Abstract: A carrying case for a portable electronic device includes an inner compartment having a front panel and a side panel extending peripherally around the front panel to define a hollow interior. A pivotal flap extending across width of the front panel is formed as an upper part of the front panel connected thereto through a living hinge. A plurality of spaced resilient dimples extends into the interior of the inner compartment from at least the front panel. The living hinge comprises an internal crease in a front panel material. The internal crease extends inwardly in to the material toward an exterior of the inner compartment from the front panel.

Abstract: An expandable travelling case comprises a back panel, a flexible jacket, and a tensioner. The case can be expanded by moving the expansion arm to an expanded configuration. The expanded configuration involves the tensioner bracing or pushing against the flexible jacket in cooperation with the back panel of the case. The tensioner is therefore compressed between the jacket and the back panel in the expanded configuration. This provides a tension fit for the flexible jacket. There is also provided a retention means and suitable component to maintain the travelling case in an expanded state.

Abstract: A transferable insert for organizing the interior of a bag includes a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls and a bottom wall substantially continuously interconnected so as to define an interior storage compartment, a first and second expansion panel each being operatively moveable between a collapsed position and an expanded position to conform to the width of the interior of the bag, a first and second expansion fastener structured and disposed for holding the respective first and second expansion panels stowed in the collapsed position, and a plurality of pouches within the interior storage compartment for holding and positioning a plurality of objects therein in an organized arrangement. A releasable fastener on each of the pair of end walls may be used for releasably holding one of the pair of end walls in a gusseted position.

Abstract: Expandable luggage devices are provided. Included within expandable luggage devices is an expandable backpack that is convertible between at least two positions. An uppermost cover portion of the backpack converts to a side or back portion when the backpack is expanded, and a secondary cover portion is withdrawn from an internal area of the device to enclose or cover the backpack in the second position.

Abstract: A luggage item is provided. The luggage item includes a support member for a rolling item of luggage, where the support member assists in enabling the luggage item to stand upright even when unattended. The support member may provide stability to the item of luggage when the item of luggage is upright, yet collapses when the luggage item is empty or at least partially unpacked.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a container comprising a pump to vacuum the air contained in the container. The pump is combined with the telescopic handle of the container. A check valve in communication with the interior chamber of the container is connected to the vacuum pump for withdrawing air from the container to decrease the volume occupied by the items contained in the container.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for mounting to a piece of expandable luggage has a base, first and second sliding members, and a lever. The base has slots, and a plurality of recesses are located between the slots and have a substantially flat sidewall. When the lever is in a locked position, a coupling portion is positioned at least partially within one of the recesses, and the notch engages the sidewall preventing the lever and sliding members from moving parallel with the slot. When the lever is in an unlocked position, stopping pegs prevent the lever from rotating more than 180 degrees relative to the locked position, and the lever and sliding members are free to move relative to the base and translationally parallel with the slots. The lever and sliding members are moveable to and from a plurality of expansion positions.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an expandable suitcase comprises: a front portion; a back portion; a plurality of side panels, each side panel aligning with one of a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side of the suitcase, and each side panel having a primary board, at least a first side board rotatably connected to the primary board about a common edge therewith, and a first side flap rotatably connected to the first side board about a common edge opposing the common edge with the primary board; and a plurality of hinges disposed at an intersection of two side panels, each hinge comprising a first hinge panel attached to one of the side panels and a second hinge panel connected to the other side panel, wherein the hinge remains in a substantially planar position in a rested state.

Abstract: The article of luggage includes a luggage main body having a bottom surface and a cavity formed to receive articles for packing; an expansion body having a perimeter defining a cavity; a foldable gusset joining the luggage main body to the expansion body; and an expansion and locking device disposed internally at opposite ends of the article of luggage. The expansion and locking device is configured to allow free movement of the expansion body in a compression direction towards the luggage main body and configured to allow locking movement of the expansion body in an expanding direction away from the luggage main body. One expansion and locking device is preferably attached to two or more walls of the luggage. After finishing packing, the luggage is closed and the user pushes the expanding member towards the base member, ratcheting the pawl past the ratchet teeth to collapse the luggage.

Abstract: A folding sport luggage including a main luggage case and wheels equipped at the bottom of the case. The main luggage case includes a front portion and a rear portion. The rear portion of the main luggage case has a frame composed of side, back, and bottom panels and coated with a coating. The front portion of the main luggage case has a soft bag case extending from the frame of the main luggage case. The bottom panel can be folded and includes a folding front portion supporting the bottom of the soft bag case and a rear portion supporting the bosom of the frame of the main luggage case. With no items inside, the front portion of the luggage can be folded inwards to greatly reduce the space occupied by the sport luggage. Thus it is convenient to place and transport, with low cost.

Abstract: An expandable multi-compartment luggage having a second luggage bag hingeably attached to the first luggage bag. The second luggage bag having an upper portion and a collapsible lower portion. The collapsible lower portion being moveable between a collapsed position to an expanded position defining a lower interior compartment. The luggage also including a dividing wall disposed between the upper and lower portions of the second luggage bag, and which is movable from a closed position dividing the upper interior compartment of the second luggage bag and the lower interior compartment of the second luggage bag and an open position with the upper interior compartment of the second luggage bag being in communication with the lower interior compartment of the second luggage bag.

Abstract: A collapsible baggage comprises structural side assemblies. The structural side assemblies comprise a plurality of interconnected panel members. When the baggage is expanded, the panel members of each side assembly are generally in plane with each other and are able to prevent the baggage from collapsing under load. The panel members can pivot relative to each other in a manner allowing the baggage to collapse.

Abstract: The jewelry organizer includes a case with a top portion and a base portion hingedly connected to one another and structured and disposed to be controllably and completely attached to one another to enclose a plurality of storage compartments. Each of the compartments is attached to an inside of one of the top and bottom portions in a manner that allows the compartments to fold over one another in a nesting fashion. Each compartment is at least partially made of an at least partially transparent material that allows the contents of the compartment to be visible without opening the compartment. Accordingly, the jewelry organizer allows jewelry to be visualized and accessed without removing other jewelry items or opening more than one compartment.

Abstract: A suitcase has a vacuum system which draws air out of clothing and areas adjacent to clothing being stored in the suitcase.

Abstract: A remote cinching device 14 comprising a resiliency mechanism 15 and 16, a force-transferring device 17, and a cinching device 28, 30, 32 enhances luggage, totes, briefs, and other transport and/or storage devices. The resiliency mechanism biases the luggage in an open condition, while the cinching device, located remotely from the areas undergoing the highest levels of expansion force (the top and bottom ends of an upright luggage case, for example), allows effective, easy, and visually pleasing compression of the case once it has been closed. The cinch is carried by force-transferring structures 17, by which the act of cinching is made even more efficient.

Abstract: Transferable organizers provide stabilization and ease of location for objects carried in handbags and other bags. The organizers may be independently usable and freestanding, and may be inserts inside an existing bag. At least some walls of the organizer are substantially rigid to protect the contents, make the organizer freestanding, or to conform to the dimensions of the existing bag. At least one wall of each organizer may be expandable by means of an expansion panel that can be stowed when expansion is not needed using a fastener, such as a zipper, snap, or magnetic connection. Expansion panels enable adjustment of the width, length, or height of the organizer. A eyeglass case includes an inwardly extending lip that curls over the lens of the glasses and is adjacent a rigid front section. A shoe organizer includes a cushion flap and a stabilizing flap that protects and positions the shoes.

Abstract: A suitcase or luggage piece having a rigid lower compartment that retains the intended shape and a soft flexible lid or top that is releasably attached to the lower compartment. In an alternate embodiment there is an expansion piece mounted between the lower rigid compartment and the lid. The expansion piece can be either rigid or soft and is stored in the lower compartment until needed.

Abstract: An enhanced structure for the base with roller and belt of hardshell zipper case is provided, including a hardshell zipper case main body, a plurality of hidden roller units, a retractable belt unit, and an auxiliary wheel set. The hidden roller units and the retractable belt unit are placed inside the roller housing trench and the belt housing trench located at the bottom of the hardshell zipper case main body. When the hidden roller units are not in use, the roller units are entirely hidden inside the roller housing trench so that the roller unit will not be damaged due to careless handling. To move the hardshell zipper case, the outer rim of the roller units are exposed outside of the surface of the roller housing trench so that the roller units can roll along when moved. The belt of retractable belt unit can be easily pulled out from one end of the bottom of the hardshell zipper case.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transportation containers and luggage; and, more particularly, it relates to a method and apparatus to prevent items from shifting or breaking in the container or luggage while moving or during travel.

Abstract: A flexible music instrument case uses an interchangeable lid system to allow different types of lids to be attached to a main body depending on the particular needs of the user. The main body of the music case has an internal chamber configured to closely contain and protect the musical instrument or instruments, depending on the particular instruments being carried. The main body is somewhat structured to maintain a container shape, and may include various levels of rigidity. In addition, the main body further has at least one attachment mechanism attached to a portion thereof, to allow an interchangeable lid to be removably attached to the main body. The interchangeable lid has a similar attachment mechanism attached thereto to allow for the removable attachment of various lid elements.

Abstract: Apparatuses convertible between at least a storage container in a first configuration and an activity mat in a second configuration. One apparatus includes a circular lid, a circular base, and at least one zipper pull that zips the lid and base to a wall. When zippered, the apparatus has a generally cylindrical shape. A carrying handle is provided on the lid. When unzippered, the apparatus becomes an activity mat and lies flat. Another apparatus includes two sides, a base, a flap, and at least one zipper pull that zips the sides to the flap. The sides resemble the outline of a car, such that the apparatus when zipped up resembles a car and when unzipped becomes an activity mat and lies flat. Backpack straps on the back allow the apparatus to be worn as a backpack.

Abstract: Systems (102) and methods (600) for adjusting a volume of an article of manufacture (AOM). The methods involve displacing a first actuator (FA) in a first direction along tracks (308, 310) until FA (312) disengages a first track (308) and abuts a first stop mechanism (504) formed at an end (510) ofa second track (310). A first flexible insert (FFI) is unfolded so as to adjust the volume of AOM by a first amount defined by geometrical dimensions of FFI (306). A second actuator (SA) is displaced in a second direction along tracks until SA (424) abuts a second stop mechanism (432) formed at ends (454) of the tracks (420, 422). A second flexible insert (SFI) is unfolded so as to further adjust the volume of AOM by a second amount defined by geometrical dimensions of SFI (406).

Abstract: A compactable luggage system includes a portable container having an internal storage compartment structured and arranged to store at least one travel item, an one outer-volume reducer structured and arranged to reduce an outer volume of the portable container. The portable container includes a pressure-tight barrier structured and arranged to bar equalization of fluid pressures across the pressure-tight barrier surrounding the internal storage compartment, and a re-sealable access structured and arranged to provide re-sealable access to the one internal storage compartment through said pressure-tight barrier. The portable container includes a pressure-dependent volume adjuster structured and arranged to adjust the outer volume of the one portable container in response to the fluid pressure differential across the pressure-tight barrier. This and other features are described.

Abstract: A storage and travel bag includes a collapsible bag having an enclosure defined by a bottom panel, a first end panel, a spaced second end panel, a front panel, a back panel and a top panel, wherein the first end panel, second end panel, front panel, back panel and top panel are movable between a collapsed position and an uncollapsed position. A support structure is disposed within the enclosure and configured to be movable between a supporting position, wherein the support structure supports at least one of the first end panel, second end panel, front panel, back panel and top panel in an uncollapsed position, and a collapsed position, wherein the first end panel, second end panel, front panel, back panel and top panel are movable to respective collapsed positions.

Abstract: An expandable bag includes a body having a lower portion defining a closed bottom and a generally upstanding lower sidewall having an upper rim and an upper portion defining an upper sidewall having a lower edge coupled adjacent to the upper rim of the lower portion and having an upper rim defining a top opening. The upper portion is movable between a folded position, in which the upper sidewall is folded within the lower sidewall such that the upper rim of the upper portion and the top opening thereof is disposed generally adjacent to the upper edge of the lower portion to define an interior compartment of a certain size, and an extended position, in which the upper portion is unfolded and extended upwardly, thereby extending the height of the body and creating an interior compartment of greater size.

Abstract: A hard-sided suitcase may include two polycarbonate composite or other hard shells, and a polycarbonate composite or other expansion portion positioned between the two shells at approximately a midpoint of a depth of the suitcase. A carrying handle may be attached to the polycarbonate composite expansion portion. An opening zipper may connect at least one of the polycarbonate composite shells to the polycarbonate composite expansion portion and provide access to one or more storage compartments. An expansion zipper may connect the polycarbonate composite expansion portion and the other of the polycarbonate composite shells. The expansion zipper may have a flexible gusset. A reinforcement frame may be connected to the polycarbonate composite expansion portion such that the polycarbonate composite expansion portion can bear the weight of the hard-sided suitcase when lifted by the carrying handle. The reinforcement frame may be a honeycomb plastic frame and enclosed by a fabric material.

Abstract: A remote cinching device 14 comprising a resiliency mechanism 15 and 16, a force-transferring device 17, and a cinching device 28, 30, 32 enhances luggage, totes, briefs, and other transport and/or storage devices. The resiliency mechanism biases the luggage in an open condition, while the cinching device, located remotely from the areas undergoing the highest levels of expansion force (the top and bottom ends of an upright luggage case, for example), allows effective, easy, and visually pleasing compression of the case once it has been closed. The cinch is carried by force-transferring structures 17, by which the act of cinching is made even more efficient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pull-rod computer bag including a bag body, internally defining a hold space; a pull rod, assembled scalably onto one side of the hold space; a roller set, assembled at one corner of the bag body; and a housing cover with a computer hold tank. The housing cover is laterally connected with the bag body, enabling opening and closing and having a faceplate and a peripheral portion, such that the computer hold tank is formed between the faceplate and peripheral portion. A buffer pad is assembled on the faceplate and a retractable side wall is assembled onto the peripheral portion of the housing cover, enabling the peripheral portion to be expanded or reduced with respect to the area. A flexible control member is used to locate the shrinking state of the retractable side wall.

Abstract: A collapsible bag for carrying articles that includes a folding seat mounted on an exterior surface of the bag. The bag includes side frame members and a bottom plate that are individually pivotable relative to a base frame assembly to change the volume of the interior compartment of the bag. The bag is provided with various article retainers on its exterior surface to provide easy access to articles retained therein.

Abstract: Saddlebag for motorcycles, having a luggage interior part facing the motorcycle in the installed state, a luggage exterior part facing away from the motorcycle in the installed state and which is mounted for opening and closing the saddlebag so it can pivot with respect to the luggage interior part. A flexible luggage intermediate part is situated between the luggage interior part and the luggage exterior part.

Abstract: An expandable bag includes a body having a lower portion defining a closed bottom and a generally upstanding lower sidewall having an upper rim and an upper portion defining an upper sidewall having a lower edge coupled adjacent to the upper rim of the lower portion and having an upper rim defining a top opening. The upper portion is movable between a folded position, in which the upper sidewall is folded within the lower sidewall such that the upper rim of the upper portion and the top opening thereof is disposed generally adjacent to the upper edge of the lower portion to define an interior compartment of a certain size, and an extended position, in which the upper portion is unfolded and extended upwardly, thereby extending the height of the body and creating an interior compartment of greater size.

Abstract: An expandable shell of a suitcase includes first and second surrounding shell bodies mated with and stackable on each other and cooperatively defining an expandable accommodation chamber for increasing the volume of the suitcase. A control unit includes a pulling cord secured to the first surrounding shell body and reeled on a reel member that is mounted to the second surrounding shell body, and a pawl and ratchet teeth disposed to control the rotation of the reel member so as to adjust a distance between the first and second surrounding shell bodies and the volume of the expandable accommodation chamber.

Abstract: An expandable suitcase. An illustrative embodiment of the expandable suitcase includes an enclosure comprising a length-adjustable and width-adjustable enclosure frame; a pair of expandable end panels, a pair of expandable side panels and an expandable bottom panel provided on the enclosure frame; a lid comprising a length-adjustable and width-adjustable lid frame pivotally carried by the enclosure frame; and an expandable lid panel provided on the lid frame.

Abstract: A method of producing an article of luggage characterized by a “soft” case construction characterized by the steps of molding from a material exhibiting “soft” case characteristics lid forming and base forming sections of such construction as to be shape wise self supporting in the absence of a perimeter frame and side, base or back panels whereby the form of the case is established and maintained by the molded lid and base sections; and an article of luggage produced by the method and characterized by a “soft” case construction including lid and base forming sections of such construction as to be shape wise self supporting in the absence of a perimeter frame and side, base or back panels whereby the form of the case is established and maintained by the molded lid and base sections.

Abstract: A foldable travelling case includes a case body, two support plates and four zippers. The case body has two opposite first side walls and two opposite second walls. The support plates are respectively abutted against the first side walls of the case body. The zippers are disposed between one of the support plates and one of the second side walls to interconnect the support plates and the second side walls. When the zippers are unzipped, the first and second side walls of the case body can be folded to reduce the volume of the travelling case.

Abstract: A luggage piece which provides a slim profile in a closed position and a larger opening in an open position when compared to a similar article without features according to this invention. The luggage piece includes at least one gusset, positioned along a side of the luggage piece, which is folded in the closed position and releases and/or expands in the open position to provide a larger opening and thus greater access to a storage space.

Abstract: A trunk able to fix articles in position includes. a trunk body and a cover connected together and respectively provided with an air bag in an interior. The trunk body has one outer side formed with an accommodating groove installed therein with an inflation apparatus provided with an inflating pipe communicating with the air bags. In using, the air inflation apparatus is taken out of the accommodating grove and then pressed or trodden for pumping air into the air bags through the inflation pipe to let the soft air bags expand and fill up the space in the trunk body. Thus, the inflated air bags can function to press and restrictedly position the articles stably in the trunk and also protect the articles in the trunk from being moved, bumped with each other and damaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article carrier and, more specifically, to a customizable and modifiable article carrier built from a plurality of zipper strips. Each strip includes two bands of flexible material adjoined along an adjacent edge. The opposing edges of the bands have a toothed edge operable to lock to a toothed edge on an adjoining strip via a zipping mechanism. A plurality of strips are combined to form an article carrier compartment with optional closures and carrying straps.

Abstract: A software box or package with reduced original dimensions may be configured to be manipulated to form a box with at least one dimension that is longer than the original dimensions. For example, the box may be manipulated to form an expanded box with a longer height, depth, and/or width than the un-expanded box. In some embodiments, one or more sides of the box may be unfolded and/or one or more internal boxes may be unfolded or pulled out of the un-expanded box to form the expanded box. The expanded box may be used to store documents, back-up software copies, instructions, etc. The expanded box may have a height and width approximately the same as a file folder and may be stored in a filing cabinet. Such software boxes may include boxes for tax software, real estate software, résumés, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expansion system for luggage comprising an upper frame, a lower frame, an expandable section attached between the upper and lower frames, and expansion mechanisms. Each expansion mechanism comprises an upper member attached to the upper frame, a lower member attached to the lower frame and two arms, wherein each arm is pivotally connected to the upper member at one end and is pivotally and slideably connected to the lower member at the other end.

Abstract: A hard suitcase includes a base portion and a lid portion each formed of a plastics material of such characteristic that the base and lid portions retain their intended shape. The hard suitcase also includes a zip fastener arrangement that is stitched to the base and lid portions. The zip fastener arrangement has an expandability feature to permit volume expansion of the hard suitcase.

Abstract: A demountable display module that is stored in the form of a briefcase is described; it comprises a base formed by panels; a cover demountably attached to the base; posts that are demountably to the frames of the side panels of the base; and a board demountably attached to the upper end of the posts. Within the base, there is a first shelf and a second shelf each of them is housed in the inner part of one of the side panels. Likewise, first and second support and securing means are provided to keep the shelves in horizontal position and to secure the shelves in vertical position when they are housed in the side panel to which they attach. The cover of the module is used as a container body to house the rest of the elements of the module and it includes a handle to transport the module in the form of a briefcase; likewise, the method to manufacture the module is described.

Abstract: A carrying bag that includes a top portion having at least two side walls, a closable top, a closed bottom having an exterior bottom surface and an interior top compartment. The carrying bag also includes a detachable bottom portion having at least two side walls, a closed top having an exterior top surface, a closed bottom an interior bottom compartment and at least one access opening into the interior bottom compartment, and a compartmentalized structure having a plurality of individual compartments. A track system is included to attach the top portion to the detachable bottom portion, where the track system has a first component and a second component that slidingly engage one another.

Abstract: A tool storage bag is provided for storing tools and accessories at a work site. The tool storage bag is formed with soft sides and has external expandible pockets to accept a variety of tools and accessories. In one version, the bag has an A-frame opening which presents an unobstructed opening in the open position for receiving larger tools such as a circular saw. In another version, the tool bag has a rectangular opening which is spanned by a rigid handle with end portions which are attached to selected opposing sidewalls of the bag. The rigid handle accommodates heavier loads and adds increased stability to the bag construction.

Abstract: A garment compression system for travel and storage which effectively increases the useable volume in luggage, storage closets and storage areas is disclosed. The system consists of two cooperating substantially flat plate members, at least two lengths of belting surrounding the flat plate members for use in generating compressive forces and suitable buckles and fittings to retain the system in the compressed state. Buckles of sufficient strength located on the belting are capable of holding tension forces generated in the compression process, to withstand the force generated by the compression of the items between the cooperating flat plate members. The belting has loose ends for ease of removal of the top plate member to facilitate placing items to be compressed between the top and bottom plate members. Each of the plate members has a cooperating notch suitably placed to guide the belting during the compression operation.

Abstract: An apparatus is capable of collapsing into a smaller configuration is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first sidewall and a second sidewall interconnected by a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and a top wall to form a collapsible bag. A first zipper track is disposed into the bottom wall connecting between a portion of the bottom wall and a first position. A second zipper track is disposed into the bottom wall opposite to the first zipper track. The second zipper track is located between the portion of the bottom wall and a second position. A zipper slider is provided for connecting together the first zipper track and the second zipper track for coupling of the first zipper track and the second zipper track along the contour of the collapsible bag.

Abstract: An expansion mechanism for separating first and second frames of an expandable article. The mechanism includes a rotary element that drives movement of an expansion element along a linear axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a suitcase provided with two mouldings (2a, 2b), bonded to two shells (1a, 1b) respectively. The two mouldings (2a, 2b) each have a seat (7a, 7b) in which the terminal parts of the shells (1a, 1b) can be inserted. The interface surfaces are subjected to pre-treatment with cold plasma so as to form an activated surface layer (9) upon them which encourages adhesion between the adhesive (3) placed between the mouldings (2a, 2b) and the shells (1a, 1b) in order to bond them firmly together. In this way structured suitcases can even be obtained with thin and therefore very light shells whose resistance to squashing and impacts is due to the mouldings which can be manufactured with the necessary robustness. This invention also relates to a method for the production of such suitcases through the moulding of plastics materials.

Abstract: A case adaptable for multiple applications and, in particular, for supporting a laptop computer in a horizontal, open and unobstructed work mode and for securing the computer in a closed, upright carrying and storage mode. The case comprises a bottom wall for supporting the case in the work mode, a front wall, a rear wall for supporting the case in the carrying and storage mode, opposite side walls, an open upper end, an interior support tray spaced above the bottom wall so as to define a thermal insulating cavity therebetween and a door slidable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the door extends across the upper end of the case. In the open position the door is substantially disposed in the cavity between the bottom wall and the support tray, providing unobstructed access to the computer in the work mode.

Abstract: A collapsible piece of luggage is disclosed. The piece of luggage may have wheels and an extendable and retractable handle. The sidewall, bottom and cover of the luggage have sufficient rigidity to hold their own shape and may be folded into a storage configuration in which the piece of luggage is smaller in width and depth. Additionally, the luggage includes an expansion feature that allows the luggage cover to expand outward pyramidally so as to increase the storage volume of the luggage.