WO2013028982A2 - Novel folding luggage and duffles and hinges therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for providing collapsible luggage are facilitated by using self-locking hinges to allow horizontal support structures or panels to collapse by folding one portion, or by folding both portions of said supporting panels onto or nearly onto each other. Such self-locking hinges can include a first arm and a second arm, the first arm provided with a cylinder containing a spring and a ball; the first arm and the second arm each rotatably connected to an axis; and a flange co-axial with the axis, the flange fixed with respect to the second arm, the flange having a first radius over most of its arc length, and smaller radii at selected positions along its surface, the selected positions corresponding to preset stops, where the flange is placed along the axis so as to abut the ball at the end of the cylinder. Double versions of such self-locking hinges can be provided, and such hinges can be used in various collapsible surfaces, both in conventional luggage, duffle bags, and various other totes, containers and bags.

Description

NOVEL FOLDING LUGGAGE AND DUFFLES AND HINGES THEREFOR CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

The present application claims the benefit of each of: United States Utility Patent Application Nos. 13/594,010, filed August 24, 2012, and 13/594,093, filed August 24, 2012; and United States Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/575,657, filed on

August 24, 201 1 , 61/634,553, filed on March 2, 2012, 61/690,234, filed on Jun 21 , 2012, 61/690,197, filed on Jun 21 , 2012, and 61/690,233, filed on Jun 21 , 2012, each of which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.

TECHNICAL FIELD:

The present invention relates to container technologies, and in particular to systems and methods for providing collapsible luggage that can (i) achieve significant compression of volume, and concomitant ease of portability, in a compressed state, yet can also (ii) maintain rigidity and provide structural support in an expanded state.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

In the modern world, especially in areas which are substantially populated, people live in relatively small apartments or even houses and have a limit on storage space. Often, when storing luggage, a large amount of space or an entire closet is devoted to the task. This is because luggage doesn't readily stack on each other and doesn't have a uniform size so there are loose piles of luggage which often are somewhat unstable and fall over. Additionally, in order to save space when transporting luggage, such as from a manufacturer in the Orient to an American distributor, luggage cannot readily be compressed so sets of luggage are attempted to be nested one within the other, biggest piece then medium piece then smallest piece which creates a lot of work on the receiving end to take them apart. Finally, when marketing luggage at the retail level, there is generally not enough store space to display all the various pieces that a particular store might have so they display two or three different sets and then the sales person has to go into the back room and bring out the luggage or the set of luggage when you actually purchase it.

All of these inconvenient aspects of owning, shipping and marketing luggage could be ameliorated if luggage could be compressed when not being used and such

compressed state of the luggage could be in a uniform size.

What is needed in the art is a convenient and elegant method for compressing luggage that solves some of the problems described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for providing collapsible luggage can be facilitated by using self-locking hinges to allow horizontal support structures or panels to collapse by folding one portion, or by folding both portions of said supporting panels, onto or nearly onto, each other. Such self-locking hinges can include a first arm and a second arm, the first arm provided with a cylinder containing a spring and a ball; the first arm and the second arm each rotatably connected to an axis; and a flange co-axial with the axis, the flange fixed with respect to the second arm, the flange having a first radius over most of its arc length, and notches or cutouts at selected positions along its surface, the selected positions corresponding to preset stops, where the flange is placed co-axially with the axis so as to abut the ball at the end of the cylinder. Such stops can be provided so as to allow the two-arms of the hinge to subtend various angles between them, such as, for example, 90°, 160°, 180°, etc. Double versions of such self-locking hinges can be provided, and such hinges can be used in various collapsible surfaces, both in conventional luggage, duffle bags, and various other totes, containers and bags.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

It is noted that the patent or application file may contain at least one drawing executed in color. If that is the case, copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

Fig. 1 illustrates each of a 90° and a 180° self-locking hinge, both of the double-barrel variety according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates each of a 160° and a 90° self-locking hinge, both of the single-barrel variety according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 3 illustrates various exemplary details of a 90° and a 180° self-locking hinge, both of the single-barrel variety according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates various additional exemplary details of the 90° and 180° self-locking hinges shown in Fig. 1 , both of the double-barrel variety according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an exemplary 90° self-locking hinge such as is shown in Fig. 3, and its use in an exemplary article of luggage according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 6 illustrates the exemplary use of an exemplary single barrel 160° hinge in an exemplary article of luggage according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary use of two exemplary 160° hinges, each of the double- barrel type, in an exemplary article of luggage, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 8 illustrates stages in folding an exemplary article of collapsible luggage having two exemplary hinges on both the top and the bottom panels according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 9 illustrates a variant of the exemplary article of luggage of Fig. 8 where there is no hinge on the top panel, rather some flexible material, and two single barrel hinges on the bottom panel;

Fig. 10 is yet a further variant of the exemplary article of foldable luggage of Fig. 8, having two single-barrel hinges on a bottom panel, and a single top hinge with a manual locking mechanism such that when it is fully opened it remains rigid;

Fig. 1 1 illustrates general features of an exemplary article of foldable luggage of Fig. 8; and

Fig. 12 illustrates the use of a notched foldable top panel in the exemplary articles of luggage shown in Figs. 9-1 1 ; Fig. 13 depict exemplary side panels and an exemplary bottom plate in an exemplary article of collapsible luggage, as temporarily attached by snaps or Velcro type materials according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 14 illustrates various details of an exemplary 2-wheel folding duffle article of luggage according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 15 illustrates various details of an alternate exemplary 2-wheel folding duffle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 16 illustrates three types of exemplary 180° hinges, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 17 shows the same hinges of Fig. 16 flipped over so that their barrels and flanges (cams) can be seen;

Fig. 18 is a close-up of the flange of the single-barrel 180° hinge of Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a side view of the exemplary hinge of Fig. 18;

Fig. 20 shows the exemplary single-barrel and double-barrel 180° hinges of Fig. 16 now completely folded on themselves in the 180° position;

Fig. 21 shows the third hinge, being the manual lock hinge of Fig. 16, in the 180° position;

Fig. 22 shows each of a single-barrel and double-barrel exemplary 160° hinge according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 23 is a close-up on the flanges of the hinges of Fig. 22;

Fig. 24 shows the exemplary 160° hinges of Figs. 22 and 23 in the 160° position;

Fig. 25 is a side view of the two exemplary hinges shown in Fig. 24; Fig. 26 is a side view of exemplary 90° hinges according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 27 illustrates a side view along the axes of the two exemplary hinges of Fig. 26 with the two hinges in the 180° degree position;

Figs. 28-35 are photographs of prototypes of exemplary embodiments of the present invention similar to those shown schematically in Figs. 6-12;

Figs. 36 through 52 are photographs of an exemplary embodiment of a hinged 2-wheel folding duffle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention in various stages of collapse; and

Figs. 53 through 77 are photographs of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a 2- wheel hinged folding duffle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention in various stages of collapse.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, various hinges and methods of providing and using such hinges are presented, which can be used to facilitate various types of collapsible luggage. Such exemplary collapsible luggage can, for example, have two states, i.e., (i) a fully extended state in which said luggage is used by a user to hold, for example, clothing and objects, and (ii) a compressed, or folded, state in which the luggage has a minimum volume and can be easily and conveniently stored, especially where space is a premium. In the fully extended state, the exemplary luggage can, for example, have as much structural support as conventional luggage, and thus can support other items on top of its top panel, as is commonly done by travelers. Various novel technologies are used to obtain maximal compression in the compressed state, provide rigidity and structural support in the fully extended state, and to allow for convenient transformation between the two states. Amongst them is various novel hinges as detailed and illustrated below and in the accompanying figures.

In general, the compression or collapsibility of luggage in exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be achieved by allowing various adjacent surfaces of the luggage to be collapsed, rotated upwards or downwards relative to each other, or folded on themselves to reduce surface area along one or more dimensions so as to decrease significantly the overall volume of an article of luggage. As noted, this can be facilitated by the use of various hinges that can have multiple configurations.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention various types of self-locking (and manually locked) hinges can be used to facilitate opening and closing of collapsible and compressible articles of luggage, duffle bags and like. Next described are various figures illustrating various exemplary self-locking hinges and illustrations of how they can be used to facilitate opening and closing of such collapsible luggage.

A. Novel Hinges Facilitating Collapsible Luggage

It is noted that in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a self-locking hinge can have a barrel with a spring loaded solid ball inside. The spring applies a force to the ball, and the barrel can be provided so as to push the ball against a flange. The ball can fit into various cutouts or complementary concave cutouts in the substantially semicircular flange that is concentric with and perpendicular to an axis about which the movable arms of the hinge rotate, as next described. With reference to Fig. 1 a double barrel version of each of a 90 degree hinge and a 180 degree hinge are shown. Fig. 1 (a), Fig. 1 (b) and Fig. 1 (c) show aspects of an

exemplary 90 degree hinge according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 1 (a) shows the hinge in the 90 degree configuration, and Fig. 1 (b) shows the hinge in a 0 degree configuration, where the hinge is fully flat and planar. It is noted that as a matter of nomenclature, in the following disclosure the 0 degree position of a hinge is the term given to a hinge when it is completely flat such that its two arms or surfaces on either side of the central axis are substantially the same plane

corresponding to a "normal" orientation. This is the configuration when the hinge is fully opened and the plate, or panel, whatever article of luggage it is provided within, for example, is in a fully extended and open position. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, by rotating the hinges by a certain number of degrees so as to bring the two surfaces to which the hinges are attached closer together, such as, for example, in a perpendicular relationship (90° rotation), a folded on themselves relationship (180° rotation), or a small angle between them, like a bellows in a collapsed state (160° rotation, 150°-170° rotation), the folding or collapsing of the luggage can be facilitated. Fig. 1 (c) provides exemplary dimensions for the flange of such a 90° hinge. Similarly, Figs. 1 (c) and 1 (d) illustrate the 0° degree and 180° positions, respectively, of an exemplary 180 degree hinge. It is noted from careful inspection of Figs. 1 (a) and 1 (b), and Figs. 1 (c) and (d), that what determines the available "set" positions of an

exemplary hinge is precisely where the cutouts or concavities are placed along the arc length of the axial flange. The flange can be fixed with respect to the arm of the hinge without the barrel, so that the barrel and its spring loaded ball are free to rotate relative to it. As the barrel and ball that is spring loaded within it move along the axial flange, the ball naturally falls, under the force of the spring, into any concavities on the surface of the flange located at various positions along its arc. As can be seen in Figs. 1 (a) and 1 (b) there is a concavity into which the ball can fit into at approximately 90 degrees rotation upwards from the horizontal. In Figs. 1 (c) and 1 (d) there is no such concavity until one reaches the complete other side of the flange, or a 180 degree position from the original one. Fig. 1 also shows exemplary dimensions of various elements of the hinges. For example, Fig. 1 (m) shows exemplary dimensions of the flange of Figs 1 (c) and 1 (d), and Fig. 1 (n) provides detail of the spring and screw that holds it in place within the barrel. Figs. 1 (e) and 1 (k) show the two arms of the hinge as mutually connected, and Figs. 1 (f)-(j) show exemplary details and dimensions of the two arms of the hinge as disconnected one from the other.

It is noted that, as shown in Figs. 1 (g), 1 (i) and 1 (j), the lower portion of the hinge in Fig. 1 is the arm provided with the barrels. Thus, by placing the concavities at various angles of arc along the flange, various positions can be assumed by the hinge, and thus the panel in which it is placed. As noted, these can be exploited to conveniently open and close luggage. Fig. 3 shows the hinges of Fig. 1 in a single barrel configuration, with exemplary dimensions for such single-barrel embodiments.

Fig. 3 thus shows, in Figs. 3(l) and 3(m), exemplary dimensions of the single-barrel hinge. These figures show a top view. Fig. 3(n), similar to Fig. 1 (m), shows exemplary dimensions of the 180° flange. All exemplary dimensions are in millimeters, it is noted. Figs. 3(g), 3(h) and 3(p) illustrate the details of the 90° hinge. In that regard, it is noted that Fig. 3(p) is analogous to Fig. 1 (1) and they have approximately identical dimensions, but not exactly so. As is noted in all of the figures of the flanges, the flange thickness is shown in a drawing immediately below each of Fig. 3(n), 3(p), 1 (1) and 1 (m). In each case, the thickness of the flange is shown to be, for example, three millimeters.

Fig. 3(o), analogous to Fig. 1 (n) once again shows details of the spring and the screw which holds the spring in place within the barrel. Fig. 3(o) shows identical exemplary dimensions to those shown in Fig. 1 (n) with some small variation. Figs. 3(a) and 3(b), being analogous to Figs. 1 (f) and 1 (g) respectively, show the top and bottom portions of the exemplary single barrel self-locking hinges according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Each of Figs. 3(a) and 3(b) provide exemplary dimensions and Fig. 3(c) shows the thickness of the portion of Fig. 3(b), the bottom of the hinge, where there is no barrel structure. Similarly, Fig. 3(e) is a view into a cross section through the bottom portion of the hinge shown in Fig. 3(b) and it shows the full thickness of 10.6 millimeters of the barrel. Analogously, Fig. 3(d) is a cross section through the upper portion of the hinge with the same 3 millimeter thickness and provides dimensional details of the portions of the hinge that are connected via a central axis.

Finally, Fig. 3(f) is an end view from the bottom of the page looking upwards into the lower portion of the hinge shown in Fig. 3(b). It shows the exemplary dimensions of the central barrel in which the spring and ball are provided, and other exemplary

dimensions.

Fig. 2 is similar to Fig. 3 but shown both single barrel 90° and 160° hinges with exemplary dimensions and detail. As shown, for a given size of hinge, dimensions will be the same for any angle or series of angles that the hinge is arranged to stop at. The only difference will be how many notches are cut in the flange and at what points along its arc. Thus, Figs. 2(a) and 2(b) show an exemplary 160° hinge. Fig. 2(a) in the 0° position and Fig. 2(b) in the 160° position, the upper portion having rotated along the flange until only 20° angle is subtended between the two arms of the hinge and the ball has been pushed into the notch at the 160° point. Similarly, Fig. 3(m) shows

dimensional details of an exemplary flange. However, here the notch is not drawn at the 160° position, but rather at approximately at a 90° position. It is noted that in Figs. 2(a), 2(b) and 2(m), the portion of the flange that is fixed to the flatter or thinner arm of the hinge (the one without the barrel) has a small notch in it, as shown at the bottom right of Fig. 2(m), as well as at the bottom left of the flange in Figs. 2(a) and 2(b). This notch is on the upper portion of the hinge, shown in Fig. 2(k). Therefore, the flange of Fig. 2(m) is an approximate 90° hinge and the flange in Fig. 2(n) is the 160° flange as described. Fig. 2(n) also shows a mirror image of the flange rotated about a vertical line.

Fig. 2(o) once again shows details of the spring, a screw that holds it in place within the barrel, and the ball, and in this regard is very similar to Fig. 1 (n) and Fig. 3(o). Figs. 2(e) and 2(f) show the 90° hinge in the closed and open positions respectively, being the 90° and 0° positions, and Figs. 2(c) and 2(d) illustrate the underside of Figs. 2(k) and 2(g) respectively. Thus the barrels are not seen, but the view from underneath the hinge is shown.

Fig. 4 shows the exemplary double barrel hinges of Fig. 1 with some additional detail. In particular, Fig. 4(j) shows the underside of Fig. 4(e) and 4(f) in a matter analogous to those shown in Figs. 2(c) and 2(d) which show the underside of Figs. 2(k) and 2(g). The exemplary dimensions for the underside are shown in Fig. 4(j) as well. In all other respects the figures in Fig. 4 are essentially same as those shown in Fig. 1 , and will not be described again.

Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary use of a 90° hinge according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Visible in Fig. 5(a) is a single barrel 90° hinge (bearing the trademark "Biaggi") according to present invention, similar to that shown in Figs 2(e) and 2(f). Shown in Fig. 5(b) is the same hinge in the 0 degree position. This hinge configuration corresponds to a piece of luggage, as shown in Fig. 5(d), in a fully extended state. Thus, the bottom panel - shown in yellow - comprises two portions connected by the hinge in substantially the same plane. With reference to Fig. 5(c) the barrel portion of the hinge has been rotated upwards approximately 90°, and the ball then rests in the concavity at approximately 90° on the flange as shown. This corresponds, as shown in Fig. 5(e), to the article of luggage now having the majority front of its bottom plate rotated upwards so as to be perpendicular to the rear portion of the bottom plate. It is noted that in Figs. 5(d) and 5(e) the luggage is shown with an extendable handle (located at the bottom right of each article),such as the familiar telescoping handle.

Fig. 6 illustrates the use of an exemplary 160 degree hinge according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 6(a) shows an exemplary 160 degree hinge, and Fig. 6(b) shows the same hinge in side view. Fig. 6(c) shows the hinge with the barrel portion and the flat portion of the hinge being rotated towards each other from a flat or 0 degree position. (It is noted that in Fig. 6(b) the drawing is exaggerated, and the concavity appears to be near the 90° position. Nonetheless, a 160° position is intended, as in Fig. 2(b). Applicants reserve the right to amend Fig. 6(b) to portray this angle in proper scale.)

Finally, as shown in Fig. 6(d), the hinge is at its fully closed position, having been rotated 160°. As shown, using such a hinge the exemplary piece of luggage quite literally folds in on itself, in contrast to the way the bottom panel folded upwards in Figs. 5(d) and 5(e) using a 90° hinge. Thus, the article of luggage appears to be fold in on itself like an accordion or bellows. It is noted that there is no hinge on the top (right side) of the exemplary article of luggage as shown in Figs. 6(e), 6(f) and 6(g). In such an exemplary embodiment, the luggage can be made of soft materials so that when the bottom hinge folds in on itself a similar operation occurs on the flexible top panel.

Fig. 7 shows an exemplary double barrel 160 degree hinge according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 7(e), 7(f) and 7(g), an exemplary article of luggage is shown here with two 160° hinges - one in each of the top and bottom panels. As a user compresses on the front portion of the luggage (the top in Figs. 7), as shown in Fig. 7(c), the two hinges fold on themselves and the two arms of each hinge move towards each other. Fig. 7(g) depicts their final closed position, subtending an angle of 20 degrees between the arms of each hinge, as shown in Fig. 7(d). Thus in such a final position, the top hinge assumes a "V" configuration, and the bottom hinge assumes an inverted "V" configuration. As can be seen, the depth of the article of luggage has shrunk considerably due to this bellows effect. (It is noted that in Fig. 7(b) the concave portion of the cam is not shown to scale. It is intended to be at a 160° position which would be almost all of the way towards the non-barrel, as shown in Figs. 2(a) and 2(b). Applicant reserves the right to amend this figure to proper scale.)

The hinge arms can be made, for example, of various materials, including metals, plastics, thermoplastics, polycarbonates, resins, polyacetyls, etc., as may be known or useful in various deigns contexts. The flange and axles can be made of metals such as, for example, steel.

B. Exemplary Luggage Using Hinges

Fig. 8 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of collapsible luggage according to the present invention, similar to that shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 8(a) depicts a perspective front view and Fig. 8(b) a side view of the exemplary article. As can be seen, it is slightly deeper at the bottom, and at the front portion of the bottom of the luggage are two pads or "feet," and at the back of the bottom portion of the article are two wheels. Using these wheels and the extendable handle as shown in Figs. 8(a) and 8(b), a user can tilt the article of luggage backwards so that it rests solely on the two rear wheels and can thereby be transported through an airport, home, hallway,etc.

Fig. 8(c) is a transparent side view showing the two hinges embedded in the top and bottom panels of the luggage, respectively, that allow it to be collapsed. As can be seen in Fig. 8(c) there are two hinges which are provided in each of said top and bottom panels. These hinges are 160° degree hinges, explained above, which have two positions. A zero degree position is one where the hinge is completely flat, in which the article of luggage has the shape as shown Figs. 8(a) and 8(b), where the top and bottom panels are fully horizontal and planar. In a second position, the 160° hinge almost completely folds on itself such that it forms a V-shape, subtending only 20° of angular arc between its two arms. Shown in Fig. 8(c) are the top and bottom panels of the luggage, as also shown in Fig. 7(e)-(g). These panels are structural, and can, for example, be made of honeycomb plastic or various other light weight, yet structural, materials, such as, for example, polyolefins, such as polypropylene, for example, polycarbonates, resins, and even carbon fiber or lightweight metals, as may be appropriate.

To add additional support, it is noted, rings or cords of wire or carbon fiber can be provided around the back of the luggage, essentially in the back plane, or around the front of the luggage, such as, for example, at the front of the luggage all around, or even in a zipper (or otherwise) attached front cover. Such rings, such as, for example, of steel, can provide an integrated ring of support, but do not interfere at all with

collapsibility. The entire back of the luggage can be rigid as well, as the back plate adds no depth.

By a combination of bottom plane support, such wire rings at the front and rear edges, possibly structural bands of plastic or other material, and one or more cover support boards, as described above, significant support can be provided to luggage that in a collapsed state simply folds on itself.

It is also noted that the 160° hinge, or any other hinge disclosed herein, can, for example, be provided in either a single version or double version. In fact, for heavy duty applications, even triple or a greater number of integrated barrel hinges can be provided. The single version hinge is shown in Fig. 8(e) and a double version of the same hinge is shown in Fig. 8(d). In the single version, the hinge rotates about a single flange or cam and there is a spring-loaded tubular structure with a ball at the end of it such that when the hinge is in either its zero degree position, or when it is rotated upwards about the axis such that it is in its 160° position, the ball, under the force of the spring, is pushed into a "female" cut-out or concavity in the flange. This secures the hinge in either of those two positions, and requires a user to apply rotational force to move it out of either of such positions, and is the basis of the self-locking feature.

Fig. 8(f) illustrates some of the features on the inside of the article of luggage. In particular, a bottom board which can, for example, rotate downward to provide rigidity to the bottom surface of the luggage, and which can be provided with a turn-lock to lock it in place is shown. It is noted that in exemplary embodiments of the present invention there can be a support board on both the top and the bottom plates of an article of luggage, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1 1 .

Figs. 8(g) and 8(h) illustrate the final stages in the process of folding or collapsing the luggage. As noted, in Fig. 8(g) the 160° hinge is caused to fold on itself in a bellows-like manner, as shown in Fig. 8(c), and as also shown in Fig. 8(g). This happens to both the top and the bottom hinges, resulting in the configuration of Fig. 8(h), where the article of luggage is totally collapsed on itself. The two portions of each of the top and bottom panels of the luggage separated by the hinges are now in an "upward V" and

"downward oriented V" configuration and, as a result, the depth of the luggage, as shown in Fig. 8(h) is less than half of its original.

Fig. 9 illustrates a similar article of luggage to that of Fig. 8, except that there is no hinge on top, rather, only on the bottom. In this exemplary embodiment, the top portion can be made of a soft material which can, for example, easily fold and be collapsed. This exemplary embodiment reduces cost by not having the requirement of a hinge on top, and the trade-off for that is that the top surface is somewhat less rigid, inasmuch as it is a softer material, but it can be padded as well, providing some rigidity, for example. With reference to Fig. 9, Fig. 9(a) is again a perspective front view, and Fig. 9(b) a side view, of the exemplary article of luggage. Fig. 9(c) is a side transparent view showing the hinge on the bottom and the two rigid plates from which the bottom panel of luggage is constructed (shown in yellow). These two plates are connected by a hinge, here a 160 degree hinge. Fig. (9) shows an exemplary 160° hinge in the single barrel format. It is noted that, if desired, the hinge of Fig. 8(d), which is the double barrel configuration, can, for example, be used as well. Fig. 9(e) again illustrates the bottom portion of luggage having a rotatable bottom board which can then lock into place on the bottom surface of the luggage. Figs. 9(f) and 9(g), in similar fashion to Figs. 8(g) and 8(h), show the folding process of the luggage so that it reaches its fully collapsed state in Fig. 9(g), and is indicated as having a depth of less than half of its original extended depth, as depicted in Fig. 9(a).

Fig. 10 illustrates yet another version of collapsible luggage according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 10 illustrates a variation to the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 8, in that the article of luggage here also has two hinges (which can be either single barrel or double barrel, or for example, can be a mix of two hinges or one hinge, as may be desired), on top and on the bottom, and therefore the top panel and the bottom panel are made of a more rigid material and thus able to support greater weight in their fully extended or horizontal state. However, the interesting feature of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 10 is that the top hinge or hinges here have a manual lock mechanism, thus ensuring that the top plate of the luggage remains rigid. With reference to Fig. 10, Fig. 10(a) is a perspective front view, and Fig. 10(b) is a side view. Fig. 10(c) is a transparent side view showing a hinge both on top and on the bottom in the fully collapsed state, which is the 160° state of the 160° hinge. Fig. 10(d) shows the novel variation of this exemplary embodiment, where instead of having a standard self-locking hinge as is shown in Figs. 8 and 9, Fig. 10(d) shows a manually locked hinge. Fig. 10(e) shows the familiar single cylinder self- locking 160° hinge, as shown in Figs. 8(e) and 9(d), used for the bottom panel. As noted, the novel hinges described herein are self-locking. Therefore, as noted, when the protrusion in the spring-loaded cylinder is pushed into a corresponding or complimentary cut-out in the flange, the user hears a click. Thus, when the hinge is in its zero degree position, or fully horizontal position, the protrusion clicks into one cut-out in the flange and when it is pushed by a user and collapsed either in the 90° position, or in the case of the 160° hinges described herein above, in the 160° position, or in various other angular positions as may be desired, the user also hears a click. Therefore, it is very intuitive for a user to know when the luggage is in the collapsed state and when the luggage is in the fully open state. The user does not need to do any more than push or pull on the luggage until he hears a click.

Fig. 10(f) illustrates again interior features of the exemplary collapsible luggage. In this case, the top hinge is visible to a user from the interior so that the user can manually lock it into place. Secondly, the bottom surface of the luggage has a bottom board which, in a collapsed state, sits substantially parallel to the back surface of the luggage, and when the luggage is opened, it can, for example, be rotated downwards approximately 90° to sit flat on the bottom surface of the luggage and can there be locked into place by a turn-lock mechanism.

Figs. 10(f) and 10(g) illustrate the process of folding the luggage. Thus, the top hinge(s) lock first needs to be manually moved to the open position, and the bottom board then needs to be flattened against the back plane, so as to sit in a more or less vertical position, as shown in Fig. 10(f). As shown in Fig. 10(g), the top and bottom hinges need to be collapsed by a user from their respective zero degree positions to their 160°, positions such as is also shown in Fig. 10(c). Once both hinges have been collapsed, the article of luggage assumes the configuration shown in Fig. 10(h), which is the fully collapsed state. All that remains to do is to fold over the front panel and the luggage will be totally collapsed, and ready to store. It is noted that in this embodiment, although there is no top supporting board, the manually locked hinge can provide some rigidity and can, for example, keep the top panels rigid in the expanded state.

Finally, Fig. 1 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the article of luggage of Fig. 8 where both the top and the bottom surfaces are shown with top and bottom cover boards, respectively, and each has a turn-lock type device to secure them in place. With reference to Fig. 1 1 , Fig. 1 1 (a) shows a perspective front view and Fig. 1 1 (b) a perspective rear view of the article of luggage. As noted above, the rear portion of the luggage has two wheels provided in it at each side and the front portion of the luggage has no wheels, but has "feet" or resting pads at each of its front right and left positions. In the upright position the luggage can rest on the wheels and the front pads or "feet." When being moved, for example, in an airport or other context, the user can extend the handle as shown, tilt the luggage backwards so that it is resting only on its rear wheels and can push or drag it as desired. Fig. 1 1 (c) illustrates the top and bottom support boards which are the rigid planar structures which can be rotated so as to sit flush against the back panel of the luggage in the collapsed state, and in the fully expanded state can be rotated again, the top board rotated upwards 90°, the bottom board rotated downwards 90°, so as each to be flush with the top and bottom panels of the luggage, respectively. In the fully expanded state, a user can lock these boards into place by means of a turn-lock device, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1 1 (c). The turn lock can be metallic, for example, or can, for example, to decrease weight, be made of a rigid plastic, a light metal such as aluminum, or from other appropriate materials.

Fig. 1 1 (d) illustrates a user opening the turn locks and rotating down the top and bottom support boards in preparation to collapse the article of luggage. This renders visible the hinges (although this is not necessary, and the hinges can, for example, be covered with cloth if desired) and a user then collapses the top hinges and the bottom hinges to reach the configuration of Fig. 1 1 (e). It is noted at this juncture that as regards the hinges in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1 1 , there are two hinges, just as in previous embodiments of Figs. 8-10, and the hinge used is a 160° hinge, which can have the two barrel configuration of Fig. 8(d) or, for example, the one barrel configuration of Fig. 8(e). Once the hinges are in their collapsed state, as shown in Fig. 1 1 (f), the article of luggage can be fully folded by folding over the door or front panel which is attachable to the luggage by a zipper, as shown. Fig. 1 1 (g) thus shows the fully folded luggage. It is noted, with reference to Fig. 1 1 (f), that there is a slight error in the figure. The left wheel has not been drawn in the correct place due to an artifact in the drawing. It should have the same position as is shown in Fig. 1 1 (e), as is the case for the right wheel. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, obviously the wheel would be in the correct place (applicants reserve the right to amend Fig. 1 1 (f) to show the left wheel in its correct orientation and position).

It is noted in connection with Figs. 8-1 1 that the hinged bottom (and top, if applicable) plates of the luggage can be provided within an outer structural band seen at the right of each of Figs. 8(c), 9(c) and 10(c). This band can have some depth by which it protrudes up form the back plate of the luggage, and it is such a band to which the rear wheels and telescoping handle are attached, for example. This depth can vary at the top and bottom, and be larger at the bottom, for example. This structural element is possible because the entire depth of the bottom (and top) plates collapse on each other using a 160 degree, or similar value, hinge, inside of such a structural band, and the structural band determines the minimum depth in the collapsed state. Thus, as seen in Figs. 1 1 (b) and 1 1 (g) there is a perimeteral structural band that supports the wheels and telescoping handle, and the folding bottom and top plates collapse within it, it remaining around the outer rim of the luggage. Its depth and material can vary as needed for size, strength and degree of "heavy duty" or "ruggedness" desired.

Fig. 12 illustrates how, in the two hinge collapsible articles of luggage shown in Figs. 8- 1 1 , a foldable support panel provided in the upper surface of the luggage can be notched, for example, as shown, to ease the folding of the two portions of the top when collapsed, as shown, for example, in Figs. 10(g) and (h) and Figs 1 1 (e) and (f). It is noted that the support panel of Fig. 12 is foldable. Thus, although not hinged, it can comprise two parts that are sewn next to each other such that the front portion can be folded relative to the rear portion and onto it. Fig. 13 illustrates exemplary side panels and an exemplary bottom plate, as temporarily attached by snaps or Velcro type materials according to various embodiments of the present invention. Here the side panels, when rotated upwards to their vertical state, can be attached to a bottom support board (such as that shown in Fig. 8(f)), for example using snaps, Velcro or the like. By connecting the bottom support board to the two side panels, an integrated "U" shaped structural bond is created, distributing the weight of the top of the luggage down the two side panels and onto the bottom support board. This provides rigidity and structure in the expanded state of the luggage, but is all collapsible when the luggage is desired to be folded.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, compression of volume to less than half of the original can be effected for bags of the type shown in Figs. 8-1 1 , and compression to a small fraction of the original volume can be achieved for collapsible duffles, as described below, of the types shown in Figs. 14 and 15..

Fig. 14 illustrates an exemplary 2-wheel folding duffle bag according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As can be seen in Fig. 14(a), a front view, the duffle bag can have a handle on top, and a standard duffle handle sewn to each side, which can connect in the center via a joint handle, as shown. As can be seen from the back view of Fig. 14(b), the back of the duffle can have, for example, two wheels provided at the rear portion of its bottom, by which it can be tilted and transported while leaning on the back two wheels. Also visible in Fig. 14(b) is a blade strap horizontally provided across the back near the top of the duffle bag, with two circular pads or "feet." This is done such that when the duffle bag is situated horizontally, and placed with the back panel on a table or floor, so as to be easily filled, for example, it can rest on the bottom two wheels as well as the two pads or "feet" provided on the black horizontal band. Also visible in this back view are handles on each of the sides by which the duffle can be carried or lifted so as to lay in an easy horizontal position for carrying.

Continuing with reference to Fig.14(c), there is illustrated a perspective view of an exemplary folding system, and inner details of the back side of the duffle. As shown in Fig. 14(c) in yellow, for support there can be provided a honeycomb type structure which is essentially a plastic piece (or other semi-rigid, lightweight material) provided within the back side of the folding duffle to provide support. The plastic honeycomb piece can be provided in two parts, for example, connected via a hinge as shown. This can be a 160° hinge, as described above, so the exemplary 2-wheel folding duffle of Fig. 14 is also provided with a similar hinge at the bottom, with a closing position at 160 degrees, as described below.

Continuing with reference to Fig. 14(d), there are provided three images showing a series of steps in folding the exemplary 2-wheel folding duffle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Here it can be seen that the folding duffle utilizes three of the 160-degree hinges described above. Two in the bottom panel, and one in the back, or rear, panel. These hinges each have a 0 degree position where they lay flat in a fully expanded configuration, and also have a 160° position where they nearly fully fold on themselves, but remain sub-tending an arc of 20 degrees, as seen in the images of Fig. 14(d). Thus, in Fig. 14(d1 ), the bottom hinges have been fully closed on themselves changing from a flat horizontal surface to a kind of inverted V surface. This allows the exemplary folding duffle bag bottom to fold on itself - like a bellows or accordion -- such that the luggage can collapse into a very small depth. Second, the 160-degree hinge provided midway up the back surface of the exemplary duffle, as shown in Fig. 14(c), can also be folded, allowing the top portion of the duffle to fold over the now collapsed bottom portion into a "tea-bag" wedge-like shape, as shown in Figs. 14(d2) and 14(d3). This upper hinge, provided within the back panel, first collapses to a 90-degree position as it is being closed, as shown in Fig. 14(d2), and then it finally collapses to its 160-degree self-locking position, shown in Fig. 14(d3), assuming the same inverted V shape as the bottom hinge or hinges. Once this occurs, the back surface is fully collapsed and the entire luggage assumes a wedge-like shape, as shown, and also as shown in Fig. 14(e)(4). This is the fully collapsed state of the 2- wheel folding duffle (A) according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It is noted that one, two, or more hinges can, for example, be used to connect support panels on a given duffle surface, the illustrated one hinge on the rear and the two on the bottom of the duffle of Fig. 14 being merely exemplary. Use of a 160 degree hinge is also exemplary, and given size, materials, shapes and relative orientations and angles of luggage panels, and collapsibility, various other angular stopping positions for a hinge may alternatively be desired. Various variations of such hinges, both self-locking and manual locking, having various closing angular positions, can call be used, as may be desired to facilitate collapsible luggage.

Thus with reference to Fig. 14(e), there are depicted five folding steps. With reference thereto, in a first step shown in Fig. 14(e)(1 ), the exemplary duffle bag is lying horizontally on its back. Its bottom surface is visible, which also has a pair of honeycomb panels for structure. These panels are connected by two 160° self-locking hinges, as shown. These are provided inside the duffle's bottom panel, generally covered by material, and need not be visible to a user. As shown in Fig. 14(e)(2), there is a piece of Velcro™ , for example, that attaches across the bottom of the duffle bag; this needs to be unhooked, as shown in Fig. 14(e)(2) and (e)(3). After it is unhooked, the bottom surface can be collapsed and the two hinges shown in Fig. 14(e)(1 ) can each assume the 160-degree inverted "V" position, as shown in Fig. 14(d). This collapses the bottom surface, thereby allowing it to fold on itself. This position of Fig. 14(e)(3) is essentially equivalent to that of Fig. 14(d1 ). Next, in Fig. 14(e)(4), which is essentially equivalent to Fig.14(d3), the hinge of the back panel has been fully closed to its 160-degree position and the, for example, Velcro™ sash on the bottom (which was used to hold the bottom panel together) can now attach to a corresponding Velcro™ (or other attachment device) receptor piece provided at the top of the back side of the duffle, as shown in Fig. 14(b). This allows the Velcro which had been attached across the bottom surface to now connect (i) the rear portion of the bottom panel of the duffle to (ii) the top portion of the now folded over back surface of the folding duffle, which, as folded, is now at the bottom of the front of the folded over wedge shape, as shown, thus holding the duffle securely in the wedge shape shown in Figs. 14(e)(4). Once it is in such a wedge shape, it can be easily slid into a carrying case as shown in Fig. 14(e)(5), thus occupying a small fraction of its original size.

Next described is an alternate exemplary embodiment of a 2-wheel folding duffle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. With reference to Fig. 15, this duffle, known as 2-wheel folding duffle (B), has a pair of 90-degree hinges provided in its bottom surface, allowing the bottom surface to fold upwards as described above, with reference to Fig. 5. This exemplary duffle does not have any hinge on its backside inasmuch as there is no rigid panel or set of panels to connect via the hinge. As shown, most of the duffle is made of soft material. As a result, while less heavy, and less costly to manufacture, it has less structure in its rear panel relative to the

exemplary duffle of Fig. 14, in particular it is missing the supporting panels as shown in Fig. 14(c). Thus, Figs. 14 and 15 provide exemplary options for a line of collapsible luggage, with variations as to price, weight and structural rigidity.

With reference to Fig. 15, Fig. 15(a) shows the front view of the exemplary duffle and Fig. 15(b) shows the rear view of the exemplary duffle. With reference to Fig. 15(c), there is shown in profile the exemplary duffle as fully collapsed. Thus, the front portion of the bottom surface can be rotated upwards about the common axis of the 90° hinges 1520 and, as a result, the larger portion (depthwise) of the bottom surface is now in a vertical plane, leaving only the rear portion of the bottom surface as shown. Thus the depth of the piece reduces to essentially that of the smaller rear portion, a fraction of its original. Simultaneously with the front portion of the bottom surface rotating upwards, the entire bag, which is, as noted, here made of soft material, except for the bottom panel and a small lower portion of the back panel, can be collapsed, thus assuming the configuration as shown in Fig. 15(c). The only support structures are the honeycomb 1510 at the bottom and at the back, similar to those shown in Fig. 14(c), with the proviso that on the back side such supporting panel only extends upwards a small height, such as, for example, from the bottom wheels to 10-40 percent of the way up along the rear panel, or preferably to 20-30 percent of the rear panel height. Such honeycomb structures can be made of polyolefins, such as polypropylene, for example, polycarbonates, resins, and even carbon fiber or lightweight metals, as may be appropriate.

Figs. 15(d) illustrate five similar folding steps of the 2-wheel folding duffle of Fig. 15 as were shown for that of Fig 14. Therefore, beginning with Fig. 15(e)(1 ) which is the "X- ray" or transparent view, generally not visible to a user, the bottom of the duffle has two 90° hinges 1520 connecting two honeycomb support panels 1510 which comprise the bottom surface of the duffle. In Fig. 15(e)(2) the bottom surface has been rotated upwards as described, and in Fig. 15(e)(3) the top of the bag, now collapsed, is itself rotated downwards. Because it is made of soft material, there is no need for a hinge, and it simply folds on itself as seen in Figs. 15(e)(2)-(3). In addition, there can be, for example, a Velcro or other attachment receptor provided on the bottom surface of the duffle that can mate with corresponding piece of Velcro or other attachment mechanism provided on the top of the back side of the duffle, as shown in Fig. 15(b) (vertical strip above the horizontal band) in the same manner as described above in connection with Fig. 14. With the back side of the duffle now fully folded over and now in the front, the Velcro, for example, strip on the back can be mated with the Velcro, for example, receptacle on the front portion of the bottom surface resulting in the configuration shown in 15(e)(4). Again, as shown in Fig. 15(e)(5), the collapsed bag, now a fraction of its original size, can be easily fit into, and stored or carried in, a handy carrying case.

C. Exemplary Hinges Illustrated In Detail

Figs.16 through 27, next described, are photographs of exemplary prototypes of various hinges described above according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 16 depicts three types of 180° hinges, showing the bottom side of each hinge, which is the portion that would be attached to an exemplary article of luggage. These hinges fully fold over on themselves, as shown in Figs. 1 (d), 3(j) and 4(b). This underside would be facing towards the interior of a piece luggage in most exemplary embodiments. Visible in Fig. 16 are, from left to right, a single barrel version, a double barrel version, and a single manually locked hinge. A manually locked hinge such as shown in Fig. 16 can be sometimes used to provide a more definite rigidity to a hinge in the 0 degree position (i.e., when the luggage is fully expanded). Further, as shown in Figs. 10(d) and 10(f), a manually locked hinge can be provided in a top plate of an exemplary article of luggage, which can remain exposed to a user, as shown in Fig. 10(f), either under a cloth cover, or simply uncovered, with or without an interior top cover board, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1 1 (c).

Fig. 17 illustrates the exemplary hinges of Fig. 16 except that each has been flipped over. Visible are the barrels and their flanges, which are concentric with the axis of the hinges about which the hinge arms rotate. Fig. 18 is a close up of the flange of an exemplary one barrel hinge as shown in the left side of Fig. 16. This is the view looking into the barrel side of the hinge from the non-barrel side, and one can readily see the 180 degree position concavity into which the spring loaded ball will be pushed when the hinge is at the 180 degree position. Similarly, Fig. 19 is a side view of the same hinge in the same orientation as shown in Fig. 18. Fig. 20 shows the two self-locking hinges of Fig. 16 in the 180 degree position, where the hinges have now fully folded on themselves. Fig. 21 shows the third hinge depicted in Fig. 16, the manual locking hinge, in the 180°, or totally folded upon itself, position, similar to that of Fig. 10(c) and Fig. 10(h).

Figs. 22 through 25, next described, illustrate various exemplary 160° hinges according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 22 shows the upper side (the side of the hinges that is not attached to the two portions of the luggage panel, and thus the side that freely folds in upon itself as shown in Figs. 10(f) and 10(g)) of the hinges. Fig. 23 shows a perspective side view of the same hinges shown in Fig. 22, except that the view is from the other side and thus the double barrel hinge is on the left and the single barrel hinge is on the right. Visible in Fig. 23 are the exemplary notches in each flange at the precise 160 degree position -- almost all of the way down towards the non- barrel arm of the hinge. Fig. 24 shows the exemplary hinges of Figs. 22 and 23 once they have been moved to the 160 degree position, and Fig. 25 is a side perspective view of the same hinges as shown in Fig. 24 in the same configuration.

Fig. 26 shows two exemplary 90 degree hinges as provided on a horizontal surface simulating a configuration they could, for example, have when fastened to a plate in a piece of luggage. Each of a single barrel and a double barrel version are shown, and the barrel side of the hinge is laid horizontally. Finally, Fig. 27 is a close up view of the double barrel 90 degree self-locking hinge in the foreground, and a single barrel 90° self-locking hinge in the background. The concavity in each flange is seen at the 90° position. Similar hinges as these can be provided with various angles, such as, for example, for a 90 degree type functionality, anywhere from 60 - 120 degrees, and for a 160 degree type functionality, from 150-180 degrees, for example. Hinges with multiple stops, and thus multiple notches can similarly be provided, as may be desired or useful. Hinges can be single barrel or multiple barrel, and in one article of luggage various types can be used in combination. One or more hinges can further be manual locking, as described above.

D. Exemplary Articles of Luggage Illustrated In Detail

1. Rectangular Luggage That Folds On Itself

Next described are Figs. 28-35, which are photographs of an exemplary article of luggage that is foldable in the manner illustrated above. Such exemplary article is similar to that of the luggage of Figs. 9-10. With reference to Fig. 28, the exemplary article of luggage is shown in the compressed state as provided in a carrying case. Fig.

29 shows the case being pulled down to expose the collapsed luggage inside, and Fig.

30 shows the collapsed luggage once the case has been fully removed. Fig. 31 shows the exemplary article of luggage with the front cover swung open. It is noted that in the collapsed state the front cover will not be zipped to the remainder of the luggage, but will just sit over it in a folded state.

Continuing with reference to Fig. 31 , there can be seen the folding bottom cover board which provides structure to the bottom of the article of luggage in its collapsed state, and here it is sitting essentially flush against the back panel of the luggage in its folded configuration. The top and bottom panels of the luggage are seen as being folded in on themselves, as shown above in Fig.10(c). Fig. 32 shows a close-up of the bottom folding board and the interior of the luggage. As shown, the bottom cover is attached to the bottom panel by a turn-lock, for example. Fig. 32 begins illustrating the process of expanding the luggage to its full shape, where the bottom panel has been expanded to a flat shape, opening the hinge to the 0 degree position. Fig. 33 illustrates this configuration in a side perspective view.

Fig. 34 shows the exemplary article of luggage in side view as fully expanded. It is noted that although the bottom of the luggage has been fully expanded, in Fig. 34 the top hinge has not been locked into its zero degree or flat position, that configuration is now shown in Fig. 35, which also shown the bottom cover board having been locked into place.

Thus, Fig. 35 shows the bottom board having been rotated downwards, and now sitting essentially flush (in a horizontal plane) with the bottom panel of the luggage, and having been affixed by the turn lock device. It is noted that the board can have a handle attached to it to make it easy for a user to rotate it upwards and downwards, when collapsing and de-collapsing the piece. This is shown as a red stitched-on cloth handle at the front edge of the board in Fig. 35

It is also noted that instead of a hinge at the top of the article, such as is shown in Fig. 10(c), an exemplary bag can just have soft material at the top of the article and no hinge. The soft material can be padded, for example, to provide some structure, as shown, for example, in Fig. 12. The tradeoff is rigidity of the top panel versus added expense and weight of providing rigid plates and one or more hinges. By providing hinges, the top panel can be an actual panel composed of two portions which are connected via one or two hinges, and each hinge can be either single-barrel or double- barrel, for example, depending upon size, load, material, "ruggedness", etc.

2. First Exemplary Collapsible Duffle Figs. 36-52, next described, are illustrative photographs of an exemplary embodiment of a 2-wheel folding duffle with an essentially soft back, with some support at its bottom rear panel, similar to that of Fig. 15. With reference to Fig. 36, the foldable duffle is shown in a convenient carrying case, only possible because the actual duffle can be significantly collapsed, as described above. Duffles can be compressed to a small fraction of their fully expanded size, using the techniques described herein. Fig. 37 shows the exemplary carrying bag being removed, and the wedge shaped duffle in a fully collapsed state. Fig. 38 depicts a rear view of the exemplary duffle standing on its bottom panel. The back panel visible in Fig. 38 is precisely the portion of the rear panel with the added structure, as shown in Fig. 15(c), and as indicated by the yellow honeycomb.

Fig. 39 is a front view of Fig. 38. In Figs. 40-48 the exemplary duffle is shown in various stages of unfolding, and interior views are also provided in Figs. 42-43 and 45-47, the latter showing an interior fold down bottom cover board which is used in the expanded state to provide support for the bottom plate, in the same manner as shown for the exemplary article of Figs. 8-1 1 as well as that of Fig. 13. Thus, in addition to the honey comb panels on the bottom of the bag, when expanded, a user can pull down the fold over cover panel and lock it, for additional strength.

Finally, Figs. 49-52 show the duffle once again being compressed, and assuming the familiar wedge-like shape as shown in Fig. 50, and after attaching the Velcro type material to connect the bottom of the duffle with the top of the folded over rear portion, as seen therein, the familiar final shape is achieved as shown in Figs. 51 -52, with significant compression of volume. 3. Second Exemplary Collapsible Duffle

Figs. 53-77 are photographs of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a two-wheel folding duffle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. This example prototype is similar to that shown in Fig. 14. Thus, the exemplary prototype shown in Figs. 53-77 uses a pair of 160° hinges on a bottom plate and single 160° hinge on its back plate, thus allowing for lengthwise structural support with full collapsibility.

Fig. 53 shows the exemplary duffle in a totally collapsed state removed from its carrying case. What is shown is in Fig. 53 is a view of the front of the fully collapsed duffle, essentially identical to the view shown in Figs. 14(e) and 14(f). Fig. 54 is a rearview of the fully collapsed duffle of Fig. 53 and thus the two rear wheels can be seen at the bottom of the picture. Fig. 55 once again shows the fully collapsed duffle completely removed from its carrying case and once again essentially the same as the view shown in Fig. 14(e)(4). Fig. 56 is a side view of the view presented in Fig. 55, more precisely from looking from the right side of the figure in Fig. 55 in towards a side of the fully collapsed duffle. Fig. 57 is a side perspective view from the other side, or left side of the figure, in Fig. 55 allowing the viewing of the left side of the duffle.

In the orientation shown in Fig. 58, the duffle has begun to be decompressed, or expanded. The view in Fig. 58 is thus analogous to that of Fig. 14(e)(3) where the Velcro attachment piece has been released, allowing the duffle to be totally unfolded into a flat plane or configuration, as shown. At this point, however, none of the hinges have been locked into place and the bottom panel has not yet been expanded. Fig. 59 shown very similar view to that of Fig. 58. Fig. 60 shows the top cover which is completely unzipped due to its having been in a collapsed state, and now having been folded over to the right side of the duffle in the figure, exposing the interior of the exemplary duffle. Visible in Fig. 60 is the bottom cover board in its folded or compressed state, therefore flush against the back panel of the duffle and obviously not connected by the turn key mechanism. Fig. 61 is a close up of the right hand portion of Fig. 60 showing the bottom cover plate, its exemplary red cloth handle and the turnkey locking mechanism in detail.

Fig. 62 shows a configuration where the bottom cover board has now been rotated upwards to now sit vertically, and has been locked into place, thus provided structure for the bottom panel. The bottom panel has, before the board was rotated upwards, been locked into place such that the two 160° hinges have assumed their 0 degree or planar position.

Fig. 63 once again shows the bag being in the process of being placed in a vertical configuration where the bottom plate, now rigid, has been rotated so that the bag sits on the two feet and on the rear back wheels, more or less a vertical rotation of the view shown in Fig. 14(e)(2) with the top part of the bag folded over. Next, Fig. 64 shows the duffle fully extended in its vertical dimension with the back panel now locked into place in its 0 degree planar configuration, and thus the 160° hinge has been locked by the user, making the honeycomb panel shown in Fig. 14(c) rigid from top to bottom along the entire height of the back panel of the exemplary duffle. Fig. 65 is a view similar to Fig. 64 where the bag has been pulled slightly more to full size, as is also the case in Fig. 66. Fig. 67 is a view similar to that of Fig. 63 and shows once again the back panel having pressure being applied to it by a user so that it begins to be compressed (i.e., the 160 degree hinge made nonplanar, and starting to assume the 90 degree position as shown in Fig. 14(d2), and on its way to being once again being folded into its compressed state. This process is continued in Fig. 68, and in Fig. 69 the bottom cover board has been once again rotated upwards to be flush with the back panel.

In Fig. 70 the bottom panel is being pushed downward so as to fold upon itself and thus the two hinges (shown for example in Fig. 14(e)(1 )) now assume their 160° position which is finally locked into place in the view shown in Figs. 71 -72. Now the bottom panel has completely lost its planar rigidity and the rest of the exemplary duffle can be folded back into a compressed state.

Fig. 73 shows the beginning of this process, and Fig. 74 shows the top portion now being folded over and the handles needing to be stuffed inside. Finally, in Fig. 75 when that has been accomplished the bottom Velcro, for example, attachment now attaches to what formally was the top of the back panel of the duffle, thus assuming the familiar wedge seen here in Fig. 76 in an analogous view to that of Fig. 14(e)(4), which is simply a rotation of the view shown in Fig. 75. Finally, Fig. 77 shows once again a rear view of the fully collapsed wedge of Fig. 76, again showing a very significant volume

compression.

The description, figures and photographs are intended by way of example only and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way except as set forth in the following claims. It is particularly noted that the persons skilled in the art can readily combine the various technical aspects of the various elements of the various exemplary embodiments that have been exemplarily described above in numerous other ways, all of which are considered to be within the scope of the invention. For example, any described hinge mechanism can be paired with any conceivable style or material of bottom plate, and any affixation device or system described in connection with one exemplary embodiment is understood to be compatible with any other, etc.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A self-locking hinge, comprising:

a first arm and a second arm, the first arm provided with a barrel containing a spring and a ball;

the first arm and the second arm each rotatably connected to an axis; and

a flange co-axial with the axis, the flange fixed with respect to the second arm, the flange having a first radius over most of its arc length, and notches at selected positions along its surface, the selected positions corresponding to preset stops,

wherein the flange is placed along the axis so as to abut the ball at the end of the barrel.

2. The hinge of claim 1 , wherein the selected positions along the surface of the flange correspond to various angles being subtended between the first arm and the second arm.

3. The hinge of claim 2, wherein said angles include one or more of 0°, 90°, 130°, 150°, 160° and 180°.

4. The hinge of claim 1 , further comprising one or more additional flanges and cylinders with spring and ball provided substantially parallel to the first, so as to provide a multiple barrel integrated hinge.

5. The hinge of claim 4, wherein said multiple barrels are one of 2 and 3.

6. A method of providing collapsible luggage, comprising: providing a rigid rear panel; providing a rigid bottom plate comprising two portions, one capable of being rotated relative to the other along a first axis so as to allow the two portions to be in either a planar configuration or to subtend a defined angle between them; providing a flexible top surface, front surface, right side surface and left side surface; and providing a bottom support flap that can be rotated along a second axis substantially parallel to said first axis, allowing said support flap to either lie on top of said rigid bottom plate in its planar configuration or folded substantially into a plane adjacent to the rear panel, wherein the two portions of the rigid bottom plate can be connected in each of its planar and angled configurations by one or more self-locking hinges.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more self-locking hinges comprise those as claimed in any of claims 1 -2 and 4-5.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more self-locking hinges subtend a 90 degree angle between them in a collapsed configuration, and a 0 degree angle between them in an open configuration.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more self-locking hinges subtend a 20 degree angle between them in a collapsed configuration, and a 0 degree angle between them in an open configuration.

10. A method of providing collapsible luggage, comprising: providing a rigid rear panel; providing a rigid bottom plate comprising two portions, one capable of being rotated relative to the other along a first axis so as to allow the two portions to be in either a planar configuration or to subtend a defined angle between them; providing a rigid top plate comprising two portions, one capable of being rotated relative to the other along a first axis so as to allow the two portions to be in either a planar configuration or to subtend a defined angle between them; providing a flexible front surface, right side surface and left side surface; and wherein the two portions of the rigid bottom plate, and the two portions of the rigid top plate can be connected in each of their planar and angled configurations by one or more self-locking hinges.

1 1 . The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more self-locking hinges comprise those as claimed in any of claims 1 -2 and 4-5.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more self-locking hinges each subtend an angle of between 10-30 degrees between them in a collapsed configuration, and a 180 degree angle between them in an open configuration.

13. The method of claims 10-12, further comprising a top support flap, a bottom support flap or both, wherein said support flaps can be rotated along a second axis substantially parallel to said first axis, allowing said support flaps to either lie on top of said rigid bottom plate or said rigid top plate in their respective planar configurations or be folded substantially into a plane adjacent to the rear panel.

14. The method any of claims 10-12, wherein the self-locking hinges are each one of single barrel and double barrel.

15. The method of any of claims 6-9, wherein the self-locking hinges are each one of single barrel and double barrel.

16. A collapsible two-wheel duffle, comprising: a bottom panel comprising two supporting elements connected by a hinge; top, front and side panels made of soft material; and a rear panel comprising two supporting elements connected by a hinge, wherein, in operation, the bottom panel hinge and the back panel hinge can each be collapsed to a closed state, causing the bottom and rear panels to each fold on themselves, and causing the duffle to assume a compressed wedge-like shape.

17. The duffle of claim 16, wherein the bottom panel hinge and the back panel hinge comprise one or more self-locking hinges as claimed in claim 1 .

18. The duffle of claim 17, wherein said self-locking hinges are 160 degree hinges.

19. The duffle of claim 17, wherein said self-locking hinges are each one of single barrel and double barrel.

A collapsible two-wheel duffle bag, comprising a bottom panel comprising two supporting elements connected by at least one hinge; top, front and side panels made of soft material; and a rear panel made of soft material with a supporting panel provided at a bottom portion of said rear panel, wherein, in operation, the at least one hinge can be collapsed to a closed state, causing the two portions of the bottom panels to be substantially perpendicular, and the remainder of the duffle to fold on itself twice, such that the duffle assumes a

compressed wedge-like shape.

21 . The duffle of claim 20, wherein the at least one hinge is a self-locking hinge as claimed in claims 1 -2 and 4-5.

22. The duffle of claim 20, wherein in said compressed wedge-like shape a top portion of the rear panel is attached to the rear portion of the bottom panel via an attachment mechanism .

23. The duffle of claim 22, wherein said attachment mechanism is a Velcro type attachment.

24. The hinge of any of claims 1 -5, wherein when the hinge reaches one of said selected positions an auditory signal is made to a user, and rotational force is required to move the hinge out of said position.

25. The method of any of claims 10-12, further comprising one or more of (i) a perimeteral band provided around the rear portion of the luggage, within which said rigid top and bottom plates compress, and (ii) a perimeteral wire cord provided at the rear or front perimeter.

26. An article of collapsible luggage, comprising: a rigid rear panel; a rigid bottom plate comprising two portions, one capable of being rotated relative to the other along a first axis so as to allow the two portions to be in either a planar configuration or to subtend a defined angle between them; a rigid top plate comprising two portions, one capable of being rotated relative to the other along a first axis so as to allow the two portions to be in either a planar configuration or to subtend a defined angle between them; a flexible front surface, right side surface and left side surface; wherein the two portions of the rigid bottom plate, and the two portions of the rigid top plate are connected in each of their planar and angled configurations by one or more self-locking hinges.

27. The article of claim 26, wherein the one or more self-locking hinges comprise those as claimed in any of claims 1 -2 and 4-5.

28. The article of claim 26, wherein the one or more self-locking hinges each subtend an angle between 10 and 30 degrees between them in a collapsed configuration, and a 180 degree angle between them in an open configuration.

29. The article of claim 26, wherein the one or more self-locking hinges each subtend an angle of 20 degrees between them in a collapsed configuration, and a 180 degree angle between them in an open configuration.

30. The article of any of claims 26-28, further comprising a top support flap, a bottom support flap, or both, wherein said support flaps can be rotated along a second axis substantially parallel to said first axis, allowing said support flaps to either lie on top of said rigid bottom plate or said rigid top plate in their respective planar configurations or be folded substantially into a plane adjacent to the rear panel.