CN211559021U

CN211559021U - Bottom structure for luggage items

Info

Publication number: CN211559021U
Application number: CN201921051204.2U
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: 2018-07-05
Filing date: 2019-07-05
Publication date: 2020-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-05
Also published as: EP3590381A1; CN110680064A; EP3590381B1

Abstract

A bottom structure for an item of luggage (100) is provided. The article of luggage may include: the system includes first and second half-cases (150, 152) hinged together at a separation line (160), a latch mechanism (210) releasably securing the first and second half-cases together, and a split bottom tray assembly (270) including first and second tray members (280, 282) supporting respective bottom panel portions (330, 332) of the first and second half-cases. A latch mechanism releasably secures the first and second case halves together in the closed configuration along at least a portion of the separation line. Each of the first and second basin members may include a connecting edge (340, 341). The connecting edges of the first and second basin members may be joined and locked together at a separation line when the item of luggage is in the closed configuration, forming a secure bottom structure.

Description

Bottom structure for luggage items

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to an article of luggage and, more particularly, to a bottom frame structure for an article of luggage.

Background

Some softside luggage includes a frame structure or arrangement for supporting the luggage. However, conventional frame constructions often include a one-piece bottom tray assembly that may add unnecessary weight to the luggage case and may limit design options. Conventional frame constructions may also include frame structures that do not provide sufficient rigidity to the luggage case. For example, certain frame structures may allow for undesirable deformation of the luggage case when the user pulls the luggage case with a tow handle.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved luggage case, and more particularly, an improved frame structure that addresses one or all of the above-mentioned problems, and/or more generally provides an improvement or alternative to existing arrangements.

Documents that may be relevant to the present disclosure include: EP2787857B1, US3447648A, US5197580A, US5522487A, US6550592B1, US7063212B2, US20140311844a1, US20150327640a1, US20160345694a1, US20170000232a1 and US20170042301a 1.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The present application provides a bottom frame structure for an item of luggage. The frame structure may include a split bottom tray assembly having a first tray member and a second tray member selectively coupled together. The edges of the first and second tray members may be interlocked together, such as in a tongue and groove fashion, at or near the line of separation of the luggage case to provide a substantially vertical rigid or secure bottom tray. The interlocking edges of the first basin member and the second basin member may be held together using a locking mechanism. The latch mechanism may be a zipper latch mechanism and may be opened to allow access to the interior of the luggage case. The frame structure may further include one or more support assemblies spanning the trunk separation line. Each support assembly may include a first portion and a second portion that are selectively joined at a separation line. The support assembly may be disengaged along the separation line to allow the luggage case to be selectively opened.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may include an article of luggage. The item of luggage may include: the system includes a first and second half-shells hingedly connected together at a separation line, a latch mechanism releasably securing the first and second half-shells together, and a split bottom tray assembly including first and second tray members supporting respective bottom panel portions of the first and second half-shells. The first and second half-cases may be defined by a front panel, a rear panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, a left panel, and a right panel. The first and second halves are movable between a closed configuration in which the first and second halves abut one another to define a substantially enclosed space, and an open configuration in which the first half is pivoted away from the second half to allow a user to access the enclosed space. The latch mechanism may releasably secure the first and second half-cases in the closed configuration along at least a portion of the separation line. Each of the first and second basin members may include a connecting edge. The connecting edges of the first and second basin members may be joined and locked together at a separation line to form a secure bottom structure when the item of luggage is in the closed configuration.

In some examples, each of the first and second basin members may include one or more sidewalls extending from a periphery of the base plate. The connecting edge of each tray member may extend along at least a portion of the front edge of the base plate. The side walls of the first and second basin members may extend partially along the sides of the first and second half-shells, respectively, such that the basin members comprise a generally U-shaped cross-section. The first and second basin members may be interlocked together at the line of separation along first and second planes, the second plane being angularly spaced from the first plane. The one or more side walls of the first basin member may interlock with the one or more side walls of the second basin member. Each of the first and second basin members may include first and second side walls on opposite side edges of the base plate. The sidewalls of the first and second basin members may be interlocked together in a direction perpendicular to the interlocking direction of the base plate.

In some examples, the item of luggage may include a support assembly that limits deflection of the rear panel toward the front panel. In the closed configuration, the support assembly may span the separation line and may allow the first and second half-cases to move to the open configuration. The support assembly may include a first post extending from the first basin member adjacent the line of separation. The support assembly may include a second leg extending from the second basin member adjacent the separation line. The first and second posts abut each other along the separation line on the left or right panel when the item of luggage is in the closed configuration. The support assembly may include a third post extending from the second basin member adjacent the back panel. The support assembly may include a first bracket connected to and extending between a distal portion of the first post and a portion of the first basin member adjacent the front panel. The support assembly may include a second brace connected to and extending between the distal portions of the second and third columns. The support assembly may include a third brace connected to and extending between the distal end portion of the second column and a portion of the second basin member adjacent the back panel. The item of luggage may include a first support assembly and a second support assembly. The first support assembly spans the separation line along the left panel. The second support component spans the separation line along the right panel.

In some examples, the first half-case may be folded into the second half-case when the locking mechanism is disengaged. The first tray member may be folded into and superposed on the second tray member to fold the item of luggage.

In some examples, the connecting edges of the first and second basin members may be interlocked together between the left and right panels along the entire width of the bottom of the item of luggage. In some examples, the connecting edges of the first and second basin members may extend parallel to the separation line. In some examples, the connecting edges of the first and second basin members interlock via a tongue and groove arrangement. In some examples, the connecting edges of the first and second basin members may interlock along a centerline of the bottom basin assembly.

In some examples, the item of luggage may include a tow handle along the rear panel. The towing handle may comprise one or more tubes attached to the second basin member.

In some examples, the item of luggage may include a side panel frame supporting the rear panel. The side panel frame may be connected to and extend from the bottom tray assembly. In another example, the side panel frame may include a plurality of pultrudes coupled together.

In some examples, the article of luggage may include a fabric cover covering the first and second basin members. The fabric cover may cover the side panel frame.

In some examples, the item of luggage may include a pair of swivel wheel assemblies connected to the second basin member. The item of luggage may include a pair of swivel wheel assemblies connected to the first basin member. The item of luggage may comprise four swivel wheel assemblies connected to the bottom tray assembly, wherein two swivel wheel assemblies are connected to the first tray member and two swivel wheel assemblies are connected to the second tray member. The swivel wheel assembly may be mounted on an outer corner of the bottom tray assembly distal from the interlocking joint between the first and second tray members.

Additional embodiments and features will be set forth in part in the description which follows. These embodiments and features will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the specification or may be learned by practice of the disclosure. 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 in some instances, each of the various aspects and features of the present disclosure may be advantageously employed alone, or in other instances, each of the various aspects and features of the present disclosure may be employed in combination with other aspects and features.

Drawings

The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures are not drawn to scale, and the figures are given as examples of the disclosure and should not be understood as a complete description of the scope of the disclosure, which is characterized in that:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an article of luggage in a closed configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the article of luggage of FIG. 1 in an open configuration, according to some examples disclosed;

FIG. 3 is a top front isometric view of a frame structure of the article of luggage of FIG. 1, according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a bottom rear isometric view of the frame structure of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top isometric view of the frame structure showing the first and second basin members separated along a connecting line;

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the frame structure of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3, illustrating interlocking engagement between first and second basin members of a frame structure according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3 illustrating interlocking engagement along sidewall portions of the first and second basin members according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the item of luggage of FIG. 1 in a folded configuration; and

fig. 10 is an isometric view of the article of luggage of fig. 1 in an additional folded configuration.

Detailed Description

In accordance with the present disclosure, a frame structure configured to support an outer fabric covering of an item of luggage is provided. The frame structure includes a bottom tray assembly and at least one side panel extending from the bottom tray assembly. The bottom tray assembly may be a split bottom tray assembly including first and second tray members selectively connected at a separation line of the item of luggage. The edges of the first and second basin members may be interlocked together at or near the line of separation to provide a substantially vertical rigid bottom basin. The interlocking edges may be held together using a locking mechanism, such as a zipper lock.

Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate an example article of luggage 100 according to some examples of the present disclosure. The article of luggage 100 comprises a split luggage case 102, the luggage case 102 being formed from a plurality of walls or panels (hereinafter referred to for convenience, but not by way of limitation, as "panels") defining an interior storage space 104 within which user items are carried. In one example, the luggage case 102 may be formed from opposing front and

rear panels

110, 112 and a plurality of side panels extending between the front and

rear panels

110, 112. For example, the article of luggage 100 may include opposing top and bottom panels 120, 122 and opposing left and right panels 124, 126 extending between the front and

rear panels

110, 112. Corner regions 132 may be defined by the intersection of any two or three adjacent panels. For example, a corner formed by the intersection of any three adjacent panels may be considered a "corner region". The edge formed by the intersection of any two adjacent panels may also be referred to as a "corner region".

The various panels may be constructed or arranged to provide a desired size and shape of the luggage case 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the panels may be sized and shaped to provide a height H, width W, and depth D of the luggage case 102. The height H of the luggage case 102 may be defined as the distance between the top panel 120 and the bottom panel 122. The width W of the luggage case 102 may be defined as the distance between the left panel 124 and the right panel 126. Similarly, the depth D of the luggage 102 may be defined as the distance between the front panel 110 and the rear panel 112. The panels may be sized and shaped such that the item of luggage 100 has a height greater than its width and a width greater than its depth, such as shown in at least fig. 1. Other sizes and shapes of the luggage case 102 are envisioned, and the examples shown and described are for illustrative purposes only.

The article of luggage 100 shown in fig. 1 and 2, while being an upright swivel wheel soft-sided luggage, may be of various types of luggage, including hard-sided swivel wheel luggage, hybrid swivel wheel luggage, bins, backpacks, duffel bags, and the like. As shown, the article of luggage 100 includes a first half 150 and a second half 152 defined by a separation line 160. The first and second case halves 150 and 152 may be sized similarly to each other, or one of the two case halves may be sized to include a larger or smaller interior space. For example, the first half-case 150 may be sized smaller than the second half-case 152, e.g., to allow the first half-case 150 to be selectively positioned within the second half-case 152 for storage. The first and

second halves

150, 152 may be complementary portions of the article of luggage 100. For example, the first half shell 150 may be a front half shell, a left half shell, a first luggage portion or section, or a cover portion of the article of luggage 100. In these examples, the second luggage piece half 152 may be a rear half of the luggage piece 100, a right half of the luggage piece, a second luggage portion or section, or a base. As explained below, each case half includes a bottom frame structure that interlocks together to form the bottom of the luggage case 102. Although the first and

second halves

150, 152 may be referred to as a lid and a base, respectively, in some examples, the first and

second halves

150, 152 do not form a luggage case with a case and a front planar lid.

The first half 150 may be defined by one or more panels of the luggage case 102. For example, the first half casing may be defined in whole or in part by the front panel 110. In some examples, the first half 150 may be defined by the front panel 110, and at least a portion of the top panel 120, the bottom panel 122, the left panel 124, and/or the right panel 126, such that the first half cabinet 150 includes a sidewall portion 170. Like the first half shell 150, the second half shell 152 may be defined by one or more panels of the luggage case 102. For example, the second cassette half 152 may be defined in whole or in part by the back panel 112. In some examples, the second half 152 may be defined by the rear panel 112 and at least a portion of the top panel 120, the bottom panel 122, the left panel 124, and/or the right panel 126 such that the second half 152 includes a sidewall portion 172. In these examples, the sidewall portion 170 of the first body half 150 may, in combination with the sidewall portion 172 of the second body half 152, define the top panel 120, the bottom panel 122, the left panel 124, and the right panel 126 of the luggage case 102. Depending on the particular application, the depth of the first half tank 150 may be greater than the depth of the second half tank 152 and vice versa. In these examples, the sidewall portions 170 of the first body half 150 may define more or less of the top panel 120, the bottom panel 122, the left panel 124, and the right panel 126 of the luggage case 102 than the second body half 152. In some examples, the first and

second halves

150, 152 may be sized similarly to each other such that the separation line 160 extends along a centerline between the front and

rear panels

110, 112 of the luggage case 102. In alternative examples, the separation line 160 may extend closer to the front panel 110 or the rear panel 112.

As shown, the first and second carton halves 150, 152 may each include a

peripheral edge

180, 181, respectively, at the split line 160. The

peripheral edges

180, 181 may extend against or in close proximity to each other when the article of luggage 100 is closed. In some examples, each of the first and second carton halves 150 and 152 may include trim along their respective

peripheral edges

180 or 181. These trim pieces may provide desired aesthetic and/or functional characteristics of the article of luggage 100. For example, the trim pieces may hide sewing lines and/or any imperfections and provide a clean appearance to the first and

second halves

150, 152 and/or a clean joint between the first and

second halves

150, 152. In some examples, the trim pieces may be shaped to fit together and form a corresponding overlapping or interlocking structure when the article of luggage 100 is closed. These corresponding shapes or trim pieces may extend along the entire length of the

peripheral edges

180, 181, or along a portion of the length of the

peripheral edges

180, 181, or along a single portion of each

peripheral edge

180, 181, or along more than one portion of each

peripheral edge

180, 181.

The article of luggage 100 is shown as a softside luggage case, but may be formed from various combinations of hardside and softside materials. For example, the luggage case 102 may be molded from a hard-sided material, or formed from a combination of hard-sided and soft-sided materials (referred to as a "hybrid" structure). In some examples, the luggage case 102 may be formed entirely of a softside material. The hard-facing material may be, inter alia, a thermoplastic material (self-reinforced or fiber-reinforced), ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, PE or biaxially oriented polypropylene, etc. The softside material may be nylon, canvas, polyester, leather, PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene and/or PE, among others.

The item of luggage 100 is movable between a closed configuration (see fig. 1) and an open configuration (see fig. 2). In the closed configuration, the first and second case halves 150, 152 may be positioned adjacent to one another, and in one example, at least a portion of each

peripheral edge

180, 181 is in engagement, thereby enclosing a user's items within the interior storage space 104 of the article of luggage 100. In one example, each of the

peripheral edges

180, 181 may have a shape along at least a portion of the periphery to fit together and form a corresponding overlapping or interlocking structure, such as a tongue and groove structure, to enhance the structural performance of the joined edges when closed.

In the open configuration, the first and

second halves

150, 152 may be reoriented relative to one another, such as toward and away from one another in one example, to allow a user to access the interior of the item of luggage 100. In one example, the reorientation of the first and

second halves

150, 152 positions the respective opening formed by each

peripheral edge

180, 181 to face upwardly (fig. 2), thereby allowing a user easy access to the interior storage space 104 of each half. To allow for selective movement of the first and

second halves

150, 152 between the open and closed configurations, the first and

second halves

150, 152 may be pivotally attached together by a hinge 190 or similar mechanism.

The hinge 190 may include a variety of configurations arranged to allow the first case half 150 to be selectively positioned relative to the second case half 152 from a fully closed configuration to a fully open configuration, such as by rotating about an axis of the hinge 190 in one example. For example, hinges 190 may include any number or combination of webbing, rubber strips, piano hinges, living hinges, spaced apart discrete hinges, zipper structures, hinged joints made of elastomeric material, or other suitable structures that allow relative movement between first half 150 and second half 152.

With continued reference to fig. 1 and 2, the item of luggage 100 may include one or more support members 200 to support the item of luggage 100 on a support surface (e.g., on the ground). The support member 200, which may be a foot, a fixed wheel assembly, a rotating wheel assembly, or any combination thereof, may be associated with any suitable panel of the luggage case 102, such as may be connected to at least the bottom panel 122 in at least one example. As shown, the article of luggage 100 may include four support members 200. In these examples, the article of luggage 100 may include two support members 200 connected to each of the first and second case halves 150, 152. The support member 200 may be connected to any suitable portion of the luggage case 102, for example, along the bottom panel 122 at or near the corner region 132.

The article of luggage 100 may include a latch mechanism 210 for releasably securing the first and second case halves 150, 152 together in the closed configuration. A latch mechanism 210 may be disposed along or adjacent the line of separation 160 between the first and

second halves

150, 152 to engage each of the first and

second halves

150, 152 and allow selective actuation to open and close the item of luggage 100. The locking mechanism 210 may be a discrete type mechanism, such as a latch, or may be a continuous type locking mechanism (such as a zipper locking mechanism) positioned along at least a portion of the length of the separation line 160.

In some examples, the article of luggage 100 may include one or more carrying handles and/or a telescoping tow handle 224. For example, as shown in fig. 1, the item of luggage 100 may include a top carrying handle 230 coupled to the top panel 120 and/or a side carrying handle 232 coupled to one of the left and right panels 124, 126 (e.g., coupled to the left panel 124). The telescoping tow handle 224 may be extendable from the top panel 120 and/or the rear panel 112 of the article of luggage 100. For example, a telescoping tow handle 224 may be extendable from near the intersection between the top panel 120 and the rear panel 112. The tow handle 224 may include a variety of configurations to allow for selective positioning of the tow handle 224 for pulling the item of luggage 100 across a support surface. For example, the towing handle 224 may include one or more tubes 240 and a grip 242 located at a distal portion of the tube(s) 240. Depending on the particular application, towing handle 224 may comprise a dual-tube configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or may comprise a single-tube configuration. As shown in FIG. 3, each tube 240 of the tow handle 224 may include a plurality of rods 246, the rods 246 being telescopically engaged with one another to allow the grip 242 of the tow handle to be selectively extended away from the luggage case 102.

Fig. 3-5 are isometric views of the article of luggage 100 with the luggage case 102 removed for clarity. Referring to fig. 2-5, the article of luggage 100 includes a frame structure 260 that supports the luggage case 102 and/or provides shape to the article of luggage 100. For example, the frame structure 260 may be operable to maintain a degree of rigidity of one or more panels of the luggage case 102 to a degree required to maintain the shape of the luggage case 102 and support the load therein, when in use. The frame structure 260 may be positioned at least partially inside the luggage case 102, and the frame structure 260 may include various elements that are either coupled together or positioned separately from each other, or a combination thereof. For example, the frame structure 260 may include one or more basin modules and/or one or more frame modules that are connected together to define a skeletal framework for the luggage article 100, as explained below.

The frame structure 260 may be associated with only selected portions of the luggage case 102. For example, the frame structure 260 may be associated with only the rear panel 112 and the bottom panel 122. The frame structure 260 may be operable to maintain at least the degree of rigidity of the rear and bottom panels 112, 122 to a degree necessary to maintain the shape of the luggage case 102 and support the load therein, when in use. In some examples, the frame structure 260 may be associated with selected portions of the rear panel 112, the bottom panel 122, and the left and right panels 124, 126, as described below. In these examples, the frame structure 260 may not be associated with the front panel 110, the top panel 120, and the remainder of the left and right panels 124, 126.

In this manner, the frame structure 260 may provide sufficient strength and/or rigidity to the luggage piece 102 to allow the luggage piece 100 to be rolled, carried, lifted, etc., while also allowing portions of the luggage piece 102 to fold, bend, compress, etc., such as for storing the luggage piece 100. For example, the frame structure 260 may be arranged such that at least one or portions of the front panel 110, the top panel 120, the left panel 124, and the right panel 126 are movable and/or deformable relative to the frame structure 260 to open, close, expand, or collapse the luggage case 102 depending on the particular application. The above-described configuration may also reduce the weight of the luggage article 100 as compared to conventional luggage configurations having a complete skeletal framework along each panel of the luggage. The examples shown and described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and the frame structure 260 may include additional framing and/or structural members. For example, depending on the particular application, the frame structure 260 may include a top frame or basin assembly, a front frame, and/or additional rods or wire loops to construct the first and second case halves 150 and 152.

Referring to fig. 3-5, the frame structure 260 includes a bottom tray assembly 270 and at least one side panel frame 272 connected to the bottom tray assembly 270. As described herein, the bottom basin assembly 270 comprises a split basin configuration. In particular, as shown in fig. 3-5, the bottom tray assembly 270 includes a first tray member 280 and a second tray member 282. The first basin member 280 and the second basin member 282 may be selectively engaged with one another to provide a degree of rigidity to the bottom panel 122 of the luggage case 102. For example, the first and

second basin members

280, 282, once connected together, may provide vertical stiffness to the bottom panel 122 of the luggage case 102. This vertical stiffness may help limit the vertical deflection of the first basin member 280 relative to the second basin member 282 along the separation line 160, or may also help limit the vertical deflection of the combined bottom basins when secured together, collectively or individually. As also described below, the side panel frame 272 may include a plurality of structural elements joined together, such as elongated rods, pultrudates, or basin structures connected together. As shown in FIG. 3, one or more tubes 240 of tow handle 224 may be attached to bottom tray assembly 270, such as to second tray member 282.

Referring to fig. 2, the luggage case 102 may cover at least a portion of the frame structure 260. For example, at least portions of the bottom tray assembly 270 and/or the side panel frame 272 may be positioned inside the luggage case 102 of the article of luggage 100. In this manner, the frame structure 260 may be covered by the material of the luggage case 102, such as by a softside material. In one example, the luggage case 102 may be defined by a fabric cover that covers at least portions of the frame structure 260. The frame structure 260 may be secured to the luggage case 102, such as by one or more panels, beads, pockets, rings, sleeves, etc., secured (e.g., sewn) to the luggage case 102. In examples having a hybrid box construction, the frame structure 260 may be bonded to the hardfacing material and/or the softside material. For example, portions of the bottom tray assembly 270 and/or the side panel frame 272 may be integrally formed with a hardfacing material that defines a portion of at least one panel of the luggage case 102. In some examples, the frame structure 260 may be bonded to the hardfacing material via fasteners, corresponding retaining structures, adhesives, or the like.

As shown in fig. 3-5, the first basin member 280 may include a base plate 290 having opposing front and

rear edges

292, 294 and opposing side edges 296. The front edge 292 and the rear edge 294 may extend between the left panel 124 and the right panel 126 of the luggage case 102. The leading edge 292 may extend along or adjacent at least a portion of the separation line 160 between the first carton half 150 and the second carton half 152. The rear edge 294 may extend along or adjacent to an intersection between the front panel 110 and the bottom panel 122 of the luggage case 102. In these examples, the side edges 296 may each extend between the separation line 160 and the front panel 110 of the luggage case 102. In some examples, the side edges 296 may each extend along or adjacent to an intersection between the bottom panel 122 and the left panel 124 or the right panel 126 of the luggage case 102.

In one example, the first basin member 280 can include one or more sidewalls extending from a perimeter of the base 290. For example, the first basin member 280 may include a first sidewall 300 extending generally upward from one side edge 296 of the base plate 290. The first basin member 280 may also include a second sidewall 302 extending generally upwardly from the other side edge 296 of the base plate 290. In these examples, the first and

second sidewalls

300, 302 of the first basin member 280 may extend partially along the sides of the first half-shell 150 such that the first basin member 280 includes a generally U-shaped cross-section.

The base plate 290 of the first basin member 280 can include a variety of configurations. For example, the front edge 292, the rear edge 294, and the opposing side edges 296 of the base plate 290 may be linear or curvilinear along their respective lengths. In some examples, the front edge 292 and the rear edge 294 may extend parallel to the separation line 160 of the luggage case 102. Additionally or alternatively, the side edges 296 may extend perpendicular to the separation line 160. In some examples, the side edges 296 may extend parallel to an intersection between the bottom panel 122 and the left or right panel 124, 126 of the luggage case 102. The side edges 296 may extend perpendicular to at least one of the front edge 292 and the rear edge 294 of the base plate 290. In some examples, the first basin member 280 may include a smooth transition between the base 290 and the first and

second sidewalls

300, 302. For example, the transition between the base panel 290 and the first and

second sidewalls

300, 302 may provide an arcuate intersection between the bottom panel 122 and the left and right panels 124, 126 of the luggage case 102. As shown, the base plate 290 includes a structural framework to provide the first basin member 280 with lightweight and relatively rigid structural features. Although shown as a honeycomb structure, the structural framework of the substrate 290 may also include other interconnected closed cell shapes and configurations, such as a plurality of interconnected elements, a PP sheet, and so forth. The first and

second sidewalls

300, 302 may comprise various combinations of solid structures, web structures, or trusses, and the like.

The second basin member 282 may be configured in a similar manner as the first basin member 280. For example, the second basin member 282 may include a base plate 310 having opposing front and

rear edges

312, 314 and opposing side edges 316. The front and

rear edges

312, 314 may extend between the left and right panels 124, 126 of the luggage case 102. The leading edge 312 may extend along or adjacent at least a portion of the separation line 160 between the first and second carton halves 150, 152, such as across the separation line 160 from the leading edge 292 of the first basin member 280. The rear edge 314 may extend along or adjacent to the intersection between the rear panel 112 and the bottom panel 122 of the luggage case 102. In these examples, the side edge 316 may extend between the separation line 160 and the rear panel 112 of the luggage case 102. In some examples, the side edge 316 may extend along or adjacent to an intersection between the bottom panel 122 and the left panel 124 or the right panel 126 of the luggage case 102.

Like the first basin member 280, the second basin member 282 may include one or more sidewalls extending from the outer perimeter of the base plate 310. For example, the second basin member 282 may include a first sidewall 320 extending generally upwardly from one side edge 316 of the base plate 310. The second basin member 282 may also include a second side wall 322 extending generally upwardly from the other side edge 316 of the base plate 310. In these examples, the first and

second sidewalls

320, 322 of the second basin member 282 can extend partially along the sides of the second box half 152 such that the second basin member 282 includes a generally U-shaped cross-section.

The base plate 310 of the second basin member 282 can include a variety of configurations. For example, the front edge 312, the back edge 314, and the opposing side edges 316 of the substrate 310 may be linear or curvilinear along their respective lengths. In some examples, the front and

rear edges

312, 314 may extend parallel to the separation line 160 of the luggage case 102. Additionally or alternatively, the side edges 316 may extend perpendicular to the separation line 160. In some examples, the side edge 316 may extend parallel to an intersection between the bottom panel 122 and the left panel 124 or the right panel 126 of the luggage case 102. The side edges 316 may extend perpendicular to at least one of the front and

rear edges

312, 314 of the substrate 310. In some examples, the second basin member 282 can include a smooth transition between the base panel 310 and the first and

second sidewalls

320, 322. For example, the transition between the base panel 310 and the first and

second sidewalls

320, 322 may provide an arcuate intersection between the bottom panel 122 and the left and right panels 124, 126 of the luggage case 102. The base plate 310 of the second basin member 282 may also include a structural framework to provide the second basin member 282 with lightweight and relatively rigid structural features, such as interconnected closed-cell shapes, a plurality of interconnected elements, PP plates, and the like.

Referring to fig. 2, the first and

second basin members

280, 282 may support respective portions of the bottom panel 122 of the luggage case 102. For example, the first basin member 280 may support the bottom panel portion 330 of the first half 150 of the luggage case 102. Similarly, the second basin member 282 may support the bottom panel portion 332 of the second half 152 of the luggage case 102. In these examples, the first and

second basin members

280, 282 may be interlocked together to provide a degree of rigidity to the bottom panel 122 of the luggage case 102. For example, the first and

second basin members

280, 282 may be interlocked together at the split line 160 to limit relative movement between the bottom panel portion 330 of the first case half 150 and the bottom panel portion 332 of the second case half 152 of the luggage case 102, as described in greater detail below.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view illustrating the interlocking engagement between the first and

second basin members

280, 282 of the frame structure 260. Referring to fig. 7, each of the first and

second basin members

280, 282 may include a connecting

edge

340, 341, the connecting

edges

340, 341 abutting each other when the article of luggage 100 is in the closed configuration. In one example, the connecting

edges

340, 341 of each of the first and

second basin members

280, 282 can extend along the front edge of the basin member's base 290 or 310. For example, the connecting edge 340 of the first basin member 280 may extend along the front edge 292 of the base plate 290 of the first basin member or define the front edge 292 of the base plate 290 of the first basin member. The connecting edge 340 of the first basin member 280 may extend along the entire length of the front edge 292, or along a single portion of the front edge 292, or along more than one portion of the front edge 292 of the base plate 290. In one example, the connecting edge 340 of the first basin member 280 may extend parallel to the separation line 160. In some examples, the connecting edge 340 of the first basin member 280 may extend at least partially along the front edge of each of the first and

second sidewalls

300, 302 of the first basin member 280.

The connecting edge 341 of the second basin member 282 may be configured in a manner similar to the connecting edge 340 of the first basin member 280. For example, the connecting edge 341 of the second basin member 282 may extend along the front edge 312 of the base panel 310 of the second basin member or define the front edge 312 of the base panel 310 of the second basin member, such as along the entire length of the front edge 312 or along a single portion of the front edge 312 or along more than one portion of the front edge 312. In some examples, the connecting edge 340 of the first basin member 280 may extend along the front edges of the first and

second sidewalls

300, 302 of the first basin member 280. In a similar manner, the connecting edge 341 of the second basin member 282 can extend along the front edges of the first and

second side walls

320, 322 of the second basin member 282. In one example, the connecting edge 341 of the second basin member 282 can extend parallel to the separation line 160. In some examples, connecting edge 341 of second basin member 282 may extend at least partially along a front edge of each of first and

second sidewalls

320, 322 of second basin member 282.

With continued reference to fig. 7, the connecting edge 340 of the first basin member 280 may abut or interlock with the connecting edge 341 of the second basin member 282. Depending on the particular application, the connecting

edges

340, 341 may abut and interlock along the entire length of the

front edges

292, 312 of the first and

second basin members

280, 282, along a single portion of the

front edges

292, 312, or along more than one portion of the

front edges

292, 312. For example, the connecting

edges

340, 341 of the first and

second basin members

280, 282 may interlock together along the entire distance between the left and right panels 124, 126 of the luggage case 102.

In some examples, the connecting

edges

340, 341 may also abut and interlock along the first and

second sidewalls

300, 302, 320, 322 of the first and

second basin members

280, 282. For example, one or more side walls of the first basin member 280 may interlock with one or more side walls of the second basin member 282, such as the first side wall 300 of the first basin member 280 abutting and interlocking with the first side wall 320 of the second basin member 282, and/or the second side wall 302 of the first basin member 280 abutting and interlocking with the second side wall 322 of the second basin member 282. In these examples, the first and

second basin members

280, 282 may interlock along first and second planes that are angularly spaced apart from one another. More specifically, the

base panels

290, 310 of the first and

second basin members

280, 282 may define a first plane. The interlocking sidewall portions of the first and

second basin members

280, 282 can define a second plane. In these examples, the second plane may be angularly spaced from the first plane, e.g., substantially at 90 °, greater than 90 °, or less than 90 ° to each other. In one example, the sidewall portions of the first and

second basin members

280, 282 can interlock together in a direction perpendicular to the interlocking direction of the

base panels

290, 310. The examples given above are for illustrative purposes only, and other configurations are contemplated, including those in which the first and

second basin members

280, 282 interlock at least partially along the left and right panels 124, 126 of the luggage case 102, as explained below.

As shown, the connecting

edges

340, 341 of the first and

second basin members

280, 282 may interlock together at the separation line 160 when the article of luggage 100 is in the closed configuration. In some examples, the connecting

edges

340, 341 of the first and

second basin members

280, 282 may interlock along a centerline of the bottom basin module 270. The interlocking engagement between the connecting

edges

340, 341 may provide a substantially vertical rigid bottom structure for the article of luggage 100 when the article of luggage 100 is closed. For example, the interlocking engagement between the connecting

edges

340, 341 of the first and

second basin members

280, 282 may limit lateral movement of the first basin member 280 relative to the second basin member 282 along a plane parallel to the separation line 160. More specifically, the interlocking engagement between the connecting

edges

340, 341 may limit movement of the first basin member 280 relative to the second basin member 282 toward or away from the top panel 120 of the luggage case 102, and vice versa, as explained below. Additionally or alternatively, the interlocking engagement between the connecting

edges

340, 341 may limit movement of the first tray member 280 relative to the second tray member 282 toward or away from the side panels of the luggage case 102, or vice versa. The interlocking structure between the connecting

edges

340, 341 may structurally support the separation line in a vertical direction so that the tray members may (when the luggage article 100 is closed) behave like a unitary bottom tray, unlike current tray members alone.

With continued reference to fig. 7, the connecting

edges

340, 341 of the first and

second basin members

280, 282 can be shaped to fit together when the article of luggage 100 is closed and form a corresponding overlapping or interlocking structure. In one example, the connecting

edges

340, 341 interlock in a tongue and groove configuration. In these examples, the connecting edge 340 of the first basin member 280 may define a tongue 350 having a pointed end 352. The connecting edge 341 of the second basin member 282 can define a slot 360, wherein the tongue 350 of the first basin member 280 is at least partially received in the slot 360. For example, at least a portion of the tips 352 may be received in the slots 360 to interlock the connecting

edges

340, 341 of the first and

second basin members

280, 282.

As shown, the slot 360 may be defined between a pair of side walls 362, the pair of side walls 362 extending from or forming the front edge 312 of the base plate 310 of the second basin member. In these examples, the tongue 350 may be moved in the engagement direction to position the tip 352 within the slot 360 and at least partially between the sidewalls 362. As shown in fig. 7, when the connecting

edges

340, 341 are fully engaged, the tip 352 (and specifically the opposing sidewalls) may engage the sidewalls 362. In one example, the depth dimension of the groove 360 is longer than the length of the tongue 350 so that when engaged, the tip 352 of the tongue 350 does not engage the bottom of the groove 360. In one example, the ends of the side walls 362 may abut respective end surfaces of the tongue 350. In some examples, the tongue 350 may interlock with at least one of the sidewalls 362 to releasably secure the connecting

edges

340, 341 together. For example, the at least one sidewall 362 may define a catch in which a portion of the tip 352 is received to releasably interlock the connecting

edges

340, 341 together. In some examples, the catch may be defined by a combination of two side walls 362.

In some examples, the engagement structure between the connecting

edges

340, 341 may include other structural features for convenience. For example, as shown in fig. 3, 5, and 7, the engagement structure may include a pair of flanges 370 extending from the connecting edge 340 of the first basin member 280. The flange 370 may be positioned at the corners of the base 290 and the first and

second sidewalls

300, 302. In one example, the flange 370 may overlap the connecting edge 341 of the second basin member 282 when the first and

second basin members

280, 282 are connected together. For example, the flange 370 may extend past a portion of the connecting edge 341 on the interior of the article of luggage 100. The flange 370 may limit the movement of the first basin member 280 relative to the second basin member 282. In some examples, the flange 370 may function as an alignment structure to properly align the first and

second basin members

280, 282 such that the first basin member 280 may be moved in the engagement direction toward the second basin member 282 to abut and interlock the connecting

edges

340, 341 together.

The engagement between the tongue 350 and the side wall 362 may limit movement of the first basin member 280 relative to the second basin member 282 in a direction perpendicular to the engagement direction. For example, engagement of the tongue 350 within the slot 360 along the

base plates

290, 310 may limit movement of the first basin member 280 relative to the second basin member toward or away from the top panel 120 of the luggage case 102. Additionally or alternatively, engagement of the tongue 350 within the slot 360 along portions of the first and/or

second side walls

300, 320, 302, 322 may limit movement of the first basin member 280 relative to the second basin member 282 toward or away from the side panels of the luggage case 102.

The joining direction may be generally parallel to the bottom panel 122 of the luggage case 102, depending on the particular application. In these examples, the engagement between the connecting

edges

340, 341 of the first and

second basin members

280, 282 may limit movement of the first basin member 280 relative to the second basin member 282 in a direction perpendicular to the bottom panel 122 of the luggage case 102. The tongue and groove arrangement shown in fig. 7 is shown only diagrammatically, and the connecting

edges

340, 341 may include other complementary shapes and configurations that form corresponding overlapping or interlocking structures when the luggage article 100 is closed. The connecting

edges

340, 341 can abut and interlock in a variety of configurations that limit vertical and lateral movement of the first basin member 280 relative to the second basin member 282. For example, the connecting

edges

340, 341 may abut and interlock along the

base

290, 310, along the first and

second sidewalls

300, 302, 320, 322, and along the corners between the base and sidewalls. In some examples, the connecting

edges

340, 341 may abut and interlock only along the

base

290, 310 and the first and

second sidewalls

300, 302, 320, 322. Alternatively, the connecting

edges

340, 341 may abut and interlock only along at least a portion of the

substrates

290, 310.

With continued reference to fig. 7, the connecting

edges

340, 341 of the first and

second basin members

280, 282 can be held together in engagement using the locking mechanism 210. For example, engagement of the locking mechanism 210 may limit disengagement of the connecting

edges

340, 341, such as limiting movement of the connecting

edges

340, 341 away from each other. In some examples, engagement of the locking mechanism 210 may pull and/or place the connecting

edges

340, 341 together, such as by applying a compressive force across the engagement structure. For example, the latch mechanism 210 may be arranged, e.g., sized and shaped, such that engagement of the latch mechanism 210 compresses or otherwise moves the connecting

edges

340, 341 of the first and

second basin members

280, 282 into tight engagement. The connecting

edges

340, 341 may remain engaged and interlocked until the latch mechanism 210 is released or disengaged. For example, once the locking mechanism 210 is released, the connecting

edges

340, 341 may be disengaged by selective movement of the first basin member 280 away from the second basin member 282.

Fig. 6 is a partial side view of the frame structure 260 showing the support assembly. FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view illustrating the interlocking engagement between opposing members of the support assembly. Referring to fig. 6 and 8, the frame structure 260 may include a support assembly 380, the support assembly 380 restricting the deflection of the rear panel 112 of the luggage case 102 toward or away from the bottom panel 122 of the luggage case 102. As shown in fig. 3, the frame structure 260 may include a pair of support assemblies, such as a first support assembly 382 adjacent the left panel 124 of the luggage case 102 and a second support assembly 384 adjacent the right panel 126 of the luggage case 102. In these embodiments, the first support member 382 may span the separation line 160 along the left panel 124. The second support assembly 384 may span the separation line 160 along the right panel 126. Although illustrated as including a pair of support assemblies, the article of luggage 100 may include more or less than two support assemblies, depending on the particular application. For ease of reference, the following description refers to a single support assembly. Each

support assembly

382, 384 may be configured in a similar manner or in a different manner.

Referring to fig. 6 and 8, the support assembly 380 may span the separation line 160 when the item of luggage is in the closed configuration and allow the first and second case halves 150, 152 of the luggage case 102 to move to the open configuration. For example, support assembly 380 may include a first portion 390 having one or more elements positioned on one side of line of separation 160 and a second portion 392 having one or more elements positioned on the other side of line of separation 160. As explained more fully below, the first and

second portions

390, 392 on opposite sides of the separation line 160 may be joined to one another at the separation line 160 or across the separation line 160 when the article of luggage 100 is closed. When the article of luggage 100 is opened, the first and

second portions

390, 392 can be disengaged to allow selective movement of the first half shell 150 away from the second half shell 152. As shown, the first portion 390 of the support assembly 380 may be connected to the first basin member 280, such as to one of the sidewalls of the base plate 290. In a similar manner, second portion 392 of support assembly 380 may be coupled to second basin member 282, such as to one of the sidewalls of base plate 310. In some examples, the support assembly 380 may define the first and

second sidewalls

300, 302, 320, 322 of the first and

second basin members

280, 282. For example, the sidewalls of the first and

second basin members

280, 282 may provide the support features of the support assembly 380 described herein.

As shown in fig. 6, the support assembly 380 may include a first column 400 extending from the first basin member 280 adjacent the split line 160 and a second column 402 extending from the second basin member 282 adjacent the split line 160. For example, first and

second posts

400, 402 may extend upwardly and toward the top panel 120 of the luggage case 102 from the first and

second basin members

280, 282, respectively. The first and

second columns

400, 402 may abut one another along the separation line 160 when the item of luggage 100 is in the closed configuration. Depending on the particular application, the first and

second pillars

400, 402 may abut one another along the separation line 160 along the left panel 124 and/or the right panel 126 of the luggage case 102. In some examples, the first and

second pillars

400, 402 may abut one another across the separation line 160 along other panels of the luggage piece 102 (such as along at least a portion of the bottom panel 122 of the luggage piece 102).

The first and

second beams

400, 402 may abut each other in a variety of arrangements. For example, as shown in fig. 8, the first and

second posts

400, 402 may be interlocked together in a manner similar to the connecting

edges

340, 341 of the first and

second basin members

280, 282. For example, the first and

second posts

400, 402 may include abutting

edges

410, 411, the abutting

edges

410, 411 having shapes that may fit together and form corresponding overlapping or interlocking structures, such as tongue and groove structures. Depending on the particular application, the abutting

edges

410, 411 of the first and

second columns

400, 402 may interlock along the entire length of the first and

second columns

400, 402, along a single portion of the first and

second columns

400, 402, or along more than one portion of the abutting

edges

410, 411 of the first and

second columns

400, 402. In this manner, the connecting

edges

340, 341 of the first and

second basin members

280, 282 can be considered to extend along the abutting

edges

410, 411 of the first and

second beams

400, 402.

Referring to fig. 6, support assembly 380 may include other elements that provide rigidity to first and

second beams

400, 402. For example, the support assembly 380 may include a first bracket 418, the first bracket 418 being connected to the first column 400 and the first basin member 280 and extending between the first column 400 and the first basin member 280. As shown, the first bracket 418 may be connected to and extend between a distal portion of the first post 400 and a portion of the first basin member 280 adjacent the front panel 110. The first bracket 418 may be integrally formed with the first basin member 280 and/or the first column 400 or coupled to the first basin member 280 and/or the first column 400, depending on the particular application.

In some examples, the support assembly 380 may include a third post 424 extending from the second basin member 282 adjacent the back panel 112. As shown, the third post 424 may be defined as a portion of a mount 430 provided at a rear corner of the bottom tray assembly 270 for mounting the rotating wheel assembly. Like the second post 402, the third post 424 may extend upward from the second basin member 282 and toward the top panel 120 of the luggage case 102. The support assembly 380 may also include a second bracket 434, the second bracket 434 being connected to the second and

third posts

402, 424 and extending between the second and third posts 420, 424. For example, second bracket 434 may be connected to and extend between the distal end portions of second post 402 and third post 424, although other configurations are also contemplated. The second bracket 434 may be a separate element coupled to the second and

third posts

402, 424 or may be integrally formed with at least one of the second and

third posts

402, 424.

Support assembly 380 may include any number of brackets to provide a desired stiffness to support assembly 380. For example, the support assembly 380 may include a third bracket 440 in addition to, or instead of, the first bracket 418 and/or the second bracket 434, the third bracket 440 being connected to the second column 402 and the second basin member 282, and extending between the second column 402 and the second basin member 282. As shown, a third brace 440 may be connected to and extend between a distal portion of second column 402 and a portion of second basin member 282 adjacent to back panel 112. In some examples, the third bracket 440 may be connected to a mount 430 of a swivel wheel assembly disposed at a rear corner of the bottom basin module 270. The third bracket 440 may be a separate element with respect to at least one of the second column 402, the second basin member 282, and/or the stand 430 of the rotating wheel assembly, or may be integrally formed with at least one of the second column 402, the second basin member 282, and/or the stand 430 of the rotating wheel assembly.

With continued reference to fig. 6, the support assembly 380 may provide a rigid structure between the first basin member 280 and the rear panel 112 of the luggage case 102. For example, the first and

second brackets

418, 434 may collectively define a rigid brace structure 450 between the first basin member 280 and the rear panel 112 of the luggage case 102 when the article of luggage 100 is closed. In this manner, the support assembly 380 may limit movement of the rear panel 112 toward or away from the first basin member 280, such as folding of the rear panel 112 toward or away from the bottom panel 122, thereby providing torsional rigidity to the luggage article 100 along an axis extending along the intersection between the rear panel 112 and the bottom panel 122 of the luggage case 102. The brace structure 450 may be linear or curvilinear along its length. In one example, such as shown in fig. 6, the brace structures 450 may extend at an angle to the bottom panel 122 of the luggage case 102. For example, the brace arrangement 450 may be inclined toward the bottom panel 122 from adjacent the rear panel 112 to adjacent the front panel 110. More specifically, the support assembly 380 may taper from the back panel 112 to the front panel 110 across the separation line 160.

Referring to fig. 3-5, the frame structure 260 may include a rear frame 500, the rear frame 500 being attached to the bottom tray assembly 270 and extending from the bottom tray assembly 270. In one example, the back frame 500, which may be considered as a side panel frame 272, extends vertically from the bottom tray assembly 270, although other positional configurations are contemplated as described below. The rear frame 500 may extend from a rear portion of the bottom tray assembly 500. For example, the rear frame 500 may extend from a location adjacent one or more rear corners of the bottom tray assembly 270. In one example, the back frame 500 can be attached to the second basin member 282 and extend away from the second basin member 282. In these examples, the rear frame 500 may be positioned along at least a portion of the periphery of the rear panel 112, such as including one or more elements extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the rear panel 112. In some examples, the rear frame 500 may be positioned adjacent a periphery of the rear panel 112, such as at an edge of the rear panel 112, or at a location spaced apart (e.g., inboard) from the edge of the rear panel 112. In these examples, the rear frame 500 may bias the top panel 120 away from the bottom panel 122 by tensioning the rear panel 112 outward and creating tension in the rear panel 112.

In one example, the rear frame 500 may include a pair of spaced apart elongated members (e.g., a first elongated member 510 and a second elongated member 512) connected to the bottom tray assembly 270 and extending from the bottom tray assembly 270. The first and second

elongated members

510, 512 may be linear or curvilinear along their respective lengths, such as to provide a desired shape to the luggage case 102. As shown, the first and second

elongated members

510, 512 may extend away from the bottom tray assembly 270 to define an angle between the elongated members and the bottom tray assembly 270. For example, the first and second

elongated elements

510, 512 may extend (e.g., vertically) from the bottom tray assembly 270 to define a 90 ° angle between the bottom tray assembly 270 and the first and second

elongated elements

510, 512, although other angular arrangements between the bottom tray assembly 270 and the first and second

elongated elements

510, 512 are also contemplated, including less than 90 ° or greater than 90 °, depending on the particular application.

To couple the rear frame 500 to the bottom tray assembly 270, the proximal ends 520 of the first and second

elongated elements

510, 512 may be coupled to the bottom tray assembly 270 and/or the respective support members 200. The proximal ends 520 of the first and second

elongated elements

510, 512 may be secured to the bottom tray assembly 270 in a variety of configurations. For example, the proximal end 520 may be secured to the bottom tray assembly 270 by adhesives, fasteners, heat or ultrasonic welding, corresponding retaining features, or the like. In one example, the proximal ends 520 of the first and second

elongate elements

510, 512 may be interference fit within portions of the bottom basin module 270. In particular, the proximal ends 520 of the first and second

elongate elements

510, 512 may be received in corresponding slots or cavities defined in the bottom tray assembly 270. In these examples, the proximal ends 520 of the first and second

elongate members

510, 512 can be circumferentially sized to be larger than the slots in which the elongate members are received, thereby frictionally engaging the first and second

elongate members

510, 512 within the bottom tray assembly 270. In some examples, the first and second

elongated elements

510, 512 may be integrally formed with at least a portion of the bottom tray assembly 270, such as at least a portion of the second tray member 282.

In some examples, the first and second

elongated members

510, 512 may be coupled to respective rotating wheel assemblies, such as in the same manner described above. For example, the first and second

elongate members

510, 512 may be coupled to one or more mount portions 530 of the respective rotating wheel assembly. The first and second

elongated elements

510, 512 may be separate elements secured to the support base portion 530, such as by adhesives, fasteners, heat or ultrasonic welding, corresponding retaining features, or the like. In some examples, the first and second

elongated elements

510, 512 may be integrally formed with the support portion 530. The seat portion 530 may be coupled to the bottom tray assembly 270 in a similar manner, such as by adhesives, fasteners, heat or ultrasonic welding, corresponding retaining features, and the like. The seat portion 530 may also be integrally formed with at least a portion of the bottom tray assembly 270.

With continued reference to fig. 3-5, the rear frame 500 can include a cross frame member 540 that couples the distal ends of the first and second

elongate members

510, 512 together. The cross frame member 540 may be defined as one element or more than one element. In some embodiments, the cross frame member 540 may be defined as one or more elements with other structures of the article of luggage 100, such as with at least a portion of the towing handle 224, a bezel structure, the luggage case 102, or any combination thereof. For example, towing handle 224 may include an upper support 550 positioned distally of bottom tray assembly 270. The upper support 550 may form a bezel that is attached to the luggage case 102 and may be positioned at the distal end of one or more tubes 240, such as spanning between a pair of tubes 240 of the tow handle 224. In these examples, the cross frame member 540 may include a pair of frame elements 560 connecting the distal ends of the first and second

elongated elements

510, 512 to an upper support 550 of the towing handle 224. As shown, the back panel 112 can include corner members 568 connecting the frame member 560 to the distal ends of the first and second

elongated members

510, 512. Each corner member 568 may be curvilinear and may be integrally formed with the elongate member and/or the frame member 560.

The rear frame 500 may be formed of various materials and means. For example, the frame elements 560 of the first elongated element 510, the second elongated element 512, and the cross frame member 540 may be pultruded to provide a lightweight feature to the frame structure 260. In addition, the pultrusion process may provide a composite structure of the rear frame 500, the rear frame 500 of such a structure being quite strong for its weight. The frame elements 560 of the first elongated element 510, the second elongated element 512, and the cross frame member 540 may include a diameter ranging between about 5mm to about 10mm (preferably between about 6mm to about 8 mm), although other sizes are contemplated depending on the size, weight, and/or strength requirements of the frame structure 260.

Fig. 9 is an isometric view illustrating the article of luggage 100 in a folded configuration. Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the item of luggage 100 in its additional folded configuration. As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the first half shell 150 may be at least partially received in the second half shell 152 to reduce the overall size of the item of luggage 100 for storage. For example, once the locking mechanism 210 is sufficiently disengaged, the connecting

edges

340, 341 of the first and

second basin members

280, 282 can be disengaged and the first basin member 280 moved away from the second basin member 282 (see fig. 5). Once the first basin member 280 is disengaged from the second basin member 282, the first half 150 of the luggage case 102 may be at least partially positioned within the second half 152. For example, the first basin member 280 may be positioned at least partially within the second cassette half 152. In one example, such as shown in FIG. 10, the first basin member 280 may be folded into the second half 152 and stacked on top of the second basin member 282 to fold the item of luggage 100. As shown in fig. 10, the first basin member 280 may be folded toward the top panel 120 and positioned at least partially within the second carton half 152, such as the first carton half 150 being folded along or adjacent to the intersection between the front panel 110 and the bottom panel 122. Depending on the particular application, the first basin member 280 may be stowed or rolled into the second box half 152 such that the swivel wheel assemblies connected to the first basin member 280 and the swivel wheel assemblies connected to the second basin member 282 extend in generally opposite directions, although other arrangements are contemplated. Additionally or alternatively, the fabric material of the first carton half 150, such as at least the fabric material of the front panel 110, may be folded, gathered, rolled, or otherwise compressed and positioned at least partially within the second carton half 152. In these examples, the first basin member 280 may be stowed or rolled under the front cover material and positioned in the second carton half 152. Since the frame structure 260 in the first half box 150 is positioned only within the bottom portion of the first half box 150, compression of the fabric material of the first half box 150 may occur substantially at the top portion of the first half box 150.

The article of luggage 100 may be formed from a variety of materials and means. For example, the frame structure 260 may be formed from thermoplastic (self-reinforced or fiber-reinforced), ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, and/or PE, among others. In some examples, the first and second

elongated members

510, 512, the frame member 560, and/or one or more tubes 240 of the towing handle 224, etc. may be extruded from aluminum or other similar metals. Additionally, the first and second

elongated elements

510, 512 and/or the frame element 560 may be formed from fiber reinforced epoxy, resin, or other similar materials. The frame structure 260 may be formed or molded in any suitable manner, such as by plug molding, blow molding, injection molding, extrusion molding, casting, and so forth. As mentioned above, the article of luggage 100 may be formed from a softside material and/or a hardside material. The softside material may be nylon, canvas, polyester, leather, PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene and/or PE, among others. The hardfacing material can be thermoplastic (self-reinforced or fiber reinforced), ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, and/or PE, among others.

All relative and directional references (including: upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, side, above, below, front, middle, rear, vertical, horizontal, etc.) are given by way of example only to aid the reader in understanding the specific examples described herein. They are not to be read as requirements or limitations, especially as to position, orientation, or use, unless explicitly recited in a claim. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, coupled, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connected element and relative movement between such elements. Thus, unless expressly stated in the claims, a connection reference does not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship to each other.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the presently disclosed examples provide teachings by way of example 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 invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. An article of luggage comprising:

first and second box halves defined by front, rear, top, bottom, left and right panels, the first and second box halves being hingedly connected together at a line of separation, the first and second box halves being movable between a closed configuration in which the first and second box halves abut one another so as to define a substantially enclosed space, and an open configuration in which the first box half is pivoted away from the second box half so as to allow a user to access the enclosed space;

a latch mechanism releasably securing the first and second half shells together in the closed configuration along at least a portion of the separation line; it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

a split bottom tray assembly comprising a first tray member supporting the bottom panel portion of the first half shell and a second tray member supporting the bottom panel portion of the second half shell, each of the first and second tray members comprising a connecting edge;

wherein the connecting edges of the first and second basin members are joined and locked together at the separation line when the article of luggage is in the closed configuration to form a secure bottom structure; and

wherein the connecting edges of the first and second basin members remain engaged using the locking mechanism.

2. The article of luggage of claim 1, wherein,

each of the first and second tray members including one or more side walls extending from an outer periphery of a base panel, the connecting edge of each tray member extending along at least a portion of the front edge of the base panel; and

the side walls of the first and second basin members extend partially along the sides of the first and second half-shells, respectively, such that the basin members comprise a generally U-shaped cross-section.

3. The article of luggage of claim 2, wherein the first and second tray members are interlocked together at the separation line along first and second planes, the second plane being angularly spaced from the first plane.

4. The item of luggage of claim 2 or 3, wherein one or more side walls of the first tray member interlock with one or more side walls of the second tray member.

5. An item of luggage as claimed in claim 2 or 3, in which the first and second tray elements each comprise first and second side walls on opposite side edges of the base panel.

6. An item of luggage as claimed in claim 2 or 3, in which the luggage further comprises a support assembly which limits deflection of the rear panel towards the front panel, the support assembly crossing the separation line and allowing the first and second halves to move to the open configuration when in the closed configuration.

7. The article of luggage of claim 6, wherein the support assembly comprises:

a first post extending from the first basin member adjacent the separation line; and

a second leg extending from the second basin member adjacent the separation line,

wherein the first and second columns abut each other along the separation line on the left or right panel when the item of luggage is in a closed configuration.

8. The article of luggage of claim 7, wherein the article of luggage further comprises:

a third post extending from the second basin member adjacent the back panel; and

a first bracket connected to and extending between the distal end portion of the first column and the portion of the first basin member adjacent the front panel.

9. The article of luggage of claim 8, wherein the article of luggage further comprises a second brace connected to and extending between the distal end portions of the second and third pillars.

10. The article of luggage of claim 7, wherein the support assembly further includes a third bracket connected to and extending between the distal end portion of the second column and the portion of the second basin member adjacent the rear panel.

11. The article of luggage of claim 6, wherein the article of luggage further comprises:

a first support assembly spanning the separation line along the left panel; and

a second support assembly spanning the separation line along the right panel.

12. An item of luggage as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, in which the first half-shell is foldable into the second half-shell when the locking mechanism is disengaged.

13. The article of luggage of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting edges of the first and second tray members are interlocked together between the left and right panels along the entire width of the bottom of the article of luggage.

14. An item of luggage as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, in which the connecting edges of the first and second tray members are interlocked by a tongue and groove arrangement.

15. An article of luggage according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a tow handle along the rear panel, the tow handle comprising one or more tubes attached to the second basin member.