Abstract: Past garment bags have included expansion features such as a peripheral zipper in the rail portion to permit the garment bag to expand to accommodate a greater number of clothes. A hanger bar for supporting clothes on hangers has also been provided which has a collapsed condition for supporting few hangers, and an expanded condition for supporting a greater number of hangers corresponding to the expanded condition of the garment bag in which the hanger bar is suspended. Such hanger bars have failed to include an effective means for holding the hooked portions of ordinary closet-type hangers in either the collapsed or expanded condition of the hanger bar. Disclosed is such a garment bag with a hanger bar having hanger retaining means which is effective whether the hanger bar has a shortened length corresponding to the collapsed condition of the garment bag or a lengthened condition corresponding to an expanded condition of the garment bag.

Abstract: A valence for a luggage or carrying case includes male and female extrusions adapted to be secured to the opposing edges of the case sections. The extrusions include dual structures for positively securing the extrusions to the edges of case sections as well as mating male and female portions adapted to establish a seal between the male and female extrusions when the luggage or carrying case is in a closed condition. The frame extrusions further include structures by which accessory items such as rails can be supported in a convenient manner and for the purposes intended.

Abstract: Luggage cases which include four wheels may uncontrollably roll down inclined conveyor belts and the like. Disclosed is a brake system for selectively disabling at least some of the four wheels 12,14 on such a case 10. Preferably, this brake system is selectively operated by a pull strap or the like. In one condition, the brake system deploys a ground engaging arm which supports one end of the case 10 and prevents the wheels to be disabled from engaging the inclined surface of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Frames for softsided luggage usually comprise a hoop-shaped member of extruded plastic or metal attached to a bottom board to which in turn is attached wheels or the like. The means of attachment between this frame member and bottom board leads to aesthetic problems with regard to cluttered interior space. Disclosed is a luggage case and frame construction wherein the downwardly directed leg members of an extruded frame member terminate in splayed or outwardly directed attachment feet. Each attachment foot thus is positioned and permanently fixed to an end portion of the bottom board. Adjacent to the leg member is a divider panel, preferably in the form of a pouch-like cloth construction, which is attached to the associated end panel and forms an auxiliary compartment accessible through the end panel via a zipper. The pouch-like construction rests directly on the attachment foot, at least partially covering it, thus avoiding the addition of a cloth panel or auxiliary board for that purpose.

Abstract: A luggage case 11 comprises two shells 12 and 13 hinged together along their back wall 19. The case is fastened by three latches. One latch 26 is key operated and located at the middle of the front wall 18. The other two latches 24 and 25 are located at the front of the end walls of the case and prevent gaping of the case when it is overfilled. The latches 24 and 25 are secured by sliding bolts.

Abstract: Conventional garment bags and other "carryon" type luggage cases include a carry handle and a shoulder strap attached to the upper surface of the uppermost portion of the luggage piece called the console. In order to prevent the shoulder strap from tangling in baggage handling equipment, the shoulder strap includes a pair of releasable attachment means called snap hooks which permit the user to remove the shoulder strap and carry the shoulder strap separately or in a pocket included in the outer panel of the luggage piece. The luggage piece shown includes a dedicated shoulder strap pocket which extends substantially the entire width of the luggage piece and includes a zippered closure through which a permanently attached shoulder strap can be deployed. The shoulder strap is attached into the inside of the shoulder pocket and is structurally attached to the body of the luggage piece.

Abstract: Problems arise when a traveler must quickly identify his suitcase from an array of similar suitcases, such as on a checked luggage carousel or traveling belt. Tags and labels bearing ownership information are normally not distinctive enough to help in the split second decision to grab one's own suitcase. For cases with wheels, an identification system includes a label sized to fit within the outer periphery of the circular face of the wheel and an element for attaching the label to the face of the wheel. Preferably, the attaching system includes adhesives labels for attaching to the outer face of a hubcap on the wheel. Alternatively, the hubcap may be made transparent or may have a transparent portion, and includes releasable barbed attachments for holding the hubcap and the identifying indicia positioned between the transparent hubcap and the circular face of the wheel.

Abstract: An article of luggage includes a garment bag enclosure and a packing case enclosure which advantageously cooperate with one another in a transportation state or condition and a use state or condition. The packing case enclosure is preferably connected to an inner panel of the garment bag enclosure. In the transportation condition, the garment bag enclosure folds over the top of the packing case enclosure and the luggage article is easily transported by carrying devices attached preferably to the exterior panel of the garment bag enclosure. In the use orientation, the interior panel of the garment bag enclosure is disconnected, and the packing case enclosure moves or pivots outward to an extended orientation. A divider panel provides access to the interior of the packing case enclosure while access to the garment bag enclosure is simultaneously available as a result of the detachment of the interior panel.