ES2955175T3 - luggage system - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a suitcase having a base and a lid wherein the lid can rotate about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and can be secured by one or more latch assemblies. The lid may comprise an upper casing and the base may comprise a lower casing. The top shell and bottom shell can be formed seamlessly to create a waterproof and/or waterproof suitcase. The suitcase may have an extendable trolley handle assembly that is attached externally to the base of the suitcase using a plurality of mounting clips. The trolley handle assembly may comprise a pair of extrusion assemblies that are connected to the base of the suitcase and connected to each other by a grip. The suitcase may also have a removable secured inner liner. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

luggage system

Cross reference to related requests

The present application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 16/839,311 filed on April 3, 2020, US Patent Application No. 16/735,013 filed on January 6 2020 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/830,203 filed April 5, 2019. U.S. Patent Application No. 16/839,311 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/735,013 filed Jan. 6, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/788,886 filed Jan. 6, 2019 and App. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/788,888 filed January 6, 2019. U.S. Patent Application No. 16/839,311 also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. U.S. No. 62/830,203 filed April 5, 2019.

field of invention

The present invention relates to a suitcase.

Background

Suitcases can be used to transport clothing, shoes and other materials or items. However, the demands of travel can sometimes cause damage to the suitcase or damage to its contents. Traveling by plane or traveling by car, a durable, waterproof suitcase may be needed to protect the contents inside a suitcase. For ease of movement, a trolley handle gives a user an easy means of pulling or pushing a rolling suitcase. WO 2017/191628 A1 discloses a set of services comprising two or more service modules that can be detachably fixed.

Brief summary

According to aspects of the present disclosure that do not form part of the invention, a suitcase has a base that includes: a first frame structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, where the first frame structure has a first end and a second end opposite the first side and where the first side has a first surface facing outward and a second surface facing outward. The second outward facing surface can be moved a first fixed distance from the first outward facing surface. The first frame structure may have a bottom portion connected to a first end of the first frame structure and configured to support the suitcase on a surface. A first interior void may be defined by the first frame structure and the bottom, and a lower latch recess may be located on the second outwardly facing surface, where the lower latch recess includes a rear surface, a lower surface and a pair of lateral surfaces. The suitcase may also include a lid rotatably connected to the base, wherein the lid includes: a second frame structure having a third side and a fourth side opposite the third side, wherein the second frame structure includes a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end. The third side may have a third outward-facing surface and a fourth outward-facing surface, where the fourth outward-facing surface may be offset a second fixed distance from the third outward-facing surface. The second frame structure may also include a top portion connected to a third end of the second frame structure. A second interior void can be defined by the second frame structure and the top; and a top latch recess located on the second outward-facing surface. A latch assembly may be located within the lower latch recess and the upper latch recess, where the lower latch recess and the upper latch recess have a depth that is greater than a thickness of the latch assembly. Additionally, when the suitcase is in a closed configuration, a perimeter of the latch assembly is located within a combined perimeter of the upper latch recess and lower latch recess. The lid may be free of openings extending through the first outwardly facing surface into the second interior void. The second outward-facing surface can extend along the entire perimeter of the base. The fourth outward-facing surface can also extend along the entire perimeter of the lid. The lid is rotatably connected to the base by at least one hinge. A portion of the at least one hinge may be located in a top hinge recess and a bottom hinge recess, where the bottom hinge recess is located on the second outward facing surface and the top hinge recess is located on the fourth. outward facing surface.

According to other aspects that are not part of the invention, the present disclosure may refer to a suitcase with a lid connected to a base by at least one hinge, where the at least one hinge comprises at least two joints, and when the suitcase is in an open configuration, the at least one hinge defines an axis of rotation and the axis of rotation is located outside a rear edge of the base and a rear edge of the lid. The base may include a pair of wheel assemblies, where each wheel assembly is secured to a wheel recess formed in the base, and where each wheel assembly includes a wheel housing and a wheel. Each The housing may include an outwardly facing lip surface that is spaced outwardly a fixed distance from the adjoining surfaces of the base around the wheel well. The bottom of the base may also include a conical region located between the pair of wheel assemblies, where the conical region forms an angle within a range of 1 degree and 30 degrees when measured from a center portion of the bottom to a lower surface of the conical region. The base may include a second end surface along the second end of the first frame structure, and the lid includes a fourth end surface along the fourth end of the second frame structure, and when the suitcase is in In a closed configuration, the second end surface and the fourth end surface are spaced apart. The second end surface may include a sealing rib projecting from the second end surface and the fourth end surface may include a channel that receives a gasket, and when the suitcase is in the closed configuration, the rib engages the board. The base may include a plurality of ribs extending from a surface below the bottom latch recess to an interior surface of the bottom, where each rib of the plurality of ribs is spaced from each other a distance within a range of 8 to 10 times a thickness of each rib. A first volume of the first interior void may be within 10 percent of a second volume of the second interior void. Still additional aspects of the present disclosure may relate to a suitcase having a base that includes: a first frame structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the first frame structure has a first end and a second end opposite the first end and where the first side has a first surface facing outward and a second surface facing outward. The second outward facing surface can be moved a first fixed distance from the first outward facing surface. The first frame structure may also include a bottom portion connected to a first end of the first frame structure. A first interior void can be defined by the first frame structure and the bottom part; and a lower hinge recess can be located on the second outwardly facing surface. A lid may be rotatably connected to the base, where the lid includes: a second frame structure having a third side and a fourth side opposite the third side, the frame structure having a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end. The third side may have a third outward-facing surface and a fourth outward-facing surface, where the fourth outward-facing surface is offset a second fixed distance from the third outward-facing surface. The second frame structure may have a top portion connected to the third end of the frame structure; and a second interior void can be defined by the second frame structure and the top. A hinge assembly may be received at least partially within the lower hinge recess, where the lid is rotatably connected to the base by the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly may include at least two joints. When the suitcase is in an open configuration, the at least one hinge assembly may define a hinge axis where the hinge axis is located outside a rear edge of the base and a rear edge of the lid. The hinge assembly may be at least partially received in a top hinge recess, where the top hinge recess is located within the fourth outwardly facing surface. In some examples, the hinge assembly includes three hinge assemblies. Each hinge assembly may include a base hinge insert and a lid hinge insert, wherein the base hinge insert and the lid hinge insert both include a cavity that at least partially receives the at least two joints. The recess of the base hinge insert has a depth that is greater than a thickness of the at least two hinges. The at least two joints may include a first joint and a second joint, where the first joint includes a first joint opening and a second joint pin. For example, a first hinge pin may extend through the first hinge opening and into the base hinge insert, and where a second hinge pin extends through the second hinge opening and into the base hinge insert. the lid hinge insert.

According to additional aspects that are not part of the invention, the present disclosure may relate to a method for forming a suitcase, which includes: (a) molding a base frame, wherein the base frame has a plurality of recesses of lower latches, a plurality of lower hinge recesses, a base frame structure and a base interior void; (b) molding a lid frame, wherein the lid frame has a plurality of upper latch recesses and a plurality of upper hinge recesses, a lid frame structure and an interior lid void; (c) placing the base frame and the lid frame adjacent to each other, in which the base interior void and the lid interior void are both oriented in the same direction and in which the lower hinge recess and the lower hinge recess top hinge are oriented towards each other; (d) placing a first part of the hinge assembly in the lower hinge recess; (e) placing a second part of the hinge assembly in the upper hinge recess; (f) securing the first part of the hinge assembly to the base using a first mechanical fastener; (g) securing the second part of the hinge assembly to the lid using a second mechanical fastener; (h) place a latch assembly in the upper latch recess; and (i) securing the latch assembly to the lid using a third mechanical fastener, wherein the first mechanical fastener, the second mechanical fastener, and the third mechanical fastener are all oriented generally parallel to each other. The first mechanical fastener may be oriented generally parallel to the third side of the lid frame. The method may also include securing the wheel assembly in a wheel recess in the base frame using a fourth mechanical fastener, where the fourth mechanical fastener is oriented generally parallel to the first mechanical fastener. Additionally, the method may include securing the latch assembly portion to a cap latch assembly prior to placing the latch assembly portion into the upper latch recess, where the assembly The cap latch assembly includes a body member and a flange, where the flange extends outwardly from the body member and wherein the body member of the cap latch assembly is received within the upper latch recess. The method may also include securing the lid latch assembly to the lid frame with the third mechanical fastener extending through an opening in the flange and into a thickened portion of the lid frame.

According to other aspects that are not part of the invention, the present disclosure may relate to a suitcase having a base that includes a first frame structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, where the first frame structure has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A bottom portion may be connected to the first end of the first frame structure and configured to support the suitcase on a surface. A first interior void may be defined by the first frame structure and the bottom, and a lower latch recess may be located within the second outwardly facing surface, where the lower latch recess has a rear surface, a lower surface and a pair of lateral surfaces. A lid may be rotatably connected to the base, where the lid includes a second frame structure having a third side and a fourth side opposite the third side. The second frame structure may also have a third end and a fourth end, where a top portion connects to a top portion connected to the third end of the second frame structure; and a second interior void defined by the second frame structure and the top. An inner liner may be releasably secured to the base frame within the first interior void or to the lid within the second interior void, wherein the interior liner includes at least one storage cavity recessed from a top surface of the liner and includes a liner attachment assembly that releasably engages a base attachment member. The liner attachment assembly may be permanently attached to the inner liner, and the base attachment member may be permanently attached to an interior surface of the suitcase. The liner attachment assembly may include a grip member that rotates a predetermined amount to move the liner attachment assembly from an unlocked position to a locked position. When the liner fixing assembly is in the unlocked position, the liner is secured to the suitcase and when the liner fixing assembly is in the unlocked position, the liner is permitted to be removed from the suitcase.

Additional aspects that are not part of the invention may relate to a liner that is releasably secured to a suitcase by a liner fastening assembly, where the liner fastening assembly may include a tail member, a lip member and the gripping member, wherein the tail member includes a tail body member with a locking shoulder extending outwardly from the tail body member. The tail body member may have a generally cylindrical conformation. In some examples, the locking projection may comprise two locking projections that are disposed opposite each other and where each locking projection may include at least one conical surface. The rim member may include a rim opening that receives a portion of the tail member, and where the gripping member may be secured to the portion of the tail member that extends into the rim opening. The liner fixing assembly can be moved to the locked position from the unlocked position by rotating the gripping member approximately 90 degrees in a first direction, and the liner fixing assembly is moved to the unlocked position from the locked position by rotating the member. of grip approximately 90 degrees in a second direction, where the second direction is opposite to the first direction. The base attachment member may include a first wall and a second wall where each wall extends away from the interior surface of the base with a first end on the interior surface and a second end opposite the first end. The first wall may include a first base locking projection located at the second end that extends toward the second wall and the second wall may include a second base locking projection located at the second end that extends toward the first wall. When the liner fixing assembly is in the locked position, the locking shoulder of the liner fixing assembly is positioned at least partially below the first base locking shoulder or the second base locking shoulder.

The present invention relates to a suitcase as defined by claim 1. Preferred characteristic features of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims. Therefore, the present invention relates to a suitcase including a base comprising a first frame structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the first frame structure has a first end and a second end. opposite the first end and wherein the first frame structure has a first outwardly facing surface and a second outwardly facing surface. The second outward-facing surface moves a first fixed distance from the first outward-facing surface. The first frame structure also includes a bottom portion connected to a first end of the first frame structure. A first interior void is defined by the first frame structure and the bottom part; and a lower hinge recess can be located on the second outwardly facing surface. A lid is rotatably connected to the base, where the lid includes: a second frame structure having a third side and a fourth side opposite the third side, the frame structure having a third end and a fourth end opposite the third extreme. The second frame structure has a third outward-facing surface and a fourth outward-facing surface, where the fourth outward-facing surface is offset a second fixed distance from the third outward-facing surface. The second frame structure has a top part connected to a third end of the frame structure, and a second interior void is can be defined by the second frame structure and the top. In accordance with embodiments that are not part of the invention, the suitcase may include an extendable trolley handle, where the trolley handle includes: (a) a pair of nested extrusion assemblies, where each extrusion assembly includes an extrusion main and a secondary extrusion, and where the secondary extrusion is nested within a central opening of the main extrusion and slideably engages with the main extrusion; and (b) a handle connected to the secondary extrusion of each of the pair of extrusion assemblies, wherein the handle includes a release button. The handle may include a release button that when pressed actuates a rack and pinion gear assembly located within the handle to allow the cart handle to extend. The rack and pinion gear assembly may include a pair of rack gear members, where each rack gear member includes an engagement member that contacts a release button portion, a rack gear portion. Each rack gear portion can be engaged to a pinion gear to equalize the movement of the rack gear members and where the engagement member has a first angled surface that engages the release button, where the first angled surface Angle includes a compound angle relative to a top surface of the base member. Each rack gear member may also include a drive member at an end opposite the rack gear member, where the drive member has a second angled surface that contacts a third angled surface on an actuation member. , where the activation member disengages a locking mechanism for the cart handle assembly.

In accordance with the invention, the suitcase further includes an extendable trolley handle assembly that includes: (a) a pair of extrusion assemblies, where each extrusion assembly includes a primary extrusion and a secondary extrusion, wherein the secondary extrusion is nested within a central opening of the main extrusion, and is slidably engaged with the main extrusion and (b) a gripping portion connected to the secondary extrusion of each of the pair of extrusion assemblies, wherein the extrusion assembly is secured to the base by a plurality of mounting clamps that mount to an outwardly facing surface of the bottom of the base. The plurality of mounting clamps are secured within a recess along the bottom of the base and may also be spaced evenly within the recess. Each mounting bracket can be secured into a pocket located within the recess. Additionally, each mounting clamp of the plurality of mounting clamps may include a central body with an upper end, a lower end, a front side, a rear side and an outer spring arm. The main extrusion may have a plurality of receivers, where the outer spring arm of one of the plurality of mounting clamps engages a first receiver of the plurality of receivers to secure the main extrusion to the base. The number of receivers may be equal to the number of outer spring arms on each mounting bracket. The suitcase may also have a bottom cover attached to the recess that is in contact with the main extrusion to prevent the main extrusion from moving in a direction toward a plane created by the axles of a plurality of wheels. The cart handle assembly may further comprise a main sleeve located between the main extrusion and the secondary extrusion, where the main sleeve includes an upper ridge that is in contact with an end surface of the main extrusion and a central opening that receives the secondary extrusion. The top edge may have a plurality of inwardly facing slits.

Still additional aspects of the present disclosure, which are not part of the invention, may relate to a suitcase with an extendable trolley handle assembly having (a) a pair of extrusion assemblies, where each extrusion assembly includes an extrusion main and a secondary extrusion and (b) a grip portion connected to the secondary extrusion of each of the pair of extrusion assemblies, wherein the grip portion includes a release button for the cart handle assembly. The secondary extrusion can be nested within a central opening of the primary extrusion and slideably engaged with the primary extrusion. The grip portion release button may actuate a rack and pinion gear assembly located within the grip portion to allow the cart handle assembly to extend or contract. The rack and pinion gear assembly may include a pair of rack gear members, where each rack gear member includes an engagement member that contacts a release button portion, a rack gear portion. Each rack gear portion can be engaged to a pinion gear to equalize the motion of the rack gear members. A gasket may be placed around the perimeter of the release button. One of the extrusion assemblies may be at least partially secured to the base by a plurality of mounting clamps that mount to an outward facing surface of the bottom of the base. The plurality of mounting brackets are secured within a recess along the bottom of the base.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, which is not part of the invention, relates to a suitcase with an extendable trolley handle assembly that includes: (a) a pair of extrusion assemblies, where each extrusion assembly includes a main extrusion and a secondary extrusion and (b) a grip portion extending between the pair of extrusion assemblies connecting the pair of extrusion assemblies. The secondary extrusion can be nested within a central opening of the main extrusion and also slideably engage the main extrusion. A first extrusion assembly of the pair of extrusion assemblies may be at least partially secured to the base by a first plurality of mounting clamps that mount to the base and a second extrusion assembly of the pair of extrusion assemblies may be secured to the less partially to the base by a second plurality of mounting clamps that mount to the base. Each clamp assembly of the first plurality of mounting clamps and the second plurality of mounting clamps may include a central body with an upper end, a lower end, a front side, a rear side and a spring arm. Each pair of extrusion assemblies may further include a tertiary extrusion that nests within a central opening of the secondary extrusion, and slideably engages the secondary extrusion. The first plurality of mounting clamps are secured to the base within a first recess extending along an outwardly facing surface of the bottom and the second plurality of mounting brackets may be secured to the base within a second recess extending along the outward-facing surface of the bottom. The first recess may be substantially parallel to the second recess. A first bottom cover may be positioned in the first recess and may also be in contact with the main extrusion of the first extrusion assembly to prevent the main extrusion from moving within the first recess in a direction towards a plane created by the axes of a plurality of wheels. The first bottom cover may include an opening in a bottom surface. The first extrusion assembly may further include a main sleeve located between the main extrusion and the secondary extrusion, where the main sleeve has a top edge that contacts an end surface of the main extrusion and a central opening that receives the extrusion. secondary. Additionally, the top edge may have a plurality of inwardly facing slits.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and is not limited in the accompanying figures, in which the same reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary suitcase in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 6 is a left side view of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the suitcase of FIG. 1 with the extendable cart handle in a raised position in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of a wheel assembly removed from the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 10B is a rear perspective view of a wheel assembly removed from the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of an alternative wheel assembly installed on the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 11B is a rear perspective view of the alternative wheel assembly housing illustrated in FIG. 11A in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 11C is an enlarged rear perspective view of the wheel recess in the suitcase for receiving the alternative wheel assembly illustrated in FIG. 11A in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 11D is a partial cross-sectional view of the alternative wheel assembly illustrated in FIG. 11A installed in the suitcase of FIG. 1 with some components removed for clarity in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 12A is a partial exploded view of the identification label holder installed in the suitcase of FIG.

1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 12B is a rear perspective view of the identification tag holder according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 12C is a partial cross-sectional view of the identification tag holder installed in the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in an open configuration according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 14A is a side perspective view of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 14B is an enlarged side perspective view of the suitcase of FIG. 1 with the latch assembly removed in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 15A is a partially exploded perspective view of the latch assembly assembled on the lid of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 15B is a partial perspective view of the latch assembly assembled on the lid of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 15C is a partially exploded perspective view of the latch assembly assembled at the base of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 16A is a partial cross-sectional side view through the latch assembly of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in a locked position according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 16B is a partial cross-sectional side view through the latch assembly of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in an unlocked position according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a latch assembly of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of a latch assembly of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in a locked orientation according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 20 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in an unlocked orientation according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the suitcase of FIG.

1 with a deployable bag according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the suitcase with a drop-down bag of FIG. 21 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 23 is a right front perspective view of the deployable bag in a closed configuration of the suitcase of FIG. 21 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 24 is a right front perspective view of the deployable bag in an open configuration of the suitcase of FIG. 21 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view of the deployable bag in a closed configuration of the suitcase of FIG. 21 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the deployable bag in an open configuration of the suitcase of FIG. 21 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of the deployable bag installed in the suitcase of FIG. 21 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of the deployable bag installed in the suitcase of FIG. 21 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the deployable bag installed in the suitcase of FIG. 21 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 30 is a rear perspective view of the suitcase of FIG. 1 with the cart handle extended and some components removed in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 31 is a front perspective view of the grip portion of the trolley handle assembly of an exemplary suitcase in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 32 is a side view of the grip portion of FIG. 31 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 33 is a front view of the grip portion of FIG. 31 with the outer housings removed in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the grip portion of FIG. 33 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 35 is a front perspective view of another exemplary suitcase in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 36 is a rear perspective view of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 37 is a front view of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 38 is a right side view of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 39 is a rear view of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 40 is a left side view of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 41 is a top view of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 42 is a bottom view of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 43A is a partially exploded upper right perspective view of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in an open configuration according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 43B is a partial exploded perspective view of an alternative fastening assembly for an interior liner with the liner removed from the suitcase of FIG. 35 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 43C is a partial perspective view of the fixing assembly of FIG. 43B in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 43D is a partial perspective view of the fixing assembly of FIG. 43B in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 43E is an exploded perspective view of the liner fastening assembly of FIG. 43B in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 43F is a perspective view of the lid of the suitcase of FIG. 35 with some components removed in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 43G is an enlarged perspective view of the mechanical connector arranged inside the cover of FIG. 43F in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 43H is an enlarged perspective view of the mechanical connector arranged inside the cover of FIG. 43F in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 44A is a front view of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in an open configuration with some components removed in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 44B is a partially exploded front perspective view of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in an open configuration with some components removed in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 44C is a partial front perspective view of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in an open configuration with some components removed in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 44D is an enlarged partial cross-sectional perspective view of the lid of the suitcase of FIG.

35 with some components removed in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 45 is a partial front perspective view of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in an open configuration with some components removed in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 46 is a partial top view of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in an open configuration with some components removed in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 47 is a rear perspective view of the suitcase wheel assembly of FIG. 35 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 48 is a front perspective view of the suitcase wheel assembly of FIG. 35 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 49 is a right front perspective view of the lid frame of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 50 is a left front perspective view of the lid frame of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 51 is a left front perspective view of the base frame of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 52 is a right front perspective view of the base frame of the suitcase of FIG. 35 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 53 is a partial rear perspective view of the partially assembled suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 54 is a partial front perspective view of the trolley handle extrusion assembly view of one side of the suitcase trolley handle assembly of FIG. 1 with the suitcase frame removed for clarity in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 55A is a partial cross-sectional side view of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 55B is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of FIG. 55A in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 56 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 57A is a rear perspective view of the frame of the suitcase of FIG. 1 with the cart handle removed for clarity in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 57B is an enlarged partial rear perspective view of FIG. 57A in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 58 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the suitcase of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 59 is an enlarged front perspective view of the cart handle assembly of FIG. 54 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 60 is an enlarged front perspective view of the cart handle assembly of FIG. 54 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 61 is a top cross-sectional view of the extrusions of the cart handle extrusion assembly of FIG. 54 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 62 is a partial rear perspective view of the cart handle extrusion assembly of FIG. 54 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 63 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the seam of the secondary extrusion and the primary extrusion of the cart handle assembly view of FIG. 62 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 64 is an enlarged rear bottom perspective view of the cart handle assembly of FIG. 54 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 65 is a rear perspective view of the main extrusion of the cart handle extrusion assembly according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 66 is a rear perspective view of the secondary extrusion of the cart handle extrusion assembly according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 67 is a rear perspective view of the tertiary extrusion of the cart handle extrusion assembly according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 68 is a rear perspective view of the top cover of the cart handle extrusion assembly in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 69 is a rear perspective view of the bottom cover of the cart handle extrusion assembly according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 70 is a rear perspective view of the suitcase mounting bracket of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 71 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary suitcase in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 72A is a front perspective view of a trolley handle assembly of the suitcase of FIG. 71 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 72B is a top cross-sectional view of the extrusions of the cart handle extrusion assembly of FIG. 72A in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 73 is a rear perspective view of the cart handle assembly of FIG. 72A in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 74 is a front perspective view of the cart handle assembly of FIG. 72A with some components removed in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 75 is a front perspective view of the cart handle assembly of FIG. 72A with some components removed in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 76 is a front perspective view of the cart handle assembly of FIG. 72A with some components removed in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 77 is a rear perspective view of the suitcase of FIG. 71 with some components removed in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 78 is a partially exploded cross-sectional side view of the suitcase of FIG. 71 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 79 is a partially exploded cross-sectional side view of the suitcase of FIG. 71 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 80 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the suitcase of FIG. 71 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 81 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the suitcase of FIG. 71 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of the main bushing of the cart handle assembly of FIG. 72A in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 83 is a perspective view of the secondary bushing of the cart handle assembly of FIG. 72A in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 84 is a perspective view of the bottom cover of the cart handle assembly of FIG. 72A in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 85 is a front perspective view of the grip portion of the cart handle assembly of FIG. 72A with some components removed in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 86 is a rear perspective view of the grip portion of the cart handle assembly of FIG. 72A with some components removed in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

Furthermore, it should be understood that the drawings may represent the scale of different components of a single embodiment; however, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to that particular scale.

Detailed description

In the following description of various example structures in accordance with the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof, and in which various example devices, systems and environments are shown by way of illustration. that aspects of the invention can be practiced. It should be understood that other part arrangements, example devices, systems and specific environments may be used and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Furthermore, although the terms "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "side", "rear" and the like may be used in this specification to describe various characteristic features and example elements of the invention, These terms are used herein for convenience, for example, based on example orientations shown in the figures or orientation during typical use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures to fall within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the reader is cautioned that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Additionally, the term "plurality", as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number.

"Generally parallel," as the term is used herein, means that a first line, segment, plane, edge, surface, etc., is approximately (in this case, within 5%) equidistant from another line, plane, edge, surface, etc., for at least 50% of the length of the first line, segment or edge, or for at least 50% of the area of the plane or surface, etc. In some examples, lines, segments, or edges may be considered "generally parallel" if one such line, segment, or edge is approximately equidistant (±5%) from another respective line, segment, or edge by at least 60%. at least 75%, at least 85%, at least 90% or even at least 95% of a length of any of the lines, segments or edges being considered. Additionally, planes or surfaces may be considered "generally parallel" if one plane or surface is approximately equidistant (± 5%) from another respective plane or surface by at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%. %, at least 90% or even at least 95% of a surface area of any of the planes or surfaces being considered.

"Generally perpendicular," as the term is used herein, means that a first line, segment, plane, edge, surface, etc., is approximately (in this case, within 5%) orthogonal to another line, plane, edge, surface, etc., for at least 50% of the length of the first line, segment or edge, or for at least 50% of the area of the plane or surface, etc. In some examples, lines, segments, or edges may be considered "generally perpendicular" if one such line, segment, or edge is approximately orthogonal (±5%) to another respective line, segment, or edge by at least 60%. at least 75%, at least 85%, at least 90 % , or even at least 95 % of a length of any of the lines, segments, or edges being considered. Additionally, planes or surfaces may be considered "generally perpendicular" if a plane or surface is approximately orthogonal (± 5%) to another respective plane or surface by at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%. %, at least 90% or even at least 95% of a surface area of any of the planes or surfaces being considered.

In general, aspects of the present invention relate to suitcases or containers and aspects of the suitcase such as latch assemblies, wheel assemblies and other sub-assemblies. According to various aspects and embodiments, the cases and latch assemblies described herein can be formed from one or more of a variety of materials, such as metals (including metal alloys), polymers and composite materials, and are They may be formed in one of a variety of configurations, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. It is understood that suitcases may contain components made from several different materials. Additionally, the components can be formed by various forming procedures. For example, metal components can be formed by forging, molding, casting, stamping, machining and/or other known techniques. Additionally, the polymeric components can be formed or manufactured by polymer processing techniques, such as various molding and casting techniques and/or other known techniques.

The various figures of the present application illustrate examples of suitcases in accordance with the present disclosure. Where the same reference number appears on more than one drawing, that reference number is used consistently throughout this specification and the drawings refer to the same or similar parts throughout. The suitcase can be configured to contain, store, transport, etc., items including, but not limited to, clothing, footwear, electronic products or any other items. Additionally or alternatively, the suitcase may be configured to store fragile materials without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein.

FIGS. 1-8 represent views of the suitcase 100. The suitcase 100 may comprise a base 102 and a lid 104 that can be coupled together. For example, the base 102 and the lid 104 can be rotatably coupled together so that the base 102 and the lid 104 are connected by a hinge 106 or a plurality of hinges 106. Both the base 102 and the lid 104 can be a structure that forms a void to contain articles, as will be discussed more fully herein. In some examples, the base 102 and lid 104 may have a similar volumetric displacement such that the size of the interior void 103 of the base 102 is substantially the same as the size of the interior void 105 of the lid 104, or where the volume The vacuum of the base 102 may be within 10 percent of the volume of the vacuum of the lid 104. In some embodiments, the volume of the suitcase 100 may be approximately 42,000 cubic centimeters, or within a range of 35,000 cubic centimeters and 45,000 cubic centimeters. The base 102 and lid 104 may have a cubic or substantially cubic conformation. For example, in some embodiments, the suitcase 100 may have a length of approximately 22 inches (55.9 cm), a width of approximately 14 inches (35.6 cm), and a height of 9 inches (22.9 cm). ). While in other embodiments, the suitcase 100 may have different dimensions. In other examples, the base 102 may have a prismoid or substantially prismoid conformation (e.g., a pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, heptagonal prism, or the like). In still other examples, the base 102 may have a substantially cylindrical conformation or may have a substantially trapezoidal cross section. Various other conformations can be used without departing from the invention.

The suitcase 100 may also include an extendable trolley handle or tow handle assembly 400, a plurality of handles 160, a plurality of wheels 168 located on a bottom portion of the suitcase 100, a plurality of latch assemblies 180, and a pair of retractable padlock loops 178, 179 to allow a padlock to be installed to secure the suitcase 100 during travel. Additionally, the suitcase 100 may be configured to be water resistant or impermeable, or substantially not allow water or moisture to enter the interior of the suitcase 100. As another characteristic feature, the exterior of the suitcase 100 may have a contoured shape that may include a plurality of recesses to accommodate latch assemblies 180, hinges 106, a cart handle assembly 400, and wheels 168 to minimize their profile and exposure to potential damage from collisions with other objects during travel.

The base 102 may include a lower frame structure 108 having a first side 110, a second side 112 opposite the first side 110, a third side 114 extending between an edge of the first side 110 and an edge of the second side 112, and a fourth side 116 opposite the third side 114. The lower shell 108 may also have a first end 118 and a second end 120 near the interior vacuum opening 103 of the base 102. The lower shell 108 may also include a portion lower 122 connected to a first end 118 of the lower frame structure 108 and configured to support the suitcase 100 on a surface such as a table, the floor or the like. Similarly, the lid 104 may include an upper frame structure 124 having a first side 126, a second side 128 opposite the first side 126, a third side 130 extending between an edge of the first side 126 and an edge of the second side 128, and a fourth side 132 opposite the third side 130. The upper frame structure 124 may also have a first end 134 and a second end 136 near the interior vacuum opening 105 of the lid 104. The upper frame structure upper frame 124 can also include a top portion 138 connected to a first end 134 of the top frame structure 124 and configured to support the suitcase 100 on a surface such as a table, the floor, or the like.

In some examples, both the upper frame 124 and the lower frame 108 may each be formed as a unitary or single member such that each frame is continuous. Additionally, the upper frame 124 and the lower frame 108 may be free of any opening or opening that pierces or extends from an exterior surface into the respective interior voids 103, 105 of the base 102 and the lid 104. By having the frames 108 , 124 that are free of openings extending from the exterior to the interior, the suitcase 100 can advantageously prevent moisture or water from entering the interior of the suitcase 100. The frames 108, 124 can generally have a thickness within a range of 2mm and 4mm, or within 1.5mm and 6mm. The frames 108, 124 may also include variable wall thicknesses in localized regions. For example, some areas may be thicker than other regions of the frames 108, 124 to provide attachment locations for the various components. These thicker regions may be arranged to receive mechanical fasteners or other connecting members. As another characteristic feature, the frames 108, 124 may include ribs or rails 109, which may be provided along an exterior or interior surface of the lower frame 108 and the upper frame 124 to increase the rigidity and strength of the frames and also provide additional protection for the frames 108, 124. For example, the ribs 109 may be oriented along the top 138 of the upper frame 124 and along the bottom 122 of the lower frame 108. In some embodiments , the ribs 109 may be spaced evenly from the first and second sides 126, 128 of the upper shell 124 and may be arranged in pairs of ribs 109.

As discussed above, the upper frame 124 and the lower frame 108 may form the majority of the exterior of the suitcase 100 and each may have a contoured shape that includes a primary surface, a raised surface, and a plurality of recesses, where the Recesses can protect components from collisions or damage. For example, the upper frame 124 may include a raised protruding surface 140 that extends near and/or along the second end 120 around the perimeter of the upper frame 124. The raised surface 140 may be offset a fixed distance from a primary surface 142. of the upper frame. A plurality of top latch recesses 144 may be formed at least partially within the raised surface 140. Each top latch recess 144 may have a depth equal to or greater than the thickness of each of the latch assemblies 180 to provide protection for the latch assemblies 180. The upper latch recesses 144 may have a substantially rectangular shape or, alternatively, a shape that closely matches the shape of the latch assembly 180. Each latch recess 144 may have characteristic receiving features for securing a latch assembly 180 within the recess 144. Receiving features may comprise a pocket on each side of the recess 144 to receive a pin or other physical mounting hardware for the latch assemblies 180.

Similar to the upper frame 124, the lower frame 108 may include a primary surface 146, a raised protruding surface 148 that extends near and/or along the second end 136 around the perimeter of the lower frame 108. The raised surface 148 is movable a fixed distance from a primary surface 146 of the upper frame. A plurality of lower latch recesses 150 may be formed at least partially within the raised surface 148. Each lower latch recess 150 may have a depth equal to or greater than the thickness of each of the latch assemblies 180. The lower latch recesses 150 may have a depth equal to or greater than the thickness of each of the latch assemblies 180. Lower latch recesses 150 may have a depth that is generally the same as the depth of the upper latch recess 144. Latch recesses 150 may include a latch retainer 182 that extends along the recess 150 and provides a surface latch assembly for latch assembly 180 to secure lower frame 108 to upper frame 124. Each recess 150 may have a substantially rectangular shape or, alternatively, a shape that closely matches the shape of latch assembly 180. The shape and size of the recesses 144, 150 may be mirror images of each other and may be aligned to form a larger recess to receive the entire latch assembly 180.

The cart handle assembly 400 may be secured to the lower frame 108 along the exterior of the bottom portion 122. The cart handle assembly 400 may be formed as a separate member and secured to the lower frame 108. The lower frame 108 may have a tow pull recess or cart handle recess 154 that travels from the primary surface 146 on the bottom 122 of the lower frame 108. The tow pull recess 154 may have a substantially U shape as shown in FIG. . 2, or may be a pair of symmetrical elongated recesses 154 for receiving the cart handle assembly 400. The recess 154 may have a depth that is equal to or greater than the thickness of the cart handle extrusions to adequately protect the cart handle assembly. trolley handle 400 against impacts. The trolley handle assembly 400 may include an extendable extrusion assembly 410 that slides upward from the top of the suitcase to provide an elevated grip for a user to easily pull the suitcase 100 as shown in FIG. 9.

Additionally, to allow the user to easily pull the suitcase 100, the bottom of the suitcase may include a plurality of wheel assemblies 164 located at the rear and bottom of the suitcase 100. Each wheel assembly 164 can be form as a separate member, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, and may include a wheel housing 166 having a rounded shape and at least one mounting flange 167 located at at least one end, and a wheel 168 mounted on an axle (not shown) so that the axis aligns with a center of the rounded conformation. The mounting flange 167 may include a mounting hole. The lower frame 108 may include a wheel recess 170 to receive the wheel assembly 164. The wheel assembly 164 may be secured to the wheel recess using at least one mechanical fastener that extends through the mounting hole located in the flange. assembly 167. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the suitcase 100 may comprise a pair of wheel assemblies 164; However, in other embodiments, the suitcase may include more additional wheel assemblies 164. The wheel assemblies 164 may be spaced evenly from the sides of the suitcase 100. The housing 166 may be formed from a polymeric material, such as polyamide (nylon) or similar material, while the wheels 168 may be formed from of a polymeric material, such as polyurethane or similar material.

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate another option for the wheel assembly 264 that can be installed on the suitcase 100. The wheel assembly 264 can include a wheel housing 266 that has a rounded shape and a mounting flange 267. The wheel assembly 264 may further include a wheel 268 mounted on the axle 269. The housing 266 may further include a pair of horizontally oriented bosses 271 located along each side of the housing 266 that may be inserted into a pair of oriented grooves 273 within the recess 270. of the lower frame 108. Each shoulder 271 of the pair of shoulders is received in each slot 273 of the pair of slots to support the housing 266 in a vertical direction within the recess 270. The wheel assembly 264 can then be secured in a horizontal direction by a mechanical fastener that extends through a mounting hole in the flange 267 and into a thickened portion of the frame 108, which prevents the fastener from piercing into an interior of the frame. As another option, the housing 266 may also include a detent 275, or projection, at a forward end of the housing 266. The detent 275 may be received in a slot 277 near the rear end of the recess 270 to provide additional support in a horizontal direction to the wheel assembly 264.

In some embodiments, the bottom portion (corresponding to the fourth side 132 of the upper frame 124) of the suitcase 100 may also and/or alternatively include one or more feet 172A that can support the suitcase 100 on a surface such as a table, the floor or similar. The feet 172 may be secured to the upper frame 124 and may be located opposite the wheel assemblies 164 to provide proper balance as shown in FIG. 8. The feet 172 may be formed of a non-slip impact absorbing material, such as rubber, elastomer or other similar material. For example, the feet 172 may be formed from an EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) rubber or similar material. The feet can be attached to the frame using an adhesive, ultrasonic welding technique, or electromagnetic bonding (such as Emabond®). By attaching the feet using a joining or welding technique, the frames 108, 124 can remain free of any intrusion within them.

Each of the feet 172 may be received in a foot recess 174 that may be formed within the raised surface 148 of the upper shell 124. The foot 172 may have a substantially elliptical shape, a square shape, or any shape. Additionally, each foot 172 may extend an amount equal to the distance that each wheel 168 extends beyond the suitcase. Therefore, the top of the suitcase 100 can be approximately leveled when placed on the ground. As another option, one or more feet 172B may also be located along the second side 112, 128 of the frames 108, 124 so that the feet 172B are located opposite each other on both the upper frame 124 and the lower frame. 108. As shown in FIG. 6, the feet 172B may be located along the second side 128 of the upper frame 124 and along the second side 112 of the lower frame 108. The feet 172B may be formed from a material similar to the feet 172A on the back. bottom of the suitcase 100. Although they have the same material, the conformation of the feet 172B may be slightly different from that of the feet 172A because the feet 172B may have a generally truncated elliptical conformation. The feet 172 may be generally aligned with one of the hinges 106 where a flat portion of the feet 172B are spaced from an edge of a hinge 106. Additionally, the feet 172B may be arranged to be in contact with each other when the suitcase 100 opens fully to reduce impact forces on the hinges and other components of the suitcase 100 when opened.

Still another characteristic feature of the suitcase 100 is an identification label holder 250 to help a user easily identify the suitcase 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C. The identification label holder 250 can be located on the lid 104 or the base 102. For example, the identification label holder 250 can be located between the extrusion assemblies 410 of the cart handle assembly 400. The identification label holder 250 can include a transparent card sleeve 252 and a sliding card mount 254. The card mount 254 may have a central opening 253 and may be slidably engaged with a slot 255 located in the lower frame 108 so that the card mount 254 move in a vertical direction. The card mount 254 may include a pocket for securing the card sleeve 252. The card sleeve 252 may have an opening to receive an identification tag 257 such as a business card or similar material that may contain the identification information of a user. The card mount 254 can be slid upward along the slot 255 to an open position that exposes the pocket to allow a user to install the card sleeve 252 and then slide the card mount 254 downward into the slot 255. The card mount 254 may include a pair of indentations or depressions 258 disposed on each side of the card mount 254 to receive a retainer 260, or projection, located within the slot 255. As the card mount 254 slides down into slot 255, retainer 260 may be received within the slot 258 of the card mount 254. The card mount 254 may be secured within the slot 255 by engaging the detents 260 with the slots 258. The slot 255 may have a pair of detents 260. a detent 260 being located on both sides of the slot 255. The indentations 258 can be located near a lower end 259. The identification material can then be easily viewed through the opening 253 of the card mount 254. In some In embodiments, detents 260 may be disposed in card mount 254 and indentations 258 may be disposed within slot 255.

To help improve the security of the suitcase 100, the suitcase 100 may include a pair of lock loops 178, 179 to receive a padlock (not shown) to prevent any unauthorized opening of the suitcase 100. A first loop may be connected of padlock 178 to the upper frame 124 and a second padlock loop 179 can be connected to the lower shell 108 such that the first padlock loop 178 aligns with the second padlock loop 179 to allow a padlock to be inserted into the opening of each lock loop 178, 179. Each lock loop 178, 179 may be retractable where they can rotate in slots in the respective frames 124, 108 to store and protect the loops 178, 179 when not in use.

The suitcase 100 including the upper and lower frames 124, 108 can be formed from various materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics or fiber reinforced materials. In some examples, the upper and lower shells 124, 108 may be formed by a polymeric material, such as a polycarbonate alloy, a thermoplastic olefin (TPO), or other similar material, which is molded to form both shells 108, 124. In In some arrangements, the frames 108, 124 are formed using injection molding or rotomolding/rotational molding processes as would be understood by one skilled in the art (not shown). However, various other types of molding or other manufacturing procedures (e.g., stamping, casting, forging, and the like) may be used to form the suitcase 100 without departing from the invention.

As discussed above, the base 102 and lid 104 may be rotatably coupled to each other. The hinges 106 may be one of various types of hinges, including a continuous piano hinge, double hinge, ball joint hinge, living hinge and similar double hinges to allow the base 102 and lid 104 to rotate away from each other up to at least 180 degrees in a fully open position as shown in FIG. 13. In some examples, the lid 104 may be detachably or permanently connected to the base 102 at the hinge(s) 106. When in the open configuration, the interior voids 103, 105 of both the base 102 as of the cover 104 can be accessible to a user. When in the closed configuration, the hinge 106 can facilitate rotation of the lid 104 and base 102 to secure the contents within the suitcase 100.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 13, the interiors 105, 103 of both the lid 104 and the base 102 may include a liner 115 to provide a soft interior surface. The liner 115 may include a waterproof fabric material to provide an additional level of moisture protection for the contents of the suitcase 100. As another option, a plurality of magnetic or ferromagnetic elements may be arranged around the interior edges along of the second end 120 of the lower frame 108 of the base 102 and also along the interior edges along the second end 136 of the upper frame 124 of the lid 104. These magnetic elements can help align and close the lid 104 and base 102.

Additionally, in some arrangements, the suitcase 100 may include a gasket 176 or other sealing device. Gasket 176 may be disposed on lid 104 or base 102 and may help seal lid 104 and base 102 when suitcase 100 is in a closed configuration. Gasket 176 may be disposed in a recess or channel in lid 104. Alternatively, gasket 176 may be disposed in a recess or channel formed in base 102. In some examples, gasket 176 may be a traditional gasket that It has a substantially circular cross section.

In still other embodiments, the case 100 may achieve an IP52 rating up to an IP67 rating (as set forth by the International Electrotechnical Commission). For example, in one embodiment, the suitcase 100 may be manufactured such that it is protected from limited dust ingress and is waterproof in a water spray test corresponding to achieving an IP52 rating. While in other embodiments, the suitcase 100 can be manufactured so that it is dust tight when tested for 8 hours and/or waterproof when tested for 30 minutes under 1 meter of water. In some embodiments, the suitcase 100 may achieve an IP67 rating which specifies that no dust ingress or complete dust protection exists when tested for 8 hours and that water ingress in harmful amounts is not possible when tested. box is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1 m immersion). The IP67 dust test lasts 8 hours and the case is tested in a vacuum. The IP67 water test lasts 30 minutes and the case is tested with the lowest point of the case at 1000 mm below the water surface or the highest point at 150 mm below the surface, which make it deeper. Depending on the IP rating, the case 100 may include a unidirectional air vent. For example, if the rating is IP52, unidirectional air ventilation may not be necessary, but if the rating is higher, such as IP67, unidirectional air ventilation may be necessary.

In some arrangements, the suitcase 100 may include one or more handles 160. The handles 160 may be arranged in one or more parts of the base 102 along the lower frame 108. The handles 160 may be provided on a top side and a right side of the suitcase 100. The handles 160 may be secured to the raised surface 148 of the lower frame 108. The handles 160 may be formed from a polymer and molded with a thermoplastic urethane (TPU) to provide a soft comfortable surface for a user to grip. The handles 160 may be connected to cam rings that are secured to the supports 162. The supports 162 may be engaged/secured to the lower frame 108 using mechanical fasteners, where the mechanical fasteners do not extend into the lower frame 108.

As discussed above, the suitcase 100 may also include one or more latch assemblies 180. The latch assemblies 180 may have a locked position and an unlocked position and may be configured to lock the lid 104 to the base 102 when the lid 104 It is in a closed configuration. Latch assemblies 180 may include one or more parts formed integrally with or otherwise attached to case 100. As shown in FIGS. 14A-16B, the suitcase 100 may include a latch retainer 182 located within the lower latch recess 150. The latch retainer 182 may extend from a side wall of the lower latch recess 150 of the lower frame 108. The recess 150 has a shape configured to receive a portion of the locking member 190 as will be discussed in more detail below. The latch retainer 182 may have a top surface 184, an interior surface 186, and a bottom surface 188. As will be discussed in more detail below, the latch assemblies 180 may be engaged to the latch retainer 182 to Lock the lid 104 to the base 102 when the suitcase 100 is in a closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the latch assembly 180 may be rotatably coupled to a lid latch assembly 181 before being installed on the lid 104. The latch assembly 180 may be coupled to the lid latch assembly 181 using a pin 203 or hinge. The pin 203 may be inserted into an opening in the latch body 200 of the latch assembly 180 and into a pair of openings in the sides of the lid latch assembly 181 as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. The lid latch assembly 181 may be received in the upper latch recess 144 of the upper frame 124. The lid latch assembly 181 may be installed in the recess 144 in a direction generally parallel to the surface of the first side 126 and secure to the frame 124 using at least one mechanical fastener inserted into an opening in the flange 183 of the lid latch assembly 181. The mechanical fastener that secures the flange 183 to the upper frame 124 can be inserted into a threaded hole in a thickened portion of the frame 124, which may prevent the fastener from drilling into the frame 124. The pin 203 may be a straight pin or a stepped pin and may have characteristic knurled features.

Similarly, in some examples, a base latch assembly 185 may be received in the lower latch recess 150 of the lower frame 108 as shown in FIG. 15C. The latch retainer 182 may be installed in the base latch assembly 185 before being installed in the base 102. The base latch assembly 185 may be installed in the recess 150 in a direction generally parallel to the surface of the first side 110 and secure to the lower frame 108 using at least one mechanical fastener inserted into an opening in the flange 187 of the lid latch assembly 185. The mechanical fastener that secures the flange 187 to the frame 108 can be inserted into a threaded hole in a thickened part of the frame 108 to prevent the fastener from piercing the inside of the frame 108.

Referring now to the latch assembly 180 as shown in FIGS. 15A-18, latch assembly 180 may include multiple components including a latch body 200, locking member 190, deflection member 220, and actuation member 230. As discussed above, latch assembly 180 may include a locked position and an unlocked position.

The bolt body 200 can be pivotally engaged with the cover 104. As shown in FIG. 17, the latch body 200 can be pivotally engaged with the cover 104 using a pin or hinge 203, however, any suitable pivoting engagement can be used. In some embodiments, the hinge 203 may be removably engaged with the suitcase 100. This hinge 203 may allow a user to easily remove and replace the latch assembly 180 if it becomes damaged. The latch body 200 may include an interior surface 204 and an exterior surface 206. The exterior surface 206 may be contoured and may not extend away from the outer edge of the raised surface 148 of the lower frame 108 or the raised surface 140 of the frame. upper 124. The inner surface 204 may also be curved and may also include a number of different characteristic features. An exemplary characteristic feature that may be included in the latch body 200 may be one or more latching lugs 208. As will be discussed in more detail below, the latching lugs 208 may be latched to the base 102 or the retaining piece. latch 182 and can help compress the lid 104 against the base 102 of the suitcase 100.

The bolt body 200 may also be engaged with the locking member 190. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the locking member 190 is slidably engageable with the latch body 200 so that the locking member 190 can be moved between an upward position and a downward position in a substantially linear path. The locking member 190 can be configured to lock the lid 104 in a closed configuration when the locking member 190 is in the down position and unlock the cover 104 when the locking member 190 is in the up position.

As mainly shown in FIG. 18, the locking member 190 can be movably engaged with one or more guide members 192 so that the locking member 190 can slide up and down the guide members 192. In one embodiment, the locking member 190 can be slid up and down the guide members 192. The locking mechanism 190 may include openings 194 that pass through the locking member 190 and through which the guide members 192 may also pass. The guide members 192 may engage with the latch body 200 at an upper end 195 and at a lower end 196. As shown in FIG. 18, the guide members 192 are cylindrical bars, but any suitable conformation that allows up and down movement of the locking member 190 can be used. For example, the guide members 192 can have a prismoid or substantially prismoid conformation (e.g. , a pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, heptagonal prism or similar). In still other examples, latch assembly 180 may include other devices suitable for permitting generally linear movement between locking member 190 and latch body 200, including, for example, rails.

As also shown in FIG. 18, the latch assembly 180 may also include at least one deflection member 220 engaged with the latch body 200 and the locking member 190. As will be discussed in more detail below, the deflection member 220 is configured to deflect the locking member 190 in a downward position. The deflection member 220 may be a compression spring as shown in FIG. 18, but in alternative embodiments it may be any suitable device for deflecting the locking member 190 in the downward position.

The locking member 190 may include a base portion 210 and a hook portion 212 extending inwardly from the base portion 210. The hook portion 212 may include a bottom surface 214 and an inwardly facing surface 216. As shown in FIG. 15, when the latch assembly 180 is in the locked position, the lower surface 214 of the hook portion 212 of the locking member 190 can be engaged with the upper surface 184 of the latch retaining piece 182 and the facing surface Inside 216 of the hook portion 212 can be engaged to the interior surface 186 of the latch retaining piece 182. Additionally, when the latch assembly 180 is in the locked position, the upper surface of the latching lugs 202 can be engaged. engage the lower surface 188 of the bolt retaining piece 182.

The latch body 200 can also be pivotally engaged with an activation member 230. The activation member 230 can also be engaged with the locking member 190 and can be configured to move the locking member 190 from the downward position. to the up position. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the activation member 230 can be pivotally engaged to the latch body 200 by a hinge 232 that extends through the latch body 200 and the activation member 230. The activation member 230 may include a portion of grip 234, an activation cylinder 236 and one or more arms 238 that connect the grip part 234 and the activation cylinder 236. As shown in FIG.

16B, the grip portion 234 is spaced a distance from the bottom surface of the recess 150 of the bottom shell 108. This distance may allow a user to grip the rear surface 240 of the grip portion 234 with their fingers positioned between the bottom surface of the recess 150 and the grip part 234. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the activation cylinder 236 of the activation member 230 can be engaged to the locking member 190. The activation cylinder 236 can include a raised portion 242. As will be discussed in more detail below, a user can pull the gripping portion 234 of the activation member 230 forward, causing the raised portion 242 of the activation cylinder 236 to rotate and lift the locking member 190. This movement causes the latch assembly 180 to unlock and allows the cover 104 to be unlocked. move from the closed configuration to an open configuration.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A and 16B, a procedure for moving an embodiment of latch assembly 180 from the locked position to an unlocked position is shown with side cross-sectional views of latch assembly 180 and portions of base 102 and lid 104. FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate simplified versions of the base 102 and cap 104 to focus the illustrations on the latch assembly 180. FIG. 16A depicts latch assembly 180 in the locked position, and FIG. 16B depicts latch assembly 180 in an unlocked position. As shown in FIG. 16A, in the locked position, the bottom surface 214 of the hook portion 212 engages the top surface 184 of the latch retaining piece 182; The inward facing surface 216 of the hook portion 212 engages with the inner surface 186 of the bolt retainer 182, and the engagement lugs 202 engage with the bottom surface 188 of the bolt retainer 182.

As shown in FIG. 16B, the latch assembly 180 can be moved to the unlocked position by rotating the activation member 230 as shown by the arrow. This rotation can be achieved by a user by pulling forward on the rear surface 240. As the activation cylinder 236 rotates, the raised portion 242 engages the locking member 190 and raises the locking member 190.

The latch assembly 180, which includes the latch body 200, the locking member 190 and the activation member 230, can each be formed separately and can be formed by materials such as materials plastics or other suitable material that can be formed or molded into the desired conformation. The latch assembly 180 may be manufactured of sufficient size, thickness, and materials of construction to withstand repeated cycles of stress as the latch engages with/disengages from the latch retainer 182 over time. The suitcases described herein include various characteristic features that ensure easy and efficient manufacturing of the suitcases, while providing durability and wear resistance.

FIGS. 19-20 illustrate suitcase 100 with alternative latch assemblies 280 for locking and unlocking lid 104 to base 102. Latch assemblies 280 may include a handle 282 that can rotate about an axis that is generally oriented generally perpendicularly. to the first side 110 of the lower frame 108 and to the first side 126 of the upper frame 124.

The handle 282 may be permanently attached to the lid 104 and have a latch or hook so that when in a locked orientation, the latch engages the base 102 to lock the lid 104 to the base 102. To unlock the suitcase 100, the handle 282 can be rotated approximately 90 degrees to disengage the latch from the base 102, allowing the lid 104 to move relative to the base 102.

FIGS. 21-29 illustrate another option for the suitcase 100. In this embodiment, the suitcase 100 may include a deployable bag 300 that is attached to one or both of the interior voids 103, 105. FIG. 21 illustrates the conversion of the bag 300 from being removed from the inner vacuum 105 of the lid 104 and then converted into a backpack. FIG. 21 also shows bag 300 in an open configuration with an open front pocket. While the illustrated embodiment shows the pop-up pouch 300 releasably attached to the interior vacuum 105 of the lid 104, the pop-up pouch 300 can be releasably attached to the interior vacuum 103 of the base 102. The pop-up pouch 300 can be secure inside the suitcase 100 and then remove it to easily convert it into a portable bag that can be easily carried by a user. The deployable bag 300 may have at least one carrying strap or a pair of carrying straps 302 as shown so that the bag 300 can be carried as a backpack by the user.

The drop-down bag 300 may have a plurality of pockets including a back pocket 304 that can secure and store the straps 302 so that the bag 300 can be carried by the handle 306A located on the top of the bag 300 or the handle 306B. located on the side of the bag 300. The bag 300 may also have a closure 320 on the front side of the bag along with a closure 322 along the sides to allow access to the interior of the bag 300. The front closure 320 allows a user to access the interior of the bag 300 even when the bag 300 is secured within the lid 104. The bag 300 may include a waterproof outer material and may have a volume of approximately 20 liters or within a range of 15 to 30 liters. As another way of defining size, the bag 300 can substantially fill the volume of the interior void 105 of the lid 104. As another option for the pop-up bag 300, a unidirectional air vent may be provided to allow the bag 300 to compress. to remove air from the bag 300 to minimize the volume of the bag inside the suitcase 100.

Additionally, the bag 300 may include a plurality of attachment loops 308 arranged along the outer perimeter of the bag 300. For example, the attachment loops 308 may be spaced evenly along the top, bottom, left and right sides. right side of the bag 300. Each side of the bag 300 may include at least two attachment loops 308 or, in some embodiments, each side of the bag 300 may have three or more attachment loops 308. Each attachment loop 308 can engage a hook 310 located along the sides of the interior void 105 of the lid 104. As shown in FIGS. 27, hook 310 can be engaged and extended through loop 308 to secure bag 300 to suitcase 100. FIG. 28 illustrates the removal of loop 308 from hook 310 to unhook bag 300 from suitcase 100. Hook 310 may be permanently attached to an interior side surface 312 of lid 104. Hook 310 may comprise an outward member 314. extending outwardly from the side surface 312 and then a downward member 316 extending from the edge of the outward member 314 toward the inner bottom surface 318 of the lid 104.

The attachment loops 308 may be part of an outer band that is secured to the outer surface of the bag 300 or, alternatively, the loops 308 may be positioned individually along the outer surface of the bag. The attachment loops 308 may be formed from nylon or other suitable fabric material. Alternatively, the attachment loops 308 can be replaced by alternative fastening methods such as hook and loop fasteners, magnetic elements, or other releasable element that can be positioned around the perimeter of the bag 300.

As another option, the bag 300 can be replaced by a plurality of drop-down bags 300 that are removably attached to the interior of the lid 104. The plurality of drop-down bags 300 can be modular bags of different sizes. For example, the plurality of deployable bags 300 may include a first bag that fills approximately half of the interior void 105 and a second and third bag that each fills approximately one-quarter of the interior void 105. Additionally, at least one of the plurality of bags may be waterproof or the entire plurality of bags may be waterproof.

The suitcase 100 may also include a cart handle assembly 400 or tow pull handle. The trolley handle assembly, or trailer pull, can be used in conjunction with the wheels on a suitcase to easily pull or push the suitcase making it more maneuverable. The trolley handle assembly 400 may comprise a pair of extrusion assemblies 410 that are connected to the base 102 of the suitcase 100 and connected to each other by a handle or grip 402. The components of the trolley handle assembly 400 may be formed through various training procedures. For example, metal components can be formed by forging, extrusion, molding, casting, stamping, machining and/or other known techniques. Polymeric components may be formed or manufactured by polymer processing techniques, such as various molding and casting techniques and/or other known techniques.

As discussed above, the exterior of the suitcase 100 may have a contoured shape that may include a plurality of recesses to accommodate the latch assemblies, the trolley handle assembly 400, and the wheels 168 to minimize their profile and exposure to potential damage. due to collisions with other objects during the trip. For example, the lower shell 108 may have a tow pull recess 154 that is offset from the primary surface 146 on the bottom 122 of the lower shell 108. The tow pull recess 154 may have a depth that is equal to or greater than the thickness of the extrusion assembly 410 to adequately protect the cart handle assembly 400 from impacts. The trolley handle assembly 400 may include a pair of extendable extrusion assemblies 410 that may extend overhead from the top of the suitcase 100 to provide a raised handle 402 for a user to easily pull the suitcase 100 as shown. in FIG. 30. Extrusion assemblies 410 may include a primary extrusion 420 and one or more secondary extrusions 430, 460, where the secondary extrusions may be nested within a central opening of the primary extrusion 420 and slidably engage with the primary extrusion 420. .

FIGS. 31-34 illustrate an exemplary handle 402 of the cart handle assembly 400. As discussed above, the handle 402 may extend between the extrusion assemblies 410 and act as an interface for a user to extend and lower the cart handle. 400. In accordance with an embodiment not forming part of the invention, the handle 402 may include a release button 411, an upper handle housing 413, and a lower handle housing 415. The lower handle housing 415 may include a pair of extension members 417 extending from a top surface 419 of the top handle housing 413. These extension members 417 may have an opening 431 with a shape and profile that is slightly larger than the profile of the secondary extrusion 430 or of the second or tertiary secondary extrusion 460 so that the uppermost extrusion member 430, 460 can be inserted into the opening 431 and secured. The extrusion member 430, 460 can then be secured to the handle 402 by means known to those skilled in the art.

The release button 411 can be located centrally in both horizontal and vertical directions along the handle 402. Additionally, the top surface 419 can be contoured to match the adjoining surfaces of the suitcase to provide a clean aesthetic appearance. The release button 411 may also include a contoured top surface 433 to correspond with the top surface 419 of the handle 402. Additionally, the release button 411 may be coupled to a rack and pinion gear assembly 435 as shown in the FIGS. 33 and 34 which are illustrated with the upper handle housing 413 and the lower handle housing 415 removed. The release button 411 may have two lower latch members 437 at each end of the button 411 that contact a latch member 441 located on each of a pair of rack gear members 439. Each rack gear member 439 may include an engagement member 441, a rack gear portion 443 at a first end, a base member 445, and a transmission member 447 at a second end opposite the first end. The rack gear portion 443 of each of the rack gear members 439 can be engaged with a pinion gear 449. The pinion gear 449 can be located centrally below the release button 411, so that when the button release button 411 is pushed, the release button 411 can move in a direction generally perpendicular to the upper surface 419 of the handle 402. As the button 411 is pushed, the lower latch members 437, which may have a angled surface 461, may contact and slide along a corresponding angled surface 463 of the engagement member 441 on the rack gear member 439. The angled surface 463 may have a compound angle relative to a surface top of the base member 445, where the compound angle is oriented with two orthogonal planes that are also orthogonal to the top surface of the base member 445. The compound angle of the surface 463 can form acute angles between 1 degree and 60 degrees with the two orthogonal planes. As the angled surfaces 461, 463 move relative to each other, both of the rack gear members 439 are forced to move outward. The pinion gear 449 can help keep the movement between both gear members 439 equal and in a controlled manner. As the gear members 439 move outwardly, the transmission member 447 then applies a force to an activation member 465 located in a groove located within the lower extension 417. The transmission member 447 may include a surface angled that is in contact with an angled surface on the activation member 465. The activation member 465 can disengage a locking mechanism for the cart handle assembly 400, allowing the handle 402 to be pulled upward and extend the 410 extrusion set.

FIGS. 35-52 illustrate the 500th suitcase. The characteristic features of the suitcase 500 are referred to using similar reference numerals under the "5xx" series of reference numerals, instead of "1xx" as used in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-30. Accordingly, certain characteristic features of the suitcase 100 that were already described above as shown in FIGS. 1-30 may be described in less detail or may not be described at all. Additionally, the suitcase 500 may also include a latch assembly 180 and a trolley handle 400 as described above. Exemplary suitcase 500 may include a base 502 and lid 504 rotatably coupled to each other by a hinge 506 or a plurality of hinges 506.

The base 502 may include a lower frame structure 508 having a first side 510, a second side 512 opposite the first side 510, a third side 514 extending between an edge of the first side 510 and an edge of the second side 512, and a fourth side 516 opposite the third side 514. The lower shell 508 may also have a first end 518 and a second end 520 near the interior vacuum opening 503 of the base 502. The lower shell 508 may also include a portion lower 522 connected to a first end 518 of the lower frame structure 508 and configured to support the suitcase 500 on a surface such as a table, the floor or the like. Similarly, the lid 504 may include an upper frame structure 524 having a first side 526, a second side 528 opposite the first side 526, a third side 530 extending between an edge of the first side 526 and an edge of the second side 528, and a fourth side 532 opposite the third side 530. The upper frame structure 524 may also have a first end 534 and a second end 536 near the interior vacuum opening 505 of the lid 504. The upper frame structure Upper frame 524 may also include a lower portion 538 connected to a first end 534 of the upper frame structure 524 and configured to support the suitcase 100 on a surface such as a table, the floor, or the like.

Similar to the example suitcase 100, both the upper frame 524 and the lower frame 508 can each be formed as a unitary or single member, so that each frame is continuous. Additionally, the upper frame 524 and the lower frame 508 may be free of any aperture or aperture that pierces or extends from an exterior surface into the respective interior voids 503, 505 of the base 502 and lid 504 when the various components of the Suitcase 500 are assembled into frames 524, 508. Frames 508, 524 may generally have a thickness within a range of 2 mm and 4 mm, or within 1.5 mm and 6 mm. Frames 508, 524 may also include variable wall thicknesses. As another characteristic feature, the frames 508, 524 may include external ribs (or rails) 509, which may be provided along an exterior or interior surface of the lower frame 108 and the upper frame 524 to increase the rigidity and strength of the frames as well as to protect the frames from impacts.

The upper shell 524 and the lower shell 508 may form the majority of the exterior of the suitcase 500 and each may have a contoured shape that includes a primary surface, a raised surface, and a plurality of recesses, where the recesses may protect the components. of collisions or damage. For example, the top frame 524 may include a raised outward-facing surface 540 that extends near and/or along the second end 520 around the perimeter of the top frame 524. The raised outward-facing surface 540 can be moved a fixed distance. from an outwardly facing primary surface 542 of the top frame 524. A plurality of top latch recesses 544 and hinge recesses 545 may be formed within the raised surface 540. Each top latch recess 544 may have a depth equal to or greater than the thickness of each of the latch assemblies 180 to provide protection to the latch assemblies 180. In some examples, each upper latch recess may have a rear surface 544A, a top surface 544B and a pair of opposing side surfaces 544C, and an opening 544D opposite the top surface 545B. The top recess depth of the latch recess 544 may be defined as the horizontal distance between the outward facing surface 540 relative to the rear surface 544A. The upper latch recesses 544 may have a substantially rectangular shape or, alternatively, a shape that closely matches the shape of the latch assembly 180. Each latch recess 544 may have characteristic receiving features for securing a latch assembly 180. within the recess 544. Receiving features may include a pocket on each side of the recess 544 for receiving a pin or other mounting hardware for the latch assemblies 180. Similarly, each hinge recess 545 may be formed within of the raised surface 540. Each top hinge recess 545 may have a depth equal to or greater than the thickness of each of each hinge 506 to provide protection to the hinge 506 from impacts.

Similar to the upper frame 124, the lower frame 508 may include a primary outward facing surface 546, a raised outward facing surface 548 that extends near and/or along the second end 536 around the perimeter of the lower frame 508. The surface raised outward-facing surface 548 can be moved a fixed distance from a primary outward-facing surface 546 of the lower frame 508. A plurality of lower latch recesses 550 and lower hinge recesses 551 may be formed within the raised surface 548. Each recess may be formed within the raised surface 548. The lower latch recesses 550 may have a depth equal to or greater than the thickness of each of the latch assemblies 180. The lower latch recesses 550 may have a depth that is generally the same as the depth of the upper latch recess 544. In some examples, each lower latch recess 550 may have a rear surface 550A, a top surface 550B and a pair of opposing side surfaces 550C, and an opening 550D opposite the top surface 550B. The Bottom recess depth of the bottom latch recess 550 can be defined as the horizontal distance between the outward facing surface 548 with respect to the rear surface 550A. The latch recesses 550 may include a latch retaining piece 182 that extends along the lower recess 550 and provides an engaging surface for the latch assembly 180 to secure the lower frame 508 to the upper frame 524. Each Latch 550 may have a substantially rectangular shape or, alternatively, a shape that closely matches the shape of the latch assembly 180. The shape and size of the latch recesses 544, 550 may be mirror images of each other and may be aligned. to form a larger recess to receive the entire latch assembly 180 when the case 500 is in a closed configuration. By receiving the entire latch assembly 180 within this larger recess, the exposed surfaces of the latch assembly 180 may be below the outward facing surfaces 540, 548 and also protected around the sides of the latch assembly 180 so that When the suitcase is in the closed configuration, a perimeter of the latch assembly 180 can be located within a combined perimeter of the upper latch recess 544 and the lower latch recess 550.

In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 44B and 44C, the latch assembly 180 may be rotatably coupled to a lid latch assembly 181 before being installed on the lid 504. The lid latch assembly 181 may include a body member 189 that can be received within of the upper latch recess 544 and a flange 183 that may be mounted on a ledge within the recess 544 or mounted on a surface adjacent to the upper latch recess 544. The lid latch assembly 181 may be installed in the recess 544 in a direction generally parallel to the surface of the first side 526 and secure to the frame 124 using at least one mechanical fastener inserted into an opening in the flange 183 of the lid latch assembly 181. The mechanical fastener that secures the flange 183 to the upper frame 524 can be inserted into a threaded hole in a thickened portion of the frame 524, which can prevent the fastener from drilling into the interior of the frame 524. As described above, in some examples, a base latch assembly 185 can be received in the lower latch recess 550 of the lower frame 508. The latch retainer 182 may be installed in the base latch assembly 185 before being installed in the base 102. The base latch assembly 185 may include a base member 191 that can be received within the lower latch recess 550 and a lip member 187 that can be mounted on a ledge within the recess 544 or mounted on a surface adjacent to the upper latch recess 544. The lower latch assembly 185 can be install in the lower latch recess 550 in a direction generally parallel to the surface of the first side 110 and secure to the lower frame 508 using at least one mechanical fastener inserted into an opening in the flange 187 of the lid latch assembly 185. The Mechanical fastener securing flange 187 to frame 108 may be inserted into a threaded hole in a thickened portion of frame 508 to prevent the fastener from drilling into the interior of frame 508. Mechanical fasteners 623 securing latch assemblies 181, 185 to their respective frames 524, 508 may be oriented generally parallel to each other and may also be parallel to the first side 510 of the frame 508 and may also be parallel to the first side 526 of the frame 524.

Bottom hinge recesses 551 may be formed within the raised surface 548. Each bottom hinge recess 551 may have a depth equal to or greater than the thickness of each of each hinge 506 to provide protection to the hinge 506 from impacts. The shape and size of the recesses 545, 551 may be mirror images of each other and may be aligned to form a larger recess to receive the entire hinge 506. The larger recess formed from the recesses 545, 551 may have a conformation that surrounds most of the perimeter of the hinge assembly 506.

As shown in FIG. 43A, the suitcase 500 may include an inner liner 600. The inner liner 600 may be molded and releasably secured in the inner void 503 of the base 502 or the inner void 505 of the lid 504. The inner liner 600 may have an exterior conformation formed to match the interior profile of any interior void 503, 505. The interior liner 600 may include a storage cavity 602 recessed from a top surface 608 of the liner 600 to accommodate different loads. For example, storage cavity 602 may include a plurality of different shaped cavities to receive and protect different shaped items. The inner liner 600 may be formed by means of a molding process where the liner 600 is molded from a rubber, polymer or foam material such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or other similar material. The liner 600 may include mechanical elements 604, such as clamps or hooks, that are spaced around the exterior of the liner 600 where the mechanical elements 604 engage corresponding mechanical elements, such as loops, located along the interior of the base 502. and the lid 504. Optionally, the inner liner 600 may also be secured using an adhesive, hook and loop fasteners (Velcro), magnetic elements or other connection methods. For example, the inner liner 600 may have a plurality of magnetic or ferromagnetic elements located along the perimeter and/or bottom surface that may be attached to corresponding magnetic or ferromagnetic elements located along or within the interior surfaces of the frames. 508, 524. In some cases, the suitcase 500 may include multiple interior liners 600 where the interior liners 600 may be installed interchangeably on the suitcase 500 depending on the contents to be secured. In some examples, the liner 600 may include a mesh or releasable layer 606 to further secure articles within the liner 600.

As another option for releasably securing the inner liner 600 within the inner void 503 of the base frame 508 or the inner void 505 of the lid frame 524, the liner 600 may include a liner attachment assembly 620 that engages releasably. releasable to a base attachment member 639. FIGS. 43B-43E illustrate an alternative means of releasably securing the liner 600 to any of the frames 508, 524. The liner attachment assembly 620 can be moved between a locked position to secure the liner 600 to one of the frames 508, 524 and an unlocked position that allows the liner 600 to be removed from the suitcase 500. The liner fixing member 620 can be permanently attached to the inner liner 600 and the base fixing member 639 can be permanently attached to an interior surface 507, 525 of the base frame 508 or the lid frame 524. The liner attachment assembly 620 may include a tail member 622, a lip member 627, and a grip member 634. The tail member 622 may include a tail body member 624 with a locking shoulder 625 extending outwardly from the tail body member 624. In some cases, such as the example illustrated in FIG. 43E, the tail member 622 may have a pair of locking projections 625 that are arranged opposite each other. The locking bosses 625 may have at least one conical surface for securely engaging the base fixing member 639. Additionally or optionally, each locking boss 625 may have a detent or recess for engaging a corresponding recess or detent in the base fixation member 639 to provide positive feedback of the fixation assembly 620 reaching the locked position. The body member 624 of the tail member 622 may have a generally cylindrical shape or may have any shape that is symmetrical about a central axis. The rim member 627 may include a rim body 629 that can be permanently secured to the liner 600 (i.e., through stitching, rivets, adhesives, or other means known to one skilled in the art) and a rim opening. 631. The lip opening 631 may receive a portion of the tail member 622, and the grip member 634 may be secured to the portion of the tail member 622 that extends toward the lip opening 631. The grip member 634 may have any shape and provide a surface to allow a user to grasp and rotate the gripping member 634.

The base attachment member 639 may include a first wall 641 and a second wall 643 where each wall 641,643 may extend from the interior surface 507 of the base frame 508 with a first end 645 on the interior surface and a second end 647 opposite. to the first end 645. The first wall 641 may include a first base locking projection 649 located at the second end 647 that extends towards the second wall 643, where the second wall 643 includes a second base locking projection 649 located at the second end extending toward the first wall 643. The first wall 641 and the second wall 643 may be spaced a fixed distance apart. Each of the base locking bosses 649 may include a contoured edge formation 651 for receiving the tail member 622 so that the body member 624, the contoured edge formation 651, and the opening 631 may be coaxial with each other when the fixing assembly 620 is in a locked position.

The liner fixing assembly 620 can be moved to a locked position from an unlocked position by rotating the grip member 634 a predetermined amount in a first direction, and can be moved to an unlocked position from a locked position by rotating the grip member 634 a predetermined quantity in a second sense, where the second sense is opposite to the first sense. For example, the liner attachment assembly 620 can be moved to a locked position from an unlocked position by rotating the grip member 634 approximately 90 degrees in a first direction, and can be moved to an unlocked position from a locked position by rotating the member of grip 634 approximately 90 degrees in a second direction, where the second direction is opposite to the first direction. In some examples, the grip member 634 can be moved by a predetermined amount in the same direction to move the fixation assembly 620 from a locked position to an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the locking shoulder of the liner fastening assembly is positioned at least partially below the first base locking shoulder or the second base locking shoulder.

The liner may include a plurality of liner attachment assemblies 620 that may be attached to the base attachment members 639. For example, the liner attachment assemblies 620 may be located within the storage cavities 602 or within any part of the liner 600, such as the side walls or the bottom surface. Similarly, frames 508, 524 may include a plurality of base attachment members 639 that may be disposed anywhere along the interior surfaces of the corresponding frame. For example, the base attachment members 639 may be positioned along the interior side surfaces and/or bottom surfaces of the frames 508, 524. As another option, the backpack 300 may also include the liner attachment assemblies. 620 and can be releasably secured to the frames 508, 524 as described above.

FIGS. 43F and 43G illustrate another example of a fastening configuration for releasably securing liner 600 to base 502 and lid 504. FIG. 43F illustrates an example of base 502 with a plurality of mechanical connectors 660 located along the interior surface 507. Although not shown, the cap 504 may have a plurality of mechanical connectors 660 arranged in a similar manner. In this example, the liner 600 may have a plurality of mechanical connectors 660 that releasably engage a plurality of corresponding mechanical connectors 660 that are disposed along the interior of the bottom and top frames 508, 524. The mechanical connectors 660 can be attached to an interior surface 507, 525 of the base 502 or the lid 504. The mechanical connectors 660 can be spaced evenly or irregularly along each of the interior surfaces 507, 525 of the respective base 502 and lid 504. The mechanical connectors 660 can be attached to an interior surface 507, 525 using an adhesive, tape or other means known to one skilled in the art. In some examples, the inner surface 507, 525 may have a rib 552 located offset a predetermined distance along a portion of the perimeter of the mechanical connector 660 as shown in FIG. 43G. In some examples, the rib 552 may be located less than 2 mm from an edge of the connector 660, or located less than 4 mm from the edge, or less than 8 mm from the edge. The rib 552 may act to protect the mechanical connector 660 from impacts and prevent any shear forces from acting on the mechanical connector 660 to prevent the mechanical connectors 660 from becoming loose. The rib 552 may be continuous around the entire perimeter of the mechanical connector 660 or be discontinuous as shown in the illustrated example. For example, the rib 552 may have an opening or plurality of openings or cuts 553 within the length of the rib 552. This discontinuity or opening 553 may allow a user to use a tool to slide through the opening 553 in the rib. 552 to engage the mechanical connector 660 and remove the connector 660 to repair or replace a damaged connector 660. Each rib 552 can be formed as part of the frames 508, 524. While the illustrated examples show a circular mechanical connector 660 and the rib 552, the mechanical connector 660 and the rib 552 may have any shape, such as rectangular shape, triangular shape or other geometric shape. Alternatively, connector 660 may have a magnetic or ferromagnetic element that releasably engages a complementary connector on liner 600.

Additionally, both the base 502 and the lid 504 may include a plurality of mounts or plugs 556 that attach to the interior surfaces 507, 525 respectively. FIGS. 43F and 43H illustrate the mounts 556. The mounts 556 may be plugs that attach to a protrusion 558 that is formed with the base frame 508 and the lid frame 524. The mounts 556 may have a slot 560 that connects the mounts 556. They may allow a strap (not shown) to be releasably connected to mounts 556 on a first side of the suitcase 500 and extend across the second side of the suitcase 500 to secure any contents stored within the suitcase 500. In In some examples, the mounts 556 may extend through openings located in the liner 600 to allow a user to access the mounts 556 to attach the releasable straps when a liner is secured to the base 502 and/or the lid. 504.

FIG. 44A illustrates a front view of the suitcase in an open configuration with some components removed. The plurality of hinges 506 that join the base 502 and the lid 504 to each other can be secured to the base 502 and the lid 504 so that the lid portion and the base portion of the hinge 506 can slide in the respective recess. of hinge 545, 551 and then secure them with the use of a mechanical element 621, such as a mechanical fastener. The mechanical element 621 can be oriented generally perpendicular to the bottom 522 of the base 502. Similarly, the latch assembly 180 can be installed on the lid 504 by sliding the latch assembly 180 into the lid latch recess 544. and securing it to the lid 504 using a mechanical element 623, such as a mechanical fastener, where the mechanical element 623 can also be oriented generally perpendicular to the bottom surface 522 of the base 502.

As discussed above, the suitcase 500 may include a gasket 576 or other sealing device. As shown, the gasket 576 may be disposed in a recess 577 disposed in the bottom surface 537 at the second end 536 of the lid 504. The base 502 may have a sealing rib 581 disposed along the upper surface 521 in the second end 520 of the base 502 that engages the joint 576 when the suitcase 500 is in the closed configuration. Furthermore, when the suitcase 500 is in the closed configuration, the engagement of the gasket 576 and the sealing rib 581 can prevent the upper surface 521 of the base 502 from contacting the lower surface of the lid 504, where the surface top and bottom surface and fourth end surface are spaced from each other where the cap 504 is spaced a fixed distance from the base 502 creating a gap between them. The gasket 576 may be formed from a rubber or polymeric material and, in some examples, have a substantially circular cross section. Alternatively, the gasket 576 may be disposed in a recess or channel formed in the base 502.

As shown in FIG. 44D, the recess 577 may include a rib 578 that extends upward to engage the gasket 576 opposite the engagement of the sealing rib 581. This rib 578 within the recess may help create a symmetrical load on the gasket 576 to allow that gasket 576 has a circular cross section while providing adequate sealing.

Additionally, the base 502 of the suitcase 500 may include a conical region 523 between the bottom 522 and the fourth surface 516. The conical region 523 may be located between the pair of wheel assemblies 564 and form an acute angle with the central region. of the bottom 522. This conical portion may extend at an angle within a range of 1 degree and 30 degrees when measured from the central portion of the bottom 522 to a bottom surface of the conical region 523 (or tangent plane to a lower surface of the conical region 523). The conical portion 523 allows the suitcase 500 to be pulled using the trolley handle 400 in a greater variety of positions to accommodate users who have different heights.

FIGS. 63 and 64 illustrate the hinge 506. The hinge assembly 506 may include at least two hinges 626, a base hinge insert 628, a lid hinge insert 630, and a plurality of hinge pins 632. A portion of each hinge 626 may be connected via a hinge pin 632 to the cover 504 and a portion of each hinge 626 may be connected via a hinge pin 632 to the base 502. The hinge assembly 506 may define an axis hinge 633 for rotation of the lid 504 relative to the base 502. The hinge axis 633 can be located outside the rear edge of the base 502 and also outside the rear edge of the lid 504. Additionally, the hinge axis 633 may be outside the physical geometry of the hinge assembly 506. The base hinge insert 628 and the lid hinge insert 630 may each have a recess 636, 638 respectively. The hinge recesses 636, 638 may receive the plurality of hinges 626. Each recess 636, 638 may have a depth measured from a respective top surface and a bottom surface 640, 642 of the hinge insert 628, 630 to a bottom surface. of the recess that is greater than a thickness of each of the joints 626. This arrangement allows the hinge inserts 628, 630 to protect the joints 626 from damage.

Each joint 626 may have a top surface 640 and a bottom surface 642 opposite the top surface 640, as well as side surfaces 644 extending between the top and bottom surfaces 640, 642. A pair of holes 646 may extend through the side surfaces 644 where the holes 646 receive the hinge pins 632. For example, the hinge 626 may include a first hinge opening 646 that receives a first hinge pin 632 that extends through the opening 646 towards an opening in the base hinge insert 628 and a second hinge opening 646 that receives a second hinge pin 632 that extends through the opening 646 into an opening in the lid hinge insert 630. Therefore, each hinge 626 connects to both the base 502 and the lid 504. Additionally, the bottom surface 642 may include a slot 648 that receives one of the hinge pins 632 when the suitcase is in the closed configuration and a slot 650 in the top surface 640. which receives one of the hinge pins 632 when the suitcase is in the open configuration. The joints 626 can be arranged adjacent to each other where the first joint can be oriented with the top surface 640 facing the upper perimeter of both the lid 504 and the base 502 when the suitcase 500 is in the open configuration and the second joint is can be oriented with the lower surface 642 facing the upper perimeter of both the lid 504 and the base 502 when the suitcase 500 is in the open configuration as shown in FIG. Four. Five.

Each of the base hinge insert 628 and the lid hinge insert 630 may have a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the left side view of the suitcase 500. As discussed above, each hinge insert 628, 630 has a hinge recess 636, 638, where each hinge recess opens at one end and is surrounded by a hinge insert wall on the remaining sides. When installed, the open end of each recess 636, 638 can be aligned with each other to form an overall hinge recess to receive the joints 626 and allow them to move. Each hinge insert 628, 630 may have a hinge lip 652 extending from the hinge insert wall at the end of the hinge insert 628, 630 having the open end of the recess 636, 638. Hinge flange 652 may have at least one opening to receive mechanical element 621 that secures hinges 506 within respective hinge recesses 550, 551 of base 502 and lid 504.

Similar to the configuration of the suitcase 100, the feet 572 can be generally aligned with one or more of the hinges 506 where a flat portion of the feet 572B are spaced from an edge of a hinge 506. Additionally, the feet 572B can be arranged to be in contact with each other when the suitcase 500 is fully opened to reduce impact forces on the hinges and the other components of the suitcase 500 when opened as shown in FIG. 46. While the illustrated example suitcase 500 has three hinge assemblies 506, the suitcase 500 may have only two hinges 506 or may have more than three hinges.

The components of the hinge assembly 506, such as the hinges 626, the hinge inserts 628, 630, the hinge pins 632, may be formed from metallic materials such as steel or aluminum to provide adequate strength and rigidity. Alternatively, these components may be formed from a polymeric material or composite material such as a fiber-filled polymer. The components can be manufactured using known procedures such as casting, machining and molding.

Similar to suitcase 100, suitcase 500 may include a plurality of wheel assemblies 564 located near the rear and bottom corners of suitcase 500. As shown in FIG. 47, the wheel assembly 564 may be installed in the wheel recess 570 of the lower frame 508. The wheel assembly 564 may include a wheel housing 566 having a rounded shape and a mounting flange 567. The wheel assembly 564 It may further include a wheel 568 mounted on an axle and bearings (not shown). The housing 566 may further include a plurality of guide rails 569 oriented along a side surface of the wheel housing 566 and a plurality of guide rails 571 located along the top surface of the wheel housing 566. The rails The guide grooves 569, 571 will slide into the corresponding guide grooves 573, 575 arranged within the wheel recess 570 of the lower frame 508. The guide grooves 573, 575 and the guide rails 569, 571 may include at least one conical surface to provide a tighter fit when the wheel assembly 564 slides to its final position. Furthermore, the guide rails 573, 575 and the guide grooves 569, 571 can secure the wheel assembly 564 in both lateral and vertical directions (when looking at the rear view of the suitcase 500). The wheel assembly 564 can be secured to the wheel well 570 using at least one mechanical element, such as a mechanical fastener, that extends through the mounting hole located in the mounting flange 567, in which the mechanical element is secured. oriented parallel to the mechanical elements 621 and 624, which secure the hinges 506 and latch assemblies 180 respectively. As shown in the illustrated example, each wheel assembly can be secured with a single mechanical fastener.

Each wheel assembly 564 may be formed as a separate member, as shown in FIGS. 47 and 48. Each wheel assembly 564 may include a wheel housing 566 having a rounded shape and at least one mounting flange 567 located on at least one end, and a wheel 568 mounted on an axle and bearings (not shown). so that the axis aligns with a center of the rounded shape. Additionally, each wheel housing 566 may have a contoured surface that generally follows the contour of the bottom surface 522 of the suitcase and includes the conical portion 523. The outward facing surface 583 of the wheel housing 566, when installed, is may be spaced outward from the bottom surface 522 and the tapered portion 523 of the base 502. Spacing the outward facing surface 583 of the base 502 may help protect the base 502 from any impact.

As shown in the illustrated examples, the suitcase 500 may comprise a pair of wheel assemblies 564, however, in other embodiments, the suitcase may include additional wheel assemblies 564. The wheel assemblies 564 may be spaced evenly and They may be located on the outer edges of the suitcase 500 so that the wheel housing 566 is exposed on at least three sides of the base 502. The housing 566 may be formed from a polymeric material, such as polyamide (nylon). or similar material, while the wheels 568 may be formed from a polymeric material, such as polyurethane or similar material. In some examples, wheels 568 may include a rubber coating or rubber exterior for better traction and wear.

As discussed above, the base 502 may include a lower frame 508 and the lid 504 may include an upper frame 524 to provide a rigid structure that may form a barrier to protect the stored contents. The lower and upper shells 508, 524 can be formed from various materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics or fiber reinforced materials. In some examples, the upper and lower shells 124, 108 may be formed by a polymeric material, such as a polycarbonate alloy, a thermoplastic olefin (TPO), or other similar material, which is molded to form both shells 508, 524. In In some arrangements, the frames 508, 524 are formed using injection molding or rotomolding/rotational molding processes as would be understood by one skilled in the art (not shown). To further strengthen the structure, the frames 508, 524 may include elongated rib structures to further stiffen the structure in areas around the latch assemblies 180 and the hinges 506. For example, as shown in FIGS. 49 and 50, the top frame 524 may have a group of elongated ribs 527 extending from a surface below each of the top latch recesses 544 to the interior surface at the top 538 of the top frame 524. Similarly , a group of elongated ribs 527 can extend from a surface below each of the upper hinge recesses 545 to the inner surface of the top 538 of the upper frame 524. Each rib 527, 529 within each group can be spaced uniformly from the next adjacent rib, where each rib may be spaced apart a distance of approximately 9.5 times the thickness of each rib 527, 529, or spaced apart within a range of 8 times to 10 times the thickness of each rib 527, 529, or spaced apart within a range of 6 to 12 times the thickness of each rib 527, 529. Each rib 527, 529 may have a thickness of approximately 1.6 mm or within a range of 1. 0mm and 2.2mm. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 51 and 52, the lower frame 508 may have a group of elongated ribs 511 extending from a surface below each of the lower latch recesses 550 to the interior surface of the bottom 522 of the lower frame 508. Similarly , a group of elongated ribs 513 may extend from a surface below each of the lower hinge recesses 551 to the inner surface of the bottom 522 of the lower frame 508. Each rib 511, 513 within its group of ribs is can be spaced evenly from the next adjacent rib, where each rib 511, 513 can be spaced from each other a distance of approximately 9.5 times the thickness of each rib 511, 513, or spaced from each other within a range of 8 to 10 times the thickness of each rib 511, 513, or space each other within a range of 6 to 12 times the thickness of each rib 511, 513. Each rib 511, 513 may have a thickness of approximately 1.6 mm or within a interval of 1.0 mm and 2.2 mm. The rib structures 511, 513, 527, 529 may also be connected to the adjoining inner surface of the frame structure of the respective cap and base frames 524, 508. The rib structures 511, 513, 527, 529 help stiffen and strengthen the frames 508, 524. As another option, the lower frame 508 may have an opening 515 disposed within the ribs 513 below one of the hinge recesses 551 to receive a one-way pressure release valve.

FIGS. 53-70 illustrate a cart handle assembly 400 along with its attachment to the suitcase 100. The cart handle assembly 400 may be attached to the bottom frame 108 along the outside of the bottom 122 of the frame 108.

The cart handle 400 may be formed as a separate member or assembly and attached to the lower frame 108. The cart handle 400 may comprise a pair of extrusion assemblies 410 and a handle 402 for a user to grasp that extends between the pair of extrusion assemblies 410. In some embodiments, the cart handle 400 may comprise a single extrusion assembly 410. Each extrusion assembly 410 may have a primary extrusion 420, a secondary extrusion 430, a top cover or primary bushing. 440 located between the main extrusion 420 and the secondary extrusion, and a lower cover 450 secured to a lower end of the main extrusion 420. Alternatively, each extrusion assembly 410 may have a main extrusion 420, a secondary extrusion 430, a second or tertiary secondary extrusion 460, a top cover 440 located between the main extrusion 420 and the secondary extrusion 430, a top cover or secondary sleeve 404 located between the tertiary extrusion 460 and the secondary extrusion 430, and a bottom cover 450 secured to a lower end of the main extrusion 420. In still other embodiments, the number of extrusions in each extrusion assembly 410 may comprise a single extrusion or more than three extrusions.

As shown in FIGS. 61 and 65-67, extrusions 420, 430, 460 of extrusion assembly 410 may be configured in a nested arrangement. The main extrusion 420 may have a central opening 422 surrounded by an outer wall 429, where the central opening 422 has a generally rectangular shape with an alignment member 429A disposed on the rear side of the outer wall 429. The alignment member 429A It may be a centrally located notch along the outer wall 429 that extends into the opening 422 to help align the other extrusions 430, 460 within the openings 422, 432 as they move relative to each other. While exemplary alignment member 429A has a trapezoidal conformation, alignment member 429A may have a curved, triangular, or other geometric conformation. The secondary extrusion 430 may have an outer surface 434 with a shape or profile that generally corresponds to the shape of the opening 422 of the main extrusion 420 such that the secondary extrusion 430 can be inserted into an opening 422 of the main extrusion 420. The outer conformation of the secondary extrusion 430 may be offset a predetermined distance from the interior surface of the opening 422 and include the alignment member 434A to allow the secondary extrusion 430 to slide freely up and down within the opening 422. of the main extrusion 420 to allow the cart handle 400 to be extended to a use position or removed to a storage position. Similarly, the tertiary extrusion 460 may have an outer surface 464 with a shape or profile that generally corresponds to the shape of the central opening 432 of the secondary extrusion 430 such that the tertiary extrusion 460 can be inserted into an opening 432. of the secondary extrusion 430. The outer conformation of the tertiary extrusion 460 may be offset a predetermined distance from the inner surface of the opening 432 and include the alignment member 464A to allow the tertiary extrusion 460 to slide freely up and down. into the opening 432 of the secondary extrusion 430. The handle 402 may be secured to the tertiary extrusion 460 of each of the extrusion sets 410. In some cases, the secondary extrusion 430 may be the highest extrusion of the extrusion set 410 where the handle 402 is secured between a pair of secondary extrusions 430.

The primary extrusion 420, secondary extrusion 430, and tertiary extrusion 460 may each be formed as a single unitary part, where each extrusion 420, 430, 460 may have a substantially constant cross-sectional profile. FIG. 61 further illustrates the nested arrangement and the cross-sectional profile of the main extrusion 420 may have a central opening 422 with a channel 424 located adjacent to the central opening 422 on the front side of the main extrusion 420 with a central slot 423 that is extends toward the channel 424. The outer channel wall 426 extends from either side of the slot 423 and wraps around to connect to the outer wall 429 surrounding the central opening 422.

As illustrated in FIGS. 53-70, the trolley handle assembly 400 can be secured externally to the base 102 of the suitcase 100, where the base 102, or the lower frame 108, is free of any opening that extends through the frame 108. The cart handle assembly 400 each extrusion assembly 410 can be secured to the lower frame 108 using a plurality of mounting clamps 470. As shown in FIG. 53, a plurality of mounting brackets 470 may be secured within the tow handle recess 154 of the lower frame 108. The plurality of mounting brackets 470 may include three evenly spaced mounting brackets 470, a first bracket 470 secured in an upper region of the recess 154, a second clamp secured in a central region of the recess 154 and a third clamp secured in a lower region of the recess 154, while other embodiments may comprise two mounting clamps 470 or may comprise four mounting clamps 470. To install the cart handle 400 on the suitcase 100, each extrusion assembly 410 can be slid down into the tow handle recess 154 so that a central slot 423 in an outer channel 424 of the main extrusion 420 slides over each one of the mounting clamps 470 until each of the outer spring arms 482 of the mounting clamps 470 engages a receiver 425 located adjacent to an outer channel wall 426 of the main extrusion 420. As shown in the FIGS. 54, 55A-B, 60 and 61, the outer channel 424 may be adjacent to the central opening 422 and be arranged on a front side of the main extrusion 420 so that the outer channel wall 426 faces the handle recess. trailer 154 of the lower frame 108. The receiver 425 of the main extrusion 420 may comprise a slot extending outwardly from the central slot 423. Each main extrusion 420 may include a plurality of receivers 425. The plurality of receivers 425 may be arranged as a group, where the number of recipients 425 in each group is equal to the number of arms spring arms 482 on the mounting clamps 470. For example, in the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, four receivers 425 are arranged in a group to correspond to the four outer spring arms 482 on each mounting clamp 470.

As best illustrated in FIG. 70, the mounting clamps 470 may have a central body 472 with an upper end 474, a lower end 476, a front side 478, a rear side 480, a plurality of outer spring arms 482 arranged on both the left side 484 and on the right side 486, a central spring arm 488 extending from the front side 478 of the central body 472, and a plurality of mounting holes 479 extending through the central body 472. Each outer spring arm 482 can having a fixed end 492 fixed to the central body 472 and a free end 494, so that the outer spring arm 482 is cantilevered from the fixed end. Additionally, each free end 494 may have a top surface 495, a rear surface 496, and a bottom surface 497. The angle 498 formed by the top surface 495 and the rear surface 496 may be an obtuse angle. For example, angle 498 may be approximately 115 degrees or may be between 91 degrees and 135 degrees. By arranging the angle 498 in this manner, the main extrusion 420 can push the outer spring arms 482 inward to allow the extrusion 420 to slide down on the mounting clamps 470 until reaching the bottom without the mounting clamp higher than 470 causes it to get stuck halfway. As best seen in FIG. 55A and 55B, as the main extrusion 420 moves downward, the upper edge 427 of the receiver 425 may contact the upper surface 495 and push the outer spring arm 482 inward towards the front side 478 to allow The main extrusion continues moving downward until it reaches its final set position. Furthermore, the rear surface 496 and the bottom surface 497 of the free end 494 form angle 499, which is an acute angle. For example, angle 499 may be approximately 85 degrees or within a range of 45 degrees and 89 degrees. By arranging the bottom surface 497 and the rear surface at an acute angle 499, the main extrusion 420 may not be removable by pulling upward after a spring arm 482 has engaged with its corresponding receiver 425. Once the spring arm 482 engages, if the main extrusion 420 is pulled upward, the bottom edge 428 of the receiver 425 may be in contact with the bottom surface 497 where the angled bottom surface 497 will cause the outer spring arm 482 to snap. resist moving inward thereby preventing the main extrusion 420 from moving upward.

As shown in FIG. 56, each mounting bracket 470 can be secured to the lower frame using a mechanical fastener 406 inserted through each mounting hole 479 of the mounting bracket 470. The fasteners 406 can be inserted into the knockouts 159 formed in the lower frame 108 so that the holes 159 do not extend into the interior void of the suitcase 100, which keeps the lower frame 108 free of any opening that extends through its body. The lower frame 108 may have a wall thickness that is greater than the wall thickness of the majority of the lower frame 108 in the regions secured by the mounting brackets 470.

Since each mounting clamp 470 is arranged to allow movement of the main extrusion 420 in a single direction, the mounting clamp 470 can be mounted on the case in a manner that ensures its proper operation. Each mounting bracket 470 may have a pocket 493 on the rear side 480 that can be engaged to a protuberance 155 disposed in the tow handle recess 154. Each protuberance 155 may have an asymmetrical shape along at least one intersecting plane. the axis of the blind holes 159 that engages the pocket 493 that has a corresponding asymmetrical conformation. The protuberances 155 may be arranged in pairs to engage the pockets 493 provided on each mounting bracket 470. For example, as shown in FIGS. 57A and 57B, the protrusions 155 may be arranged as three pairs of protrusions 155 in each recess 154 to connect to three mounting clamps 470 within each recess 154. Said number of pairs of protrusions 155 may be equal to the number of mounting clamps 470 fixed to the frame 108. Each protuberance 155 may have a D shape where an upper region is rounded and a lower region is straight. The asymmetry of the boss 155 and the pocket 493 can help prevent the mounting bracket 470 from being assembled to the lower frame 108 incorrectly. Alternatively, only one protuberance 155 of each pair of protuberances 155 may be shaped asymmetrically.

Additionally, as a means of creating a secure installation of the cart handle 400 on the suitcase, the center spring arm 488 of the mounting clamp 470 may provide a horizontally oriented force to help further secure the extrusion assembly 410 to the frame 108. and reduce any vibration within the trolley handle 400 relative to the suitcase 100. As discussed above, the central spring arm 488 may extend outwardly from the front side 478 of the central body 472 toward the lower end 476. The arm The spring assembly 488 may have a fixed end 489 on the front side 478 of the mounting bracket 470 and a free end 490 spaced from the front side 478. The free end 490 may be in contact with the outer wall portion 429 of the extrusion. main 420 which is located between the central opening 422 and the channel 424. As the free end 490 is in contact with the outer wall 429, the central spring arm 488 is compressed and as it is compressed it exerts a force against the extrusion main 420 to reduce any vibration and keep the cart handle 400 secured to the lower frame 108.

The extrusion assembly 410 may have a means to prevent dirt and debris from causing the extrusions 420, 430, 460 to stick together as they move relative to each other. Each extrusion 420, 430, 460 includes a central opening 422, 432, 462 respectively to allow dirt or debris entering assembly 410 to easily pass through the center. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 63 and 68, the extrusion assembly 410 may include the top cover 440 inserted into the central opening 422 on the top of the main extrusion 420. The top cover 440 may have a top edge 442 that rests on a top surface 421 of the main extrusion 420 and a lower part 444 that is inserted into the central opening 422. The upper cover 440 may have a central opening 446 that extends through the upper cover 440 with a shape that corresponds to the outer surface 434 of the secondary extrusion 430. The upper edge 442 may have a plurality of inwardly facing slits 448. These slits 448 provide small openings to allow dust and debris to pass through, so that the powder can travel through the interior of the extrusion assembly 410 without affecting to the sliding movement of the secondary extrusion 430 and allow the secondary extrusion 430 to move freely relative to the main extrusion 420. Similarly, the top cover 404 can be inserted into the opening 432 of the secondary extrusion 430 and have an opening central to receive the tertiary extrusion 460. The top cover 404 may have all of the characteristic features discussed above of the top cover 440 such as the plurality of inwardly facing slits to allow dust and debris to pass through, so that the dust can travel through the interior of the extrusion assembly 410 without affecting the sliding movement of the tertiary extrusion 460 and allowing the tertiary extrusion 460 to move freely relative to the secondary extrusion 430.

Additionally, the bottom cover 450 of each extrusion assembly 410 may provide a means to further secure the cart handle 400 to the suitcase 100 and also provide a means to allow dirt and debris to exit each extrusion assembly 410. The cover Bottom 450 can be inserted into the central opening 422 at the bottom of the main extrusion 420. As shown in FIGS. 56, 58, 42 and 20, the lower cover 450 may comprise an upper part 451 that extends towards the central opening 422 of the main extrusion 420 and a lower part 452 that remains outside the main extrusion 420 and forms a lower part of the extrusion assembly 410. The lower part 452 may comprise a lower spring arm 453 extending downwardly away from a lower surface 454 of the lower cover 450. The lower spring arm 453 may have a fixed end 455 and a free end 456, where the free end 456 may be in contact with a side surface 157 of the recess 154 as shown in FIG. 56. The lower spring arm 453 may exert an upward force on the main extrusion to limit vibration and further secure the extrusion assembly 410 to the frame 108. The lower cover 450 may also include a channel 458 along the lower part. bottom 452 of the cover 450. Additionally, the bottom cover 450 may include a central opening 457 through the bottom surface 454, which may be formed where the bottom spring arm 453 extends from the bottom surface 454 as shown in the FIG. 58. The central opening 457 may allow dirt and debris to exit the extrusion assembly 410. As best illustrated in FIG. 64, the bottom cover 450 may also have a plurality of side openings 459 disposed on either side of the central opening 457 that extend across the bottom surface 454 to allow dirt and debris to exit the extrusion assembly 410. The openings Sides 459 may have any geometric shape, such as substantially rectangular as shown in the exemplary embodiment, or circular, elliptical or other shape. Additionally, the side surface 157 of the tow handle recess 154 can be oriented downward to help move dirt and debris away from and away from the extrusion assembly 410.

FIGS. 71-86 illustrate an alternative trolley handle 700, which can be attached to the base 502 of the suitcase 500. Reference is made to the characteristic features of the trolley handle assembly 700 using similar reference numerals under the "7xx" series of reference numbers, instead of "4xx" as used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-70. Accordingly, certain characteristic features of the cart handle assembly 700 that were already described above as shown in FIGS. 1-70 may be described in less detail, or may not be described at all. The cart handle assembly 700 may be attached to the lower frame 508 along the outside of the bottom 522 of the lower frame 508. Similar to the cart handle assembly 400, the cart handle assembly 700 may be formed as a separate member or assembly and attach to the lower frame 508. The cart handle assembly 700 may comprise a pair of extrusion assemblies 710 and a handle 702 for a user to grasp that extends between the pair of extrusion assemblies 710. In In some embodiments, the cart handle assembly 700 may comprise a single extrusion assembly 710. Each extrusion assembly 710 may have a primary extrusion 720, a secondary extrusion 730, a second or tertiary secondary extrusion 760, a top cover or main sleeve 740 located between the main extrusion 720 and the secondary extrusion 730, a top cover or secondary sleeve 704 located between the tertiary extrusion 760 and the secondary extrusion 730. In other examples, the number of extrusions may comprise a single extrusion, two extrusions or more than three extrusions.

Similar to extrusion assembly 410, extrusion assembly 710 may have a nested arrangement. The main extrusion 720 may have a central opening 722 surrounded by an outer wall 729, where the central opening 722 has a generally rectangular shape with an alignment member 729A disposed on the rear side of the outer wall 729. The alignment member 729A It may be a centrally located notch along the outer wall 729 that extends into the opening 722 to help align the other extrusions 730, 760 within the openings 722, 732 as they move relative to each other. While the exemplary lineup member 729A has a trapezoidal conformation, the alignment member 729A may have a curved, triangular or other geometric conformation. The secondary extrusion 730 may have an outer surface 734 with a shape or profile that generally corresponds to the shape of the opening 722 of the main extrusion 720, so that the secondary extrusion 730 can be slidably engaged with the opening 722. Similarly, the outer surface 764 may have a shape or profile that generally corresponds to the shape of the central opening 732 of the secondary extrusion 730 so that the tertiary extrusion 760 can be slidably engaged in the opening 732 of the secondary extrusion 730. The grip portion 702 may be secured to the tertiary extrusion 760 of each of the extrusion assemblies 710. In some cases, the secondary extrusion 730 may comprise the highest extrusion of the cart handle assembly 700 and have the handle 702 secured between a pair of secondary extrusions 730.

FIGS. 74-76 illustrate the cart handle assembly 700 with various components removed to illustrate the nested arrangement. For example, FIG. 74 illustrates the cart handle assembly 700 with the main extrusion 720 removed from one of the extrusion assemblies 710. FIG. 74 shows the secondary extrusion 730 below the main extrusion 720. Additionally, the main sleeve 740 can be positioned between the main extrusion 720 and the secondary extrusion 730 at the top of the extrusion assembly 710. A main stop 781 can be located in a lower part of the secondary extrusion 730 that is in contact with a shelf 783 that is in contact with the lower end of the secondary extrusion 730. The main stop 781 may have a plug portion 785 that extends towards the opening 732 of the secondary extrusion 730 to help secure the main stop 781 to the extrusion assembly 710 as shown in FIG. 75, which illustrates an extrusion assembly 710 with both the main extrusion 720, secondary extrusion 730, and main sleeve 740 removed. FIG. 75 also shows the secondary sleeve 704 which is secured to the top of the tertiary extrusion 760. FIG. 76 further illustrates the tertiary extrusion 760 removed along with the middle stop 787 located at the lower end of the tertiary extrusion 760. Similar to the main stop 781, the intermediate stop 787 may have a shelf 789 to contact the tertiary extrusion 760 and a plug portion 791 extending toward the opening 762 of the tertiary extrusion 760 to help secure the intermediate stop 787 to the extrusion assembly 710 as shown in FIG. 76. Push rod 793 connects from actuation member 765 to locking mechanism to allow grip portion 702 to be pulled upward extending extrusion assembly 710.

Like the cart handle assembly extrusions 400, the primary extrusion 720, secondary extrusion 730, and tertiary extrusion 760 may each be formed as a single unitary part, where each extrusion 720, 730, 760 may have a profile of substantially constant cross section as shown in FIG.

72B.

As illustrated in FIGS. 77-82, the cart handle assembly 700 can be secured externally to the base 502 or the lower frame 508. Each extrusion assembly 710 can be secured to the lower frame 508 using a plurality of mounting clamps 770. As shown in FIG. 78, a plurality of mounting brackets 770 may be secured within the tow pull recess 554 of the lower frame 508. The plurality of mounting brackets 770 may include two mounting brackets 770 with a first bracket 770 in an upper region of the recess 554. and a second clamp secured in a lower region of the recess 554, while other embodiments may comprise three mounting clamps 770 or may comprise four mounting clamps 770. To install the trolley handle assembly 700 on the suitcase 500, each Extrusion assembly 710 can be lowered into the tow handle recess 554 in a direction towards the front of the suitcase 500 so that a central slot 723 and the receiver 725 in an outer channel 724 of the main extrusion 720 slides over each one of the mounting clamps 770. The extrusion assemblies 710 can then be slid upward towards the upper surface 514 (away from the wheel assemblies 564). The extrusion assemblies 710 may be stopped when the bottom edge 725A of the receiver 425 engages a bottom surface 771 of an upper shelf 773 of the mounting bracket 770. The spring arms 782 may engage the outer channel wall 726. to maintain the channel wall 426 in contact with the rear side 780 of the mounting bracket 770. The receiver 725 of the main extrusion 720 may comprise a slot extending outwardly from the central slot 723. Each main extrusion 760 may include a plurality of receivers 725. The plurality of receivers 725 can be arranged as a group, where the number of receivers 725 in each group is equal to the number of spring arms 782 in the mounting clamps 770. For example, in the modes of In exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, two receivers 725 are arranged in a group to correspond to the two outer spring arms 782 on each mounting clamp 770. Once the extrusion assemblies 710 are engaged with the mounting clamps 770, they are A bottom cover 750 may be positioned within each recess 554 and secured to the frame 508 to prevent each extrusion assembly 710 from moving downward. Once the bottom cover 750 is secured, the trolley handle assembly 700 is secured to the suitcase 500. The bottom cover 750 may prevent the extrusion assemblies 710 and consequently the trolley handle assembly 700 from moving downward. towards the bottom of the suitcase (in a direction towards a plane created by the axles of a plurality of wheels 564).

As best illustrated in FIG. 81, the mounting clamps 770 may have a central body 772 with an upper end 774, a lower end 776, a front side 778, a rear side 780, a plurality of outer spring arms 782 arranged on both the left side 784 and on the right side 786, and a mounting hole extending through the central body 772. Each outer spring arm 782 may have a fixed end 792 fixed to the central body 772 and a free end 794, so that the outer spring arm 782 is cantilevered from the fixed end 792. Each spring arm 782 of the mounting clamp 770 can provide a horizontally oriented force to further help secure the extrusion assembly 710 to the frame 508 and reduce any vibration within the cart handle assembly 700 relative to the suitcase 500. As the free end 794 is in contact with the outer channel wall 726, the Spring arm 782 is compressed and as it is compressed it exerts a force against the main extrusion 720 to reduce any vibration and keep the cart handle assembly 700 secured to the lower frame 508.

As shown in FIG. 77, each mounting bracket 770 can be secured to the lower frame 508 using a mechanical fastener 706 inserted through each mounting hole 779 of the mounting bracket 770. The fastener 706 is inserted into a blind threaded hole 559 formed in the frame. bottom 508 so that the holes 559 do not extend into the interior void of the suitcase 500. Each mounting clamp 770 can be arranged to allow movement of the main extrusion 720 in a single direction, the mounting clamp 770 can be mounted in the suitcase in a way that guarantees its proper functioning. Each mounting clamp 770 may be located within a pocket 557 located within the recess 554. The pocket 557 may include the mounting hole 559 which is located away from a center of the pocket so that the mounting clamp 770 can only be attached of a shape to the frame 508.

Similar to the extrusion assembly 410, the extrusion assembly 710 may have a means to prevent dirt and debris from causing the extrusions 720, 730, 760 to stick together as they move relative to each other. Each extrusion 720, 730, 760 may include a central opening 722, 732, 762 respectively to allow dirt or debris entering the assembly 710 to easily pass through the center. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 72A-76 and 82-83, each extrusion assembly 710 may include a top cover 740 inserted into the central opening 722 at the top of the main extrusion 720. The main sleeve 740 may have a bottom 744 that is inserted into the main extrusion 720 and a central opening 746 that extends through the top cover 740 with a shape that corresponds to the outer surface 734 of the secondary extrusion 730. The top shelf 742 may have a plurality of inwardly facing indentations 748. These slits 748 may provide small openings to allow dust and debris to pass through, so that dust can travel inside the extrusion assembly 710 without affecting the sliding movement of the secondary extrusion 730 and allowing the secondary extrusion 730 to move freely. in relation to the main extrusion 720. Similarly, the secondary bushing 704 may have a lower part 703 that is inserted into the opening 732 of the secondary extrusion 730, an upper shelf 708 that rests on the top of the secondary extrusion 730 and a central opening 707 for receiving the tertiary extrusion 760. The top cover 704 may have all of the previously discussed characteristic features of the top cover 740 such as the plurality of inwardly facing slits 705 to allow dust and debris to pass through, so that The powder can travel through the interior of the extrusion assembly 710 without affecting the sliding movement of the tertiary extrusion 760 and allowing the tertiary extrusion 760 to move freely relative to the secondary extrusion 730.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 84, each bottom cover 750 of the cart assembly 700 may provide a means to allow dirt and debris to exit each extrusion assembly 710. Additionally, the bottom cover 750 may include at least one opening 757 through the bottom surface 754. to allow dirt and debris to exit the extrusion assembly 710.

FIGS. 85-86 illustrate an exemplary handle 702 of the cart handle assembly 700. Characteristic features of the handle 702 are referenced using similar reference numbers under the "7xx" series of reference numbers, instead of "4xx." "as used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-70. Accordingly, certain characteristic features of the grip portion 702 that were already described above as shown in FIGS. 1-70 may be described in less detail, or may not be described at all. As discussed above, the grip portion 702 may extend between the extrusion assemblies 710 and act as the interface for a user to extend and lower the cart handle assembly 700. According to an embodiment not forming part of the invention, the handle 702 may include a release button 711, an upper handle housing (not shown) and a lower handle housing 715. The release button 711 may be located centrally in both horizontal and vertical directions along of the handle 702. A seal 709 may be provided around the release button 711 to prevent dirt or moisture from entering the grip portion 702. For example, the release button 711 may be overmolded with a soft rubber or polymer material. . Additionally or optionally, seal 709 may also include a wiper gasket around the perimeter of the base of release button 711.

Similar to the grip portion 402, the release button 711 may be coupled to a rack and pinion gear assembly 735 as shown in FIG. 86 which has the upper handle housing and the lower handle housing 715 removed. The release button 711 may have two lower latching members 737 at each end of the button 711 that are in contact with a latching member 741 located on each of a pair of rack gear members 739. As the release button 711 is pushed button 711, the lower engagement members 737, which may have an angled surface 761, may be in contact with and slide along a corresponding angled surface 763 of the engagement member 741 in the rack gear member 739. As the angled surfaces 761, 763 move relative to each other, both of the rack gear members 739 are forced to move outward. The pinion gear 749 can help keep the movement between both gear members 739 equal and in a controlled manner. As the gear members 739 move outwardly, the transmission members 747 may then apply a force to the actuation members 765 located in a slot located within the lower extension 717. The transmission member 747 may include a angled surface that is in contact with an angled surface on the activation member 765. The activation member 765 can be connected to the push rod 793 to disengage a locking mechanism that allows the handle 702 to be pulled up from 710 extrusion sets.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a suitcase comprising a lid rotatably connected to a base, where the lid may include an upper frame formed as a unitary member and where the base includes a lower frame formed as a unitary member. The suitcase can be configured in an open orientation or in a closed configuration, where in the closed configuration, a plurality of latch assemblies secure the lid to the base. Furthermore, the upper shell and the lower shell may be free of openings or openings extending from an outer surface through an inner surface. As another option, the latch assemblies may be located within an upper latch recess and a lower latch recess located in the lid and base respectively. Additionally, a wheel assembly comprising a housing, a wheel and an axle may be formed as a separate member and received in a recess formed in the lower frame.

The present disclosure is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various characteristic features and concepts related to the disclosure, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications can be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (8)

1. One suitcase (100, 500) comprising: a base (102, 502), including base (102, 502): a first frame structure (108, 508) having a first side (110, 510) and a second side (112) opposite the first side (110, 510), wherein the first frame structure (108, 508) has a first end (118, 518) and a second end (120, 520) and wherein the first frame structure (108, 508) has a first outwardly facing surface and a second outwardly facing surface, wherein the second outward facing surface moves a first fixed distance from the first outward facing surface; a lower portion (122, 522) connected to a first end (118, 518) of the first frame structure (108, 508); a first interior void (103, 503) defined by the first frame structure (108, 508) and the bottom part (122, 522); a cover (104, 504) rotatably connected to the base (102, 502), including the cover (104, 504): a second frame structure (124, 524) having a third side and a fourth side opposite the third side, the second frame structure (124, 524) having a third end and a fourth end; wherein the second frame structure (124, 524) has a third outward-facing surface and a fourth outward-facing surface, wherein the fourth outward-facing surface is displaced a second fixed distance from the third outward-facing surface ; an upper portion (138, 538) connected to a third end of the second frame structure (124, 524); and an extendable cart handle assembly (400, 700), including the cart handle assembly (400, 700): a pair of extrusion sets (410, 710), in which each extrusion set (410, 710) includes a main extrusion (420, 720) and a secondary extrusion (430, 460, 730, 760), in which the secondary extrusion (430, 460, 730, 760) is nested within a central opening of the main extrusion (420, 720) and slideably engages with the main extrusion (420, 720); a gripping portion connected to the secondary extrusion (430, 460, 730, 760) of each of the pair of extrusion assemblies (410, 710), wherein the extrusion assembly (410, 710) is secured to the base (102, 502) by a plurality of mounting clamps (470, 770) that are mounted on an outwardly facing surface of the bottom (122, 522) of the base (102, 502), characterized in that the plurality of mounting clamps are secured within a recess (154, 554) along the bottom of the base (102, 502). 2. The suitcase of claim 1, wherein the plurality of mounting clamps (470, 770) are evenly spaced within the recess (154, 554). 3. The suitcase of claim 2, wherein each mounting clamp (470, 770) is secured within a pocket (493, 557) located within the recess (154, 554). 4. The suitcase of claim 1, wherein each mounting clamp (470, 770) of the plurality of mounting clamps (470, 770) includes a central body (472, 772) with an upper end (474, 774 ), a lower end (476, 776), a front side (478, 778), a rear side (480, 780) and an outer spring arm (482, 782). 5. The suitcase of claim 4, wherein the main extrusion (420, 720) includes a plurality of receivers (425, 725), and wherein the outer spring arm (482, 782) of one of the plurality of mounting clamps (470, 770) engages a first receiver of the plurality of receivers (425) to secure the main extrusion (420, 720) to the base (102, 502). 6. The suitcase of claim 5, wherein the number of receivers (425, 725) is equal to the number of outer spring arms (482, 782) in each mounting bracket (470, 770). 7. The suitcase of claim 1, wherein a bottom cover (450, 750) is attached to the recess (154, 554) and is in contact with the main extrusion (420, 720) to prevent the main extrusion (420) , 720) move in a direction towards a plane created by the axles of a plurality of wheels. 8. The suitcase of claim 1, wherein the trolley handle assembly further comprises a main bushing (440, 740) located between the main extrusion (420, 720) and the secondary extrusion (430, 730), in the that the main sleeve (440, 740) includes an upper edge (442, 742) that is in contact with an end surface of the main extrusion (420, 720) and a central opening that receives the secondary extrusion (430, 730) , and in which the upper edge (442, 742) has a plurality of inwardly oriented slits (448, 748).