EP3364812B1

EP3364812B1 - Luggage article with an external compartment

Info

Publication number: EP3364812B1
Application number: EP16784919.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Reinhard Meersschaert
Original assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings SARL
Current assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings SARL
Priority date: 2015-10-22
Filing date: 2016-10-21
Publication date: 2021-01-06
Anticipated expiration: 2036-10-21
Also published as: EP3364812A2; KR20180072739A; HK1256175A1; CN108135338B; AU2016341395A1; CN108135338A; JP2018531117A; WO2017068172A2; WO2017068172A3; CA3002737A1; CN206760992U; US20180263345A1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to luggage cases and, in particular, wheeled generally rectangular suitcases.

BACKGROUND

Luggage cases typically provide an internal volume for storing user contents within the luggage. During travel or when quick access is needed, it is difficult to access the major internal volume of a luggage case. The difficulty is related to sorting through the bulk of the contents contained within the internal volume to obtain the desired contents. Additionally, opening the lid or shell portion to the contents of the internal volume is difficult in many circumstances, such as confined spaces or even on the floor. Also, while it is recognized that side pockets may be provided on the exterior of certain luggage cases, these are frequently insufficient in size or geometry. The pockets also tend to be located on the vertical sides the luggage case (when in an upright position), which may not be readily accessible as they are positioned lower on the luggage and away from the pull handle.
Luggage cases, or suitcases, can be contrasted with other types of luggage and bags. In particular such luggage suit cases now conventionally include one or more pairs of wheels on their bottom edges and are typically more rigid and with a structure defining a rectangular storage volume as compared to more amorphously structured bags such as backpacks/rucksacks.
Documents that may be related to the present disclosure in that they include various approaches to luggage compartments include PCT Pub. No. WO2014/097337A1 , U.S. Pub. No. 2005/0284717 , PCT Pub. No. WO2014/177863A1 , GB2512089 , U.S. Pub. No. 20150027833 , U.S. Pub. No. 20140166416 , European Pat. No. 2630889 , U.S. Pat. No. 7374071 , U.S. Pat. No. 5526907 , and U.S. Pat. No. 5526907 . These proposals, however, may be improved.
It is therefore desirable to provide an improved luggage case and, in particular, an improved luggage compartment that provides easy access for a user without opening the main internal volume of luggage, and without having to access inconveniently-placed side pockets, that addresses the above-described problems or which more generally offers improvements or an alternative to existing arrangements.

SUMMARY

According to the present disclosure there is, therefore, a luggage case provided as described in the specification and accompanying claims. The luggage case described herein provides an improved location of a compartment structure, which may simplify and improve access to contents stored within the luggage case. The luggage case may have a primary internal storage compartment, and an improved secondary compartment divided from the primary compartment and located on a top face (also "wall") of the luggage case. The secondary compartment is separated from the primary compartment by one or more walls or panels. By positioning the secondary storage compartment on a top face of the luggage case, and at least separating the two storage volumes, the user is afforded convenient access to the contents of the secondary compartment without having to access the primary compartment or pockets formed on the side faces (also "walls"). Where the secondary compartment is positioned on the top wall of the luggage case, the user does not have to reach down as far, nor manipulate a securement mechanism without a clear view to open a pocket on a side face. Preferably the secondary compartment is proximal to the carry handle and pull handle utilized to transport the luggage case in order to be convenient for the user to open, close, access, and utilize. The secondary compartment is collapsible so as to reduce the amount of space it takes up inside the primary internal storage compartment.
The present disclosure in particular provides a luggage case that may include a bottom portion having wheels. The luggage case may also include front and rear opposing major walls, with the rear major wall housing a pull handle and side opposing minor walls connecting the front and rear opposing major panels. The luggage case may further include a top wall positioned opposite the bottom portion with the bottom portion, top wall, minor walls and major walls defining a major internal volume. At least one of the top wall or the side minor walls may include an aperture opening to a compartment operable for storage that is separate from a housing that stores the pull handle.
The present disclosure in particular provides a luggage case that includes a housing defining a major internal storage compartment. The housing includes a bottom portion having a bottom wall and wheels, a plurality of side walls, and a top wall opposite the bottom wall. The housing may operably open up to provide access to the major internal storage. The top wall may define an aperture having a plurality of edges. One edge may form a hinge with a cover panel that allows access through the aperture into a recessed secondary smaller storage compartment. The hinge may be operable to allow the cover panel to move relative to the top wall. The recessed compartment may be operable for storage of user articles and is divided from the major internal storage compartment. In one alternative, the compartment extends into the major internal storage compartment. The plurality of side walls forming the housing may include opposing major front and rear walls. The rear major wall may include a pull handle. Opposing minor side walls may extend between the opposing major front and rear walls.
In one embodiment, the front wall may form an access to the major internal compartment by forming a hinge with one minor side wall and connecting to the other minor side wall with a releasable fastener. In an alternate embodiment, one of the minor side walls and the top and bottom walls may include a separable seam forming separate portions of each of the minor side wall, the top wall, and bottom wall. The other minor side wall may include a hinge connecting separate portions thereby forming a clamshell type housing. Clamshell type housings may be beneficially made of hard side material and provide for a structure some users prefer for transporting goods during travel.
In accordance with various embodiments, the at least one edge, or alternatively a plurality of edges, may define the aperture to the compartment and in one example the at least one or the plurality of edges follow parallel with the perimeter of the top wall. The compartment may extend into the major internal storage compartment from the top wall of the luggage case. A fastener comprising a zipper may releasably secure the cover panel to the top wall and attaches at least one edge of the cover panel to the top wall. The cover panel may overlay between 30% to 50% of the top wall to provide for varying size of recessed compartments. The cover panel hinge may be located on the side of the top wall proximal to the major front wall or proximal with the rear major wall to allow for more convenient access based on a user's position relative to the luggage case. The top wall and the bottom wall may be formed at least partially of a hard shell material and at least part of one of the minor walls or major front and back walls is formed at least partially of a soft sided material, forming a hybrid structure. Hybrid structures are sometimes preferred because they allow for structural variety in forming the case, and for a variety of performance characteristics (localized weight differences, localised abrasion resistance, localized strength aspects), and flexibility in the appearance of the luggage case.
In accordance with various embodiments, the aperture may be formed in the hard shell material with the secondary smaller storage compartment extending towards the bottom wall of the case from the aperture. The cover panel may be comprised of a material that is more flexible than the hard shell material. The secondary smaller storage compartment may be collapsible. The secondary smaller storage compartment may include a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels with the bottom panel formed from a material with greater rigidity than the plurality of side panels. The plurality of side panels may form the secondary smaller storage compartment are attached to the top wall around the edges of the aperture.
In many examples, the secondary recessed compartment may be formed by a sack or bag made of flexible material and aligned with the aperture, such as by being coupled ((secured)) at least partially around the edges of the aperture, and collapsible to a small volume. The secondary recessed compartment may extend into the primary compartment.
In accordance with various embodiments, the plurality of side panels may be operable to fold in on themselves to reduce the size of the compartment to match its contents, or to reduce the volume it takes up in the primary compartment. The connection between first side panel and the bottom panel may fold towards the top wall. The bottom panel may fold toward a second side panel until the bottom panel is substantially parallel with the second side panel. The first side panel may fold toward the aperture to the secondary smaller storage compartment until the first side panel is substantially parallel with the top wall. The secondary smaller storage compartment may include a bracing panel, which connects to the bottom panel and extends to the rear major wall of the luggage case such that the bracing panel biases the compartment so that the compartment collapses towards the back wall.
In accordance with various embodiments, a frame structure may be included in the luggage case, and a portion of the frame structure extends along the intersection between at least any two adjacent panels. This frame configuration enhances the strength of the luggage case. Additionally or alternatively, a portion of the frame portion may include a side frame for supporting a minor side face (also "wall") of the luggage case about its periphery. These frame structure options enhance the manufacturing, strength, and weight of at least soft sided or hybrid luggage cases.
In accordance with various embodiments, where the luggage case is at least partially constructed of soft sided material, an external rim structure may extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of the top wall. This external rim structure provides additional strength to the top wall of the luggage case, and may enhance the abrasion resistance of parts of the luggage case, as well as provide a desirable appearance .
In accordance with various embodiments, a handle assembly may be positioned at least partially in a recessed region formed at least partially in said top wall, the handle assembly including a carry handle, the carry handle mounted within the recessed region to at least pivotally move between a retracted position and an operative position. This configuration of handle assembly concentrates the forces for lifting and carrying the luggage case by the carry handle into the area of the luggage case already structurally enhanced for use with the pull handle. This can reduce the cost of construction by creating a single component to assemble both the carry handle and pull handle into the luggage case. It also reduces the need to reinforce or strengthen the top wall of the luggage case to support the suspended weight of the luggage case because the luggage case is not lifted from a central portion of the top wall or panel, and is instead lifted from the bezel structure, which is tied to the frame and existing reinforcements for use with the pull handle.
According to various embodiments of the luggage case, the may be constructed at least partially of soft sided material, and include a rear major wall including a pull handle, and a major front wall that forms an access panel to the internal compartment.
According to various embodiments, the luggage case including a secondary compartment, the luggage case may be constructed of soft side material wherein the bottom portion is made at least partially of hard side material or has a relatively rigid bottom structure to support the luggage case and wheels.
According to various embodiments of the luggage case including a secondary compartment, the luggage case may be constructed at least partially of hard side material, wherein the rear major wall includes a pull handle, opposing minor side walls extending between the opposing major front and rear walls, and wherein at least one of the minor side walls and the top and bottom walls include a separable seam forming separate portions of each of the minor side wall, the top wall, and bottom wall, wherein the other minor side wall includes a hinge connecting the separate portions to form a clamshell type housing.
According to various embodiments, the luggage case including a secondary recessed compartment may include sidewalls formed from soft side material and hard side material to define a hybrid construction.
In another example, a luggage case includes a housing defining a major internal storage compartment, and also includes a bottom portion having a bottom wall and wheels, a plurality of side walls, and a top wall, having a perimeter, opposite the bottom wall, the top wall including an aperture defined by at least one edge or alternatively a plurality of edges. The luggage case also includes a recessed compartment coupled to the top wall and generally aligned with the aperture, the recessed compartment being at least partially collapsible within the major internal storage compartment, and includes a cover panel selectively covering the aperture to selectively allow access through the aperture into the compartment, wherein the recessed compartment may be at least partially divided from the major internal storage compartment.
Alternatively in this example, the top wall may be formed at least partially of a rigid frame portion. The rigid frame portion may include a rim extending at least partially around a peripheral portion of the top wall to at least partially encompass the recessed compartment. Further in this example, the top wall may include a front edge portion, a rear edge portion, and opposing side edge portions, and where the rim extends along at least a portion of each of the three edge portions or alternatively extends along at least portions of the opposing side edges, or alternatively the rim frames the recessed compartment on at least two sides. The rigid frame portion and the rim may be covered by material, or may be external to the material and exposed. The rigid frame portion may provide additional strength to the luggage case generally, and specifically to the top wall of the luggage case. Where externally exposed, the rigid frame portion may enhance the abrasion resistance for portions of the luggage case.
Further in an example, the recessed compartment may extend into the major internal storage compartment from the top wall of the luggage case.
Further in an example, the recessed compartment extends towards a bottom wall of the luggage case from the aperture formed in the top wall of the luggage case.
Further in an example, the plurality of side panels forming the recessed compartment are attached to the top wall at or near the edges of the aperture.
Further in an example, the plurality of edges defining the aperture are parallel with the perimeter or peripheral edge portions of the top wall.
In a further example, a fastener releasably secures the cover panel to the top wall and attaches at least one edge of the cover panel to the top wall.
In yet another example, the recessed compartment includes a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels with the bottom panel formed from a material with greater rigidity than the plurality of side panels. Further to this example, in one embodiment the plurality of side panels are operable to fold in on themselves.
In another example, the recessed compartment includes a bracing panel which couples the bottom panel and a selected one of the side walls of the luggage case such that the bracing panel biases the recessed compartment so that the recessed compartment collapses towards the selected one of the side walls.
In another example, the plurality of side walls forming the housing of the luggage case includes opposing major front and major rear walls, opposing minor side walls extending between the opposing major front and rear walls, and wherein a hinge may be formed between the cover and the top wall, and the hinge may be located on the top wall proximal to the major front wall or on the top wall proximal to the major rear wall, to allow differing access to the compartment based on the position of the hinge.
In another example, at least one of the plurality of side walls of the luggage case and the top wall may be formed at least partially from soft sided material.
In another example, a frame structure may be included in the luggage case and a portion of the frame structure extends along the intersection between at least one intersection of any two adjacent walls.
In another example, an external rigid rim structure extends around at least a portion of the perimeter of the top wall.
In another example, the luggage case including a compartment may also include a handle assembly positioned at least partially in a recessed region formed at least partially in the top wall, the handle assembly including a carry handle and an extendable pull handle. The carry handle may be at least pivotally mounted within the recessed region to move between a retracted position and an operative position. Further to this example, an extendable pull handle having a hand grip may be coupled in the recessed region. Further to this example, the recessed region may be formed in a bezel structure positioned adjacent a rear edge of the top wall.
In another example, an external rim extends along the rear edge of the top wall, and the recessed region may be formed in the rim, which optionally may be external. Forming the recessed region in the external rim may reduce or eliminate the need to have a separate bezel structure on the luggage case.
In another example, the carry handle includes a grip portion and at least one arm portion extends from the grip portion, the at least one arm portion may be pivotally coupled in the recessed region, and wherein the grip portion may be movable between at least a first position proximal to the top wall and a second position distal to the top wall and accessible by a user.
Further to this example, the at least one arm portion may be angled relative to the top wall in at least one position. Further to this example, the at least one arm portion may be pivotally coupled to a side wall at least partially forming the recessed region. Further to this example, the grip portion may be positioned in alignment with the hand grip of the pull handle or out of alignment with the hand grip of the pull handle. Further this example, the at least one arm portion may extend from the grip portion and comprise first and second arms extending from the grip portion and be spaced apart.
Also in this example, the carry handle may be biased to the first position.
In yet another example, a luggage case includes a housing defining a major internal storage compartment, and includes a bottom portion having a bottom wall and wheels, a plurality of side walls, and a top wall having a perimeter, the top wall being opposite the bottom wall and including an aperture defined by at least one edge or a plurality of edges, and a recessed compartment coupled to the top wall and generally aligned with the aperture, the recessed compartment being at least partially divided from the major internal storage compartment and extending at least partially into the major internal storage compartment, a cover panel selectively covering the aperture to selectively allow access through the aperture into the compartment, and a carry handle pivotally coupled in a recessed region positioned at least partially on the top wall.
Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure. One of skill in the art will understand that each of the various structure, aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances, even where such structure, aspects and features may be described or disclosed as an assembly or specific component structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures in which components are not necessarily drawn to scale, which are presented as various embodiments of the disclosure and should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the disclosure, characterized in that:

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a luggage case having a closed compartment;
Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of a luggage case having an open compartment;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a luggage case that has both the major internal compartment open and the secondary smaller compartment open;
Fig. 4 is a top view of the luggage case of claim 1;
Fig. 5 is a side cross sectional view of the luggage case of Fig. 2 taken along section line A-A shown in Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a detailed view of the cross section of Fig. 5 taken at view B shown in Fig. 5 with the compartment shown in the first position as shown in Fig. 4; and
Fig. 7 is a detailed view of the cross section of Fig. 5 taken at view B shown in Fig. 5 with the compartment in a second position shifted from the position shown in Fig. 5.
Fig. 8 is a top perspective view of an example of a luggage case having a carry handle fastened to the cover panel of the closed compartment.
Fig. 9 is an enlarged partial view of the luggage case of Fig. 8 with the cover panel partially opened to reveal the container portion.
Fig. 10 is a top view of the luggage case of Fig. 8 showing the frame structure.
Fig. 11 is a rear perspective view of the luggage case of Fig. 8 showing the frame structure.
Fig. 12 is a top view of another example of a luggage case having a structural rim formed around a portion of the periphery of the top wall of the luggage case, with the top compartment closed.
Fig. 13 is a top perspective view of the luggage case of Fig. 12 with the cover panel in an open position to reveal the container portion.
Fig. 14 is an example of the luggage case of the present disclosure including a pivoting carry handle.
Fig. 15 is an example of the luggage case of Fig. 14 with the pivoting carry handle in an extended position.
Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of the bezel of the luggage case of Figs. 14 and 15, with the pivoting carry handle in an extended position in solid line, and in a retracted position in dashed line.
Fig. 17 is a top view of another example a luggage case having a structural rim formed around a portion of the periphery of the top wall of the luggage case, with the top compartment closed.
Fig. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the luggage case of Fig. 17.
Fig. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the handle assembly of the luggage case of Fig. 17 with the carry handle in the operative position.
Fig. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the handle assembly of the luggage case of Fig. 17 with the carry handle in the retracted position.
Fig. 21 is a perspective view of another example a luggage case having a structural rim formed around a portion of the periphery of the top wall of the luggage case, with the top compartment closed.
Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the luggage case in Fig. 21 with the top compartment open.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The luggage case described herein provides an improved compartment structure, which may simplify and improve access to contents stored within the luggage case. The luggage case may have a primary internal storage compartment, and a secondary compartment, divided from the primary compartment, located on a top face of the luggage case. The secondary compartment is separated from the primary compartment by one or more walls or panels. By positioning the secondary storage compartment on a top face of the luggage case, and separating the two storage volumes, the user is afforded convenient access to the contents of the secondary compartment without having to access the primary compartment or pockets formed on the side faces. Preferably the secondary compartment is proximal to the carry handle and pull handle utilized to transport the luggage case.
Referring to Fig. 1, a luggage case 10 may include any of a variety of luggage having a primary internal storage compartment 15 (see Fig. 5) defining a relatively large volume and being operable for storage of sundry items. The luggage case 10 may also define a secondary compartment 100, also referred to as a recessed compartment, on an upper portion of the luggage case 10, such as a top wall 20, with the secondary compartment 100 defining a separate minor volume from the primary storage volume, which may extend into the primary internal storage compartment 15. The luggage case 10 may have a housing structure 12 in a variety of shapes and sizes, including but not limited to a generally cuboid or parallel-piped housing structure 12. The luggage case 10 may also be structured as any other shape defining a primary internal storage compartment for storage. As shown in the various figures, the luggage case 10 may be a vertical or upright-type case having a width and depth being less than the height. The luggage case 10 may include a panel or wall 50 that acts as a lid 52 and is selectively openable along a hinge 19 using closure mechanism or fastener 55 to allow access to primary internal storage compartment 15 through access 17. The fastener 55 may include one or more of a zipper, buckles, snaps, hook and loop system, buttons, or any like fastener. As shown in Figs. 1-5, the fastener 55 may be a zipper, which extends around a plurality of sides of the panel. While the specific luggage case 10 illustrated in each of the figures is depicted with an access panel, (shown herein, by way of example as front panel 50) forming a door, openable by a zipper attachment 55 to gain access to the primary internal storage compartment 15. An example of this embodiment shown with an open access panel is illustrated in Fig. 3. Also shown separately in Fig. 3 is an example of an open secondary compartment 100 thereby illustrating an example of the divisions between the primary or major internal storage compartment 15 and the secondary compartment 100. In this example, and the other examples described and shown herein, the compartment 100 (also referenced as 218 below) is positioned inside the luggage case, and is recessed underneath the side wall on which the compartment 100 is configured (see Fig. 5). In another alternative example, the compartment 100 may also be formed at least partially external to the side wall on which the compartment 100 is configured, which would maintain the benefit of keeping articles accessible for a user, but would not be fully contained within the housing structure of the luggage case
In other embodiments the luggage case 10 may have a clam shell structure, where one of the clam shells forms the lid. Accordingly, the housing 12 may include opposing major front and rear walls 50, 60, one of the minor side walls and the top and bottom walls include a separable seam 55 forming separate portions of each of the side walls and the top wall 20 and bottom wall 70. One minor side wall (e.g. wall 40) may include the hinge 19 connecting the separate portions thereby forming a clamshell type housing when closed, the clam shells form the primary internal storage compartment 15. Other designs may also benefit from the disclosure provided herein and a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand the applicability of the disclosure herein to other luggage designs.
Referring to Figs. 1-5, the luggage case 10 includes a housing structure 12, and includes opposing minor side walls 30, 40 defining its width, front and back major walls 50, 60 defining its depth, and top and bottom opposing walls 20, 70 defining its height. Together the walls define the primary internal storage compartment 15. The bottom wall 70 may be configured as in Fig. 5 to include wheels 80, rests, or the like, and operate as the primary bottom platform when the luggage case 10 is in an upright position. In this orientation, the compartment 100 may remain on an upper portion of the luggage case 10, such as the top wall 20 when the luggage is in the upright position.
The compartment 100 may be accessible through aperture 102 formed in top wall 20. The aperture 102 may have at least one edge, or may have a plurality of peripheral edges 115 defining a recess in the top wall 20. The plurality of peripheral edges 115 may follow parallel with the perimeter of the top wall such that the aperture and the top wall have similar shapes. The interior volume of the compartment 100, forming the container portion 105, may be defined by one or more internal walls. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the one or more internal walls may include rear wall 150, a front wall 160, opposing end walls 130, 140, and a bottom wall 120, each attached to an adjacent wall along a respective edge. Each of the sidewalls 130, 140, 150, and 160 define a top edge. The top edge of the one or more walls may be engaged with top wall 20, such as an inner surface 22 of the top wall 20, to secure and suspend the compartment 100 from the top wall 20. The engagement of the top edges of the one or more walls may generally align with peripheral edges 115 of aperture 102. The one or more walls (e.g. 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160) of the compartment 100 define a container portion 105 having a volume or recess, and separate the secondary compartment 100 from the major internal storage compartment 15 of the luggage case 10. In one example, the panels 150 and 120 are connected at attachment point 122. The aperture 102 edge 115 along the top wall 20, the top wall 110, and the panel 150 may be connected at attachment point 152 forming hinge 112. The panels 120 and 160 may be connected at attachment point 124. The attachment point 156 may connect panel 160 to top portion 20.
Regarding the compartment 100 or 218 (as referenced in examples described below), the plurality of peripheral edges may form one continuous edge having the shape of a rectangle, square, circle, half-circle, oval, or other desired shape of the opening. The walls 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160, in one example, may be continuous or separate, or separate and secured together to be continuous. In another example, the top edges of the walls making up the recessed compartment (100 or 218) need not be secured to the edge or plurality of edges forming the aperture in the top wall. Instead, the walls making up the compartment 100 or 218 may be coupled (directly or indirectly) to other portions of the top wall spaced away from the edge or edges forming the aperture, or may be coupled to other walls of the luggage case.
The walls 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160 may be planar or curved, and may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible, and made of a single layer of fabric, a laminate of fabrics and foam, or even a plastic sheet material. One or more of the walls 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160 may divide the smaller secondary storage compartment 100 from the main storage volume. The walls are connected together with the top edges of the side walls connected to and extending from the peripheral edge of the aperture 102. The compartment 100 may have a defined shape or the compartment 100 may be amorphous in shape. In an alternative example, the compartment 100 may have fewer walls connected together, or even a single wall having a sack type structure forming the recess of the container portion 105 and separating it from the primary internal compartment 15. Some embodiments may have fewer panels than others. In such embodiments, fewer attachment points may be present. As an example, in embodiments having side panels 130, 140 in the compartment 100, those side panels 130, 140 may have attachment points with the adjacent panels such as panel 120, 150, 160, or top portion 20. In embodiments without side panels 130, 140, no such attachment points are provided. In embodiments with the compartment 100 having an amorphous shape, the compartment may be formed of a single or multiple panels in such a way that the compartment has an undefined but flexible shape similar to a sack.
The aperture 102 is selectively covered by a cover panel 110. The cover panel 110 may be a door, a lid, a flap, a panel, or any type of movable cover operable to separate the container portion 105 from the exterior environment. In a first position of the cover panel 110, the recess formed by the compartment 100 is accessible (see e.g. Figs. 2-7). In a second position of the cover panel 110, the recess formed by the compartment 100 is covered by the cover panel 110 (see e.g. Fig. 1), thereby at least partially enclosing the compartment 100 and its contents. The cover panel 110, in this example, is a flexible panel having long side edges (running parallel with the front and back walls 50, 60) and opposing short side edges (running parallel with side walls 30, 40). Each of the side edges of the cover pane 110 generally aligns with peripheral sides 115 of aperture 110. The cover panel 110 may be pivotably attached along one side 112 of the aperture 102 by a living hinge, or by a separate hinge structure (e.g. a hardware style hinge). One or more of the other side edges of cover panel 110 may be separably attached to adjacent edges of the aperture 102. The separable attachment may include a securement mechanism 118, such as a zipper. Other types of fasteners may be used as well including, buckles, snaps, hook and loop, buttons, etc. The fastener 118 may selectively engage edges of cover panel 110 with edges 115 of aperture 102 to secure the cover panel 110 over the aperture 102. When the cover panel 110 is open, the cover panel 110 may be secured in the open position by a fastener such as a hook and loop fastener. In other embodiments, the cover panel 110 may be a hard sided panel formed by a plastic injection mold or plug mold or the like. The cover panel 110 may connect to the top wall 20 and or the compartment panels similarly to the soft sided panel discussed above.
As illustrated in Figs. 6-7, the compartment 100 is collapsible. For example, the internal side walls (e.g. 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160) may be sufficiently flexible to allow the compartment 100 to collapse or the connection points (e.g. 156, 122, and 124) between the internal side walls (e.g. 120, 150, and 160) may be sufficiently flexible to allow the walls to fold or pivot relative to one another and allow the compartment 100 to collapse. The compartment 100 may be collapsible under the forces applied to the compartment 100 by the articles stored in the primary internal compartment 15. Alternatively, the compartment may be collapsed by the user prior to packing, and held in the collapsed position by a fastener, such as a snap, strap, or hook and loop fastener. The flexibility of these internal sidewalls allows for the compartment 100 to be expanded when it is desirable to use the compartment and to be collapsed when it is not desirable to use the compartment. Collapsing the compartment 100 maximizes the volume of the major internal storage compartment 15, when the use of the compartment 100 is not desirable. Whereas, expanding the compartment 100 maximizes the internal volume of compartment 100 and provides a separate useable space separated from the major internal compartment 15.
The ability of the panels (e.g. 120, 150, and 160) to pivot relative to their respective adjacent panels is shown in detail in Figs. 6-7. Both Figs. 6 and 7 depict a detailed view of the cross section A-A of Fig. 5 taken at view B shown in Fig. 5, with the difference being that Fig. 6 shows the compartment 100 in an expanded position and Fig. 7 shows the compartment 100 in a collapsed position. In one example, each attachment point 152, 156, 122, and 124 may be similarly flexible, for example, forming a living hinge. The panels 120, 150, and 160 can fold in on themselves allowing the compartment to collapse or expand. In one example, as shown in Fig. 6, the panels 150 and 120 can fold upwardly along paths C as shown. Panel 120 is able to fold toward panel 160. Panel 150 is able to fold toward the opening in the compartment until panel 150 is substantially parallel with the top wall 20. This collapsed position is illustrated in Fig. 7. From here, the panels 150 and 120 can expand back out in the opposite direction along paths C shown in Fig. 7. During collapse, the side panels 130, 140 may fold over or buckle back on themselves as shown by example of the fold line 132.
In alternative examples, the compartment 100 may be comprised of rigid or semi-rigid internal walls. In this example, the one or more internal walls of the compartment may hold their form thereby limiting the ability of the compartment 100 to collapse. Rigid internal walls may be molded in fixed shape.
In various examples, the compartment 100 may be generally supported from the aperture 102. Additional features may be present to maintain the position of the compartment 100. For example, a brace 170 may extend from the bottom of the compartment (e.g. the bottom panel 120) to one or more of the various walls defining the major internal storage compartment 15 of the luggage case 10. The brace 170 may be any structure such as straps, threads, hardware, etc. that may connect to one or more portions of the compartment 100 to restrain its movement. In one example, attachment point 124 may also connect a bracing panel 170 to panels 120 and 160. The bracing panel 170 may be connected to a sidewall such as the rear panel 60 via an attachment point 132. In one example, specifically in embodiments having a hard shell top potion 25, the attachment point 132 may be located at a seam between the sidewall 60 and the top portion 25. The bracing panel 170 may bias the compartment 100 relative to at least one of the sidewalls such as panel 60 shown in Figs. 5-7. This bias may result in the compartment 100 only being able to collapse toward the rear panel 60.
In addition to the compartment 100, the top wall 20 may include one or more handles. For example, a carry handle 90 and/or a pull handle 92 may form parts of the top wall 20. The compartment 100 may be positioned between the two handles. The top carry handle 90 may occupy the area of the top 20 that is not otherwise occupied by the compartment 100. For example, the top carry handle 90 may be biased towards one of the side panels and away from the centerline of the luggage. Each of the handles 92 and 90 may be positioned such that they do not interfere with the opening of the compartment 100. In some embodiments, the carry handle 90 may be attached directly to the compartment 100 so that if the cover panel 110 is unfastened the handle 90 can be used to open the compartment 100 and when the cover panel 110 is fastened, it can be used to lift the luggage. The luggage case 10 may also include a side carry handle on a side panel.
In accordance with the examples shown in Figs. 1-7, the luggage case 10 may be of soft-side, hard-side, or hybrid construction. One or more of the sidewalls 30, 40, 50, and 60 may be formed of both soft and hard side construction to form a luggage case with hybrid construction. The top wall 20 and or the bottom wall 70 may generally be hard sided with portions of soft material such as the handle 90 or cover panel 110. The hard sided portions may be formed of thermoplastic or other type of hard sided material, and may be injection molded, plug molded, vacuum molded, or formed in other manners. The soft side portions may be made of flexible material, and may be one or more layers thick, and may include some stiffening panels for general shaping. The compartment 100 may be positioned on a sidewall having hybrid construction, or may be positioned on a sidewall having soft side construction, or may be positioned on a side wall having hard side construction.
As shown in the Figs. 1-2, the top wall 20 of luggage case 10 may be made of a hard side construction, forming a rigid frame portion, and which may in one example extend over the edges or shoulders and down a portion of the sidewalls 30, 40, and 60, all together forming a top portion 25 of the luggage case. The hard-shelled top portion 25 may include the aperture 102 formed therein with the compartment 100 located within the aperture 102. The sides of the top portion 25 may be operable to be attached to the sidewalls 30, 40, and 60. The hard-shelled portion provides sufficient strength and rigidity allowing for the formation of aperture 102 without sacrificing the overall rigidity of the luggage case 10. In other embodiments, one or more of the sidewalls 30, 40, 50 and 60 may made of a fabric or similar soft sided material with the bottom wall 70 and adjacent portions are made of a hard sided material (e.g. injection molded plastic) sufficient to support the rest of the luggage case 10 and wheels 80. Other elements of the case may also be formed of hard material such as an injection molded plastic including tow handle 92, handle housing, braces, rods, skeleton, and similar structural features.
In various examples, the towing handle 92 may be located within a housing 95 on or proximal to the rear panel 60. The housing 95 may be located as part of either or both the top wall 20 and the rear wall 60. The aperture 102 may be separate and apart from any aperture or access to the housing 95 for the pull handle 92.
In various other embodiments, the compartment 100 may be located on any sidewall of the luggage case 10, such as the sidewalls 30 or 40. However, locating the compartment 100 on the top of the luggage case 10 allows for quick access by the user, especially during transport of the luggage case 10 in its upright position. The aperture 102 may take up the entire area of the top wall 20 or it may take up only a fraction of this area. The aperture 102 may occupy greater than 10% of the top wall 20. In one particular embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1-4, the panel 110 may cover more than 50% of the area and positioned between the handle 90 (which occupies some remaining portion of the area) and the pull handle 92 that is located proximal to the back wall 60. The aperture 102 may be between 20% to 60% of the top wall 20 area, or preferably between 30% to 50% of the top wall 20 area, or more preferable about 50% of the top wall 20 area.
The cover panel 110 may open in any direction. For example, the hinge 112 may be located on the side of the top portion 20 adjacent to a tow handle 92 such that the panel 110 opens away from the tow handle 92. In one embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1-2, the hinge 112 may be located on the top portion 20 adjacent to the center line or carry handle 90 of luggage case 10. In another embodiment, the hinge 112 may be located adjacent to the access panel 50 and open toward the pull handle 92. While the compartment 100 is depicted as a cuboid with the panel 110 having four sides, it is appreciated that the compartment may be any shape or size. Likewise, panel 110 may be any shape or size, such as in one example having three or more separate sides, or having two sides, or having at least one curved edge
As indicated above, the container portion 105 may have a minor internal volume that is separate from the internal volume of storage compartment 15 by at least the bottom panel 120. The bottom panel 120 may be structured in variety of manners. For example, as described above, the bottom panel may be suspended from the top of the luggage by one or more panels (e.g. 130, 140, 150, or 160). Alternatively, the bottom panel 120 may extend from two or more of the sidewalls of the luggage case e.g. 30, 40, 50, and 60. A combination of these two approaches may also be applied in which the bottom panel is suspended on one side from the luggage case 10 side panel (e.g. panel 60) and on another side from a panel (e.g. panel 150) suspended from the top portion 20 of the luggage case 10. In some examples, the compartment 100 may be only partially enclosed forming an incomplete barrier between the compartment 100 and the major internal storage compartment 15. For example, the ends of the compartment 100 proximate to sidewalls 30 and 40 may not be enclosed, i.e. panel 170 may be absent. In this way there may be some minor opening between the container portion 105 and the major internal storage compartment 15. Alternatively, one or more of the sidewalls of the compartment 100 may be selectively disconnected from adjacent sidewalls or the bottom in order to allow some access to the primary compartment through the compartment 100.
Each of the various attachments points may be formed by any known processes or structures. Examples, of such processes and structures include, sewn seams, hardware (e.g. hinges, fasteners, etc.), adhesives, or the like forming the connections at the various attachment points. In some examples, each of the panels may be formed continuously (i.e. few or no attachment points) such as through a molding process, or as a single piece of fabric.
The various panels of the recessed compartment 100 may be formed out of many types of materials, such as natural or artificial fabrics, polymers, composites, etc. In one example, one or more of the panels 150, 160, 170, or 140, as applicable, may be formed from a flexible fabric. The various panels may each be formed from different materials as well. For example, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the bottom panel may be more ridged than the side panels. One of a variety of methods of accomplishing this is by providing a foam interior in the bottom panel. The foam interior may make the bottom panel 120 more ridged than the side fabric panels (e.g. panels 160 or 150). The added rigidity of the bottom panel 120 may keep the side panels separated providing a structure to the container portion 105 within the compartment 100. In some examples, one or more of the side panels (e.g. 150, 160, 170, or 140) may be formed of more than one layer of fabric. For example, the side panel extending between connection point 152 and 122 may comprise two layers of fabric 154 and 150. Multiple layers may add strength without significantly effecting flexibility.
The luggage case formed with a soft side structure is shown in further detail in Figs. 8, 9, 10, and 11. Similar to the luggage case shown in Figs. 1-5, the luggage case 200 includes a housing structure 202 having a primary internal storage compartment, and includes opposing minor side walls 204, 206 defining its width, front and back major walls 208, 210 defining its depth, and top and bottom opposing walls 212, 214 (Fig. 11) defining its height. The bottom wall 214 may include a bottom structure 215 (Fig. 11) to support the attachment of spinner type wheels, trolley wheels, or other types of wheels 217. The pull handle 92 includes tubes 217 that are coupled to the bezel structure 240 and extend along the rear face and couple with respective collars 219 on the bottom structure 215. The tubes 217 may be extendable or telescopic tubes allowing the hand grip 221 to extend and retract. The coupling of the tubes in this configuration further strengthen the frame for handling the load of pulling the luggage case on its wheels. Together these walls define the primary internal storage compartment 216. The walls of the soft side luggage case may be made of flexible material, and may include one or more layers, and may include one or more stiffening panels for general shaping and structure. Additionally, a soft side luggage shell may include an internal frame, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11.
Additionally, as with the luggage case shown in Figs. 1-7, a compartment 218 may be accessible through opening or aperture 220 formed in top wall 212 and having a cover portion, also referred to as cover panel, 222 movable about a hinge area 224 between a closed position (Fig. 8) and an open position (Fig. 9). In this example, the hinge area comprises a living hinge, which may be formed of the material, or other similar material, of which the cover panel 222 is made. The compartment 218 is defined internally and extends into the primary storage compartment, similarly to examples provided above for compartment 15 of Figs 1-7. The cover panel 222 is secured to the edges 226 of the opening 220 by a releasably securable mechanism, 225 such as a zipper structure or hook-and-loop fastener, or the like.
A carry handle 228 (shown in dash) may optionally be secured to the cover panel 222 in Fig. 8 to allow a user to lift and maneuver the luggage case when in an upright orientation. In this configuration, the cover panel 222 may be secured to the top wall 212 by a releasably securable mechanism 225 sufficiently strong to withstand the stresses of the luggage case being lifted by the carry handle, such as a zipper structure.
The soft side construction of the luggage case shown in Figs. 8-11 may include a frame structure 230, best shown in Figs. 10 and 11. The frame structure may be positioned at least partially within the luggage case, and generally extends along the perimeter of the luggage case, which may be defined by the intersection of any two adjacent sidewalls. The frame structure may extend along only a portion of any two adjacent side walls. The frame structure may include a wire frame 232 formed around the periphery of each of the side walls 204, 206, each forming a respective side frame 233. The front edge of each side wall 204, 206 is coupled to a respective side edge of the front major wall 208, and the rear edge of each side wall 204, 206 is coupled to a respective edge of the rear major wall 210. The bottom end of each side wall 204, 206 is coupled to the structure 215 of the bottom wall 214. The top end of each side wall 204, 206 is coupled to a respective end of the top wall 212. The frame structure 230 may generally be formed about the peripheral region of the top wall 212 so as to allow access to the compartment 218 through cover panel 222.
Continuing with Figs. 10 and 11, a pulltrusion member 234 extends along the front edge of the top wall 212, at or near its intersection with the front major wall 208, to provide strength in that region. A connector 236 is coupled to the wire frame 232 of each side wall 204, 206 for receipt of and coupling with a respective end of the pulltrusion 234, which helps connect the side frames together to help stiffen the entire frame structure 230. Each connector 236 is positioned at or near a corner bend of the wire frame 232.
Along the rear edge of the top wall 212, at or near its intersection with the rear major wall 210, a separate pulltrusion member 238 extends from a connector 236 at each side frame 233 to a central bezel structure 240 that receives the pull handle, such as pull handle 92 of Figs. 1 and 2. Together, the two pulltrusion members 238 and the central bezel structure 240 are coupled together to attach side frames 233 together across the intersection of the top wall 212 and the rear major panel 210 to further stiffen the frame 230. A sheet 239 of stiffening material, such as polypropylene board, extends from a top region of the rear major wall 210 and over the interface between the top wall 212 and the rear major wall 210 to cover a portion of the top wall 212. The end of the sheet 239 may be formed at or near the rear edge of the compartment 218. The sheet 239 is coupled with the soft side panels forming the rear major wall 210 and the top wall 212, to help provide stiffness to the areas over which the sheet 239 extends. The sheet 239 may be coupled to the frame structure also.
A further example of a luggage case incorporating a compartment 218 is shown in Figs. 12 and 13, with similar structure as the example shown and described in Figs. 8-11, and having similar reference numerals where convenient. In this example the luggage case is a hybrid luggage case, having a combined construction of both soft side materials and hard side materials. The top wall 212 may be formed at least partially of a relatively rigid frame portion 243, which couples with the frame structure 230. The frame portion 243 may be partially or fully covered by the soft side material of the top wall 212, or may be partially or fully external to the soft side material of the top wall 212. In this example, the frame portion 243 includes a relatively rigid rim structure 242, which may be formed around at least a portion of the periphery 241 of the top wall 212, and is coupled with the frame structure 230. In this example, the rim 242 is external, and extends around the section of the periphery 241 formed by the opposing short edges of the top wall 212, and along the rear edge at the intersection of the top wall 212 and the rear major side 210. In this configuration, the free ends of the rim 242 may also extend over a portion of the front edge at the intersection of the top wall 212 and the front major side 208 and down along the vertical edges of the front major side 208 a desired amount. The rim 242 may be positioned around more or fewer portions of the periphery of the top wall 212, including the entirety of the top wall 212. The rim 242 may also extend continuously or discontinuously around all or a portion of the periphery 241. Since the compartment 218 is positioned in the central portion of the top wall 212, the extension of the rim 242 around the compartment 218 is generally the same as the extension of the rim 242 around the periphery of the top wall 212 . The rim 242 may be relatively flush with the top wall 212, below flush relative to the top wall 212, or may protrude above the top wall 212, for example forming an elongated, raised rib or ribs. The compartment 218 is at least partially framed by the rim 400. The rim 242 of Figs. 12 and 13 may be formed of plastic, metal or other material, or a combination, so as to be relatively rigid. The rim 242 provides additional stiffening to the frame structure 230, as well as specifically adding strength to the top wall 212 of the luggage case 200, and including around the periphery 241. The rim 242 may also provide enhanced abrasion resistance for the regions of the luggage case covered by the rim 242. This additional stiffening and strengthening afforded by the rim may make the use of the carry handle 228 coupled to the panel 222 of the compartment 218 more convenient. As used herein, the term "periphery" or "perimeter" is intended to include a peripheral region or perimeter region of the outer extent of the structure described. For instance, the periphery of the top wall 212 includes the actual geometric periphery of the top panel, as well as a region adjacent to and inset from the geometric periphery of the top wall 212.
In another example, such as shown in Figs. 14-16, a luggage case includes a selectively openable compartment 218 positioned on top wall 212, and also includes a handle assembly 260 mounted in a recessed region 262 positioned in the top wall 212 of the luggage case. In this example, the luggage case is similar to that shown and described with respect to Figs. 8-11, and similar structures may be denoted by similar references numbers. In many instances, the handle assembly 260 is positioned to extend out from and retract at least partially into the recessed region 262. The recessed region 262 may be formed on soft sided, hard sided, hybrid, or other types of luggage cases, and be positioned at least partially or entirely in the top wall 212. In many examples, such as Figs. 14-16, the recessed region 262 is formed by a housing structure 264, which in one example is a bezel structure 266, secured to the luggage case, for instance at or near the intersection of the top wall 212 and the rear major side 210. The handle assembly 260 as shown in Figs. 14-16 may include an extendable pull handle 268 and a carry handle 270, or only a carry handle 270, each of which may be at least partially coupled to a portion of the recessed region 262, and in one example to a portion of the bezel structure 266. The extendable pull handle 268 may be mounted along the rear wall of the luggage case, and may also be coupled with the bottom portion of the luggage case, as described with respect to Fig. 11 above. The carry handle 270 may be at least partially mounted within the bezel structure 266 so as to pivot relative to the luggage case between a retracted position and an operative position.
In the retracted position (Fig. 14), the carry handle 270 is positioned so as to allow access to the extendable pull handle 268. In the operative position, the carry handle 270 may be pivoted to extend generally upright relative to the top wall 212 of the luggage case and allow a user to grasp the carry handle 270 to lift the luggage case. Additionally, the carry handle 270 may be movably coupled with the bezel structure 266 alone without the pull handle 268. In various examples, the bezel structure 266 may be a molded plastic insert positioned at an interface of a rear major side 210 and a top wall 212 of the luggage case. Optionally, the handle assembly 260 may be secured to the luggage case without the use of a bezel structure 266. The handle assembly may include the pivoting carry handle 270 individually, the extendable pull handle 268 individually, or both the pivoting carry handle and the extendable handle.
In some examples, and with reference to Fig. 16, the carry handle 270 may include a central grip portion 272 and at least one arm portion extending from the grip portion 272. The at least one arm portion may include first and second arms 274, extending from, at or adjacent to opposing ends of the elongated grip portion 272. The elongated grip portion 272 includes a top surface 276 and a bottom surface 278, with the top surface 276 including less of a contour, and which contour may have a generally planar or flat shape, than the bottom surface. The width of the grip portion 276 and each of the arms 274 is defined by an inner 280 edge and an outer 282 edge. The outer 282 edge of each arm 274 is shorter than the inner edge 280 of each arm 274 because the grip portion 272 extends between the arms 274 with the top surface 276 at an angled position relative the length of each arm 274. The top 276 of the grip portion 272 faces away from the luggage case in the retracted position. Each arm 274 may include a coupling feature to couple with a corresponding coupling feature 284 located in the bezel structure 266 to create a pivotal coupling between the carry handle 270 and the bezel 266. The coupling feature 284 on each of the arms 274 may include an outwardly extending boss 286, and the corresponding coupling feature on the bezel may include an aperture 288 to rotatably receive the boss 286. In this example, the apertures 288 each rotatably couple with a corresponding boss 286 to form a pivot structure and rotatably couple the carry handle 270 to the bezel structure 266. As shown best in Fig. 16, the terminal ends 290 of the arms 274 are attached to the opposing sidewalls 292 of the bezel structure 266, above a bottom wall 293 of the bezel structure, and below a top peripheral edge 294 of the bezel structure 266, which in one example aids the handle in creating a low profile relative to the top wall 212 of the luggage case when in the retracted position. The location of the coupling features may be moved within the bezel structure, both fore and aft, as well as vertically, if desired.
In one example, the carry handle 270 may be moved at least between a retracted position (shown in dash in Fig. 16) and an operative position (shown in solid in Fig. 16). In the retracted position, the bottom surface of the grip portion engages the periphery of the bezel structure 266, which also overlies and movably couples the grip portion to the top wall 212 of the luggage case. In this position, much of length of the arms 274 extend at an angle to the top wall 212 of the luggage case, and are largely received in the recessed region 262 of the bezel structure 266. The grip portion 272 extends above the top wall 212 of the luggage case a small amount, with the top surface 276 of the grip portion 272 extending generally parallel with the top wall 212 of the luggage case to define a relatively low profile. The top surface 276 may also be at an angle to the top wall 212 of the luggage case, or may extend further away from or closer to the top wall 212 of the luggage case and still be considered to maintain a low profile. In the retracted position the grip portion 272 is positioned relative to the top wall 212 of the luggage case to both create a low profile, almost flush position relative to the top wall 212 to reduce accidental catching and snagging of the carry handle. The position of the grip portion 272 when retracted also allows a user to access and engage the grip portion 272 and move it to an operative position. In the operative position shown in Fig. 16, the carry handle 270 extends nearly directly upwardly relative to the bezel, with the arms 274 each in a generally vertical position (see Fig. 14). In the operative position, the top surface 276 of the grip portion 272 is angled relative to the top wall 212 of the luggage case, and away from the luggage case towards the rear major side 210 (e.g. outwardly). In this orientation, a user may grasp the grip portion 272 with her palm engaging the grip portion 272. The carry handle 270 may rotate further away from the top wall 212 of the luggage case, such as in one example to contact the lower peripheral edge 294 of the recessed region 262. The carry handle 270 may be biased towards the retracted position by a biasing member, such as a spring, configured to create a retraction force when the carry handle is moved from the retracted position to an operative position. The biasing member helps keep the carry handle in the retracted position, with the low profile, when not in use.
As the carry handle 270 pivots between the retracted and operative positions, the arms 274 pivot about the pivot axis 296 defined by the pivot structure formed by the engagement of the arm 274 and the opposing sidewalls 292 of the bezel. The coupling feature (e.g. aperture 288) of the bezel structure 266 may be laterally positioned in a variety of locations ranging from adjacent the open side of recessed region 262 to adjacent the back wall 298 of recessed region 262. The lateral location may adjust the location of the carry handle 270 relative to the center of gravity of the luggage case. Additionally, the coupling feature of the bezel structure 266 may be vertically located between the peripheral rim 294 of the bezel structure 266 and the floor of the bezel structure 266. Separately or together, the lateral and vertical location of the coupling feature affects the position of the pivot axis 296 of the carry handle. The axis of rotation of the carry handle 270 as defined by the axis 296 may be positioned such that the handle 270 is approximately in line with the pull handle 268 and/or the path of extension of the pull handle 268 defined when the carry handle 270 is positioned in its fully extended position.
The pivot axis 296 of the carry handle 270, being defined by the pivot structure, may be positioned in the bezel structure 266 as noted above. In one example, the axis of rotation 296 is positioned to be substantially in or near the plane defined by the extension of the pull handle 268. The axis of rotation 296 may be positioned so as to pass through the fully retracted hand grip of the pull handle 268, or may be positioned to extend above the fully retracted hand grip of the pull handle 268. In this position, the carry handle 270 is able to pivot around the pivot axis 296 such that in the upright extended position, as shown in Fig. 16, the carry handle 270 extends above and generally in line with the pull handle 268.
A further example of a luggage case 200 incorporating a compartment 218 is shown in Figs. 17, 18, 19, and 20, with similar structure as the example shown and described in Figs. 8-11, and in Figs. 12 and 13, and having similar reference numerals where convenient. In this example the luggage case is a hybrid luggage case, having a combined construction of both soft side materials and hard side materials. In this example, the luggage case 200 includes a secondary compartment 218, a top wall 212 which may be formed at least partially by a relatively rigid frame portion 380 that couples with the frame structure 230, and a handle assembly coupled within a recessed region positioned at least partially on the top wall 212. The frame portion 380 may be partially or fully covered by the soft side material of the top wall 212, or may be partially or fully external to the soft side material of the top wall 212. In this example, the frame portion 380 includes a relatively rigid rim 400, which may be formed around at least a portion of the periphery 241 of the top wall 212, and is coupled with the pulltrusion members 234 of the frame structure 230. The rim 400 may extend a distance down the side walls and front and rear major walls. The rim 400 may extend continuously or discontinuously around the periphery, and may be exposed around the entire periphery or only a portion of the entire periphery, as described below. The rim 400 may be relatively flush with the top wall 212, below flush relative to the top wall 212, or may protrude above the top wall 212, for example forming an elongated, raised rib or ribs. The rim 400 of Figs. 17-20 may be formed of plastic (such as by press form molding or injection molding), metal or other material, or a combination, so as to be relatively rigid. The rim 400 provides additional stiffening to the frame 230, as well as specifically adding strength to the top wall 212 of the luggage case 200. The rim 400 may also provide improved abrasion resistance for the portions of the luggage case protected by the rim structure. The frame structure 230, in this example and the other examples, may include pulltrusions, wire frame structures, hard sided members, or other components; all in combination or sub-combinations as needed.
The rim 400 includes a main body 406 which may in turn include a front portion 408, rear portion 410, and opposing side portions 412 and 414, that each generally align with a respective one of the front major wall 208, rear major wall 210, and opposing side walls 204 and 206, of the luggage case 200. A corner region 416 is formed between adjacent portions 408, 410, 412, and 414, and each corner region 416 generally aligns with the corners or vertical edges formed by the intersection of adjacent front and rear major walls 208, 210 and opposing side walls 204, 206. The rear portion 410 and opposing side portions 412 and 414 are typically external to the soft side material, and thus may be exposed. The portions 408, 410, 412 and 414 define a central recess 424. The front portion 408 may be covered by soft side material and so may not be exposed, as is shown in Figs. 17 and 18, or alternatively the front portion 408 may be external to the soft side material. Also alternatively, the front portion 408 may not be included in the main body 406 of the rim 400.
The external portions, for instance in this example, portions 410, 412, and 414, of the main body 406 define an outer surface 418, a top surface 420, and an inner surface 422. The outer surfaces 418 of each exposed portion are generally aligned, for instance are generally in the same plane as, the respective major wall 210 or opposing side wall 204, 206. The inner surfaces 422 of each exposed portion form a wall surrounding the central recess 424. The central recess 424 is deeper at its rear edge 425 adjacent the rear major wall 210, and less deep at its front edge 427 adjacent front major wall 208, and in this example tapers or slopes upwardly from the rear edge 425 to the front edge 427. Soft side material forms the surface of the top wall 212 inside the central recess, and may be coupled, such as by stitching in one example, to the rim 400. The compartment 218 is formed in the top wall 212 within the central recess 424. The cover panel 222 is secured around its periphery by a selectively releasable mechanism, such as a zipper or hook-and-loop fastener, to allow selective access to and closure of minor compartment. The cover panel 222 may fold about a hinge located generally adjacent the rear edge of the central recess, or alternatively may be located generally adjacent the front edge of the central recess, or alternatively may be located generally adjacent to either of the two opposing side edges of the central recess 424. The compartment 218 is at least partially framed by the rim 400.
A recessed region 426 may be formed at least partially on the top wall 212 of the luggage case, and in this example the recessed region may be formed in the rear portion 410 of the rim 400, with the recessed region 426 including at least opposing sidewalls 428, and a bottom wall 430. The handle assembly, recessed region and bezel structure are similar to that shown and described with respect to Figs. 14-16, and common reference numbers may be used for common features. The rear portion 410 of the rim 400 forming the recessed region 426 may be referred to as a bezel structure 436 (also referred to elsewhere as a housing structure 264). A handle assembly, in this example including a carry handle 432 and a pull handle 434, may be at least partially coupled to a portion of the recessed region 426 as described below. The opposing side walls 428 may or may not be parallel to one another, and may have a shape that is defined by the profile of the transitions between the outer surface 418, top surface 420, and inner surface 422. The profile in this example is generally triangular, but may also be other geometric or non-geometric shapes. In this example no back wall is shown in the recessed region, however a back wall is alternatively included where desired, which may extend in general alignment with the inner surface 422 of the rear portion 410. The bottom wall 430 may include a lower recessed section 431 providing access to a user's hand to grasp the pull handle 434.
The extendable pull handle 434 may be mounted along the rear wall 210 of the luggage case, and may also be coupled with the bottom portion of the luggage case, as described with respect to Figs. 8-11 above. The carry handle 432 may be at least partially mounted within the bezel structure 436 so as to pivot relative to the luggage case between a retracted position and an operative position, again having structure similar to that shown and described relative to Figs. 14-16.
In the retracted position shown in dash in Fig. 18, the carry handle 432 is positioned so as to allow access to the extendable pull handle 434. In the operative position, shown in solid in Fig. 18, the carry handle 434 may be pivoted to extend generally upright relative to the top wall 212 of the luggage case and allow a user to grasp the carry handle 434 to lift the luggage case.
The carry handle 432, pull handle 434, and bezel structure 436 may include the same or similar structural features and related functions as described with respect to the example shown and described in Figs. 14, 15, and 16.
In one example, the carry handle 432 may be moved at least between a retracted position (shown in dash in Fig. 18, and in Fig. 20) and an operative position (shown in solid in Fig. 18, and in Fig. 19). In the retracted position in Fig. 20, the carry handle 432 may extend into the central recess 424, and may overly the top wall 212 of the luggage case. The carry handle 432 in this position may lie flush with or below the top surface 420 of the rim 440. In the retracted position, the bottom surface of the grip portion 438 overlies and movably couples the grip portion 438 to the top wall 212 of the luggage case. In this position, much of length of the arms 444 extend along the top wall 212 of the luggage case, and are at least in part received in the recessed region 426 of the bezel structure 436. The grip portion 438 extends relative to the recessed region in a manner so as to define a relatively low profile. The top surface 442 of the grip 438 may also be at an angle to the top wall 212 of the luggage case. In the retracted position the grip portion 438 is positioned relative to the top wall 212 of the luggage case to both create a low profile, almost flush position relative to the top wall 212 to reduce accidental catching and snagging of the carry handle. The position of the grip portion 438 when retracted also allows a user to access and engage the grip portion 438 and move it to an operative position.
In the operative position shown in solid in Fig. 18 and in Fig. 19, the handle 432 extends nearly directly upwardly relative to the bezel structure 436, with the arms 444 each in a generally vertical position. In the operative position in Fig. 19, the top surface 442 of the grip portion 438 is angled relative to the top wall 212 of the luggage case, and away from the luggage case towards the rear major side 210 (e.g. outwardly). In this orientation, a user may grasp the grip portion 438 with her palm engaging the grip portion 438. The handle 432 may rotate further away from the top wall 212 of the luggage case, such as in one example to contact the lower peripheral edge 446 of the recessed region 426. The carry handle 432 may be biased towards the retracted position by a biasing member, such as a spring, configured to create a retraction force when the carry handle is moved from the retracted position to an operative position. The biasing member helps keep the carry handle in the retracted position, with the low profile, when not in use.
As the carry handle 432 pivots between the retracted and operative positions about pivot axis 448 defined by the pivot structure 450 formed by the engagement of the arm 444 and the opposing sidewalls 428. Again, as noted above relative to the example described with respect to Figs. 14-16, the lateral and vertical location of the coupling feature on the opposing sidewalls 428 affects the position of the pivot structure 450, which changes the location of the pivot axis 448 of the carry handle. The axis of rotation of the carry handle 432 as defined by the axis 448 may be positioned such that the carry handle 432 is approximately in line with the pull handle 434 and/or the path of extension of the pull handle 434 defined when the carry handle 438 is moved to its fully extended position.
In one example, the axis of rotation 448 is positioned to be substantially in or near the plane defined by the extension of the pull handle 434. The axis of rotation 448 may be positioned so as to pass through the fully retracted hand grip of the pull handle 434, or may be positioned to extend above the fully retracted hand grip of the pull handle 434 (as shown in solid in Fig. 18). In this position, the carry handle 438 is able to pivot around the pivot axis 448 such that in the upright extended position, as shown in solid Figs. 18 and 19, the carry handle 432 extends above and generally in line with the pull handle 434.
Additionally, as with the luggage cases shown and described for the other examples, compartment 218 may be accessible by opening the cover panel 222 by disengaging the securable mechanism 225 (e.g. a zipper) and folding the cover panel 222 about the hinge 224. The compartment 218 is defined internally, similarly to examples provided above, for example with respect to compartment 105 of Figs 1-7.
Figs. 21 and 22 show another example of a luggage case 500 incorporating a secondary compartment 218. In this example the luggage case 500 is a hybrid luggage case, having a combined construction of both soft side materials and hard side materials. In this example, the luggage case 500 includes a secondary compartment 218, a top wall 212 which may be formed at least partially by a relatively rigid frame portion 380 that couples with the frame structure 230, and a handle assembly coupled within a recessed region positioned at least partially on the top wall. The frame portion 501 may be partially or fully covered by the soft side material of the top wall 212, or may be partially or fully external to the soft side material of the top wall 212. The frame portion 501 may extend a distance down the end walls. In this example, the frame portion 501 includes an external rim 503 that may be formed around at least a portion, such as for example opposing edge portions, of the top wall 212. The external rim 503 in this configuration may be configured as relatively rigid cover members, which may be formed around at least a portion of the periphery 241 of the top wall 212, and are coupled with the pulltrusion members 234 of the frame structure 230. The luggage case in this example may have similar structure to the examples shown and described with respect to Figs. 8-11 and Figs. 17-21, and the bezel structure and handle assembly may have structure similar to that shown and described with respect to Figs. 14-16 and Figs. 17-21.
Referring to Fig. 21, top lateral side edges 504, 506 of the luggage case 500 are defined at the intersection of the top wall 212 and each of the opposing side walls 204, 206. In this example, a cover member 508 is positioned on each of the opposing top lateral side edges. In another example, the cover members may be positioned on opposing front and rear edges of the top wall 212. Each cover member 508 is made of relatively rigid hard sided material, and form a portion of the opposing lateral ends of the top wall 212 and extend over a portion of the top end of the respective opposing side walls 204, 206. The cover members 508 are positioned on opposing sides of the compartment 218, and at least partially frame the compartment 218. The cover members 508 may be flush with the top wall 212, below flush with the top wall 212, or protrude above the top wall 212, such as in one example forming a rib or ribs. The cover members 508 may be formed of thermoplastic or other type of hard sided material, and may be injection molded, plug molded, vacuum molded, or formed in other manners. Each cover member may be formed of a single integral portion or multiple portions coupled together to create a single functional member. The cover members 508 provide enhanced abrasion resistance to the regions of the luggage case covered by the edges. The cover members also couple with the frame structure 230 of the soft sided portions of the luggage case 500 to provide desired stiffness.
The cover members 508 are secured along their respective peripheral edges to the adjacent soft sided material by sewing, adhering, or other suitable technique. In the example shown in Figs. 20 and 21, the top peripheral edge 510 of the cover member 508 is secured to the soft sided material of the top wall 212, the rear peripheral edge 512 of the cover member 508 is secured to the soft sided material of the rear major wall 210, the front peripheral edge 514 of the cover member 508 is secured to the soft sided material of the front major wall 208, and the bottom peripheral edge 516 of the cover member 508 is secured to the soft sided material of the side panel 204. As noted above the soft sided material may include more than one layer of various types of materials, which may include plastic stiffening sheets
Each cover piece 508 is coupled with the internal frame structure 230 to create a suitably stiff luggage case. Connector elements 518 are coupled to each cover piece 508, internal to the luggage case, to in turn couple with pulltrusion elements used to form the frame structure 230. Referring to Fig. 21, a connector element 518 is secured to a cover member 508, and in this example, the connector element 518 is positioned adjacent a lower edge 516 of the cover member and at or near the intersection between the side wall 204 and the rear major wall 210. The connector element 518 is sewn, adhered, or otherwise secured to the cover member 508. The connector element 518 includes one or more cavities for coupling with ends of pulltrusions. In one example shown in Fig. 21, the connector element 518 receives an end of the pulltrusion 526 that extends across the rear major wall 210 of the luggage case 500, and it receives an end of a pulltrusion 528 extending along the intersection between the side wall 206 and the rear major wall 210, and it receives an end of the pulltrusion 530 extending across the side wall 206. The other connector elements 518 are similarly configured to receive respective pulltrusion members used to form the frame structure 230. Alternatively, a wire frame structure used in forming side panels for soft sided luggage, such as that shown Fig. 8-11 may also be utilized as the frame structure, together with or apart from the use of pulltrusions or other frame members.
A sheet 239 of stiffening material, such as polypropylene board, may be positioned to extend from a top region of the rear major wall 210 and over the interface between the top wall 212 and the rear major wall 210 to cover a portion of the top wall 212, and in this example extend around a bezel structure. The sheet 239 provides a desired curved transition between the rear major wall and the top wall 212. The end of the sheet 239 may be formed at or near the rear edge of the compartment 218. The sheet 239 is coupled with the soft side panels forming the rear major wall 210 and the top wall 212, and may be coupled with the bezel structure, to help provide stiffness to the areas over which the sheet 239 extends. The sheet 239 may be coupled to the frame structure also.
A handle assembly may be positioned in a recessed region formed in a housing structure, such as a bezel structure, in accordance with the example shown and described with respect to Figs. 14-16. The recessed region is positioned adjacent the top wall 212 and the rear major wall 210 such that the recessed region is positioned at least partially on the top wall 212. A handle assembly, in this example including a carry handle 432 and a pull handle 434, may be at least partially coupled to a portion of the recessed region 426 as described below.
The extendable pull handle may be mounted along the rear wall 210 of the luggage case, and may also be coupled with the bottom portion of the luggage case, as described with respect to Figs. 8-11 above. The carry handle may be at least partially mounted within the bezel structure 436, and in this example may be at least partially mounted within the recessed region so as to pivot relative to the luggage case between a retracted position and an operative position, again having structure similar to that shown and described relative to Figs. 14-16.
In the retracted position shown in Fig. 20, the carry handle is positioned so as to allow access to the extendable pull handle. In the operative position, shown in Fig. 21, the carry handle may be pivoted to extend generally upright relative to the top wall 212 of the luggage case and allow a user to grasp the carry handle to lift the luggage case.
In many of the examples described herein, the secondary recessed compartment may be formed by a sack or bag made of flexible material and aligned with the aperture, such as by being coupled at least partially around the edges of the aperture, and collapsible to a small volume. The secondary recessed compartment may extend into the primary compartment.
The luggage case structure of the present disclosure has broad application. It may also be implemented on any, some, or all types of luggage cases and in particular on the upper surfaces of the luggage case opposite the wheels, and in any orientation thereon to maximize the possible uses of compartment within a luggage case. The apparatuses and associated methods in accordance with the present disclosure have been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof in order to illustrate the principles of operation. The above description is thus by way of illustration and not by way of relative and directional references (including: upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, side, above, below, front, middle, back, vertical, horizontal, height, depth, width, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader's understanding of the particular embodiments described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, secured and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically

Claims

A luggage case (10, 200, 500) comprising:
a housing (12, 202) defining a major internal storage compartment (15), and including:
a bottom portion (70, 80) having a bottom wall (70, 214) and wheels
(80);

a plurality of side walls (30, 40, 50, 60, and 204, 206, 208, 210); and

a top wall (20, 212), having a perimeter, opposite the bottom wall and including an aperture (120, 220) defined by at least one edge (115, 220);

a recessed compartment (100, 218) coupled to the top wall (20, 212) and generally aligned with said aperture (120, 220), the recessed compartment (100, 218) being at least partially collapsible within the major internal storage compartment (15); and

a cover panel (110, 222) selectively covering said aperture to selectively allow access through the aperture into said compartment (100, 218), wherein the recessed compartment (100, 218) is at least partially divided from the major internal storage compartment (15).
The luggage case (100, 200, 500) of claim 1, wherein
the luggage case further comprises

a carry handle (270, 432) pivotally coupled in a recessed region (262, 426) positioned at least partially on the top wall (212).
The luggage case (10, 200, 500) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the top wall (20, 212) is formed at least partially of a rigid frame portion (243, 380).
The luggage case (10, 200, 500) of claim 3, wherein the rigid frame portion includes a rim (242, 400) extending at least partially around the perimeter (241) of the top wall (212).
The luggage case (10, 200, 500) of claim 4, wherein: the top wall (212) includes a front edge, a rear edge, and opposing side edges, and the rim extends along at least portions of the three edges of the top wall (212); or, the top wall (212) includes a front edge, a rear edge, and opposing side edges, and the external rim extends along at least portions of the opposing side edges; or, the external rim (242, 400) frames the recessed compartment (218) on at least two sides .
The luggage case (10, 200, 500) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the recessed compartment (100, 218) extends into the major internal storage compartment from the top wall (20, 212) of the luggage case.
The luggage case (10) of any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of side panels (150, 160, 170, 140) forming the recessed compartment are attached to the top wall at the at least one edge of the aperture.
The luggage case (10, 200, 500) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one edge includes a plurality of edges, and each of said plurality of edges defining the aperture are parallel with a respective portion of the perimeter of the top wall.
The luggage case (10, 200, 500) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover panel (110, 222) overlays between 30% to 50% of the top wall.
The luggage case (10, 200, 500) of any of the preceding claims, wherein a fastener (118) releasably secures the cover panel (110, 222) to the top wall (20,212) and attaches at least one edge (115) of the cover panel to the top wall.
The luggage case (10) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the recessed compartment includes a bottom panel (120) and a plurality of side panels (150, 160, 170, 140) with the bottom panel formed from a material with greater rigidity than the plurality of side panels.
The luggage case (10, 200, 500) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of side panels are operable to fold in on themselves.
The luggage case (10) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the recessed compartment includes a bracing panel (170) which couples the bottom panel and a selected one of the side walls of the luggage case such that the bracing panel biases the recessed compartment so that the recessed compartment collapses towards the selected one of the side walls.
The luggage case (10, 200) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of side walls forming the housing includes opposing major front and major rear walls (50, 60 and 208, 210), opposing minor side walls (30, 40, and 204, 206) extending between the opposing major front and rear walls, and wherein a hinge 112 is formed between the cover and the top wall, and said hinge is located on the top wall proximal to the major front wall or on the top wall proximal to the major rear wall.
The luggage case (10, 200) of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plurality of side walls (30, 40, 50, 60, and 204, 206, 208, and 210) and the top wall (20, 212) is formed at least partially from soft sided material.
The luggage case (10, 200, 500) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a frame structure is included in the luggage case and a portion of the frame structure extends along the intersection between at least one intersection of any two adjacent panels.
The luggage case (10, 200, 500) of any of the preceding claims, wherein an external rigid rim structure (242) extends around at least a portion of the perimeter of the top wall 212.
The luggage case (200, 500) of any of the preceding claims, wherein:
a handle assembly (260) is positioned at least partially in a recessed region (262, 426) formed at least partially in said top wall, said handle assembly including a carry handle (270, 432) and an extendable pull handle (268, 434);

the carry handle at least pivotally mounted within the recessed region to move between a retracted position and an operative position.
A luggage case as defined in claim 18, wherein an extendable pull handle (268, 434) having a hand grip is coupled in the recessed region (262, 426).
The luggage case (200, 500) as defined in claim 19, wherein the recessed region is formed in a bezel structure (266, 436) positioned adjacent a rear edge of the top wall (212).
The luggage case (200, 500) of any of claims 19-20, wherein the carry handle (270, 432) includes a grip portion (272, 438) and at least one arm portion (274, 444) extends from the grip portion;
the at least one arm portion is pivotally coupled in the recessed region; and
wherein the grip portion is movable between at least a first position proximal to the top wall (212) and a second position distal to the top wall and accessible by a user.
The luggage case (200, 500) as defined in claim 21 wherein:
the at least one arm portion (274, 444) is angled relative to the top wall in at least one position; or

the at least one arm portion is pivotally coupled to a side wall (292, 428) at least partially forming the recessed region; or

the at least one arm portion (274, 444) extending from the grip portion comprises first and second arms extending from the grip portion and spaced apart.
The luggage case (200, 500) of any of claims 21-22, wherein the grip portion (272, 438) may be positioned in alignment with the hand grip of the pull handle (268, 434); or out of alignment with the hand grip of the pull handle.
The luggage case (200, 500) of any of claims 21-23, wherein the carry handle
(270, 432) is biased to the first position.
The luggage case of any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 2, wherein the pivot carry handle (270, 432) is angled relative to a top wall (212) of the luggage case (200, 500) when in the retracted position.
The luggage case of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recessed compartment (100, 218) is formed by a sack structure made of flexible material.