US2101459A

US2101459A - Brief case construction

Info

Publication number: US2101459A
Application number: US129231A
Authority: US
Inventors: Satz William
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1937-03-05
Filing date: 1937-03-05
Publication date: 1937-12-07
Anticipated expiration: 1954-12-07

Description

Dec. 7, 1937. W. SATZ BRIEF CASE CONSTRUCTION r l I l l llllll Il Filed March 5, 1937 KIIIII.

INVENTOR, Ilia/nz J'atz;

H I ATTO EY.

Patented Dec. 7, 1937 UNITE@ S'iA'iES rsrsn'r crema BRIIEF CASE CONSTRUCTION William Satz, New York, N. Y.

Application March 5, 1937, Serial No. 129,231

9 Claims.

This invention relates to luggage construction, more particularly to brief cases.

It is an object of my invention to provide, in a gussetted article such as a brief case, a support for the bottom thereof which automatically serves to conform the brief case to the contents thereof, enhancing the appearance of the brief case, as well as prolonging the life thereof.

In brief case constructions known to me, it has been the practice to include encircling straps which serve to hold down the closure flap as well as to support the body of the brief case, usually suspended from a hand holding portion on the flap. The opening and closing of such a brief case entails the labor of manipulating the nap lock as well as the straps. With the advent of a brief case in the form of an envelope in which closure is effected by slide fasteners7 generally called zipper closures, a variation in construction has been popularized in which the supporting handles are attached to the main body of the brief case. Such type of brief case has limited expansibility and the employment of gussets to obtain such expansibility has been discouraged by reason of the unsightliness of the construction when the brief case is filled, eventually leading to a complete distortion of the gussets.

Accordingly, it is an object of my invention to provide in a body supported brief case, as distinguished from a flap supported brief case, a gusset supporting construction adjacent the bottom thereof, assuring adequate suspension of this flexible section of the brief case and automatic adjustment to take care of the varying contents of the Vvbrief case.

It is further contemplated as an object of my invention to include in a gussetted container in the nature of a brief case, which is carried by suspending handles, a bottom engaging support which will enhance the appearance of a brief4 case, eliminating the necessity of encircling straps and adjustable fastening elements, so that they brief case may be quickly filled and adjusted to the depth necessary to accommodate varying contents automatically.

Other objects of my invention reside in, the provision of a brief case construction, particularly a brief case construction in which the handle supporting members are attached to the body of the brief case, and which is inexpensive to manufacture, but providing adequate support for the gusset members and enhancing and increasing the duration of life of such contrivance.

To attain these objects and such other objects as may appear herein or be hereinafter pointed out, I make reference to the accompanying drawing, forming a part hereof, in Which- Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an ernbodiment of my invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View taken on the line 2 2 of Figurel;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 3--3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of my invention corresponding to a section taken in connection with Figure 2; l

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of another embodiment of my invention, taken along' a section corresponding to the View provided in Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a still further embodiment of my invention. -f'

Making reference to the drawing, I have illustrated the preferred form of my invention in complete form in Figure 1, wherein the brief case lll is illustrated and comprises wall portions l l and l2, having adjacent the edges i3 near the medial portion thereof a pair of supporting handles l 4, affixed to the side walls by hangers l5, through the medium of the links i6. Afxation may beeifected by a rivet Il, included within sheaths EB. The side walls ll and l2'are connected by edge gussets IS and bottom. gussets 2li, by stitching 2l, in the Well known manner.

Interiorly, a plurality of partitions 22 are provided, also of well known construction, the details whereof will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. The edges i3 may be connected by some suitable closure, preferably a set' of stringers 23, carrying interconnectingA fasteners 24, and a slide fastener operating element 25. The form of construction thus far described is well known. The nature of the construction thus far described provides expansibility by reason of the gussetted construction.

However, as books or other such materials are disposed within the container, the weight of these articles upon the gussets at 2li distorts the gussets to the point where they bulge beyond the general contour of the side walls, rendering the appearance of the brief case unsightly, as well as eX- posing the gusset of weaker fabric, which quickly becomes worn out.

In accordance with the primary objectives of my invention, I provide a pair of bottom supporting straps 26 which are folded generally U- shaped, as will more clearly appear in Figure 2. I affix tothe free ends 21 a length of elastic material `2S by rivets, staples or stitching 29. It will also be understood that other attaching means may be employed. i

The free ends 30 of the elastic are afxed to the body side walls I I and I2 and for this purpose, it is preferred to first provide four pockets 3| by

longitudinal stitching

32 and 33, leaving an intermediate open section 34. The stitching as provided will leave a mouth portion 35 and an open-ended top 36. With the pockets thus provided, the elastic sections 28 are drawn up through the mouth 35 of the pocket, with the ends 3D of the elastic section substantially coterminus with the top 36. When in this position, Y

a rivet 31 is driven through the fabric or layer 3|, the elastic 28 and the body of the side Walls II and I2, upon which the respective pockets are mounted. Y

The length of the straps 26 is so chosen that when the gussets are distended to the limit of their capacity, they will still envelop the bottom of the brief case and havev the ends thereof 21 retained within the confines of thepockets 3|. The length of the elastic sections 28 is so chosen that they may be extended to correspond to thev limits of expansion of the gussets while yet remaining within the elastic limits of the elastic.

'I'he pockets 3|, as provided, serve as guides for the free ends 21 of the straps 26, in which the straps slide up or down upon the collapsing of the brief case'or the distension thereof, depending upon the removal or insertion of the contents of different thickness Y and quantity within the confines of the brief case. The elasticity of the support for the straps 26, given to them by the elastic band 28, will automatically adjust the sidewalls and I2 to or from each other adjacent the bottom, at the same time giving the gussets 20 adjacent the bottom, ade quate support. ,Y n

The construction described provides a simple and inexpensive assembly, permitting rapid adjustment by the user, who need only give attention to the opening and closing ofthe slide fastener.

Figure 4 illustrates a fragmentary section of another embodiment of my invention in which the side walls II and I2, including the bottom gussets 20, are shown and with which a bottom encirling strap 26a may be associated, the free ends whereof 27a are affixed to the side walls and 21, by rivets 31a.

In this construction, the straps 26a are preferably made of a length of elastic material, such as a woven elastic encased within a leather jacket. The length of the straps 26a is so calculated as to take care of the requisite distention to the limit of capacity of the gussets 20.

In Figure 5 I have illustrated another embodiment of my invention in which the side walls I Ia. and |2a'of the brief case are connected by edge and bottom gussets in the usual way, there being illustrated the bottom wall gusset 20, to exemplify this embodiment of my invention. With such Ya construction, there is formed in the side walls I Ia and I 2a, orifices or slits 35a, to accommodate the passage therethrough of a bottom encircling strap 26h.V Thus, the orifices or slits 35a serve as guides for the free ends 21b of the straps 26h. To the free ends 27h of the strap 26h, thereare attached elastic sections 28h, connected to the straps by rivets 29h, though it will be understood that stitching, staples or similar suitable aixing means may be employed.

The free ends 30h of the elastic sections 28h are aixed to the respective Walls IIa and I2a by rivets 31h. In the illustration shown, the rivets, at the interior portion, may pass through reinforcing washers in a manner readily understood. A sheathing (not shown) may be sewn or cemented on the inner surfaces of the walls Ila or I2a, to form pockets for the straps, with an open mouth adjacent the slits 35a serving all the functions of the pockets 3| but when disposed on the interior of the brief case walls, protecting the brief case contents from contact with the straps and the mounting means for the same.

As in the previous embodiment, elastic sections 28h are so chosen that in the fully contracted position they will serve to draw the strap 2Gb to fully collapse the side walls I la and IIb towards each other and thereby constrict the gussets. The length of the elastic sections 23h is so chosen that they will take care of the complete distention of the gussets 20 as the side walls Ila and I2a are forced away from each other, upon the disposition of books or other materials in the brief case. It is preferred, however, to locate the orifices or slits 35a in respect of the ends 21D of the straps so that during vdistention, these ends will not be drawn through the orifices or slits 35a.

In all other respects, the operation of the con struction described in Figure 5 will embody the features previously described. However, in this construction the orifices 35a, act as guides for the straps 2Gb during sliding movement of the straps against the tension of the elastic sections 28D, as the gussets are contracted or expanded, as will be readily understood.

In Figure 6 there has been illustrated an enlarged yfragmentary section of the bottom supporting straps previously described in connection with Figures l, 2 and 3, with the features, additionally, that the straps 26 for the portions extending within the pockets 3| are formed with elongated guiding slots 38. When so formed, a rivet 39 is passed through the layer of the pocket 3| so that its stem 40 rides within the slot 38 and then perforates the wall I2, on which inner face the rivet is headed or upset. The length of the stem 40 is calculated to loosely connect the sheathing 3| and the wall I2, to leave the pocket space 34 of such depth that the strap 26 may freely slide therein. The length' of the guide slots 38, formed adjacent the opposite ends of the strap, is calculated to correspond to the approximate limit of expansion of the gussets, which may be provided between the walls and I 2 of the brief case. When so provided, the upper ends 4| of the guide slots 38 will serve as abutments or stops to limit the sliding movement of the straps in the pockets, when these walls abut the stem of the rivet 33. The lower end 42 of the guide slots 38 will act as abutments or stops in relation to the rivets 39, against the distention of the elastics 28 to which the straps 26 are connected. Thus, while the elastics 28 may be maintained under tension, they will not unduly tauten the straps 26 and deform the bottom of the brief case at the points where the straps encircle the bottom.

In all other respects, the details illustrated in Figure 6 correspond, in operation, to that de scribed and emphasized in connection with Figures l, 2 and 3.

It will thus be observed that I have provided a brief case construction wherein a gussetted device of this character is given adequate support adjacent the bottom thereof and in which such adjustment is automatic, dependent upon the thickness of the contents filed into the brief case, between the walls thereof, and in which the support for the gussetted bottom is accommodated to the brief case contents as the gussets are distended or contracted.

It will be understood that while I have described in conjunction with the bottom encircling straps, resilient tensioning means in the form of elastic bands, other elastic distending means, in the form of metal springs, may be employed with a certain degree of success.

While I have described and illustrated my invention, it is not intended that the exemplification is to be interpreted `as limiting but the scope of my invention is set forth in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a brief case construction including side Walls connected by gussets adjacent end and bottom peripheral edges of the side Walls, one of which gussets forms the bottom, straps for supporting the bottom, the free ends of the straps being resiliently suspended to the side walls of the brief case adjacent the bottoni portions thereof, to accommodate the suspension of the bottom to the distention or contraction of the brief case walls to and from each other.

2. In a brief case construction comprising, in combination, body supported side walls comprising a handle connected to the side walls, said side walls being connected by gussets adjacent end and bottom peripheral edges of the side walls, one of which gussets forms the bottom, bottom supporting straps, the free ends whereof being attached to the body Walls adjacent the bottom edges of said walls, with intermediate portions of said straps passing transversely beneath and supporting the bottom, said intermediate portions including material which is resilient and distensible to accommodate the bottom gusset so supported to the distention or contraction of the brief case walls to and from each other.

3. In a brief case construction including gussets connecting the side walls adjacent end and bottom peripheral edges of the side walls, one of which gussets forms the bottom, supports for the the botom comprising bottom enveloping straps passing beneath and across the bottom of said brief case and connecting the said walls, sections of elastic material, the ends of which sections being attached to the free ends of said straps and body portions of the brief case, respectively near the bottom edges of the side walls, whereby the straps are maintained transversely beneath the bottom portion of the brief case to support the gussets in various positions of distention or contraction of the gussets.

4. In a brief case construction, the side walls whereof are connected by gussets adjacent end and bottom peripheral edges of the side walls, one of which gussets forms the bottom, supports for the gussets adjacent the bottom portion cornprising straps passing across the bottom, slits formed in the side Walls through which said straps are directed and pass to the interior of the brief case with the free ends adjacent the interior surface of the side Walls, elastic elements one of the ends of each element being attached to the side walls of said brief case, the opposite free ends of the elastic elements being attached to the free ends of the straps, adjustably and resiliently tautening the straps across the bottom, said slits providing guides for said straps.

5. In a brief case construction comprising spaced walls connected by gussets adjacent end and bottom peripheral edges of the side walls, one of which gussets forms the bottom, supporting straps passing transversely to the bottom thereof from one wall to the other and supporting the gusset forming the bottom, elastic Sections aiixed to said side walls at one end of each section, the opposite ends of said sections being attached to the free ends of the straps, and guides for said straps, said guides comprising pockets for said straps.

6. In a brief case construction comprising spaced side walls connected by gussets, supporting straps for the gussets adjacent the bottom thereof, elastic sections affixed to said side walls at one end of each of the sections, the opposite ends of said sections being attached to the free ends of the straps.

7. In a brief case construction comprising spaced walls connected by gussets, supporting straps for the gussets adjacentthe bottom thereof, elastic sections affixed to said side walls at one end of each of the sections, the opposite ends of said sections being attached to the free ends or" the straps, and guides for said straps.

8. In a brief case construction comprising spaced Walls connected by gussets, supporting straps for the gussets adjacent the bottom thereof, elastic sections afiixed to said side walls at one end of each of said sections, the opposite ends of said sections being attached to the free ends of the straps, guides for said straps comprising elongated slots on said straps, the end walls of said slots cooperating with a member passing through said slots, serving as stops for limiting the sliding movement of said straps in distention or contraction of the brief case in respect of said distensible sections.

9. In a brief case construction comprising spaced walls connected by gussets one of which forms the bottom, supporting straps for the bottom portion of said brief case adjacent the bottom gussets passing beneath and transversely positioned in respect to said bottom gussets, elastic sections having one end of each section attached to the walls of said brief case, the opposite ends of said sections being attached to the free ends of the straps, spaced covering for said straps providing pockets through which said straps may slide freely during distention or contraction, guide slots on said straps, a transverse member passing through said slots connecting said covering and the side wall, said transverse member serving as a stop to limit the distention or contraction of the side walls against the elastic tension of said sections.

WILLIAM SATZ.