Abstract: Lightweight reinforced modular tubes of extruded plastic material are provided for the first stage of a trolley-type carry case, in combination with a locking mechanism, which facilitates effective extension and collapse of a multi-telescopic handle system. The tubes are made of extruded plastic material and include a pair of opposed metal strips having appropriately spaced and dimensioned apertures for reception of spring loaded locking pins of the telescopic system. The metal strips are respectively retained in position by a pair of radially extending elongated flange members which overlap marginal positions of the strips. The tubes and the metal strips can easily and quickly be cut to size to fit any size carry case. While the metal insert strips are preferably made of aluminum, any material stronger than the extruded plastic of the first stage tube can be used, i.e., steel, nylon, PVC, polyethylene, polycarbonate, or the like.

Abstract: Lightweight reinforced modular tubes of extruded plastic material are provided for the first stage of a trolley-type carry case, in combination with a locking mechanism, which facilitates effective extension and collapse of a multi-telescopic handle system. The tubes are made of extruded plastic material and include a pair of opposed metal strips having appropriately spaced and dimensioned apertures for reception of spring loaded locking pins of the telescopic system. The metal strips are respectively retained in position by a pair of radially extending elongated flange members which overlap marginal positions of the strips. The tubes and the metal strips can easily and quickly be cut to size to fit any size carry case. While the metal insert strips are preferably made of aluminum, any material stronger than the extruded plastic of the first stage tube can be used, i.e., steel, nylon, PVC, polyethylene, polycarbonate, or the like.

Abstract: A retractable carry strap (12) for carrying cases (10) such as luggage, suitcases, or briefcases, wherein the retractor device is in the form of compact spring biasing compartments (12) are provided to apply resilient retraction forces (10) to the carry strap to return it to a position in close proximity to the carrying case and to store strap retracting energy when the shoulder strap is extended away from the carrying case.

Abstract: A system for releasably attaching an article of luggage such as a first carry bag, with or without a pair of upright support members, to a second carry bag system or wheeled luggage cart having at least a pair of upright stationary support members is disclosed in which a handle is resiliently attached to the first carry bag, and a device is provided for resiliently attaching the handle to the first carry bag in a manner to permit rotation of the handle between a first storage position between a pair of upright support members of the second carry bag system and a second interference position with the upright support members of the second carry bag system to thereby attach the first carry bag to the upright support members of the second carry bag system. The handle is preferably in the form of a zippered pouch having a planar plate attached thereto for engagement with the upright support members.

Abstract: A magnetic closure device for a compartment of a carry case, the compartment having an access opening, the access opening having at least one first predetermined dimension. The flap is attached to the carry case and positioned inside the compartment, the flap having at least one dimension greater than the corresponding first dimension of the access opening to retain the flap inside the compartment and to thereby prevent movement of the flap outside the opening. The flap is hingedly attached at one end to the carry case and is arranged to move inwardly to provide access to the compartment through the opening. Mutually magnetically attractable devices are respectively attached to a wall portion of the compartment and to the flap in correspondingly opposed positions to retain the flap in engagement with the wall portion of the compartment to provide closure to the compartment, whereby the flap is manually movable inwardly to provide user access to the compartment.

Abstract: An item of expandable luggage is provided with a muiltipositional locking expansion mechanism that includes a lock release actuator for unlocking the expansion plates that is located near or on a handle on the sliding plate situated towards the upper portion of the expandable body for easy accessibility, thereby permitting the user to adjust the inner volume of the luggage storage space when the compartment is fully packed. The extendable gusset is provided with one or more resilient members that retract the gusset into the interior of the luggage when it is not extended.

Abstract: A two-part connecting zipper pull includes a pull tab with receiving apertures therein and a connecting aperture, a loop member having ends to be fitted into the receiving apertures, and a securing pin for removably securing the ends of the loop member into the receiving apertures. The ends have apertures which align with the connecting aperture of the pull tab for allowing the securing pin to pass therethrough. The pull tab may have ornamental indicia thereon. The pull tab is particularly useful for the repair of existing zippered items such as luggage, handbags, clothing and the like, and can be marketed for repair purposes, or for cosmetic or appearance changes of the zipper.

Abstract: An item of expandable luggage is provided with a multipositional locking expansion mechanism that includes a lock release actuator for unlocking the expansion plates that is located near or on a handle on the sliding plate situated towards the upper portion of the expandable body for easy accessibility, thereby permitting the user to adjust the inner volume of the luggage storage space when the compartment is fully packed. The extendable gusset is provided with one or more resilient members that retract the gusset into the interior of the luggage when it is not extended.

Abstract: An item of expandable luggage is provided with a multipositional locking expansion mechanism that includes a lock release actuator for unlocking the expansion plates that is located near or on a handle on the sliding plate situated towards the upper portion of the expandable body for easy accessibility, thereby permitting the user to adjust the inner volume of the luggage storage space when the compartment is fully packed. The extendable gusset is provided with one or more resilient members that retract the gusset into the interior of the luggage when it is not extended.

Abstract: An item of expandable luggage is provided with a multipositional locking expansion mechanism that includes a lock release actuator for unlocking the expansion plates that is located near or on a handle on the sliding plate situated towards the upper portion of the expandable body for easy accessibility, thereby permitting the user to adjust the inner volume of the luggage storage space when the compartment is fully packed. The extendable gusset is provided with one or more resilient members that retract the gusset into the interior of the luggage when it is not extended.

Abstract: A case for carrying papers or the like includes a top closure member that is movable between a first open position, a second open position at which a top opening exists permitting access to the interior of the case and a first closed position at which the top opening does not exist. A side closure member releasably secures a sidewall portion vertically in a second closed position, and the side closure member is openable to permit movement of the sidewall portion from its second closed position to a third open position at which a side opening exists permitting access to the interior, where opening of the side closure member is independent of a position of the top closure member.

Abstract: A soft-sided business case is convertible from a low-profile configuration to an expanded configuration. The business case comprises a first internal compartment that is zippered and appropriately padded for storing a computer or other personal electronic device and related accessories. The opposite side of business case comprises an interior zippered compartment enclosing a file folio having a plurality of pockets. A third internal compartment is provided between the file folio compartment and the first interior compartment and comprises gusseted expanding central walls for increasing the interior volume of the third internal compartment to receive clothing and/or other personal articles so that the case can also be used as an overnight travel bag. Access to the third interior compartment is through a soft interior dividing wall releasably affixed to the file folio.

Abstract: A case for carrying papers or the like includes a top closure member that is movable between a first open position, a second open position at which a top opening exists permitting access to the interior of the case and a first closed position at which the top opening does not exist. A side closure member releasably secures a sidewall portion vertically in a second closed position, and the side closure member is openable to permit movement of the sidewall portion from its second closed position to a third open position at which a side opening exists permitting access to the interior, where opening of the side closure member is independent of a position of the top closure member.