Abstract: Non-textile fabric panels (FIG. 17) are either formed, formed and joined, or joined by using plates or elements 1, 2, 51, 52 having edges with connection structures of complementary shaped and spaced knuckles 54, 55, 58 that interfit with one another. The knuckles include surfaces 57, 56, 59, that interfit and engage similar structures on adjacent elements or plates. Aligned, interfitting connection structures or knuckles can hinge along major bending axes, giving the non-textile fabric made thereby the ability to flex and bend like textile fabric or leather. Buttressing surfaces 7, 57 between connected knuckles help prevent early disengagement of intermitting surfaces when the non-textile fabric is subjected to strong tensile forces. Elements 51, 52 having the overall shape of a right isoscoles triangle in the plane of the non-textile fabric formed therefrom thus provide four major bending axes for superior flexible strength.

Abstract: A carry-on case (2) comprising a packing compartment (12) defined by a lower textile panel (16) and a zipper track (8) that extends along a bottom edge of the packing compartment (12). Packing compartment is accessible from the top of the case (2) via a three sided zipper track (8) extending along the top edge, right, and left sides of the packing compartment (12) to permit all-sided access therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for compressing and automatically expanding an expandable luggage case 2 comprising a ratchet mechanism 8 and a bungee cord 32, that is used to bias a locking mechanism, in the form of detents 54 that mate with teeth 44, in a locked position, and to bias a jack mechanism 14 for automatic expansion. The bungee cord 32 biases the ratchet compressor system 8 in an expanded state. Thus, automatic expansion is achieved, in a very easy to use manner. In addition to being operated while the luggage case 2 is open, the ratchet compressor 8 is also operable from the outside of the luggage case 2 once the luggage case 2 has been packed and closed. A user may then compress the luggage case 2 simply by applying pressure to the lid 24. The ratchet compressor system 8 therefore provides a zipper-less, automated method of expanding a luggage case 2 as well as compressing the luggage case 2 once the luggage case 2 has been closed.

Abstract: The present embodiment provides a neat, tailored accordion gusset 4 with crisscrossing elastic ribbons 22 attached to opposite rigid wire frames 8 and 10 of the expandable gusset 4, as well as a tensioned bungee cord 20 attached to the innermost edge of the center seam 26 of the expansion gusset 4. These elastic members 22 are enclosed and sealed from view by the outermost wall 6 of the luggage case 2 and an inner wall 14 defined by an elastic textile such as Spandex or the like. The resulting expansion gusset 4 can best be built into a main packing compartment door 6 of the luggage case 2 and will expand in response to over-packing of the main packing compartment 18 by expanding the expansion gusset 4 in response to the pressure of the goods against the restoring force of the various elastic members 22.

Abstract: A luggage case (10) has a molded, relatively hard or rigid back portion affixed to the relatively soft fabric constructed front portion (12). A connector form (25) constructed of an extruded, flexible shape extends around the peripheral rim (19) of the back portion, and has a first free end (30) which is attached by sewing to a gusset (21) that extends around the front portion (11). The connector form (25) has an upper portion that has one and preferably two channels on an outer portion, one of which contains a stiffening wire (36). The upper portion is fastened by stitching to the rim (19) of the back portion. The upper portion includes at least a pair of protruding pockets (22), which define a gap or channel (23) there between. A strap (39) attached to opposite sides of the back portion by triangular-shaped anchors, passes through this gap or channel (23) and had a lifting handle (38) attached thereto.

Abstract: An illusion toy has a housing in which a blade is rotated in one direction too rapidly to be seen through 270 degrees between rest positions on respective opposite sides of an article receiving through hole, providing the illusion that the blade has rotated in an opposite direction across the through hole, through the article. An actuating lever for a blade rotating overcenter mechanism has a loop aligned with the through hole so that a trigger end of the lever can be visibly moved between opposite sides of the through hole in the same direction as the apparent movement of the blade. A hollow housing handle forms a candy dispensing store and connects to a delivery chute extending across the housing obscuring a radially outer portion of the blade path providing an impression that rotation of the blade in the one direction is blocked by candy.

Abstract: A wheeled car seat sized to hold an infant or young toddler in the seat of an automobile that can also be converted to a wheeled stroller is disclosed herein. The wheeled car seat is made from materials to protect the occupant while at the same time keeping the weight of the wheeled car seat to a minimum. When removing the wheeled car seat from an automobile, the user need not remove the child passenger while the user converts the wheeled car to a stroller, but instead only need lift the car seat above the ground and allow a pivotal chassis to swing open and expose wheels to the ground. When the wheeled car seat is configured as a car seat, the wheels are enclosed to prevent dirt from getting on the upholstery of the automobile.

Abstract: Non-textile fabric panels (FIG. 17) are either formed, formed and joined, or joined by using plates or elements 1, 2, 51, 52 having edges with connection structures of complementary shaped and spaced knuckles 54, 55, 58 that interfit with one another. The knuckles include surfaces 57, 56, 59, that interfit and engage similar structures on adjacent elements or plates. Aligned, interfitting connection structures or knuckles can hinge along major bending axes, giving the non-textile fabric made thereby the ability to flex and bend like textile fabric or leather. Buttressing surfaces 7, 57 between connected knuckles help prevent early disengagement of intermitting surfaces when the non-textile fabric is subjected to strong tensile forces. Elements 51, 52 having the overall shape of a right isoscoles triangle in the plane of the non-textile fabric formed therefrom thus provide four major bending axes for superior flexible strength.

Abstract: A wheeled luggage case (30) including a main body having a top surface (44), a bottom surface (42), a front wall (34), a rear wall (36), a first side wall (38), and a second side wall (40); a handle (46) mounted adjacent to the rear wall; a first wheel (74) and second wheel connected with a rear edge (76) defined by an intersection of the rear wall and bottom surface; a first rearward side wheel (74) and first frontward side wheel (74) connected with a first side edge (82) defined by an intersection of the first side wall and bottom surface; and wherein a first distance from the first side edge to a first contact point of the first frontward side wheel is greater than a second distance from the first side edge to a second contact point of the first rearward side wheel to aid in stabilizing the luggage case when wheeled on a rearward side wheel and corresponding frontward wheel.

Abstract: A luggage case (10) has a molded, relatively hard or rigid back portion affixed to the relatively soft fabric constructed front portion (12). A connector form (25) constructed of an extruded, flexible shape extends around the peripheral rim (19) of the back portion, and has a first free end (30) which is attached by sewing to a gusset (21) that extends around the front portion (11). The connector form (25) has an upper portion that has one and preferably two channels on an outer portion, one of which contains a stiffening wire (36). The upper portion is fastened by stitching to the rim (19) of the back portion. The upper portion includes at least a pair of protruding pockets (22), which define a gap or channel (23) there between. A strap (39) attached to opposite sides of the back portion by triangular-shaped anchors, passes through this gap or channel (23) and had a lifting handle (38) attached thereto.

Abstract: Of the various carrying cases especially designed to isolate the contained laptop computer from impact forces, all are deficient in isolating the laptop computer from impacts from all directions, for example if the case containing the laptop computer were dropped on any side, edge or corner. The disclosed case provides a lightweight framed shock-absorbing insert to resist the impact and to channel much of the impact energy away from the laptop computer. This insert has two flat panels sandwiching the laptop computer. These panels flex in response to impact from any direction, while isolating the laptop computer from direct impact with the floor or the like during impact of the case with the floor. The panels are constrained from collapsing by bending out of the plane of the panel during most impacts. Constraining structures include a surounding frame between the outer edges flat panels, and surrounding textile constructions that cooperate to keep the flat panels parallel and generally flat during impacts.

Abstract: A wheeled upright luggage case is disclosed. The best embodiment of the case has wheels to allow the case to stand upright in a stable and balanced position without attendance by the user. The case has a wheel handle to allow the user to push or pull the case across a supporting surface. The case may be pushed or pulled on either four wheels or two wheels. When four wheels are used, the full weight of the case and its contents are borne by the wheels, relieving the user from having to bear with her arm any of the weight of the luggage. The body of the case is designed to have a specific range of tilt angles from the vertical; by tilting the body of the case toward the user, the design of the case improves the stability of the case while it is pushed across a supporting surface on four wheels. Various case body configurations and push handle arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: Pick-up trucks are very popular vehicles. The versatility provided by the truck bed in the pick-up truck is aided by providing a truck box usually a monolithic elongated container fastened to the truck bed that usually spans the width of the truck bed. Each end of this type of truck box is support by laterally flanking walls of the truck bed. However, once installed, these boxes occupy a considerable space and usually must be removed so that large items can be carried in the truck bed. The disclosed collapsible truck box provides the functionality of a fixed sized truck box but can be easily collapsed by the user to occupy a very small portion of the truck bed space. Hinged connections between the lid wall, back wall, front wall and bottom wall provide this collapsing and erecting function. Preferably side walls at each end of the truck box, with each wall including its own vertically oriented hinge, further enhance the functionality of the disclosed box.

Abstract: A priming method for a fluid ejection system that divides the priming schedule for the ink ejector into two parts (charging and priming). Priming is well known in the industry and is a high negative pressure pulse of short duration to minimize print quality defects and to remove air bubbles in the printhead. Charging is a low negative pressure profile of longer duration to prepare dry or new printhead for use and to minimize discontinuities and ink flow when a new ink jet cartridge is installed.

Abstract: Of the various carrying cases especially designed to isolate the contained laptop computer from impact forces, all are deficient in isolating the laptop computer from impacts from all directions, for example if the case containing the laptop computer were dropped on any side, edge or corner. The disclosed case provides a lightweight framed shock-absorbing insert to resist the impact and to channel much of the impact energy away from the laptop computer. This insert has two flat panels sandwiching the laptop computer. These panels flex in response to impact from any direction, while isolating the laptop computer from direct impact with the floor or the like during impact of the case with the floor. The panels are constrained from collapsing by bending out of the plane of the panel during most impacts. Constraining structures include a surounding frame between the outer edges flat panels, and surrounding textile constructions that cooperate to keep the flat panels parallel and generally flat during impacts.

Abstract: A priming method for a fluid ejection system that divides the priming schedule for the ink ejector into two parts (charging and priming). Priming is well known in the industry and is a high negative pressure pulse of short duration to minimize print quality defects and to remove air bubbles in the printhead. Charging is a low negative pressure profile of longer duration to prepare dry or new printhead for use and to minimize discontinuities and ink flow when a new ink jet cartridge is installed.

Abstract: A metal detection system and method to reduce damage due to the introduction of metal into microwave dryers of fluid ejection systems. One embodiment of the invention causes paper pick-up rollers and feed rollers to stop when metal is detected. Another embodiment causes the electromagnetic field in the microwave dryer to be turned off when metal is in the drying cavity of the microwave dryer.