Abstract: A luggage case (100, 600, 700, 800, 900) may include opposing sidewalls forming minor faces (105, 106), opposing sidewalls forming major faces (101, 102), and opposing end walls (103, 104) together forming an article defining an enclosed space (109). A line of separation (150) may be formed in said minor faces (105, 160) and end walls (103, 104). A first portion of the line of separation (150) may extend along a first portion of opposing minor faces (105, 106) at a location proximate one of said opposing major faces (101, 102) and corresponding one of said opposing end walls (103, 104) positioned therebetween. A second portion of the line of separation (150) may extend along a second portion of said opposing minor faces (105, 106) in a direction away from said one of said opposing major faces (101, 102) and towards other of said opposing major faces (101, 102).

Abstract: A luggage article may include at least one panel attached to other walls to form the luggage article. The at least one panel may be framed by rods and/or a coil spring member connected to corner pieces to form a peripheral frame that extends around and is attached to and supports the periphery of a lamina to thereby form a framed panel that is attached to the other walls to form the luggage article. The configuration of the rods, coil spring member and the corner pieces may result in reduced weight and improved memory and elasticity comparative to conventional frames, and may offer an improvement and alternative to conventional luggage frames.

Abstract: A luggage article having a lower portion supporting a pluralities of supports and including a plurality of walls forming a luggage case structure defining an interior cavity and having a front wall, back wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom wall, at least one support assembly being mounted on a lower portion adjacent the front wall, the lower portion of the front wall has a protruding ledge structure extending at least partially laterally across the front wall, front edges of the opposing sidewalls being offset rearwardly from the front edge of the protruding ledge structure to enhance stability.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively securing at least a first zipper closure mechanism (25) and a second zipper closure mechanism (135) of a luggage case (100), may include a lock device (145) coupled to the luggage case (100). The lock device (14) includes a lock mechanism (158) operable between a locked and unlocked configuration, at least two securing recesses (151, 152, 153, 154) for releasable receipt of at least a portion of each of the respective first and second zipper closure mechanisms (125, 135), and at least one release member (160) for actuating the lock mechanism (158).

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a luggage item and a luggage item. The wheel assembly may include a housing for operably coupling the wheel assembly to a luggage item. The wheel assembly may also include a wheel support rotatably coupled to the housing and having a first axis of rotation. The wheel support may be coupled to a wheel member having a second axis of rotation. A friction reduction member may be positioned between the housing and the wheel support to facilitate the relative rotation therebetween. The wheel support may include an underside defining in part a conical shape.

Abstract: A luggage case may include front, back, side, top, and bottom walls. At least one recess may be defined by at least one of the walls near the luggage case's bottom end. Two or more spinner wheel assemblies may be joined to at least one of the walls proximate the luggage case's bottom end. Each spinner wheel assembly may be configured to pivot its at least one wheel from a first position where the at least one wheel engages a support surface to allow the luggage case to be wheeled on the support surface to a second position where the least one wheel is positioned within one of the at least one recess and does not project beyond the bottom wall. An actuation mechanism that includes a user engagement component and at least one actuation assembly may be used to move the wheels between their first and second positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively securing at least a first zipper closure mechanism (25) and a second zipper closure mechanism (135) of a luggage case (100), may include a lock device (145) coupled to the luggage case (100). The lock device (14) includes a lock mechanism (158) operable between a locked and unlocked configuration, at least two securing recesses (151, 152, 153, 154) for releasable receipt of at least a portion of each of the respective first and second zipper closure mechanisms (125, 135), and at least one release member (160) for actuating the lock mechanism (158).

Abstract: Frame structures (106a, 106b, 206) for luggage pieces (100) formed of one or more frame supports (110, 210) and one or more frame elements (108) may be assembled with the luggage piece. Luggage pieces may include an outer layer (102), an inner layer (104), and at least one frame structure (106a, 106b, 206) with one or more frame elements (108) and one or more frame supports (110, 210). The frame elements (108) may be joined to the inner layer (104), the outer layer (102), or both, and may be arranged between the outer layer (102) and the inner layer (104). The frame supports (110, 210) may be joined to the outer layer (104), and one or more frame elements (108) may be joined to the frame supports (110, 210). The frame structures (106a, 106b, 206) may provide support and/or reinforcement to the luggage piece (100).

Abstract: A luggage piece may include a first shell and a second shell pivotably joined to the first shell. The luggage piece may include a clamp-type latch configured to releasably secure the first shell to the second shell. The luggage case may further include a frame assembly. The frame assembly may include opposing first and second frame members. The first frame member and the second frame member may be joined to the first shell and the second shell, respectively. The first and second frame members may be pivotably joined together by a hinge. The first frame member may be configured with a first recess to receive therein at least a portion of the clamp-type latch such that exterior surfaces of the first shell, the first frame member, and the clamp-type latch are substantially flush with each other when the clamp-type latch is positioned in its latched position.