second handle reinforcement strap may be sewn to the bottom tray assembly. The one or more lateral supports may be connected to the elongated rod by a connector. The pair of elongate rods may each extend substantially vertically. The one or more lateral supports may extend laterally between the pair of elongated rods. The one or more lateral supports may extend orthogonally to the pair of elongated rods. The article of luggage may include a plurality of wheel assemblies connected to the bottom plate assembly. The article of luggage may include a towing handle including at least one tube connected to and extending between the top panel frame and the bottom disc assembly. The luggage item may comprise an outer fabric covering positioned at least partially over the frame structure. At least one of the elongated rods may comprise two or more elements connected together.

Alternatively, some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a frame structure for soft shell luggage items. The frame structure may include: a split disc assembly comprising a first disc member and a second disc member; and a plurality of transverse supports connected to and extending between the first and second disc members. The first disc member may extend along a first edge of the frame structure. The second disc member may extend along a second edge of the frame structure. The plurality of lateral supports may include: a pair of end rods interconnecting ends of the first and second disk members; and one or more intermediate transverse supports positioned partway along and extending between the first and second disc members.

In some embodiments, the split disc assembly may be a top disc assembly. The luggage article may include opposing bottom tray assemblies. A plurality of elongated members may extend between the bottom plate assembly and the first and second plate members. The luggage item may comprise a carrying handle coupled to one or more transverse supports, and preferably to the one or more intermediate transverse supports. The carrying handle may be located between the first and second disc members. The one or more transverse supports may be received within respective sleeves. The carrying handle may be attached to the sleeve. The carrying handle may be attached to the outer fabric cover. Each of the first and second disc members may comprise an injection molded flat disc member. A plurality of wheel assemblies may be connected to the frame structure.

Additional embodiments and features are 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 specification or may be learned by 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. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art 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 parts are not drawn to scale, which are presented as various embodiments of the disclosure and which should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the disclosure in any way, characterized in that:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a soft shell luggage case;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the luggage case of FIG. 1 with the outer fabric layer removed to show the internal frame structure;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partial isometric view of the luggage case of FIG. 2 and showing a top carrying handle attached to the top panel frame of the internal frame structure;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial isometric view of the luggage case of FIG. 2 and showing side carrying handles attached to the side panel frames of the internal frame structure;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a side panel of the luggage case of FIG. 1, and shows portions of the internal frame structure of FIG. 2 and details of the connection of a side carrying handle to the side panel frame in phantom lines for illustration purposes;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the side panel of FIG. 5 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the top panel of the luggage case of FIG. 1, and shows in phantom lines portions of the internal frame structure of FIG. 2 and details of the connection of the top carrying handle to the top panel frame for illustration purposes; and

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the top panel of FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

Detailed Description

In accordance with the present disclosure, a soft shell luggage article is provided that includes a frame structure configured to support an outer fabric shell of the luggage article. The frame structure includes a bottom plate assembly, a top panel frame, and at least one side panel frame extending between the bottom plate assembly and the top panel frame. At least one of the top panel frame and the side panel frame may include a pair of structural members extending along opposite edges of the luggage article. One or more transverse supports may be connected to and extend between the pair of structural members. A carrying handle, such as a side carrying handle or a top carrying handle, may be coupled to one or more of the transverse supports, for example to a pair of transverse supports.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in fig. 1, an item of luggage 100 includes a housing 102 formed by a plurality of walls or panels (hereinafter referred to for convenience and without intended limitation as "panels") defining an interior storage volume for carrying items of a user. In one embodiment, the housing 102 (which housing 102 may be referred to as an outer fabric layer) 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 article of luggage 100 may include opposing top and

bottom panels

108, 110 and opposing left and

right side panels

112, 114 that together with the front and

rear panels

104, 106 define the enclosure 102. The various panels may be constructed or arranged to provide a 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.

With continued reference to fig. 1, the luggage article 100 may include a lid portion 122 and a base portion 120 defined by a separation line 124. The article of luggage 100 may be changed between different configurations, such as between a closed configuration and an open configuration. For example, the cover 122 may be hingedly attached to the base 120 by a hinge structure 130 or similar mechanism to allow the cover 122 to be selectively positioned relative to the base 120. In such embodiments, the cover portion 122 may be pivoted toward or away from the base portion 120 to close or open the luggage article 100, respectively. The cover 122 (which cover 122 may be referred to as a first luggage case portion or section) may be defined by one or more panels. For example, the cover 122 may be fully or partially defined by the front panel 104. In some embodiments, the cover 122 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 122 includes sidewall portions. Similarly, the base 120 (which base 120 may be referred to as a second luggage portion or section) may be defined by one or more panels. For example, the base 120 may be defined, in whole or in part, by the rear panel 106. Similar to the cover 122, the base 120 may be defined by the rear panel 106 and at least a portion of the top panel 108, the bottom panel 110, the left side panel 112, and the right side panel 114, such that the base 120 includes sidewall portions. In such embodiments, the sidewall portions of the base 120 may define, in combination with the sidewall portions of the cover 122, the top panel 108, the bottom panel 110, the left side panel 112, and the right side panel 114. In some embodiments, the base 120 may be defined by a portion of the front panel 104. The hinge structure 130 may be a fabric strap, a piano hinge, a living hinge, spaced apart discrete hinges, a zipper structure, a hinged joint made of an elastomeric material, or other suitable structure arranged to allow selective positioning of the cover 122 relative to the base 120 from fully closed to fully open.

The luggage item 100 shown in fig. 1 is an upright roller luggage case, such as a soft shell luggage case, but may be any type of luggage item 100, such as a handbag, bag, container, backpack, or the like. Similarly, the shell 102 of the article of luggage 100 may be formed at least partially of a soft shell material, entirely of a soft shell material, or in a hybrid configuration of a soft shell material and a hard material. In some embodiments, the luggage article 100 may include one or more support members 140 to support the luggage article 100 against a support surface (e.g., against the ground). The support member 140 (which may be a foot, a fixed wheel assembly, a roller assembly, or any combination thereof) may be associated with any suitable panel, such as at least connected to the bottom panel 110. In some embodiments, the luggage article 100 may also include one or more carrying handles and/or a retractable towing handle 150. For example, as shown in fig. 1, the article of luggage 100 may include a top carrying handle 152 coupled to the top panel 108 and/or a side carrying handle 154 coupled to one of the left and right side panels 112, 114 (e.g., to the right side panel 114). With continued reference to fig. 1, a retractable towing handle 150 may extend from the top panel 108 of the luggage article 100 (e.g., from near the intersection between the top panel 108 and the rear panel 106).

The luggage article 100 may include a closure mechanism 160 to selectively secure the cover 122 and the base 120 together. The closure mechanism 160 may be positioned along or adjacent to the separation line 124 between the cover portion 122 and the base portion 120 (e.g., along the perimeter of the cover portion 122) to allow selective activation to open and close the luggage article 100. In the open configuration, the closure mechanism 160 is separated along substantially the entire length of the separation line 124, allowing the cover 122 and base 120 to pivot relative to each other any amount from partially open to fully open. In the closed configuration, the closure mechanism 160 is engaged along at least a portion of the length of the separation line 124 to limit relative movement between the cover 122 and the base 120. The closure mechanism 160 may be any suitable closure device or system. For example, the closure mechanism 160 may be a zipper closure or attachment, although other types of closure devices are contemplated, including one or more latches spaced along the separation line 124. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism 160 may extend along at least three edges of the cover 122, with the hinge structures 130 positioned on the remaining edges of the cover 122.

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the luggage item 100 with the housing 102 removed for clarity. Referring to fig. 2, the luggage article 100 includes a frame structure 170, the frame structure 170 supporting the shell 102 and providing shape to the luggage article 100. For example, the frame structure 170 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 the load therein during use. The frame structure 170 (which frame structure 170 may be positioned at least partially within the interior of the housing 102) may include various elements that are either interconnected together, or positioned separately from one another, or a combination of both. For example, the frame structure 170 may include one or more tray assemblies and/or one or more frame assemblies coupled together to define a skeleton of the luggage article 100. In one embodiment, the frame structure 170 includes a bottom plate assembly 172, a top panel frame 174, and at least one side panel frame 176 (e.g., two side panel frames 176). As described below, the top panel frame 174 and the side panel frame 176 may each include a plurality of structural elements coupled together, such as elongated rods, pultrudes, or pan structures connected together. In one embodiment, these structural elements may be separate discrete elements that are secured together to form either the top panel frame 174 or the side panel frame 176. Although the bottom disc assembly 172 is shown as a single disc structure, in some embodiments, the bottom disc assembly 172 may be configured similarly to the top panel frame 174. For example, the bottom plate assembly 172 may comprise a split plate structure, such as a pair of plate members connected together by a plurality of cross members. Accordingly, the following description of the top panel frame 174 may be applied to the bottom plate assembly 172.

With continued reference to fig. 2, side panel frames 176 may be connected to the bottom disc assembly 172 and the top panel frame 174 and extend between the bottom disc assembly 172 and the top panel frame 174. In such embodiments, the bottom tray assembly 172 may support the bottom panel 110, the top panel frame 174 may support the top panel 108, and the side panel frame 176 may support at least one of the remaining panels of the housing 102, such as the left side panel 112 or the right side panel 114. The above description is for illustrative purposes only, and the frame elements may support any panel, alone or in combination. For example, when connected together, the frame structure 170 may support any and all of the front panel 104, the rear panel 106, the top panel 108, the bottom panel 110, the left side panel 112, and the right side panel 114. More specifically, the frame structure 170 may be arranged to provide desired characteristics (e.g., structure, shape, stiffness, etc.) of the housing 102. For example, the frame structure 170 may bias the various panels away from each other to tension the housing 102 outward and create tension in each panel. Similar to the side panel frame 176, a telescoping tow handle 150 (e.g., at least one tube of the telescoping tow handle 150) may be connected to and extend between the bottom disc assembly 172 and the top panel frame 174.

Referring to fig. 1, the housing 102 may cover at least a portion of the frame structure 170. For example, portions of the frame structure 170 (e.g., the bottom tray assembly 172, the top panel frame 174, and/or the side panel frame 176) may be positioned within the housing 102 of the article of luggage 100. In this way, the frame structure 170 may be covered by the material of the housing 102, for example by a soft shell material. In one embodiment, at least some portions of the frame structure 170 may be secured to the housing 102, such as by one or more stitches, pockets, loops, sleeves, or the like, secured (e.g., sewn) to the housing 102. For example, at least some portions of the frame structure 170 (e.g., at least some portions of the bottom plate assembly 172, the top panel frame 174, and/or the side panel frame 176) may be received in a hem, pocket, ring, or sleeve to secure the housing 102 to the frame structure 170. In some embodiments having a hybrid case structure, the frame structure 170 may be coupled to a hard shell material and/or a soft shell material. For example, portions of the frame structure 170 (e.g., the bottom plate assembly 172, the top panel frame 174, and/or the side panel frame 176) may be integrally formed with a hard shell material that defines a portion of at least one panel of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the frame structure 170 may be coupled to the hard shell material by fasteners, corresponding retention features, adhesives, or the like.

Referring back to fig. 2, the top panel frame 174 (which top panel frame 174 may be referred to as a split tray) includes a first structural member 190, a second structural member 192, and one or more lateral supports or members 194 extending therebetween. In one embodiment, the first structural member 190 may extend along a first edge 196 of the frame structure 170 (see fig. 1). The second structural member 192 may extend along a second edge 198 of the frame structure 170 (see fig. 1). The second structural member 192 may or may not be identical to the first structural member 190, or may not be a mirror image of the first structural member 190. In some embodiments, the first and second

structural members

190, 192 may extend along opposite edges of the frame structure 170, such as along the front and rear edges of the top panel 108 or top panel frame 174, respectively. Depending on the particular application, the first and second

structural members

190 and 192 may extend parallel or non-parallel to each other based on various size and shape considerations of the luggage case.

As shown, one or more lateral supports 194 (which may be referred to as top supports) may be connected to and extend between the first and second

structural members

190, 192. In one embodiment, one or more lateral supports 194 may be positioned along the length of the first and second

structural members

190, 192, for example, en route along the first and second

structural members

190, 192. For example, one or more lateral supports 194 may be positioned along the distance between the left side panel 112 and the right side panel 114. In one embodiment, the one or more lateral supports 194 can include a first lateral support 210 and a second lateral support 212, each connected to and extending between the first and second

structural members

190, 192, such as in one embodiment in a spaced, parallel relationship.

In one embodiment, the first and second lateral supports 210, 212 may fix the distance between the front and rear edges of the top panel 108, either alone or in combination with other embodiments described herein. More specifically, the first and second lateral supports 210, 212 may limit movement of the first and second

structural members

190, 192 toward or away from each other. This configuration may provide a more rigid split top frame than some conventional luggage case designs. For example, such a configuration may limit deformation of the top panel 108 as compared to some conventional luggage cases that allow the top panel to collapse or expand. Each

structural member

190, 192 has an inner edge 213 and an outer edge 215. The outer edge 215 of the second structural member 192 may define the rear edge of the top panel 108. The outer edge 215 of the first structural member 190 may define the front edge of the top panel 108. The inner edges 213 of the first and second

structural members

190, 192 are spaced apart by first and second lateral supports 210, 212 to form a gap 217 between the first and second

structural members

190, 192. The first and second lateral supports 210, 212 may be secured at or near the inner edges 213 of the first and second

structural members

190, 192. For example, the first and second lateral supports 210, 212 may be positioned in respective recesses as explained below. In such embodiments, the first and second lateral supports 210, 212 may be fixedly secured within the recess so as not to slide with the recess, for example, by fasteners, adhesives, heat or sonic welding, or the like. More than two lateral supports may extend between the first structural member 190 and the second structural member 192.

With continued reference to fig. 2, the one or more transverse supports 194 may further include a pair of end bars 214, the pair of end bars 214 interconnecting the ends 216 of the first and second

structural members

190, 192. The end bar 214 may define an edge of the top panel 108, the left side panel 112, and/or the right side panel 114. As shown, the end bar 214 may be secured between the inner edges 213 of the first and second structural members, similar to the first and second lateral supports 210, 212 discussed above. The above embodiments are non-exhaustive, and the top panel frame 174 may be characterized as virtually any permutation combination of structural members and lateral supports. For example, the top panel frame 174 may be defined by any number of lateral supports 194 (e.g., no lateral supports 194, one lateral support 194, two lateral supports 194, three lateral supports 194, four lateral supports 194, etc.), any number of end bars 214 (e.g., zero end bars 214, one end bar 214, two end bars 214, etc.), and any number of structural members (e.g., one structural member, two structural members, etc.). In addition, each

structural member

190, 192 or transverse support 194 may be defined by one or more elements that are connected together (whether integral or otherwise). Additionally, the

structural members

190, 192 and/or the transverse supports 194 may be rods or plates, as described more fully below.

Each of the first structural member 190, the second structural member 192, and the one or more lateral supports 194 can be any suitable structural element. For example, the first structural member 190, the second structural member 192, and each of the lateral supports 194 may be elongated rods, pultruded or disk structures, or other embodiments depending on the particular application. In one embodiment, the first structural member 190 can define a first or front pan member or structure that extends along the front edge of the top panel frame 174. Similarly, the second structural member 192 may define a second or rear tray member or structure that extends along the rear edge of the top panel frame 174. In such embodiments, the lateral support 194 may be connected to and extend between the front and rear disk structures. In these embodiments, the top panel frame 174 may define a split tray assembly.

Although these figures illustrate the first and second

structural members

190, 192 as disc structures or members, the first and second

structural members

190, 192 may be elongated rods, bars, or pultrudates, etc. Similarly, although these figures illustrate the lateral support 194 as a rod, the lateral support 194 may be a disk structure. In some embodiments, the first structural member 190 and/or the second structural member 192 may be similarly configured with one or more lateral supports 194, or vice versa. Additionally, the description above regarding the split disc assembly may be equally applicable to one or more side panel frames 176, as described below. As a tray member or structure, the first structural member 190, the second structural member 192, and/or the lateral support 194 can be a plate-like shape, such as a relatively thin and/or wide plate-like shape. Additionally, the first structural member 190, the second structural member 192, and/or the lateral support 194 may be shaped to at least partially define the final shape of the housing 102. For example, the first and second

structural members

190, 192 may be curved along the edges to define curved or rounded edges of the luggage item 100 along the first and

second edges

196, 198. As a tray member or structure, the first structural member 190, the second structural member 192, and/or the lateral support 194 may include one or more relief features that provide desired features of the luggage article 100. For example, the first and second

structural members

190, 192 may include one or more cutouts 218 defined therein to reduce the weight of the first and second

structural members

190, 192 and/or increase the torsional stiffness of the first and second

structural members

190, 192. As explained below, the first structural member 190, the second structural member 192, and/or the lateral support 194 may be formed of molded plastic to define various elements as a tray member or structure.

One or more lateral supports 194 may be connected to the first and second

structural members

190, 192 in any suitable manner. As one example, each of the first and second

structural members

190, 192 may include one or more recesses 220 for at least partially receiving one or more lateral supports 194 therein. The lateral support 194 may be secured within the recess 220, for example, by fasteners, heat or sonic welding, interference fit, adhesive, or the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the transverse support 194 may be integrally formed with the first and/or second

structural members

190, 192, e.g., injection molded as a single piece.

With continued reference to fig. 2, the side panel frame 176 may be configured as desired, e.g., similar to the top panel frame 174. In one embodiment, each side panel frame 176 includes a pair of elongated rods 230 and one or more side supports 232 connected to the elongated rods 230 and extending between the elongated rods 1230. In one embodiment, the one or more side supports 232 can include a first side support 234 and a second side support 236, each connected to and extending between a pair of elongated rods 230, such as in one embodiment in a spaced, parallel relationship. As shown, one or more side supports 232 (which may be referred to as lateral supports) may be positioned along the length of the elongated rod 230, such as en route along the elongated rod 230. For example, one or more side supports 232 may be positioned between the top panel frame 174 and the bottom plate assembly 172. In such embodiments, the elongated rods 230 may extend between the top panel frame 174 and the bottom disc assembly 172, e.g., connected to the top panel frame 174 and the bottom disc assembly 172. Similar to the top panel frame 174, each side panel frame 176 can be characterized by substantially any combination of elongated rods 230 and side supports 232. For example, each side panel frame 176 may be defined by any number of elongated rods 230 (e.g., one elongated rod 230, two elongated rods 230, three elongated rods 230, etc.) and any number of side supports 232 (e.g., one side support 232, two side supports 232, three side supports 232, etc.). Additionally, each elongated bar 230 or side support 232 may be defined by one or more elements that are connected together (whether integral or otherwise). As explained below, each elongated bar 230 or side support 232 may be a bar or plate.

Notwithstanding the above description, each of the elongated rods 230 and the one or more side supports 232 may be any suitable structural element. For example, each elongated bar 230 and each side support 232 may be an elongated bar, rod, pultrusion, or disk structure. More specifically, the elongated rods 230 may define a pair of tray members extending along opposite edges (e.g., front and rear edges) of the side panel frame 176, with one or more side supports 232 connected to and extending between the opposite tray members. In this manner, the top and side panel frames 174, 176 may be similar or substantially identical to each other. As such, the luggage article 100 may include a frame having a pair of structural members and one or more supports connected to and extending between the pair of structural members, the frame being defined on the top panel 108 or side panel of the luggage article 100. As a tray member or structure, the elongated rods 230 and/or side supports 232 can be plate-like in shape, such as relatively thin and/or wide plate-like in shape. Similar to the first structural member 190, the second structural member 192, and/or the lateral support 194, the elongated bar 230 and/or the side support 232 can be formed of molded plastic.

One or more side supports 232 may be connected to the elongated rods 230 in any suitable manner. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the side panel frame 176 may include a connector 250 interconnecting the side supports 232 and the elongated rods 230. Each connector 250 may include a body 252 and one or more recesses 254 defined therein to connect to the elongated rods 230 and the side supports 232. For example, the elongated rods 230 and the side supports 232 may include end regions 256 that are designed to be slid or otherwise positioned within the recesses 254 defined in the connectors 250, as explained below. As shown, the connectors 250 may be shaped to position the elongated rods 230 and the side supports 232 at a desired angle to each other. For example, the connectors 250 may be shaped to position the side supports 232 substantially orthogonal to the elongated rods 230, although other relative positioning may be contemplated depending on the particular requirements of the luggage article 100. In one embodiment, the elongated rods 230 may extend vertically parallel to each other, but the elongated rods 230 may extend non-parallel to each other in other embodiments. In such embodiments, the side supports 232 may extend laterally between the elongated rods 230, e.g., perpendicular to the elongated rods 230.

In one embodiment, the engagement of the elongated rods 230 and the side supports 232 within the recesses 254 of the connectors 250 may reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical fasteners (e.g., rivets, screws, etc.) for assembly. For example, the end region 256 and/or the recess 254 may be configured such that the end region 256 is interference fit within the recess 254. More specifically, end region 256 may be sized annularly larger than recess 254 to frictionally engage the elongate member within recess 254. In one embodiment, each recess may define a gap in a sidewall of the body 252 to allow the recess to resiliently expand when the elongated rod 230 or side support 232 is inserted therein. Additionally or alternatively, the elongated rod 230 and/or the side supports 232 may be formed of a material that allows it to elastically deform to accommodate insertion of the end region 256 within the recess 254 or may be constructed in a manner that allows it to elastically deform to accommodate insertion of the end region 256 within the recess 254. The side supports 232 and/or the end regions 256 of the elongated rods 230 may be secured to the connectors 250 in other manners, such as by fasteners, heat or sonic welding, adhesives, or the like, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the connectors 250 may be integrally formed with the elongated rods 230 or the side supports 232. The elongated rods 230 may be connected to the top panel frame 174 and/or the bottom plate assembly 172 in a similar manner. For example, the elongated rods 230 may be received within corresponding recesses defined in the bottom plate assembly 172 and/or the top panel frame 174 (e.g., within the first and second structural members 190, 192) and secured therein in any suitable manner. In addition, the elongated rods 230 may be received in sleeves attached to the seams between the

side panels

112 or 114 and the front and

rear panels

104 and 106, respectively, to connect the side panel frame 176 to the housing 102.

The top panel frame 174 and/or the side panel frame 176 may be sized and/or shaped to provide desired properties (e.g., structure, shape, tension, rigidity, etc.) to the luggage article 100. For example, as noted above, the top panel frame 174 may be coupled to the top panel 108 to properly tension the top panel 108 for use. Similarly, the side panel frame 176 may be coupled to the left or

right side panel

112, 114 to tension the left or

right side panel

112, 114 appropriately for use. In some embodiments, the side panel frame 176 may be flat or planar such that the elongated rods 230 and the side supports 232 are positioned in a common plane. As shown, the side panel frame 176 may form a generally rectangular shape, but other suitable shapes are contemplated, such as trapezoidal, circular, or the like. Each of the first structural member 190, the second structural member 192, the lateral support 194, the elongated rods 230, and/or the side supports 232 can extend along a straight line or along a substantially straight line, can be curved along their length, or can include a combination of straight and curved sections. Additionally, each of the lateral support 194, the elongated rods 230, and/or the side supports 232 may include a diameter ranging between about 3mm to about 10mm (preferably between about 3.5mm to about 6.5 mm), although other dimensions are contemplated depending on the size, weight, and/or strength requirements of the frame structure 170. In one embodiment, the elongated rods 230 may have a diameter greater than the lateral and side supports 194, 232, such as between about 1.5 times the diameter to about twice the diameter. The elongated rods 230, the lateral supports 194, and/or the side supports 232 may be hollow or substantially solid in cross-section, depending on the particular application.

The side supports 232 may have a circular or non-circular cross-section, depending critically on the contour shape of the recesses 254 of the connector 250. Similarly, the transverse support 194 may have a circular or non-circular cross-section depending critically on the contour shape of the recesses 220 of the first and second

structural members

190, 192. The elongated rods 230 may also have a circular or non-circular cross-section, depending critically on the profile shape of the recesses of the bottom plate assembly 172 and the top panel frame 174. The non-circular cross-section may limit torsion in the frame structure 170 by limiting relative rotation of the various elements. For example, the non-circular profile shapes of the lateral support 194, the elongated rods 230, and the side supports 232 may limit rotation of these elements about their longitudinal axes, thereby limiting twisting or bending of the frame structure 170 and the housing 102 coupled to the frame structure 170. Some examples of non-circular shapes include teardrop shapes, oval or polygonal shapes, and the like. In such embodiments, the various recesses may include corresponding shapes to cooperatively receive the lateral support 194, the elongated bar 230, and/or the side supports 232 and limit the rotation of these elements within the recesses.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged, partial isometric view of the luggage article 100 and shows the side carrying handle 154 attached to the side panel frame 176 of the frame structure 170. Fig. 5 is a front view of a side panel (e.g., right side panel 114) of the luggage article 100, and shows, in phantom, the underlying portion of the frame structure 170 and the connection details of the side carrying handle 154 to the frame structure 170 for clarity. Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of fig. 5. Referring to fig. 4-6, a side carrying handle 154 (the side carrying handle 154 may be a fabric handle or a rigid handle) may be coupled to the frame structure 170. For example, the side carrying handle 154 may be coupled to the side panel frame 176. More specifically. The side carrying handle 154 may be coupled to at least one or more side supports 232 of the side panel frame 176. Depending on the particular application, the side carrying handle 154 may also be connected to the bottom plate assembly 172 and/or the top panel frame 174, as explained below. In one embodiment, the side carrying handle 154 includes opposing ends, such as a first end 270 and a second end 272. The first and second ends 270, 272 include terminal ends and/or terminal end regions adjacent to the terminal ends of the side carrying handle 154. The first end 270 of the side carrying handle 154 may be coupled to the first side support 234. The second end 272 of the side carrying handle 154 may be coupled to the second side support 236.

With continued reference to fig. 4-6, the article of luggage 100 may include a first handle reinforcing band 274 and a second handle reinforcing band 276. As described more fully below, a first handle reinforcement strap 274 and a second handle reinforcement strap 276 may connect the side carrying handle 154 to the side panel frame 176. For example, the first handle reinforcing band 274 and the second handle reinforcing band 276 may be looped around the side support 232 to couple the side carrying handle 154 to the side support 232. As described herein, each of the first handle reinforcement band 274 and the second handle reinforcement band 276 can be formed from one or more strips of fabric. For example, FIG. 6 shows a first handle reinforcement band 274 formed from a plurality of fabric strips sewn together. Fig. 6 also shows a second handle reinforcement band 276 formed as a single band. However, the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is non-limiting, and the first handle reinforcing band 274 and the second handle reinforcing band 276 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, rather than being formed from multiple strips of fabric secured together (such as sewn together in one embodiment as shown in fig. 4-6), the first handle reinforcement band 274 may be formed as a band at least partially made from a single continuous length of material. The single length of material may be one or more layers, with at least one layer extending continuously from the side support 232 to the end bar 214. Similarly, rather than forming a single band as shown in fig. 4-6, the second handle reinforcing band 276 may be formed from multiple strips of fabric sewn or otherwise secured together. In this manner, the first handle reinforcement strip 274 and the second handle reinforcement strip 276 can both be continuous, the first handle reinforcement strip 274 and the second handle reinforcement strip 276 can both be made from more than one piece of material secured together, or a combination thereof. Additionally, although described as fabric strips, the first handle reinforcement strip 274 and the second handle reinforcement strip 276 may be formed as reinforcement strips of any suitable structure or material, such as plastic, metal, or the like. As shown in fig. 6, the first handle reinforcement strip 274 and the second handle reinforcement strip 276 can be curved along their length. In this manner, the first handle reinforcement band 274 and the second handle reinforcement band 276 may have a degree of slack to allow the side carrying handle 154 to move during use, as explained below.

Referring to fig. 4-6, the first end 270 of the side carrying handle 154 may be attached (e.g., by stitching in one embodiment) to a first handle reinforcement strap 274. Similarly, the second end 272 of the side carrying handle 154 may be attached (e.g., by stitching in one embodiment) to a second handle reinforcing strap 276. A first handle reinforcement strap 274 can extend between one or more of the side supports 232 and the top panel frame 174, such as between the first side support 234 and the end bar 214 of the top panel frame 174. The second handle reinforcing strap 276 may extend between one or more of the side supports 232 and the bottom plate assembly 172, such as between the second side support 236 and the bottom plate assembly 172. In some embodiments, the first handle reinforcement band 274 can be attached (e.g., sewn) to the top panel frame 174, such as to the first structural member 190, to the second structural member 192, and/or to the end bar 214. In a similar manner, the second handle reinforcement strap 276 may be attached (e.g., by stitching in one embodiment) to the bottom tray assembly 172.

As shown in fig. 6, portions of the side panel frame 176 and/or the top panel frame 174 may be received within

sleeves

290, 292, 294 defined by the first handle reinforcement band 274 and the second handle reinforcement band 276. For example, one or more of the side supports 232 of the side panel frame 176 and the end bar 214 of the top panel frame 174 may be received within respective sleeves. More specifically, the first handle reinforcement band 274 may define a first sleeve (sleeve)290, with the first side support 234 received in the first sleeve 290. Similarly, the second handle reinforcement band 276 may define a second sleeve 292 with the second side support 236 received in the second sleeve 292. In one embodiment, the first handle reinforcement band 274 can further define a third sleeve 294, the end bar 214 of the top panel frame 174 being received in the third sleeve 294. For example, the opposing ends 296, 298 of the first handle reinforcing band 274 may be folded over and sewn to themselves to define the first and

third sleeves

290, 294, respectively. Similarly, the end 300 of the second handle reinforcing strip 276 may be folded and sewn to itself to define the second sleeve 292. As shown, the

sleeves

290, 292, 294 may form an aperture defining an interior space. In such embodiments, the side support 232 and/or the end bar 214 may be positioned within the space and limited or constrained by the

sleeves

290, 292, 294. The

sleeves

290, 292, 294 may be defined in other suitable manners. For example, in one embodiment, the first sleeve 290 and the third sleeve 294 can be separate elements to which the first handle reinforcing band 274 is attached. In a similar manner, the second sleeve 292 may be a separate element to which the second handle reinforcement band 276 is attached.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, at least a portion of the first handle reinforcement band 274 and the second handle reinforcement band 276 may be positioned between

adjacent fabric panels

302, 304, 306 that define the side panels of the housing 102. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second ends 270, 272 of the side carrying handle 154 may be positioned at least partially between

adjacent fabric panels

302, 304, 306 defining the side panels of the housing 102. For example, the right side panel 114 may be formed from a plurality of

fabric panels

302, 304, 306 that are stacked on top of one another. More specifically, right side panel 114 may be formed from a first panel 302 and a second panel 304 that at least partially overlap a third panel 306. As shown in fig. 6, the third panel 306 may extend from the bottom disc assembly 172 to the top panel frame 174. In such an embodiment, the first panel 302 and the second panel 304 may overlap an upper portion and a lower portion of the third panel 306, respectively. For example, the first panel 302 may overlap the third panel 306 from near the top panel frame 174 to near the side carrying handle 154 (e.g., to near the first end 270 of the side carrying handle 154). Similarly, the second panel 304 may overlap the third panel 306 from proximate the bottom plate assembly 172 to proximate the side carrying handle 154 (e.g., to proximate the second end 272 of the side carrying handle 154).

As shown in fig. 6, the first handle reinforcement band 274 and the first end 270 of the side carrying handle 154 can be positioned (e.g., slidably positioned) between the first panel 302 and the third panel 306. Similarly, the second handle reinforcing band 276 and the second end 272 of the side carrying handle 154 may be positioned (e.g., slidably positioned) between the second panel 304 and the third panel 306. In such embodiments, the first handle reinforcement band 274 and the first end 270 of the side carrying handle 154 can slide relative to the first panel 302 and the third panel 306 within the space 308 between the first panel 302 and the third panel 306. In a similar manner, the second handle reinforcement band 276 and the second end 272 of the side carrying handle 154 may slide relative to the second panel 304 and the third panel 306 within the space 309 between the second panel 304 and the third panel 306. First panel 302, second panel 304, and third panel 306 may be configured in other suitable ways. For example, rather than extending between the bottom disc assembly 172 and the top panel frame 174, the third panel 306 may only extend below the side carrying handle 154 or a small distance beyond the extent of the side carrying handle 154. In such embodiments, the third panel 306 can be attached (e.g., by stitching in one embodiment) to the first handle reinforcement band 274 and the second handle reinforcement band 276.

In addition to providing structure to which the side carrying handle 154 is attached, the first handle reinforcing strap 274 and the second handle reinforcing strap 276 may limit failure of the side carrying handle 154 when the luggage article 100 is lifted from the side carrying handle 154, may limit movement of the side carrying handle 154 away from the luggage article 100, and/or may limit deformation of the luggage article 100 while the luggage article 100 is carried by the side carrying handle 154, among other things. For example, as a reinforcement to the side carrying handle 154, the first handle reinforcement strap 274 and the second handle reinforcement strap 276 may limit deformation of the luggage article 100 when the luggage article 100 is lifted by the side carrying handle 154, for example, by equally distributing forces applied to the side carrying handle 154 on both sides of the side carrying handle 154. In one embodiment, the attachment of the first handle reinforcement band 274 and the second handle reinforcement band 276 to the bottom pan assembly 172, to the top panel frame 174, to the side panels 176, and/or to the first and second side supports 234, 236 can limit the collapse of the side panels when a user lifts the luggage article 100 by carrying the handle 154 on the side. For example, rather than transmitting the lifting force to the side panels of the housing 102, the lifting force may be transmitted directly to the frame structure 170, whereby the lifting force may be distributed among the various frame elements, thereby limiting deformation of the luggage article 100.

Referring to fig. 6, the side carrying handle 154 may be moved away from the

side panel

112 or 114 of the luggage article 100 when pulled by a user, and may be retracted towards the

side panel

112 or 114 when released. For example, the side carrying handle 154 may be moved away from the right side panel 114 by slack (slack) taken from the first handle reinforcing strap 274 and/or the second handle reinforcing strap 276. In this way, the side carrying handle 154 may be moved away from the housing 102 to provide space for a user's hand to be under the side carrying handle 154. In such embodiments, when the side carrying handle 154 is released by the user, the side carrying handle 154 may be retracted against or at least toward the right side panel 114. For example, the side carrying handle 154 may have a degree of rigidity that biases the first end 270 and the second end 272 away from each other when the side carrying handle 154 is released by a user to cause the side carrying handle 154 to automatically retract toward the right side panel 114. In some embodiments, the side carrying handle 154 may be unbiased. In this way, the side carrying handle 154 can be moved toward the right side panel 114 by selective manipulation by a user.

Additionally or alternatively, the side carrying handle 154 may move relative to the first and second side supports 234, 236 as the user lifts the luggage article 100 by the side carrying handle 154. For example, at least a portion of the side carrying handle 154 may be moved away from the first and second side supports 234, 236 by slack taken from the

sleeves

290, 292. More specifically, under a lifting force applied to the side carrying handle 154, the first handle reinforcement strip 274 and the second handle reinforcement strip 276 may move until the side support 232 engages one end of the

sleeves

290, 292. In these and other embodiments, the side carrying handle 154 may be secured to the seam between the side carrying handle 154 and the housing 102. Additionally or alternatively, the first handle reinforcement strip 274 and the second handle reinforcement strip 276 may not be provided with slack. For example, once assembled to the side panel frame 176, the first handle reinforcement strap 274 and the second handle reinforcement strap 276 may be substantially taut. Such a configuration may limit the amount of force applied directly to the first and second side supports 234, 236. For example, such a configuration may better transmit the lifting force to the fixing points of the first handle reinforcement strap 274 and the second handle reinforcement strap 276 to the top panel frame 174 and the bottom pan assembly 172, respectively. In such embodiments, the sleeve 294 may extend closely adjacent the end rod 214 therein to limit the amount of slack within the sleeve 294. The tautness of the first handle reinforcement strap 274 and the second handle reinforcement strap 276 may also bias the side carrying handle 154 toward the side panel. For example, the tautness of the first handle reinforcing strap 274 and the second handle reinforcing strap 276 may provide opposing forces that bias the first end 270 and the second end 272 of the side carrying handle 154 away from each other when not under lifting forces.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged, partial isometric view of the luggage article 100 and illustrates the top carrying handle 152 attached to the top panel frame 174 of the frame structure 170. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the top panel 108 of the luggage article 100, and shows the lower portion of the frame structure 170 and details of the connection of the top carrying handle 152 to the frame structure 170 in phantom lines for clarity. Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of fig. 7. Referring to fig. 3, 7 and 8, the top carrying handle 152 may be connected to the top panel frame 174 of the luggage article 100 in a manner similar to the connection of the side carrying handle 154 with the side panel frame 176. For example, the top carrying handle 152 may be coupled to at least one or more top supports 194 of the top panel frame 174.

With continued reference to fig. 3, 7, and 8, the top carrying handle 152 (which top carrying handle 152 may be a fabric handle or a rigid handle) may include opposing ends, such as opposing first and second ends 310 and 312 coupled to the first and second lateral supports 210 and 212, respectively, of the top panel frame 174. The first end 310 and the second end 312 include terminal ends and/or terminal end regions adjacent to the terminal ends of the top carrying handle 152. The top carrying handle 152 may be coupled to the first and second lateral supports 210, 212 in a similar manner as described above. For example, the article of luggage 100 may include a pair of reinforcing straps, such as a first reinforcing strap 314 and a second reinforcing strap 316, that attach to the first end 310 and the second end 312 of the top carrying handle 152 to which the first lateral support 210 and the second lateral support 212, respectively, are attached. The first and second reinforcing

bands

314, 316 may extend from the first and second transverse supports 210, 212 to the side panel frame 176 on opposite sides of the luggage article 100, such as to the end bars 214 on opposite sides of the luggage article 100. In particular, the first reinforcing band 314 may extend from the first transverse support 210 to the end bar 214 located on one side of the luggage article 100 (e.g., adjacent the left side panel 112). The second reinforcing band 316 may extend from the second transverse support 212 to the end bar 214 located on the opposite side of the luggage article 100 (e.g., adjacent to the right side panel 114).

The first and second reinforcing

bands

314, 316 may be similarly configured as discussed above with respect to the first and second

handle reinforcing bands

274, 276. For example, each of the first and second reinforcing

bands

314, 316 may be formed from one or more strips of fabric that are joined together. For example, fig. 3, 7, and 8 show a first reinforcing strip 314 and a second reinforcing strip 316, each formed as a single strip. However, the embodiments shown in fig. 3, 7, and 8 are non-limiting, and the first and second reinforcing

bands

314, 316 may be formed in many suitable ways. For example, rather than being formed as a single strip, the first reinforcing strip 314, the second reinforcing strip 316, or both the first reinforcing strip 314 and the second reinforcing strip 316 may be formed from a plurality of strips of fabric sewn or otherwise secured together. In this manner, both the first reinforcing band 314 and the second reinforcing band 316 may be continuous, both the first reinforcing band 314 and the second reinforcing band 316 may be made of more than one piece of material secured together, or a combination thereof.

As shown in fig. 8, the first reinforcing strip 314 and the second reinforcing strip 316 may be curved along their length. For example, the first reinforcing band 314 may include a length that is greater than the distance between the first transverse support 210 and the end bar 214 adjacent the left side panel 112 such that the first reinforcing band 314 has a degree of slack or slack therealong. Similarly, the second reinforcing band 316 may include a length that is greater than the distance between the second transverse support 212 and the end bar 214 adjacent the right side panel 114 such that the second reinforcing band 316 has a degree of slack or slack therealong. In such embodiments, the top carrying handle 152 may be moved away from the top panel 108 to provide space for a user's hand under the top carrying handle 152 due to slack taken from the first reinforcing strap 314 and/or the second reinforcing strap 316. In some embodiments, when the top carrying handle 152 is released, the top carrying handle 152 may be retracted against the top panel 108 or at least toward the top panel 108. For example, the top carrying handle 152 may include a degree of rigidity that biases the first end 310 and the second end 312 away from each other when the top carrying handle 152 is released by a user to cause the top carrying handle 152 to automatically retract toward the top panel 108. Similar to the side carrying handle 154, the top carrying handle 152 may be unbiased such that movement of the top carrying handle 152 toward the top panel 108 is accomplished solely by selective manipulation by the user.

Additionally or alternatively, the top carrying handle 152 may move relative to the first and second lateral supports 210, 212 as the user lifts the luggage article 100 by the top carrying handle 152. For example, at least a portion of the top carrying handle 152 may be moved away from the first and second lateral supports 210, 212 by slack or slack taken from the sleeve 322. More specifically, under a lifting force applied to the top carrying handle 152, the first and second reinforcing

bands

314, 316 may move until the first and second transverse supports 210, 212 engage the ends of the sleeve 322. In such embodiments, the top carrying handle 152 may be secured in the seam between the top carrying handle 152 and the top panel 108. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second reinforcing

bands

314, 316 may be provided without slack or slack portions. For example, once assembled to the top panel frame 174, the first and second reinforcing

bands

314, 316 may be substantially taut. Such a configuration may limit the amount of force applied directly to the first and second lateral supports 210, 212. For example, such a configuration may better transmit the lifting force to the fixing points of the first and second reinforcing

bands

314, 316 to the end bar 214. In such embodiments, the sleeve 320 may extend closely adjacent the end bar 214 therein to limit the amount of slack in the sleeve 320. The tension of the first reinforcing strap 314 and the second reinforcing strap 316 may also bias the top carrying handle 152 toward the top panel 108. For example, the tautness of the first and second reinforcing

bands

314, 316 may provide opposing forces that bias the first and second ends 310, 312 of the top carrying handle 152 away from each other.

Similar to the description above, a portion or portions of the top panel frame 174 may be received within the sleeve defined by the reinforcing

bands

314, 316. For example, the end bar 214 and the first and second lateral supports 210, 212 may be received within

respective sleeves

320, 322 defined by the reinforcing

bands

314, 316. More specifically, a sleeve 320 may be defined in each of the first and second reinforcing

bands

314, 316 to receive the end bar 214. Additionally or alternatively, a sleeve 322 may be defined in each of the first and second reinforcing

bands

314, 316 to receive either the first or second transverse supports 210, 212. Similar to the

sleeves

290, 292, 294 described above, the

sleeves

320, 322 may be formed from the reinforcing

bands

314, 316 themselves or may be separate elements to which the reinforcing

bands

314, 316 are attached. For example, the opposite ends 324, 326 of each reinforcing

band

314 or 316 may be folded over and sewn to themselves to define

sleeves

320 and 322 on the opposite ends of each reinforcing

band

314 or 316.

In other embodiments, the top carrying handle 152 may be attached to the luggage article 100 in a different manner, such as directly to the housing 102, the first structural member 190, the second structural member 192, or otherwise attached to the luggage article 100. As shown in fig. 7, once connected to the luggage article 100, the top carrying handle 152 may be positioned between the first structural member 190 and the second structural member 192. The top carrying handle 152 may be positioned equidistant from the first and second

structural members

190, 192 or, depending on the particular application, the top carrying handle 152 may be positioned closer to one of the first and second

structural members

190, 192. Unlike conventional luggage case structures in which the carrying handle is connected to a full top tray or a generally plate-like frame structure is provided below the carrying handle, the connection of the top carrying handle 152 with the supports extending between the spaced tray structures may provide softer contact for a user gripping the top carrying handle 152 because there is no plate-like frame structure below the carrying handle. For example, rather than having a rigid structure beneath the top carrying handle 152, the present disclosure provides a wider fabric layer beneath the top carrying handle 152. Thus, unlike some conventional luggage structures, a user may grasp the top carrying handle 152 without having to push the user's fingers against a rigid surface underneath the fabric.

Referring to fig. 7 and 8, the top panel 108 of the housing 102 may be defined by a plurality of fabric panels that overlap one another, such as a first panel 330 and a second panel 332 at least partially overlapping a third panel 334. As shown in FIG. 8, the third panel 334 may extend from adjacent the left side panel 112 to adjacent the right side panel 114, although other suitable configurations are also contemplated. In such embodiments, the first panel 330 and the second panel 332 may overlap with a left portion and a right portion of the third panel 334, respectively. For example, the first panel 330 may overlap the third panel 334 from adjacent the left side panel 112 to adjacent the third panel 334. Similarly, the second panel 332 may overlap the third panel 334 from adjacent the right side panel 114 to adjacent the top carrying handle 152.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first reinforcing strip 314 and the second reinforcing strip 316 may be positioned between the

fabric panels

330, 332, 334. Additionally or alternatively, the first end 310 and the second end 312 of the top carrying handle 152 may be positioned at least partially between the

fabric panels

330, 332, 334. As shown in fig. 8, the first reinforcing band 314 and at least a portion of the first end 310 of the top carrying handle 152 can be positioned (e.g., slidably positioned) within a space 340 defined between the first panel 330 and the third panel 334. Similarly, the second reinforcing band 316 and at least a portion of the second end 312 of the top carrying handle 152 can be positioned (e.g., slidably positioned) within a space 342 defined between the second panel 332 and the third panel 334. In such embodiments, the first reinforcing band 314 and the first end 310 of the top carrying handle 152 can slide relative to the first panel 330 and the third panel 334 within a space 340 between the first panel 330 and the third panel 334. In a similar manner, the second reinforcing band 316 and the second end 312 of the top carrying handle 152 can slide relative to the second panel 332 and the third panel 334 within a space 342 between the second panel 332 and the third panel 334.

The article of luggage 100 may be formed from a variety of materials and devices (means). For example, the bottom tray assembly 172, the first structural member 190, the second structural member 192, and the like may be formed from a thermoplastic material (self-reinforced or fiber reinforced), ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, and/or PTFE, and the like. In some embodiments, the elongated rods 230, side supports 232, and/or lateral supports 194, etc. may be extruded from aluminum or other similar metals. Additionally, the elongated rods 230, the side supports 232, and/or the transverse support frame 194 may be formed of fiber reinforced epoxy material, resin, or other similar material. The frame structure 170 may be formed or molded in any suitable manner, such as by plug molding, blow molding, injection molding, extrusion, casting, or the like. As noted above, the article of luggage 100 may be formed of soft shell materials and/or hard materials. The soft shell material can be nylon, canvas, polyester, leather, PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene and/or PTFE, etc. The hard shell material may be a thermoplastic (self-reinforced or fibre-reinforced), ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide and/or PTFE, etc.

All relative and directional references (including upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, sides, above …, below …, front, middle, rear, vertical, horizontal, etc.) are given by way of example only to assist the reader in understanding the specific embodiments described herein. They are not to be interpreted as specifically implying any particular requirement or limitation of position, orientation, construction or use of the present invention unless explicitly stated in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined, etc.) 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 stated in the claims.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed embodiments of the present invention are taught by way of example and not 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

1. An item of soft shell luggage, characterized in that it comprises:

a first panel;

a frame supporting the first panel, the frame comprising:

a first structural member extending along a first edge of the first panel;

a second structural member extending along a second edge of the first panel; and

two or more lateral supports connected to and extending between the first and second structural members; and

a carrying handle including opposing first and second ends, each end of the carrying handle coupled to one of the two or more transverse supports.

2. The article of luggage of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing strap coupled to an end of the carrying handle, the reinforcing strap extending to and connecting with an edge of the first panel.

3. The luggage article of claim 2, wherein:

the first panel is defined by two or more fabric panels at least partially superposed on each other; and is

The reinforcement strip is positioned at least partially between the two or more fabric panels.

4. An article of luggage according to claim 2 or 3, in which the reinforcing strap is formed as a single strap.

5. An item of luggage as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, in which the first panel is a top or side panel of the item of luggage.

6. The item of luggage of claim 2 or 3, wherein the item of luggage further comprises a second panel and a split tray supporting the second panel, the split tray comprising at least two cross members extending between opposing first and second tray members.

7. The article of luggage of claim 6, wherein the second panel is a top panel.

8. The article of luggage of claim 6, further comprising a second carrying handle including opposing first and second ends, each end of the second carrying handle coupled to one of the at least two cross members.

9. An item of luggage according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which the frame further comprises a pair of end bars interconnecting the ends of the first and second structural members.

10. The article of luggage of claim 8, wherein the article of luggage further comprises a pair of reinforcing straps, each coupled to an end of the carrying handle and extending to and coupled with one of the pair of end bars.

11. An item of luggage according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which each of the first and second structural elements is an elongate bar, a pultrusion or a disc element.

12. The article of luggage of any of claims 1-3, wherein the first and second structural members extend vertically between a top panel frame and a bottom pan assembly.

13. The article of luggage of claim 12, wherein the article of luggage further comprises a plurality of wheel assemblies attached to the bottom plate assembly.

14. An item of soft shell luggage, characterized in that it comprises:

a top panel; and

a frame supporting the roof panel, the frame comprising:

a first disk member extending along a front edge of the top panel;

a second tray member extending along a rear edge of the top panel; and

two or more lateral supports extending between the first and second disc members, the two or more lateral supports limiting movement of the first and second disc members relative to each other to fix a distance between front and rear edges of the top panel.

15. The article of luggage of claim 14, further comprising a top carrying handle comprising opposing first and second ends, each end of the top carrying handle coupled to one of the two or more transverse supports.