Abstract: A mechanism is provided for supporting an expandable pouch of luggage coupled between a main body and a frame element. The support mechanism is provided at about the central portion on either side of luggage interconnected between the main frame and the frame element. Support mechanism comprises a sliding plate, an engagement plate including a horizontal ratchet member adjacent either top or bottom side, and a lock mechanism on the sliding plate being capable of engaging with the ratchet member of the engagement plate thus controlling the sliding and locking of the sliding plate with respect to the engagement plate. The support mechanisms are formed as two side supports of the expandable pouch for preventing the packed luggage from bulging at the bottom of expandable pouch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handbag equipped with a zipper for opening a section of the bag located between the front and interior walls thereof. When this section of the bag is unzipped, the faces of said front and interior walls are exposed and permit a user to obtain various handbag items from pockets attached to said faces. The bag may be carried in the hand or over the shoulder as a result of a loop and ring arrangement which are connected by an adjustable strap and buckle arrangement. Other sections of the bag contain loop and ring arrangements for rapidly obtaining keys, a pager, a cosmetic pouch or the like. By virtue of the present invention, all contents of the inventive bag can be easily and quickly accessed by a user with one easy motion, while the bag is on or off his shoulder, without placing the bag on a flat surface.

Abstract: A collapsible case comprises a closed loop of flexible sheet material for forming the top, bottom and sidewalls of the case, the loop having front and rear edges defining front and rear openings into the interior of the loop. A pair of similar panels form the front and rear walls of the case, each panel including a sheet of flexible material having a perimeter, stiffeners attached to the sheet so as to tension and stiffen the sheet into a selected shape and fasteners for fastening the perimeter of the sheet to the corresponding edge of the loop so that when the panels are fastened to the loop, the loop assumes the selected shape and when said panels are unfastened from the loop and the stiffeners are detached from the sheets, the loop and sheets may be collapsed and consolidated.

Abstract: A carrying case for electronic equipment, such as a portable computer, includes back, front, top, bottom and side walls defining an interior including a compartment for receiving electronic equipment defined between a wall surface and a floating panel of the carrying case. The floating panel is selectively movable linearly toward and away from the wall surface to adjust the size of the compartment in accordance with the size of the electronic equipment received therein. A securing mechanism within the interior resiliently biases the floating panel toward the wall surface and provides a shock or impact absorbing effect for the electronic equipment. The carrying case has a handle including first and second handle portions rotatable between an engaged position wherein the handle portions are in abutment and a disengaged position wherein the handle portions are separated from one another. The first and second handle portions are configured to automatically matingly engage one another when rotated into abutment.

Abstract: A sporting equipment bag including a body having a first compartment, a first end, a second end, a third end and a fourth end. The bag also includes a second compartment which is located adjacent the first compartment, the second compartment has a first, open end and a second, sealed end. The first, open end extends beyond the body and is folded into the second compartment into a folded, stored position. The first, open end provides access to the second compartment separate from the first compartment. A pair of hook and loop fasteners are attached to the second compartment to secure it in a folded, stored position. An extendable portion extends between the body and the first open end to receive a rod-shaped object and is telescoped within the second compartment into a folded, stored position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suitcase with interchangeable case-shells, the central part of which (10) includes two stable half-frames (20, 30) bearing one against the other. Said half-frames (20, 30) are used as supports for the two case-shells (41, 42) of the suitcase. Each shell is detachably connected to the half-frame (20, 30) assigned to it. In order to ensure mutual support of the load, each shell (41, 42; 51, 52) edge is extended, at least in partial portions, by a flange (43, 44) the length of which is chosen so as to ensure that, when the suitcase is closed, the flange of the first shell (41; 51) and the flange (44) of the second shell (42; 52) abut against each other.

Abstract: An item of expandable luggage includes a substantially rigid main peripheral frame and a substantially rigid secondary peripheral frame. A peripherally continuous gusset of flexible material is connected between the two peripheral frames. Opposite wall panels of the main peripheral frame are joined to corresponding opposite wall panels of the secondary peripheral frame by bridge assemblies, one such assembly being associated with each of the opposite wall panels of the respective frames. Each bridge assembly includes a pair of parallel spaced-apart slide rails affixed to the wall panel of the main peripheral frame, a substantially rigid bridge plate affixed to the wall panel of the secondary peripheral frame and slidably received by the slide rails, and a releasable latch that couples the bridge plate to the wall panel of the main peripheral frame in at least one position in which the secondary peripheral frame is held securely in a position spaced apart from the main peripheral frame.

Abstract: A foldable suitcase has a foldable middle disposed between a base and an upper shell, a wheel device secured to the base, and a retractable support having a pair of posts secured to the base and a pair of tubes slidably received in the posts and having an upper portion secured to the upper shell for supporting the suitcase at a working position and a folded position. A fixed or extendible handle device is further attached to the upper shell for carrying the suitcase. The posts are secured in the suitcase for allowing the zippers of the suitcase to be easily operated by the users.

Abstract: A multipocket carrying case, comprises a primary shell of pliable material formed of a pair of substantially identical half shells connected together for hinging along a common side and forming a primary receptacle, each half shell formed of a rectangular back panel with a bottom panel, a top panel and two end panels secured along the periphery of the back panel forming a primary receptacle, a multipocket panel assembly secured to the back panel and comprising a zig zag or pleated folded panel forming overlapping front and back folds, the back folds secured to a back panel forming a plurality of pockets having spaces therebetween, and a closure panel secured along an edge to the back panel to thereby overlap and close the plurality of pockets. Another embodiment of the carrying case comprises an expandable and adjustable case for carrying many differing types of items in an organized fashion, and particularly suited for carrying a few clothing items.

Abstract: A foldable suitcase has an upper shell and a retractable support secured to the suitcase for supporting the suitcase at a working position and a folded position. The support is pivotally secured to the suitcase for allowing the support to be folded between an upright position and a lay down position and to be folded toward the suitcase to a compact folding structure. A handle may be fixed to the upper shell or may be extended outward of the upper shell for carrying the suitcase. The support may be folded relative to the suitcase by the actuation of the handle.

Abstract: A utility bag is provided, comprising a flexible base having two opposing outer edges and two upwardly extending end panels; a pair of opposing flexible side panels attached to and extending upwardly from the opposing outer edges of the base, each of the side panels having a top edge and opposing side edges, and wherein each of the end panels of the base are attached to a lower portion of adjacent side edges of the opposing side panels; a pair of flexible upper panels attached to and extending substantially perpendicular from the top edges of the side panels, each of the upper panels including two downwardly extending end panels, wherein each of the downwardly extending end panels is attached to the end panel ofthe base and to an upper portion of an adjacent side edge of the side panels; flexible closing device, such as a zipper, cooperating between the upper panels and extending between the end panels of the base for closing and opening the bag; and wherein at least one of the side panels includes a first st

Abstract: A travel bag for a motorcycle is disclosed that can be easily attached and removed from a variety of different size motorcycle seat backs or sissy bars and ensures that the bag is secure during motorcycle operation. The bag carries a series of vertically aligned straps on the exterior surface of the bag that faces the front of the motorcycle. Each strap is adjustable in length to fit a variety of seat back widths. The height of the seat back or sissy bar determines how many straps are used. The straps are located on the bag so that the bottom of the bag may rest on the luggage rack when the bag is appropriately affixed to the seat back. Additional straps fasten the bag down to the luggage rack or the seat back itself, to prevent the bag from being lifted off at high speeds.

Abstract: An expandable bag movable between a contracted position and an expanded position. The expandable bag comprises a body enclosing a space. The body has top and bottom walls, front and rear walls and left and right walls. A handle is mounted on the body. At least one of the top and bottom and left and right walls includes first and second substantially rigid frame members movable toward and away from each other during contraction and expansion of the bag. A rigid plate and one or more fasteners for mounting the plate on one of the first and second frame members are provided. The plate slidably overlies the other of the first and second frame members to provide a rigid framework for the bag when the bag is in the expanded position.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a school-use backpack is provided which is similar in styling to conventional school-use backpacks, is durable, and which can be expanded to increase the interior storage volume of the backpack when additional storage space is required. In particular, the backpack of the present invention includes front, back, and side panels which define a zippered main storage compartment, two shoulder straps, and a zippered gusset which is sewn into the side panel of the backpack.

Abstract: This invention relates to a case with a variable capacity, comprising a central part (10) which has two stable frame halves (20,30) hinged to one another which serve as supports for a single pair of various size sheet pairs (41,42;51,52) defining the interior of the case, the shells (41,42;51,52) being detachably connected to the frame halves (20,30) of the central part (10), so that shells of different depths may be used together with the same central part. The invention also relates to a set of cases, comprising a central part and two or several pairs of shells.

Abstract: A foldable luggage article has an upper portion and a wheel device secured to a base. A retractable handle device is secured to the upper portion of the luggage article for supporting luggage article at the expanded working position when the handle device is extended and at the folded position when the handle device is retracted. The handle device includes a pair of posts secured to the base and a pair of tubes slidably engaged on the posts and a pair of pipes slidably engaged in the posts for extending the length of the handle device. The posts may also be folded relative to the base.

Abstract: An expandable bag movable between a contracted position and an expanded position. The expandable bag comprises a body enclosing a space. The body has top and bottom walls, front and rear walls and left and right walls. A handle is mounted on the body. At least one of the top and bottom and left and right walls includes first and second substantially rigid frame members movable toward and away from each other during contraction and expansion of the bag. A rigid plate and one or more fasteners for hingedly securing the plate to one of the first and second frame members are provided. The plate slidably engages the other of the first and second frame members to provide a substantially rigid framework for the bag when the bag is in the expanded position.

Abstract: A combination collapsible backpack and lined compartment includes a backpack formed of a back section, a front section any bottom section attached to the front section and back section. The backpack further includes a pair of shoulder straps attached to the back section. The backpack may be collapsed onto the bottom section of the backpack. An upper lid is attached to the backpack, and the lid attachment attaches the bottom section of the backpack and the upper lid when the backpack is collapsed onto the bottom section of the backpack, so that the collapsed backpack is between the bottom section of the backpack and the lid. A carrying compartment has side walls and a bottom wall. A compartment attachment attaches the side walls of the carrying compartment to the bottom section of the backpack so that the bottom section of the backpack forms a top section of the carrying compartment.

Abstract: A traveling bag with expandable storage volume includes an additional pack body stored inside a receiving chamber formed aside of a bag body. Generally, the additional pack body is folded and received inside the receiving chamber and the cover wall is secured with the boundary wall by means of a fastener, so that the traveling bag can be used as a waist bag or a shoulder bag to store things in the storage compartment of the bag body. When additional storage volume is needed, the user may unsecure the fastener to separate a cover wall from a boundary wall so as to open the receiving chamber. Thus the additional pack body can be unfolded and expanded from the receiving chamber to form a back pack.

Abstract: A retractable luggage with an extendable handle includes a retractable bag including a base plate, an extendable handle assembly having an inverted U-shaped member, a pair of inner tubular members, a pair of outer tubular members, a pair of split collars, a pair of sleeves, and a pair of plugs, the inner tubular members being fixedly mounted on the base plate, the sleeves having a tubular portion inserted in an upper end of the inner tubular members, a center hole for receiving a lower end of the inverted U-shaped member, a flange with a plurality of slits, and a pair of protuberances adapted to engage holes of the inner tubular members and having a slit at both sides thereof, the outer tubular members fitted over the inner tubular members, the split collars having a tubular portion inserted into an upper end of the outer tubular members, a flange at one end, a groove under the flange, and a pair of protuberances under the groove adapted to engage holes of the outer tubular members, the plugs being fitted in

Abstract: A backpack which is convertible to a totebag and to a fanny pack, the backpack comprising parallel front and rear panels each having upper and lower edges, means for joining peripheries of said panels to form a compartment therebetween, at least one closeable opening in said front panel to allow access to said compartment, first fastening means disposed along the upper edge of said rear panel, second fastening means disposed along the lower edge of said front panel, third fastening means disposed along the upper edge of said front panel and fourth fastening means disposed on said front panel intermediate said second and third fastening means, wherein said backpack is converted to said totebag when said first and second fastening means are fastened together proximate a midline of said rear panel, and further converted to said fanny pack when said totebag is folded in half and said third and fourth fastening means are fastened together.

Abstract: A collapsible luggage piece is provided. The luggage piece has a collapsed configuration and an erect configuration and includes a front panel, a rear panel and a collapsible wall structure disposed between the front and rear panels for cooperation therewith to define an expandable compartment. The wall structure has a first aperture therethrough and a first erecting panel is connected to the collapsible wall structure. The first erecting panel has a first locking element disposed thereon, wherein in the erect configuration the first erecting panel is substantially perpendicular to the rear panel and the first locking element is disposed through the aperture to rigidly attach the first erecting panel to the collapsible wall structure to maintain the luggage piece in the erect configuration and wherein in the collapsed configuration the first erecting panel is moved to a position not perpendicular to the rear panel to allow the luggage piece to collapse.

Abstract: A collapsible trunk spacer apparatus (10) for the trunks of automobiles wherein the spacer apparatus includes a generally rectangular collapsible carrier unit (11) having generally rigid end panels (21, 22) and generally flexible side walls (23, 24) which are operatively associated with a telescoping support unit (12) for varying the length of the carrier unit (11), and moveable divider units (13) for creating individual compartments within the carrier unit (11).

Abstract: A multi-purpose valise functioning as a variable volume backpack and consisting of two selectively connectible components, one larger than the other, the large component serving at times to store the smaller component which is provided with a flap for closing the larger component, the volume of the larger component being compactable by reducing the axial length of the larger component.

Abstract: An article-carrying bag includes a first bag having a top defining a first bag opening, a closed bottom, and a central body portion extending between the top and bottom, a second bag having a top defining a second bag opening, a bottom, and a central body portion extending between the top and bottom, and a joinder line connecting the top of the first bag adjacent the bottom of the second bag such that the bags are capable of being configured in plural configurations including one in which the first bag extends away from the second bag and both openings face the same direction for defining a singular enclosure for receiving and holding articles, and another configuration in which the first bag may be stuffed into the second bag so the bag openings face opposite directions for defining separate enclosures for receiving and holding articles. Each separate enclosure prevents its respective held articles from commingling with articles in the other enclosure.

Abstract: An adjustable travel bag which includes a main bag body having a front open side and an endless, strap-like folding collapsible coupling panel around the front open side, and an auxiliary bag body openably fastened to the coupling panel of the main bag body by a main zipper to close/open the front open side of the main bag body, wherein the coupling panel of the main bag body has two rows of interlocking teeth fixedly mounted along two opposite side edges thereof and unfastenably fastened together by a slide to secure the coupling panel in a folded up condition to minimize the holding space of the main bag body.

Abstract: Vertically expandable luggage having an integral wheeled carrier therefor has a vertically expandable luggage sidewall including at least three vertically stacked shells defining: (i) a bottom shell with a closed bottom, (ii) a top shell with an openable closed top, and (iii) at least one vertically stacked intermediate shell connecting the top shell and the bottom shell. At least one intermediate shell is movable between a vertically collapsed orientation and a vertically expanded orientation. A vertically expandable wheeled carrier includes at least three vertically stacked supports defining: (i) a bottom support of diameter D3, (ii) a top support of diameter D1, and (iii) a vertically stacked intermediate support of diameter D2 functionally connecting the top support and the bottom support. The intermediate support telescopically receives the top support and is telescopically received in the bottom support.

Abstract: A convertible tote bag includes a first collapsible side, a second collapsible side, and a collapsible sheath connecting the first and second collapsible sides. At least one closable opening is provided in at least one of the collapsible sides and sheath. A foldable base connects the first and second collapsible sides and the collapsible sheath. The foldable base comprises a first portion foldably connected to a second portion and a fastener for securing the first and second portions in folded relation whereby the first and second collapsible sides and the collapsible sheath may be secured therebetween. The foldable base further includes a closable pouch and strapping whose positioning, length, and configuration is defined by the type of bag desired to be converted to.

Abstract: A protective tote bag is for covering and carrying a briefcase of the type having a handle at the top and having a length, a height and a width defining a rectangular shape. The protective tote bag includes an enclosure which is formed of a protective fabric material and having two closed sides, two closed ends and a closed bottom defining a rectangular shape sufficiently large for accommodating the briefcase to be covered and with a closable opening along a top edge thereof. A support strap having a width corresponding to a minimum width of the briefcase to be covered is securely fastened as through stitching and along two ends extending around the bottom of the enclosure. A shoulder strap is securely fastened to the support strap at each end of the enclosure so that it extends above the closable opening at the top edge of the enclosure to form a loop which has a sufficient length for supporting the tote bag over a human being's shoulder.

Abstract: A cap container includes an elongated container body, a bill container body joined to the elongated container body, and an adjustable frame disposed within the elongated container body. The elongated container body has a front end, rear end, and a wall extending from the front end to the rear end. The wall is made of a supple material, such as cloth, and defines an elongated chamber within the elongated container body. The bill container body defines a cavity which together with the elongated chamber of the elongated container body allow for the compact storage of visored, baseball-type caps in a shingled arrangement. The frame prevents the caps from being crushed and also supports the supple wall. The supple wall in conjunction with the adjustable frame allows the length of the container to vary in order to accommodate the storage of varying numbers of caps. The adjustable nature of container ensures optimum utilization of available storage space.

Abstract: A multi-compartment bag has a ventilated compartment for storage of athletic shoes, an expansible compartment for storage of items of clothing, and a reinforced racket compartment for storage of a racket. The ventilated compartment includes an adjustable dividing structure for forming a plurality of sub-compartments including at least one adjustable shoe sub-compartment and at least one accessory sub-compartment, air passages for providing a passageway for ventilation air to enter and exit the ventilated compartment from outside the bag, and fasteners for opening and closing the ventilated compartment. The expansible compartment includes an expansible panel having a slide fastener for expanding and collapsing the expansible compartment by opening and closing of the slide fastener.

Abstract: A single sheet of flexible fabric is folded and creased to form a compact pouch or pocket that can be attached to and detached from a golf bag. The pocket connects to the bag by hooks carded at the opposite ends of the pocket. The pocket has a long central zippered opening in the front, and a pleated back, but is constructed so that, when empty, the pocket lies flat against the golf bag.

Abstract: A soft-sided tote bag is convertible between expanded and retracted states by selective operation of a zipper. The interior of the bag is enclosed in both states by two pairs of end flaps.

Abstract: An improved expandable tote bag has an upper storage unit and a contractible central unit that is mounted above a lower storage base unit. The base unit includes a support assembly that can mount wheel assemblies for enabling the traveler to pull the luggage across the support surface. The upper storage unit and central unit can be pivoted to one side of the lower base unit to enable full access to items stored in the base unit.

Abstract: A folding bag has a sack of a soft yielding material. The bottom of the sack is fastened to two half-shells of a semirigid material, connected through hinges of the film-type and a junction plate also in a semirigid material and is provided with a zipper. The half-shells can be arranged side by side to form a reinforced base for the sack and can close one over the other to form a case that can hold the sack when folded.

Abstract: A formed panel for a bag and method of manufacturing therefore is provided which allows the bag to maintain an original shape without deformation even though the bag may be acted on by external forces, and also allows the bag to appear soft from the outside thereof. The panel is formed from the impression of a fabric material onto a rigid plastic material. Also provided is a hard-sided, soft-gusseted luggage to protect the contents of the luggage without a totally rigid construction. A method of manufacturing is provided a hard panel for luggage which includes impressing a fabric sheet onto a plastic sheet to form a combined sheet and molding the combined sheet to the desired shape. In another embodiment, a formed panel is made from an outer fabric, a substrate and an inner fabric, all of which are separately formed and then adhered together.

Abstract: A collapsible suitcase is provided which consists of a housing having a top portion, a bottom portion and a peripheral accordion wall thereabout. A mechanism within the housing can be manipulated, for supporting the housing in an expanded condition for use and in a compressed condition for storage.

Abstract: A golf accessory bag includes a ventilated compartment for storing shoes having a shoe accessory sub-compartment for storing shoe care accessories and a top expandable compartment for storing items of clothing. The bag is provided with slide fasteners for opening and closing the ventilated and expandable compartments, and slide fasteners for expanding the expandable compartment.

Abstract: A formed panel for a bag and method of manufacturing therefore is provided which allows the bag to maintain an original shape without deformation even though the bag may be acted on by external forces, and also allows the bag to appear soft from the outside thereof. The panel is formed from the impression of a fabric material onto a rigid plastic material. Also provided is a hard-sided, soft-gusseted luggage to protect the contents of the luggage without a totally rigid construction. A method of manufacturing a hard panel for luggage which includes impressing a fabric sheet onto a plastic sheet to form a combined sheet and molding the combined sheet to the desired shape.

Abstract: An improved carrying case for a laptop computer or other delicate electronic instrument is generally rectangular, having front and rear walls. A suspension system for the laptop computer or other equipment includes a cradle suspended from the front and rear walls for receiving a laptop computer, and elastic panel members supporting the cradle for absorbing shocks and impacts occurring upon placing of the case on a floor or the like.

Abstract: Handbags, particularly an expandable valise having an expandable body portion so as to accommodate variously sized contents. The valise includes the combination of a rigid batten adjustably supported on its top and pairs of inner and outer adjusting-reinforcing straps which encircle the entire valise, as well as the batten so as to contain or stabilize the body portion and its contents.

Abstract: A roller supported traveling luggage has a large central platform supported by wheels and having opposite side edges, in one embodiment, there are first and second cases joined at their laterally outer edges to the outer side edges of the platform. The cases can be held together by suitable fasteners and provide a very stable traveling luggage when the cases and platform are pulled or dragged along the ground. The bags when they are swung open have access openings on their inner walls for good accessibility to the contents of the bags. In a second embodiment, a single case is pivotally secured to an outer edge also to a laterally outer edge of the platform. The single case has an access opening in its bottom wall that is concealed when overlying the platform. The central platform may also have a central access opening and may be vertically expandable.

Abstract: Past garment bags have included expansion features such as a peripheral zipper in the rail portion to permit the garment bag to expand to accommodate a greater number of clothes. A hanger bar for supporting clothes on hangers has also been provided which has a collapsed condition for supporting few hangers, and an expanded condition for supporting a greater number of hangers corresponding to the expanded condition of the garment bag in which the hanger bar is suspended. Such hanger bars have failed to include an effective means for holding the hooked portions of ordinary closet-type hangers in either the collapsed or expanded condition of the hanger bar. Disclosed is such a garment bag with a hanger bar having hanger retaining means which is effective whether the hanger bar has a shortened length corresponding to the collapsed condition of the garment bag or a lengthened condition corresponding to an expanded condition of the garment bag.

Abstract: A camera carrier (10) is provided, having a camera case assembly (14) with a belt assembly (18) attached thereto. The belt assembly (18) is adapted to be worn about either a photographer's chest or waist. A case lid (16) is removably attached to the camera case assembly (14). A pair of adjustment strap assemblies (42) can be adjusted by means of a pair of double "D" ring assemblies (52) to cause the camera case assembly (14) to closely support a great variety of sizes of cameras (12). A pair of recessed areas (66) in the case lid (16) permit a neck strap (68) to be worn on the camera (12) and to protrude from the camera case assembly (14) even when the case lid (16) is closed such that the neck strap (68) may be worn around the photographer's neck when the camera carrier (10) is worn about the photographer's chest. The camera carrier (10) may optionally be used as a divider within a larger conventional camera bag (84).

Abstract: A bag which has an outer envelope and at least two inner pouches housed therein, with the second inner pouch extending on the side of and beneath the first inner pouch. Each pouch is independently accessible through a closure device.

Abstract: A zipped suitcase having a top side, two narrow side walls, a bottom part and two large side walls which can be folded back from a frame-reinforced body via zippers extending over the two narrow side walls wherein the frame-reinforced body includes a broad first section reinforced by two spaced-apart peripheral frames, which broad first section has a partition between the two peripheral frames, and of a narrow second section connected to the broad first section via a zipper and likewise reinforced by a third peripheral frame.

Abstract: The invention provides an attache case having an improved expansion gusset, wherein the expansion gusset includes cutouts or slots through which elastic or non-elastic straps extend to provide an improved construction for expanding the volume of the attache when needed.

Abstract: A garment bag comprising a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and side walls defining a storage compartment for carrying hanging garments having at least one expansion joint which allows the garment bag to selectively expand or contract to carry various length garments. The garment bag further includes an opening panel in the front wall of the garment bag capable of opening to substantially the width of the front wall to allow easy access to the storage compartment and snap fasteners to hold the panels in an open position.

Abstract: A suitcase frame (1) provided with means to carry luggage and a document suitcase as well. The frame is provided with carrying wheels (6, 7) pivotable between a position inside the frame (1) and an operable position outside the frame (1). The wheels (6, 7) are actuated by the handle (10) of the suitcase frame (1).

Abstract: An item of expandable luggage comprises rigid top, bottom and intermediate frames, top and bottom wall members and peripheral wall assemblies composed of pleated, expandable/contractable outer wall members affixed to the frames and foldable rigid inner wall members affixed to the top frame. Releasable fasteners associated with the rigid, foldable inner wall members and the bottom frame member retain the luggage item selectively in the expanded and collapsed conditions.