Abstract: A luggage article may include a plurality of walls together defining an outer structure of the luggage article, a wheel bracket attached to and extending from one of the walls, and one or more wheels attached to the wheel bracket. The wheel bracket may comprise a leaf spring having a loop-shaped profile and the one or more wheels may be rotationally attached to a lower end of the loop-shaped leaf spring. The configuration of the wheel bracket may result in higher shock absorption and reduced wheel noise comparative to conventional wheel brackets, and offer an improvement and alternative to conventional luggage wheel brackets.

Abstract: A snap fit interlock for attaching a component of a luggage article may include a snap fitting connecting a luggage article component to a luggage shell, and a locking feature automatically limiting the disengagement of the snap fitting once the snap fitting is engaged. The snap fitting may engage and move the locking feature as the snap fitting is moved in an insertion direction during attachment of the luggage article component to the luggage shell. The locking feature may disengage from the snap fitting when the snap fitting engages the luggage shell. A portion of the locking feature may be automatically positioned between the snap fitting and the luggage article component to limit disconnection of the snap fitting once engaged.

Abstract: A portable drink blender includes a blade rotation axis offset from center such that the blender blades to not extend across in interior of the drinking spout. The motor housing is formed of a lower housing having the complete spout formed therein, and an upper housing including an aperture through which the spout extends. A cover interlock is provided which prevents operation of the motor unless the cover is in the closed position to seal the spout closed.

Abstract: A luggage article split along front and rear major faces is provided. The luggage article may include a housing defined by first and second shell portions pivotably connected together at a split line. The housing may define a front major face, a rear major face, and a plurality of minor faces extending between the front and rear major faces. The front and rear major faces may have a width dimension greater than each of the plurality of minor faces. The split line may extend along the front and rear major faces of the housing.

Abstract: A luggage article split along front and rear major faces is provided. The luggage article may include a housing defined by first and second shell portions pivotably connected together at a split line. The housing may define a front major face, a rear major face, and a plurality of minor faces extending between the front and rear major faces. The front and rear major faces may have a width dimension greater than each of the plurality of minor faces. The split line may extend along the front and rear major faces of the housing.

Abstract: A luggage article split along front and rear major faces is provided. The luggage article may include a housing defined by first and second shell portions pivotably connected together at a split line. The housing may define a front major face, a rear major face, and a plurality of minor faces extending between the front and rear major faces. The front and rear major faces may have a width dimension greater than each of the plurality of minor faces. The split line may extend along the front and rear major faces of the housing.

Abstract: A luggage article may include a plurality of walls together defining an outer structure of the luggage article, a wheel bracket attached to and extending from one of the walls, and one or more wheels attached to the wheel bracket. The wheel bracket may comprise a leaf spring having a loop-shaped profile and the one or more wheels may be rotationally attached to a lower end of the loop-shaped leaf spring. The configuration of the wheel bracket may result in higher shock absorption and reduced wheel noise comparative to conventional wheel brackets, and offer an improvement and alternative to conventional luggage wheel brackets.

Abstract: A luggage article may include a plurality of walls together defining an outer structure of the luggage article, a wheel bracket attached to and extending from one of the walls, and one or more wheels attached to the wheel bracket. The wheel bracket may comprise a leaf spring having a loop-shaped profile and the one or more wheels may be rotationally attached to a lower end of the loop-shaped leaf spring. The configuration of the wheel bracket may result in higher shock absorption and reduced wheel noise comparative to conventional wheel brackets, and offer an improvement and alternative to conventional luggage wheel brackets.

Abstract: A hardside luggage article may include a first shell component formed at least in part by a lamina. The lamina may include a substrate layer, a carrier film, and a material layer affixed to the substrate layer via the carrier film. The substrate layer may define a surface and a first material property. The carrier film may have opposing first and second surfaces. The first surface of the carrier film may be affixed to the surface of the substrate layer. The material layer may be affixed to the second surface of the carrier film. The material layer may define a second material property. The second material property may be different than the first material property. The material layer may form at least one feature protruding away from the surface of the substrate layer.

Abstract: A snap fit interlock for attaching a component of a luggage article may include a snap fitting connecting a luggage article component to a luggage shell, and a locking feature automatically limiting the disengagement of the snap fitting once the snap fitting is engaged. The snap fitting may engage and move the locking feature as the snap fitting is moved in an insertion direction during attachment of the luggage article component to the luggage shell. The locking feature may disengage from the snap fitting when the snap fitting engages the luggage shell. A portion of the locking feature may be automatically positioned between the snap fitting and the luggage article component to limit disconnection of the snap fitting once engaged.

Abstract: Provided herein is a luggage article 100 that includes two opposing shells 110, 120 hingedly connected together along one edge, and having peripheral rims 210, 250 that abut together in a closed configuration. One of the shells may have a peripheral rim with a recess 220. The other shell may have a peripheral rim with a projecting flange 230, 260 that is engagable within the recess 220 when the case is closed. At least one of the shells 210, 250 may have a second peripheral projecting flange 210, 250 that is arranged to project beyond and be engaged behind a peripheral rim of the opposing shell. The second peripheral projecting flange may be limited to extending from a small portion or along discrete selected sections of the peripheral rim.

Abstract: A luggage article may include a plurality of walls together defining an outer structure of the luggage article, a wheel bracket attached to and extending from one of the walls, and a wheel attached to the wheel bracket. The wheel bracket may comprise first and second elongate arms extending along a common side of the wheel. The first and second arms may be vertically-spaced apart from one another over at least a portion of the length of the first and second arms. The configuration of the wheel bracket may result in higher shock absorption and reduced wheel noise comparative to conventional wheel brackets, and offer an improvement and alternative to conventional luggage wheel brackets.

Abstract: A luggage article may include a plurality of walls together defining an outer structure of the luggage article, a wheel bracket attached to and extending from one of the walls, and one or more wheels attached to the wheel bracket. The wheel bracket may comprise a leaf spring having a loop-shaped profile and the one or more wheels may be rotationally attached to a lower end of the loop-shaped leaf spring. The configuration of the wheel bracket may result in higher shock absorption and reduced wheel noise comparative to conventional wheel brackets, and offer an improvement and alternative to conventional luggage wheel brackets.

Abstract: A luggage case may include opposing sidewalls forming minor faces, opposing sidewalls forming major faces, and opposing end walls together forming an article defining an enclosed space. A line of separation may be formed in said minor faces and end walls. A first portion of the line of separation may extend along a first portion of opposing minor faces at a location proximate one of said opposing major faces and corresponding one of said opposing end walls positioned therebetween. A second portion of the line of separation may extend along a second portion of said opposing minor faces in a direction away from said one of said opposing major faces and towards other of said opposing major faces.

Abstract: A luggage article may include a plurality of walls together defining an outer structure of the luggage article, a wheel bracket attached to and extending from one of the walls, and a wheel attached to the wheel bracket. The wheel bracket may comprise first and second elongate arms extending along a common side of the wheel. The first and second arms may be vertically-spaced apart from one another over at least a portion of the length of the first and second arms. The configuration of the wheel bracket may result in higher shock absorption and reduced wheel noise comparative to conventional wheel brackets, and offer an improvement and alternative to conventional luggage wheel brackets.

Abstract: A luggage case may include opposing sidewalls forming minor faces, opposing sidewalls forming major faces, and opposing end walls together forming an article defining an enclosed space. A line of separation may be formed in said minor faces and end walls. A first portion of the line of separation may extend along a first portion of opposing minor faces at a location proximate one of said opposing major faces and corresponding one of said opposing end walls positioned therebetween. A second portion of the line of separation may extend along a second portion of said opposing minor faces in a direction away from said one of said opposing major faces and towards other of said opposing major faces.

Abstract: This laptop computer case takes advantage of the clamshell opening construction and the relatively stiff, mutually engaging frames (13) forming the clamshell closure construction. A pair of gripping elements engages a laptop computer (L) by its major surfaces. The gripping elements preferably comprise an upper gripping bar (16) and lower bars (20) or tray support (18). These elements move towards and away from one another and thus into engagement with the laptop computer (L) being carried. These elements are moved and forced to clamp the computer (L) by the clamshell frames. High friction materials of the gripping elements engage the upper and lower surface of the laptop computer (L) to prevent the laptop computer from being dashed against the sides and top of the case. The gripping force is enhanced by a linkage system and torsion spring providing a significant mechanical advantage.