Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for making hard sided luggage shells and other containers by vacuum forming or pressure forming thermoplastics. An apparatus for making shells and containers with integrally molded frames is disclosed. An apparatus for manufacturing differential pressure formed containers with framed openings, without the need for later attachment of a separate frame element to the molded shell. An apparatus also is disclosed for reducing the undesirable stretching of shell material that occurs during differential pressure forming, particularly the thinning of corner portions of the shell or container. The apparatus of the invention more efficiently utilizes the thermoplastic material by moving material from otherwise offal portions into the molded product. An improved device for severing the offal material from the final product is disclosed.

Abstract: A wheeled upright luggage case is disclosed. The best embodiment of the case has wheels to allow the case to stand upright in a stable and balanced position without attendance by the user. The case has a wheel handle to allow the user to push or pull the case across a supporting surface. The case may be pushed or pulled on either four wheels or two wheels. When four wheels are used, the full weight of the case and its contents are borne by the wheels, relieving the user from having to bear with her arm any of the weight of the luggage. The body of the case is designed to have a specific range of tilt angles from the vertical; by tilting the body of the case toward the user, the design of the case improves the stability of the case while it is pushed across a supporting surface on four wheels. Various case body configurations and push handle arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for an auxiliary luggage case which is attached to a main luggage case to attach an auxiliary luggage case for support on and by an exterior surface of the main luggage case. The attachment mechanism includes a flexible elongated belt member connected to the main luggage case, a hook member connected to an outer end of the belt member, and a pocket having a size sufficient to contain the hook and the belt member. A selectively openable and closeable cover member allows access to the pocket to remove and extend the belt member and the hook member, and also restricts access to the pocket and fully confines the retracted belt member and hook member within the pocket. The hook member is preferably pivotal to an extended position in which to attach to luggage and to a retracted position which consumes less space than in the extended position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telescoping pull handle for use in towing wheeled luggage. The handle may be collapsed to a reduced length to accommodate easy use with luggage that is carried onto and stowed in passenger transportation vehicles. The invention also is extendable to a sufficient length to permit the user comfortably to tow the wheeled luggage across a supporting surface. The invention includes incorporating into the telescoping handle devices permitting the user to strap or hook to the wheeled luggage auxiliary items of luggage. An improved extendable grip is disclosed for use with the inventive handle.

Abstract: A luggage case has a generally rectangular prismatic configuration of a size and shape similar to a flight bag when in the closed position, and presents a garment bag when in the expanded or open position. The luggage case comprises a support structure and a flexible panel connected to the support structure which extends laterally from the support structure to expose the interior of both the panel and the support structure. A selective attachment device connects the panel to the support structure to close the luggage case, forming the prismatic configuration. A support piece is connected to the interior of the panel to hold packed articles in the appropriate position. A packing pouch is connected to the support structure to extend from the interior of the case opposite of the panel when the case is opened. The packing pouch folds into the interior of the case and overlaps the packed articles when the case is in the closed position.

Abstract: A handle and restraint assembly is for carries and maneuvering a main luggage case having wheels. An extendable handle is moveable into a fully extended position, a fully retracted position, and a selected intermediate position. A restraint device is operatively connected to the handle to selectively restrain the handle in the extended and retracted positions. The restraint device includes a selectively extendable elongated flexible belt by which to connect an auxiliary luggage case for carrying on the main case. The elongated flexible element is extendable for connection to the handle, and may restrain the handle in an intermediate position for carrying the case or for pulling the case on the wheels. A first clutch controls the extension, retraction and retention of the belt, and a second clutch controls the extension, retraction and retention of the handle. The first and second clutches are separately operable independently or they are interconnected to operate simultaneously.

Abstract: Handles to carry luggage handles have been made of a variety of materials and in a variety of styles. Some require specially molded, cast, or stamped parts of plastic, rubber or metal. But, such handles tend to be expensive and heavy. Here a handle is constructed from a pair of webbing pieces edge stitched to form an elongated tube into which a specially constructed filler member or core is inserted. This core comprises a central stiffening member of a tempered steel wire rod and a plastic tube. Several layers of foam padding are wound around this member, and the entire assembly is slid into the cavity formed by the edge sewn webbing pieces to form a grip. The lengths of the webbing pieces are such to form integral straps for attaching the grip directly to a luggage case.

Abstract: Shoulder pads to provide a comfortable cradle for a shoulder strap for carrying the luggage case includes a foam pad and an elastic webbing firmly attached to this foam pad. The elastic webbing embraces the shoulder strap, yet stretches adequately to permit the shoulder pad to slide over buckles, snap hook pivots, etc. normally forming a part of the shoulder strap assembly.

Abstract: A recessed hook assembly positions a hook member at an exterior surface of a garment bag in such a manner that external unanticipated random forces are generally ineffective in dislodging the hook from the recess, but still allows it to be relatively easily dislodged and extended by the user to lift the garment bag and suspend it. The recessed hook assembly includes a housing defining a recess, an elongated flexible member connected to the hook member, and a retraction mechanism connected to the other end of the flexible elongated member to hold the hook member in the recess and still allow it to be easily removed for suspending the garment bag. The interaction of these elements also creates a handle for carrying, maneuvering or lifting the closed garment bag.

Abstract: The invention is a device for locking the closure mechanism on an item of luggage. The device includes a movable rod which drives a movable clasp bolt on one part of the luggage. The clasp bolt interacts with an opening in another part of the luggage, which opening serves as the strike for the clasp bolt. A movable latch may be interposed in the path of the rod, so that in an active position the latch blocks the movement of the rod, thus locking the case, but when the latch is in a retracted position the rod is released. The latch is moved by an electric motor connected to the latch by a gear reduction unit which amplifies the output torque of the motor. The latch may remain in its blocking position when motor torque is not supplied. A control signal generator actuates the motor in response to the reception of an access code input by the user.

Abstract: A mechanism for attaching an auxiliary luggage case to a main luggage case including a cassette attached to the main luggage case, the cassette defining a elongated receptacle and a retention edge adjacent to the receptacle. The receptacle is adapted to receive the belt and the links connected to the belt when the belt and links are retracted to the main luggage case. An elongated flexible belt is attached at an inner end to the cassette, and has an attachment device connected to its outer end. A plurality of links are connected along the length of the belt. The belt is bent over the edge between the links to fix the position of the attachment device and the extension of the belt. The engagement of the edge with the link within the receptacle holds the belt and the attachment device in the position established by the selected location of the fold.

Abstract: Dozens of companies offer many different types of cases specifically designed to carry microcomputers. One type of microcomputer, the laptop style, can be carried by hand or from a shoulder strap in such cases. Unfortunately, as these microcomputers become more powerful tools for scientists, students, engineers, artists, and medical personnel, there is a ever greater need to protect these devices while enhancing their ready access and ease of use. These two conflicting requirements, easy removal from the carrying case, and superior protection from weather and impact, have not been adequately met by these several computer cases. This computer case provides a main packing space for the microcomputer defined by a "C" shaped rigid frame and corresponding shock absorbing pad, the forth side of the packing space is selectively closed by a padded access door. The handle and/or shoulder strap is riveted to the upper side of this "C" shaped frame.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating, transporting and dissociating gas hydrates are disclosed. The preferred apparatus includes a mobile tank initially containing liquid water. Compressed hydrate-forming gas is combined in a pipe with the liquid water under locally supercooled conditions. The formed gas hydrate is blown into the mobile tank for transport and eventual consumption.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for removing contaminants. At least one injection well is drilled through the vadose zone to a depth below the water table defining the upper boundary of the aquifer. A plurality of venting wells or venting laterals are established to a depth above the water table sufficient to discourage fouling by contaminated water or condensate, and oxygenated substances are injected under pressure through the injection wells. Additional biochemical cleansing may occur at ground level prior to venting of contaminated air. Microbes natural to the contaminated site may be extracted, analyzed, fermented, and reintroduced to enhance biodegradation, and nutrients, food, or both, may be supplied to the microbial population to sustain high levels of degradation activity. Relatively pure liquid contaminant may be separated from other fluids, such as water.

Abstract: A garment container apparatus includes a rigid outer structure having hingably connected first and second storage sections with rigid side walls defining opposite sides of the container when closed. The first storage section has at its base, adjacent the hinged connection with the second storage section, a plurality of moveable storage enclosures. The enclosures are hingably connected to the base for swinging movement between a stored position and an open position. The first storage section also includes a garment support structure having two support members attached at a 90.degree. angle to each other. One support member is pivotally connected to opposed margin walls of the first storage section for opening and closing movement. A mounting structure including an inflatable bladder and a cooperating restraint bar is integral to the pivot mounted support member and defines a compression zone therebetween.