Abstract: A luggage case or bag of the unstructured type having a semi-rigid support frame with a plurality of strips fixed on the interior of the case, such as at the four corners, forming pockets into which thin flexible sheets or inserts of lightweight material such as plastic material may be optionally disposed or removed. With the inserts removed, the bag may be fully collapsed to a flat position. With the inserts installed, the edgewise rigidity of the inserts supports the body gussets, or walls, of the case in the manner of a fully structured or framed case. In a modified arrangement, the interior pockets are oriented vertically to enable installation of the inserts through the top opening of the pocket. The inserts have some longitudinal rigidity and project in part above the top of the body gusset to provide a structured support to the body and lid gussets and assist in alignment of the lid and body.

Abstract: The specification discloses the structure and method of making a light-weight semi-rigid luggage case having a main body portion and a cover portion hinged along one of the mating side edges to enable the cover to swing out and in with respect to the body portion to which it may be locked as by a separable fastener. The body portion and the cover portion each have a semi-rigid supporting frame consisting of a substantially rectangular loop of spring steel wire secured adjacent the outside face thereof. An additional substantially rectangular loop of spring steel wire is supported by a movable flap, attached adjacent the inner edge of the body portion, and is adapted to be swung down inside the body portion to a position between the other two support loops, to provide a central support frame for the body portion as well as a retainer for a liner member of the body portion. The construction enables the parts of the luggage case to be readily assembled and installed by standard sewing machine equipment.

Abstract: The specification discloses the structure and method of making a light-weight semi-rigid luggage case having a main body portion and a cover portion hinged along one of the mating side edges to enable the cover to swing out and in with respect to the body portion to which it may be locked as by a separable fastener. The body portion and the cover portion each have a semi-rigid supporting frame consisting of a substantially rectangular loop of spring steel wire secured adjacent the outside face thereof. An additional substantially rectangular loop of spring steel wire is supported by a movable flap, attached adjacent the inner edge of the body portion, and is adapted to be swung down inside the body portion to a position between the other two support loops, to provide a central support frame for the body portion as well as a retainer for a liner member of the body portion. The construction enables the parts of the luggage case to be readily assembled and installed by standard sewing machine equipment.