JP2015033649A - Article of luggage and method of construction thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inhibit increase in the overall weight of an article of luggage itself while securing operationality.SOLUTION: The present invention provides an article of luggage and a method of construction thereof, comprising a shape defining framework structure. The shape defining framework structure comprises two length defining members. At one end of each length defining member, a portion of a towing handle is telescopically incorporated; and at the opposed end of each length defining member, a wheel is located. A substantial portion of the wheel is housed within the shape defining framework structure. Preferably, the wheels are located at corners of the suitcase, and the suitcase further comprises a shape defining portion which rounds off the sharp edges of the case and thus providing a more robust construction. Furthermore, having the telescopic handle located in the same vertical plane as the wheel housing makes towing more stable.

Description

  The present invention relates to a structure of a travel bag such as a suitcase or a trolley case used by a traveler.

Such luggage items can be considered to include two main types, so-called “soft” suitcases and “hard” suitcases.
Conventionally, a “hard” suitcase is composed of two or more thermoformed panels. The panel is manufactured from a material with sufficient rigidity, can hold the desired shape even in the absence of a substantial skeleton, and is robust and resilient to various impacts experienced in everyday use And high durability. Furthermore, the term hard suitcase is used for a suitcase whose wall, upper and lower portions are not easily penetrated by a blade or a needle.

  The term “soft” suitcase is a suitcase with a flexible outer cover supported by an inner frame made of metal or a suitable plastic material so that the inner frame defines the appearance of the suitcase Used for suitcases that extend around the entire perimeter of the upper and lower parts of the base of the suitcase.

  It is also known that both types of cases are provided with a traction handle structure that is movable between a storage position or a storage position and an extended suitcase traction position for a user. In many cases, at least a pair of wheels are provided to facilitate movement of the suitcase by the user. However, since the wheels of the soft case are attached using an additional plywood, PE plate, or resin plate, the weight of the case increases.

  By providing the traction handle mechanism together with the wheel or the roller, the user does not have to carry the suitcase. Also, in practice, the use of wheels or rollers significantly facilitates normal operation of the suitcase in places such as crowded airports.

  Regardless of the substantial construction of the “hard” or “soft” suitcase, the conventional traction handle mechanism provides at least a pair of additional tubular members in the substantial structure of the base frame of the suitcase, in practice. The rim of the U-shaped assembly that acts as a traction handle of the U-shaped member is provided by telescopically engaging the tubular member.

In practice, such additional tubes may greatly increase the total weight of the suitcase itself, as additional means for attaching the tube to the suitcase skeleton need to be provided.
Globally, many of the recent trips are based on aircraft, and as is well known, many companies that operate airlines have a lot of luggage that travelers can bring into the aircraft. Considering that the upper limit of the total weight is frequently reduced, it is inconvenient to increase the weight of the suitcase. In fact, the weight of carry-on baggage allowed for one passenger, whether on regular flights or charter flights, with respect to the most commonly used flight groups, i.e. so-called traveler grades, gradually decreases. ing.

  The present invention provides a method for constructing a travel bag article that solves or at least reduces the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

  Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the present invention provides a shape-defining framework structure that includes two length-defining members, at one end of each length-defining member, of the traction handle. A portion is telescopically incorporated, and a wheel is disposed at the other end of each length defining member, and a substantial portion of the wheel is contained within the shape defining framework structure.

Preferably, the shape defining framework structure is formed from a plurality of elongate members, each elongate member being connected to the other two of the elongate members at the ends.
Also preferably, the plurality of elongate members includes four length defining elongate members, four width defining elongate members and four depth defining elongate members.

Preferably, the elongated members are connected to each other at the end portions by four sets of three-way connecting pieces.
Preferably, the set of three-way connecting pieces is formed such that a substantial portion of the wheel is housed within a shape defining framework structure.

  Preferably, the present invention further includes at least one of a shape defining portion, the shape defining portion extending over the width of the suitcase, defining the shape of the suitcase, and the shape defining portion being curved. Has one feature.

More preferably, the wheels are arranged at the corners of the suitcase.
According to this configuration, the possibility that the wheel is damaged during use is reduced, the appearance is improved, and the stability of the case is improved. The stability advantage stems from the fact that the case is placed lower towards the ground than the suitcase of the prior art, which lowers the center of gravity of the suitcase and causes it to tip over during use. Or the possibility of rotation. Since the telescopic handle is disposed in the same vertical plane as the wheel housing, traction is more stable. In conventional cases, the traction handle is located closer to the center, which can cause one or more wheels to be pulled laterally and lose balance.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a shape defining framework structure, the shape defining framework structure including a width defining elongated member, and the width defining elongated member further including a shape defining portion. .
Preferably, the shape defining framework structure is formed from a plurality of elongate members, each elongate member being connected at the end to the other two of the elongate members.

More preferably, the plurality of elongate members includes four length defining elongate members, four width defining elongate members, and four depth defining elongate members.
Preferably, the elongate members are connected to each other at the ends by four sets of three-way connecting pieces.

Preferably, the elongate member is connected to the other two of the elongate members at the end by two three-way connecting pieces.
More preferably, the shape defining portion is curved.

Preferably, the present invention comprises at least one of the following features: further comprising at least one wheel and a substantial portion of the wheel being housed within the shape defining framework structure.
Preferably, the set of three-way connecting pieces is formed such that a substantial part of the set of wheels is housed within a shape defining framework structure.

  Also preferably, the tow handle includes a first pair of parallel rims spaced by a crossbar to form a U-shaped frame, the first pair of parallel rims having two tubular lengths. The demarcatable elongate member can be telescopically engaged.

More preferably, the first pair of parallel rims of the traction handle is telescopically movable from the two tubular length defining elongated members between a retracted position and an extended position.
Preferably, the traction handle includes a second pair of parallel rims telescopically engageable with the first pair of parallel rims of the traction handle.

Preferably, according to the first and second aspects, the shape defining framework structure includes two support legs arranged to support the case when the case is in the upright position.
In effect, the suitcase is protected from breakage and wear at its most vulnerable corners. In a towed trolley case, it is usually oriented with its short sides facing up. Therefore, the upper and lower edges of the case are subjected to a lot of load during use, and protection of portions formed in the upper and lower edge regions is necessary to prevent damage that may occur at sharper edges. .

  In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for constructing a travel bag article, comprising the steps of forming a shape-defining skeleton structure including two length-defining members, and one end of each length-defining member, Incorporating a portion of the telescoping traction handle and positioning the wheel at the other end of each length defining member, the wheel being positioned so that a substantial portion of the wheel is received within the shape defining structure. A process.

  Preferably, a step of forming a shape-defining framework structure from a plurality of elongated members, wherein each elongated member is connected to the other two of the elongated members at an end. Forming the shape-defining frame structure as described above.

Preferably, the plurality of elongate members includes four length defining elongate members, four width defining elongate members, and four depth defining elongate members.
Preferably, the method further includes a step of interconnecting the long member at the end by four sets of three-way connecting pieces.

More preferably, the method includes forming a set of three-way connecting pieces such that a substantial portion of the wheel is received within the shape-defining frame structure.
Preferably, the present invention further includes the step of providing a shape defining portion, the shape defining portion defines the shape of the suitcase in the width direction, and the shape defining portion is curved. Is provided.

Preferably, the method further includes a step of arranging the wheel at a corner of the suitcase.
In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method for constructing a travel bag article comprising the step of forming a shape-defining frame structure, the shape-defining frame structure including a width-defining elongate member, The elongate member further includes a shape defining portion.

Preferably, the method further includes the step of forming a shape-defining frame structure from a plurality of elongate members, each elongate member being connected to the other two of the elongate members at the ends. The
More preferably, the plurality of elongate members includes four length defining elongate members, four width defining elongate members, and four depth defining elongate members.

  Preferably, the present invention further includes a step of connecting the elongated member at the end portion by four sets of three-way connecting pieces, and the elongated member at the end portion in two three directions. It has at least one feature of further including a step of connecting to the other two of the elongated members by a connecting piece.

  Preferably, the present invention has at least one of the features that the shape defining portion is curved and further includes at least one wheel. A substantial portion of the wheel is housed within the shape defining framework structure.

Preferably, the method further includes forming one of the three-way connecting pieces such that a substantial portion of the set of wheels is received within the shape defining framework structure.
Preferably, the method further includes the step of providing two support legs in the shape-defining frame structure in a position to support the case when the case is in the upright position.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below as an example with reference to the drawings.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a support skeleton structure and a traction handle assembly in a “soft” suitcase of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. Schematic which shows the decomposition | disassembly state of the soft type suitcase of FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the upper part of the suitcase of FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the lower part of the suitcase of FIG.

In order to show an outline of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows a soft suitcase in an upright position with a cover omitted.
The suitcase frame 20 includes a rectangular lower and rear frame part 16, a corresponding rectangular upper and front frame part 17, and a long spacer member 18 that forms a set of four, and is long. The spacer member 18 connects the front side portion and the rear side portion 16 and 17 in a state of being separated from each other, and effectively defines the side surface, the end surface, and thus the depth of the suitcase.

  The lower and rear frame portions 16 have two rear length-defining elongated members 6 that define the length of the suitcase, shorter than the rear length-defining elongated member 6, and the suitcase Two width-defining elongate members 21 and 22 that define the width of the upper width-defining elongate member 22 (shown in FIG. 2 in its entirety).

Upper and front frame portions 17 similarly include two length-defining elongate members 13 and two relatively short width-defining elongate members 21 and 22.
Four different types of connecting pieces connect the length defining member, the width defining member and the depth defining member as will be described below. In the lower and rear frame portions 16, the two rear length defining long members 6 are attached to the upper width defining long member 22 by the first connecting piece 4. The two rear length-defining elongated members 6 are attached to the lower width-defining elongated member 21 by the second connecting piece 9.

  In the upper and front frame portions 17, the two front-side length-defining elongated members 13 that define the length of the suitcase are attached to the upper-side width-defining elongated member 22 by the third connecting piece 5. The two front-side length-defining elongated members 13 are attached to the lower-side width-defining elongated member 21 by the fourth connecting piece 12.

Accordingly, all the connecting pieces 4, 5, 9 and 12 are connected to three different types of elongate members, and will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.
The suitcase further includes a traction handle assembly 19 that utilizes the structure of the lower and rear frame portions 16, and a relatively long rear side to form the traction handle assembly 19 on top of the suitcase. A length-defining elongated member 6 is used.

  The tow handle assembly 19 includes a U-shaped frame with parallel rims 8 spaced from each other by the crossbar 7, and the U-shaped frame may be integrally formed as one piece. The rim 8 engages with the length-determined elongate member 6 on the rear side of the relatively long tubular shape of the lower and rear frame portions 16 so as to extend and contract in a nested manner.

The operating length of the rim 8 is determined so that the handle assembly 19 can be stored or accommodated in a state where the cross bar 7 is supported in contact with the upper cover of the adjacent suitcase.
The suitcase also includes a resin cover portion 3 through which the rim 8 projects. The cover part 3 is partly attached to the upper first connecting piece 4, which is shown in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The cover part 3 reinforces this specific area of the suitcase.

  In practice, the rim 8 may comprise a tube or bar having a single length that allows the crossbar 7 to be placed in a traction setting position that is comfortable for the user. Forming such a single length rim is particularly used in suitcases of shorter length.

Further, the rim 8 may have a two-stage or three-stage telescopic configuration (not shown) well known in the art.
Means (not shown) may be provided to ensure that the handle assembly 19 does not detach from the rear length defining elongated member 6 in use.

  The suitcase is provided with wheels 10 and support legs 14. The wheel 10 is disposed in the wheel housing 11, and the wheel housing 11 is attached to the second connecting piece 9. The wheel 10 is connected to a wheel housing 11. The support leg 14 is connected to the fourth connecting piece 12.

  Curved shape defining members 1, 2 and 15 are provided for chamfering on the upper and lower sharp edges of the suitcase. Thereby, as described above, the suitcase is protected from breakage and wear at its most vulnerable corners. In a towed trolley case, it is usually oriented with its short sides facing up. Therefore, the upper and lower edges of the case are subjected to a lot of load during use, and protection of portions formed in the upper and lower edge regions is necessary to prevent damage that may occur at sharper edges. . The shape defining members 1, 2 and 15 are formed from PE plates, but may be made from molded resin or any other suitable material.

The first shape defining member 15 may be provided between the two wheels 10, and both ends thereof may be connected to the second connecting piece 9.
Two separate shape defining members 1 and 2 are provided between the upper first connecting piece 4 and the third connecting piece 5, respectively, and both ends of each of the shape defining members 1 and 2 are provided as required. These may be connected to the upper connecting pieces 4 and 5, respectively. The shape defining members 1, 2, and 15 may be fixed to the corresponding connecting pieces 4 and 5 by an adhesive, a heat seal, or a bolt, but are not fixed in this embodiment. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the shape defining members 1, 2 and 15 may be integrally formed as one piece and may be formed as part of the corresponding connecting piece.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows an exploded state of the soft suitcase of FIG. A suitcase skeleton 20 is shown, two front length defining elongated members 13, two rear length defining elongated members 6, and four long spacers in one set. And the long spacer member 18 connects the front length-defining long member 13 and the rear length-defining long member 6 in a state of being separated from each other, and the suitcase. The side surface, the end surface, and thus the depth are effectively defined.

  The two relatively long defining long members 6 are connected to one of the two relatively short width defining elongate members 21 and one of the two relatively short width defining elongate members 22. To define the width of the suitcase.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front-side length-defining long member 13 is connected to the other of the width-defining long member 21 and the other of the width-defining long member 22.
Four different types of connecting pieces connect the length defining elongate member, the width defining elongate member, and the depth defining elongate member, as will be described below. The two rear length-defining elongated members 6 are attached to the upper width-defining elongated member 22 by the first connecting piece 4. The two rear length-defining elongated members 6 are attached to the lower width-defining elongated member 21 by the second connecting piece 9.

  The two front-side length-defining elongated members 13 are attached to the upper width-defining elongated member 22 by the third connecting piece 5. The two front-side length-defining elongated members 13 are attached to the lower-side width-defining elongated member 21 by the fourth connecting piece 12.

All the connecting pieces 4, 5, 9 and 12 are connected to three different types of elongate members, and will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.
The suitcase further comprises a tow handle assembly 19 that utilizes the structure of the suitcase skeleton 20 to form two tow rear length defining lengths to form the tow handle assembly 19 on top of the suitcase. A shaped member 6 is used.

  The tow handle assembly 19 includes a U-shaped frame with parallel rims 8 spaced from each other by the crossbar 7, and the U-shaped frame may be integrally formed as one piece. The rim 8 is telescopically engaged with a length-determined elongate member 6 on the rear side of the relatively long tubular shape of the lower and rear frame portions 16. The rim 8 may be made from aluminum or any other suitable material. A soft cover portion may be provided on the cross bar 7.

As shown in the figure, a resin cover 3 is provided, and a rim 8 projects through the cover 3.
The suitcase is provided with wheels 10 and support legs 14. The wheel 10 is disposed in the wheel housing 11, and the wheel housing 11 is attached to the second connecting piece 9. The wheel 10 is connected to a wheel housing 11. The support leg 14 is connected to the fourth connecting piece 12.

  Curved shape defining members 1, 2 and 15 are provided for chamfering the edges of specific areas of the suitcase, as described above with reference to FIG. Also, the shape defining members 1, 2, and 15 are formed from PE plates, but may be made from molded resin or any other suitable material.

The first shape defining member 15 may be provided between the two wheels 10, and both end portions thereof may be connected to the second connecting piece 9.
Two separate shape defining members 1 and 2 are provided between the upper first connecting piece 4 and the third connecting piece 5, respectively, and if necessary, both ends of each of the shape defining members 1 and 2 are These may be connected to the upper connecting pieces 4 and 5, respectively. The shape-defining members 1, 2 and 15 may be fixed to the corresponding connecting pieces 4 and 5, for example by means of adhesives, heat seals or bolts. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the shape defining members 1, 2 and 15 may be integrally molded as one piece and may be formed as part of the corresponding connecting piece.

  The structure of the suitcase frame will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. 3 and 4 show the upper and lower portions of the suitcase skeleton with the suitcase body cover omitted.

FIG. 3 shows in detail the upper part of the suitcase of FIG. 1, i.e. schematically the construction of the two upper connecting pieces.
As described above, the skeleton 20 includes the rear length-defining elongate member 6 and the depth-defining elongate member 18, which are front-side lengths by two types of connecting pieces 4 and 5. Connected to the defining elongated member 13.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper and rear first connecting piece 4 includes a tubular central portion 25 and two relatively small-diameter tubular elements 23 and 24. A tight interference fit on the upper end region of the corresponding rear length defining elongate member 6, the tubular elements 23 and 24 extending perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the axial direction of the suitcase body. Yes.

  The upper and rear connecting pieces 4 need to be connected to both sides (not shown) of the lower side of the skeleton so as to maintain the angular relationship between the main body 25 and the corresponding tubular elements 23 and 24. It is necessary to provide a left fitting connection piece and a right fitting connection piece.

  In FIG. 3, the body 25 is parallel to each other, but the tubular elements 23 and 24 are oriented towards each other. Each relatively small diameter tubular element 23 is configured to receive the end of the elongated spacer member 18 in a snap-fit fashion, and the relatively small diameter tubular element 24 is configured to receive the end of the width defining elongated member 22. It is connected to the part by fitting.

The upper and rear connecting pieces 4 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) are open to receive the rim 8 of the traction handle assembly 19 after being attached to the elongate member 6.
The inner diameter of the body 25, tubular elements 23 and 24 is defined to allow the desired robustness of a positive fit with the engaging elongate member.

  Accordingly, the upper and front connecting pieces 5 are three-way connecting pieces and operate in the same manner as the upper and rear connecting pieces 4, but the upper and front connecting pieces 5 connect the rim 8 of the traction handle assembly 19. It differs from the connecting piece 4 in that it is not accepted. The upper and front connecting pieces 5 securely engage with the three elongated members 22, 18 and 13, respectively.

  The upper connecting pieces 4 and 5 are made of molded resin, but may be made of any suitable material. The upper and front shape defining member 1 and the upper and rear shape defining member 2 are also shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows in detail the lower part of the suitcase of FIG. 1, i.e. schematically the construction of the two lower connecting pieces and the wheel assembly.
The lower and rear connecting piece 9 is used to connect the wheel 10 and the lower side of the suitcase at the lower end of the suitcase body.

  Referring now to FIG. 4, one of the two wheels that is attached to one wheel housing 11 is shown schematically, which wheel housing 11 may also be any suitable pin or screw or the like. By means, it is connected to one of the two lower and rear connecting pieces 9. Each of the wheel housing 11 and the wheel connecting piece 9 is curved so that a substantial part of the wheel is effectively accommodated within the body of the suitcase. Alternatively, the center of the wheel can be placed in line with the rear and lower sides of the suitcase and the telescopic traction handle.

  As described above, according to this configuration, the wheel is less likely to be damaged during use, the appearance is better, and the stability of the case is improved. The effect on stability is due to the fact that the center of gravity is lowered by placing the case lower than the conventional suitcase, so that it falls over when it is used and turns Is suppressed. Since the telescopic handle is disposed in the same vertical plane as the wheel housing 11, the case can be pulled more stably. In conventional cases, the tow handle is located closer to the center, which can cause one or more wheels to be pulled laterally and lose balance.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each of the lower and rear connecting pieces 9 includes three kinds of opening tubular portions, and the opening tubular portions are connected to the three elongated members 6, 18, and 21, respectively. Form the skeleton of the suitcase. The shape defining member 15 is connected to the lower and rear connecting pieces 9 at both ends thereof.

  Each of the lower and front connection pieces 12 is also formed with three types of open tubular portions, and the open tubular portions engage with the three elongated members 13, 18, and 21, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, since the front frame portion 17 includes a chamfered or curved corner region, the connecting piece 12 that interconnects the elongated members 13, 18, and 21 is provided on the left side. It has a configuration and a right side configuration. The lower and front connecting pieces 12 are used for attaching the support legs 14 of the suitcase, and the lower and front connecting pieces 12 are formed so that the support legs 14 can be further attached. The support legs 14 are fixed to the corresponding connecting pieces 12 by any suitable method, such as using rivets or screws.

  The various components of the skeletal structure 20, the traction handle assembly 19, the wheel assembly and the support legs 14 may be any material (s) deemed appropriate, i.e., have appropriate strength and are light in weight. It may be formed from a material. For example, the component may be formed of a composite material such as glass fiber or carbon fiber, or a resin material such as nylon (trade name).

Although described above with respect to so-called “soft” suitcases, the principles of the present invention can be applied to other forms of bag construction.
For example, the proposal to connect the traction handle assembly and the corresponding wheel to the rear frame may be applied to the structure of a “Fold flat” trolley case.

  While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

The present invention relates to a travel bag article such as a suitcase or a trolley case used by a traveler and a method for constructing the same .

Claims (43)

  A travel luggage article including a shape-defining frame structure, wherein the shape-defining frame structure includes two length-defining members, and at one end of each length-defining member, a part of a tow handle is telescopically incorporated. A travel bag article in which a wheel is disposed at the other end of each length defining member and a substantial portion of the wheel is housed within the shape defining framework structure.   The shape defining framework structure is formed of a plurality of elongated members, and each elongated member is connected to the other two of the elongated members at an end. The travel bag article listed.   The travel bag according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of elongate members includes four length-defining elongate members, four width-defining elongate members, and four depth-defining elongate members. Goods.   The travel bag article according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the elongate members are connected to each other by four sets of three-way connecting pieces at an end portion.   The travel bag article according to claim 4, wherein the set of the three-way connecting pieces is formed so that a substantial part of the wheel is accommodated in the shape-defining frame structure.   The travel bag article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a shape defining portion.   The travel bag article according to claim 6, wherein the shape defining portion defines a shape of the suitcase across a width of the suitcase.   The travel bag article according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the shape defining portion is curved.   The travel bag article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wheel is arranged at a corner of a suitcase.   A travel suitcase comprising a shape defining framework structure, wherein the shape defining framework structure includes a width defining elongated member, the width defining elongated member further comprising a shape defining portion.   The shape-defining frame structure is formed of a plurality of elongated members, and each elongated member is connected to the other two of the elongated members at an end portion. The travel bag article listed.   The travel bag according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of elongate members include four length defining elongate members, four width defining elongate members, and four depth defining elongate members. Goods.   The travel bag article according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the elongated members are connected to each other by four sets of three-way connecting pieces at an end portion.   The travel bag article according to claim 13, wherein the elongated member is connected to the other two of the elongated members by two three-way connecting pieces at an end portion.   The travel bag article according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the shape defining portion is curved.   The travel luggage article according to any one of claims 10 to 15, further comprising at least one wheel.   The travel luggage article of claim 16, wherein a substantial portion of the wheel is housed within the shape-defining frame structure.   18. A travel luggage article according to claim 17, wherein the set of three-way connecting pieces is formed such that a substantial portion of a set of wheels is received within the shape-defining frame structure.   The tow handle includes a pair of parallel rims spaced by a crossbar to form a U-shaped frame, the pair of parallel rims having two tubular length defining lengths. The travel bag article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or the travel bag article according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the travel bag article is extendably engageable with the shaped member.   20. A travel suitcase according to claim 19, wherein the first pair of parallel rims of the traction handle is telescopically movable from two tubular length-defining elongate members between a retracted position and an extended position. Goods.   21. A travel luggage article according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the tow handle includes a second pair of parallel rims that are telescopically engageable with the first pair of parallel rims of the tow handle.   The travel luggage article according to any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising two support legs arranged in a position to support the case when the case is in an upright position.   A method for constructing a travel bag article, comprising: forming a shape-defining skeleton structure including two length-defining members; and incorporating a portion of a retractable traction handle at one end of each length-defining member; Disposing a wheel at the other end of each length defining member, the method comprising disposing the wheel so that a substantial portion of the wheel is received within the shape defining framework structure.   Forming the shape-defining frame structure from a plurality of elongated members, wherein each elongated member is connected to the other two of the elongated members at an end. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising forming the shape defining framework structure.   25. The method of claim 24, wherein the plurality of elongate members includes four length defining elongate members, four width defining elongate members, and four depth defining elongate members.   26. A method according to claim 24 or 25, further comprising the step of interconnecting the elongate members at the ends by four sets of three-way connecting pieces.   27. The method of claim 26, further comprising forming a set of three-way connecting pieces such that a substantial portion of the wheel is received within the shape defining framework structure.   28. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, further comprising the step of providing a shape defining portion.   29. The method of claim 28, wherein the shape defining portion defines a suitcase shape across the width of the suitcase.   30. A method according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the shape defining portion is curved.   31. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 30, further comprising the step of placing the wheel at a corner of a suitcase.   A method for constructing a travel bag article comprising the step of forming a shape-defining framework structure, wherein the shape-defining framework structure includes a width-defining elongated member, and the width-defining elongated member further includes a shape-defining portion. Including methods.   33. The method further comprises forming the shape-defining framework structure from a plurality of elongated members, each elongated member being connected at an end to the other two of the elongated members. The method described in 1.   34. The method of claim 33, wherein the plurality of elongate members includes four length defining elongate members, four width defining elongate members, and four depth defining elongate members.   34. A method according to claim 32 or 33, further comprising the step of interconnecting the elongate members at the ends by four sets of three-way connecting pieces.   36. The method of claim 35, further comprising connecting the elongate member to the other two of the elongate members at the ends by two three-way connecting pieces.   37. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein the shape defining portion is curved.   38. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 37, further comprising at least one wheel.   40. The method of claim 38, wherein a substantial portion of the wheel is housed within the shape defining framework structure.   40. The method of claim 39, further comprising forming one of the three-way connecting pieces such that a substantial portion of a set of wheels is received within the shape defining framework structure.   41. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 40, further comprising providing two support legs in the shape-defining framework structure in a position to support the case when the case is in an upright position.   A travel bag article substantially as herein described with reference to FIGS. 1-4 in detail.   A method of constructing a travel bag article substantially as described in the specification with reference to FIGS.