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 having surface features providing enhanced corner strength is provided. The luggage article includes a housing at least partially formed by an outer layer and defining in part a first side, a second side, and a third side. A corner region is defined at the intersection of the first, second, and third sides, and an apex region is defined at least partially by the corner region. The luggage article may also include a first elongated surface feature formed by the outer layer and extending at least partially across one or more of the first, second, and third sides at a first distance spaced away from the apex region and curving relative to the apex region. The luggage article may also include a second elongated surface feature. The first and second surface features may define a curve similar to each other along a portion of their respective length.

Abstract: A luggage article (2) having surface features providing enhanced corner strength is provided. The luggage article may include a shell (4) at least partially formed by an outer layer (6), and including first and second shell portions (28) selectively secured together at a split line (26), the first shell portion defining a first corner region (24). The luggage article may include at least one first surface feature formed by the outer layer, the at least one first surface feature having a depth. The depth of the at least one first surface feature may be greater nearer the first corner region. The depth of the at least one first surface feature may decrease with distance away from the first corner region.

Abstract: A luggage article (2) having surface features providing enhanced corner strength is provided. The luggage article may include a shell (4) at least partially formed by an outer layer (6), and including first and second shell portions (28) selectively secured together at a split line (26), the first shell portion defining a first corner region (24). The luggage article may include at least one first surface feature formed by the outer layer, the at least one first surface feature having a depth. The depth of the at least one first surface feature may be greater nearer the first corner region. The depth of the at least one first surface feature may decrease with distance away from the first corner region.

Abstract: A luggage article having surface features providing enhanced corner strength is provided. The luggage article includes a housing at least partially formed by an outer layer and defining in part a first side, a second side, and a third side. A corner region is defined at the intersection of the first, second, and third sides, and an apex region is defined at least partially by the corner region. The luggage article may also include a first elongated surface feature formed by the outer layer and extending at least partially across one or more of the first, second, and third sides at a first distance spaced away from the apex region and curving relative to the apex region. The luggage article may also include a second elongated surface feature formed by the outer layer and extending at least partially across one or more of the first, second, and third sides at a second distance spaced away from the apex region and curving relative to the apex region.

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.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for providing several stages of closure of a luggage case (2), including an open stage, a pre-close stage in which one or more latching mechanisms are engaged, and a secure stage in which a drawing action pulls both shells of the luggage case (2) further together. Also disclosed is a method and system for automatically ensuring proper latching of the multiple latching mechanisms around the perimeter of a luggage case (2). The latching mechanisms may be aligned by use of a single operative mechanism (16). The present invention comprises a low-friction, durable system. The present invention ensures security of a user's belongings by providing the extra measurement of closure. The user enjoys a single operative mechanism (16), and needs to exert only a minimal amount of pressure to latch the case (2), thanks to a clever design of the single operative mechanism (16). The user needs not worry about their suitcase (2) popping open due to a failed latching mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for providing several stages of closure of a luggage case (2), including an open stage, a pre-close stage in which one or more latching mechanisms are engaged, and a secure stage in which a drawing action pulls both shells of the luggage case (2) further together. Also disclosed is a method and system for automatically ensuring proper latching of the multiple latching mechanisms around the perimeter of a luggage case (2). The latching mechanisms may be aligned by use of a single operative mechanism (16). The present invention comprises a low-friction, durable system. The present invention ensures security of a user's belongings by providing the extra measurement of closure. The user enjoys a single operative mechanism (16), and needs to exert only a minimal amount of pressure to latch the case (2), thanks to a clever design of the single operative mechanism (16). The user needs not worry about their suitcase (2) popping open due to a failed latching mechanism.