Abstract: A system for detecting overlapped flat objects in a sequence of flat objects have at least one of their edges exposed for viewing as they pass along a feed path. The system includes a sensor for generating a signal in response to detecting a flat object in the feed path and a camera responsive to the signal for capturing a digital image of the exposed edges of the detected flat object in the feed path. A vision system is coupled to the camera for receiving the digital image. The vision system analyzes at least a portion of the image to determine a pixel density variation along a direction perpendicular to the edges and uses the pixel density variation to output an indication of the number of edges in the image.

Abstract: A bag, of tote or briefcase size, includes an identification holder which is easily accessible. The identification holder, which may be integrated with a small, convenience storage pouch, is secured to the interior of a pocket of the bag by means of an expandable-contractible member which permits the identification holder/pouch to be readily presented for inspection without being disconnected from the bag. The pocket is releasably enclosed along the top and/or side edges thereof by a zipper, and stores the identification holder/pouch when not in use. The pouch serves as a convenient storage space for accessory items.

Abstract: A luggage item of tote or briefcase size includes at one end thereof an integral pocket for receipt of a water bottle. The pocket is releasably enclosed along the top and both side edges thereof by a zipper. One or more pairs of elastic bands connect the outer wall of the pocket to the end of the luggage item for resiliently securing a water bottle therebetween.

Abstract: An item of expandable luggage includes a multiple expansion capability, including an expandable main compartment and an expandable external pocket. The luggage item also includes a pair of internal tie-down panels for better holding of clothes within the item and for providing additional storage pockets. A low-profile clothes hanger bracket is provided which is useful with either wire or wooden clothes hangers.

Abstract: An item of expandable luggage includes a multiple expansion capability, including an expandable main compartment and an expandable external pocket. The luggage item also includes a pair of internal tie-down panels for better holding of clothes within the item and for providing additional storage pockets. A low-profile clothes hanger bracket is provided which is useful with either wire or wooden clothes hangers.

Abstract: A bag, of tote or briefcase size, includes an umbrella sleeve which is easily accessible. The sleeve comprises a stiff backing member and an elastic mesh material attached thereto to form an open-ended pocket. When not in use, the umbrella sleeve is stowed within a bottom pocket of the bag. When needed to hold an umbrella, the umbrella sleeve is pulled from the stowed position and placed in a use position, in which the umbrella sleeve is temporarily affixed to a side of the bag. In the use position, the umbrella sleeve is ready to receive an umbrella for storage while promoting drying, if the umbrella is wet. When the umbrella sleeve is no longer needed, it may be returned to the stowed position by the aid of the stiff backing member.

Abstract: A system for detecting overlapped flat objects in a sequence of flat objects have at least one of their edges exposed for viewing as they pass along a feed path. The system includes a sensor for generating a signal in response to detecting a flat object in the feed path and a camera responsive to the signal for capturing a digital image of the exposed edges of the detected flat object in the feed path. A vision system is coupled to the camera for receiving the digital image. The vision system analyzes at least a portion of the image to determine a pixel density variation along a direction perpendicular to the edges and uses the pixel density variation to output an indication of the number of edges in the image.

Abstract: A panel of a carrying bag incorporates an HED holder that includes a top hook member having a U-shaped receptacle portion for receiving the upper end of the HED in nested relation and a bottom hook member having a U-shaped receptacle portion for receiving the lower end of the HED in nested relation. The top hook member is affixed to the panel. The bottom hook member is connected to the panel by a band of elastic material, which biases the bottom hook member toward the top hook member so that the HED is forcibly gripped between the top and bottom hook members. A cover panel is fastened to the panel and forms with the panel a pocket that receives the band of elastic material.

Abstract: A shirt wrapper includes a body of a flexible material having a rectangular base and a pair of end flaps that fold up from the base part way over the top of a stack of shirts. A first rectangular side flap folds up along one side and entirely over the top of the stack of shirts. A second side flap folds up along the other side and at least partway over the top of the stack of shirts. A bottom pocket in the base receives a bottom stiffener sheet. A top stiffener sheet of substantially the same size as the bottom stiffener sheet is received in a pocket in the first side flap. A fastener joins the side flaps in folded condition over the stack of shirts.

Abstract: A shirt wrapper includes a body of a flexible material having a rectangular base and a pair of end flaps that fold up from the base part way over the top of a stack of shirts. A first rectangular side flap folds up along one side and entirely over the top of the stack of shirts. A second side flap folds up along the other side and at least partway over the top of the stack of shirts. A bottom pocket in the base receives a bottom stiffener sheet. A top stiffener sheet of substantially the same size as the bottom stiffener sheet is received in a pocket in the first side flap. A fastener joins the side flaps in folded condition over the stack of shirts.

Abstract: An item of expandable luggage includes a substantially rigid main peripheral frame and a substantially rigid secondary peripheral frame. A peripherally continuous gusset of flexible material is connected between the two peripheral frames. Opposite wall panels of the main peripheral frame are joined to corresponding opposite wall panels of the secondary peripheral frame by bridge assemblies, one such assembly being associated with each of the opposite wall panels of the respective frames. Each bridge assembly includes a pair of parallel spaced-apart slide rails affixed to the wall panel of the main peripheral frame, a substantially rigid bridge plate affixed to the wall panel of the secondary peripheral frame and slidably received by the slide rails, and a releasable latch that couples the bridge plate to the wall panel of the main peripheral frame in at least one position in which the secondary peripheral frame is held securely in a position spaced apart from the main peripheral frame.

Abstract: A backpack includes a body defining a receptacle and having a back wall with an upper edge and a pair of spaced-apart shoulder straps having upper ends attached to the body proximate to the upper edge of the back wall of the body. A carrying handle is connected to the shoulder straps in spaced-apart relation to the upper ends of the shoulder straps and defines with the back wall of the body an opening that is adapted to accept the fingers of a user when the user grasps the carrying handle. The carrying handle includes a handle cover that is adapted to maintain portions of the shoulder straps to which the carrying handle is attached in spaced-apart relation when the handle is in use so that the carrying handle is comfortable to hold and does not pinch the user's hand.

Abstract: The shoulder straps of a wheelaway backpack are stowed in a compartment between a main back wall panel and a secondary back wall panel of the container, which compartment also receives the towing handle support tubes. A wheel cover panel, the lower edge of which is stitched to the outside of the main back wall panel some distance above the lower back edge of the backpack, has zippers along the sides for attaching it to the secondary back wall panel and forming a compartment for convenient temporary storage of articles. When unzipped and folded down against the lower part of the main back wall panel, the wheel cover panel covers the rear aspects of the wheels so as to keep the clothing of a user carrying the backpack on his or her back from being soiled by dirt and moisture on the wheels.