Selectively Adjustable Patents (Class 190/105)
  • Patent number: 10617213
    Abstract: Provided is a folding storage stool which comprises a foldable stool body, a stool cover, and a supporting board. The stool body comprises an inner cavity and an upper opening; the upper opening allows the inner cavity in communication with outside. The stool cover is located upon the stool body and covers the upper opening. The supporting board is located at a bottom of the inner cavity and support the foldable stool body to maintain an unfolded state. The stool cover comprises a first cover part and a second cover part. A pivot end of the first cover part is pivotably connected to the second part, and a free end of the first cover part is capable of being pivotable away from the upper opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventor: Hongyan Tang
  • Patent number: 10279956
    Abstract: A box which is expandable vertically and horizontally is disclosed. The box can be expanded both vertically and horizontally simultaneously, or in only one of these directions. This is accomplished by pulling/pushing opposite sides further/closer to each other. Rails which at least partially extend between respective opposite sides allow such an expansion/or contraction, the rails, in embodiments, having a pin of one section of the box held within a slot of an adjacent section of the box. The box, in embodiments, is made up of four separate pieces, each being one quadrant (top & left, top & right, bottom & left, bottom & right) of the box. Such a box can be expanded/collapsed to fit within a window and hold an air conditioner there-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Jose Gamboa
  • Patent number: 10092073
    Abstract: An article of collapsible luggage includes a front surface, a plurality of front perimeter walls forming a closed perimeter around the front surface, and a split wing assembly having a left wing and a right wing. Both wings are pivotally attached the front perimeter walls and configured to rotate between a reinforcing position and a collapsing position. In the reinforcing position, the wings reinforce corners of the collapsible luggage and maintain the plurality of front perimeter walls substantially perpendicular to the front surface. In the collapsing position, the wings do not reinforce the corners of the collapsible luggage, thereby allowing the plurality of front perimeter walls to collapse into a substantially coplanar arrangement with the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Dakine, Inc.
    Inventor: Graeme Wagoner
  • Patent number: 9826808
    Abstract: An embodiment of an article of luggage is disclosed, the luggage in one practice having compression and expansion capability comprising an interposed metal frame of split configuration having an expansion portion positioned between the split where the metal frame is attached to one side of the luggage. One of more expansion and locking devices permit compression of contents and also enables locking the luggage in its expanded shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Briggs and Riley Travelware, LLC
    Inventors: Herng Fuu Richard Yeh, Georgene Rada, Alan Sticca
  • Patent number: 9648933
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a travel bag or a packaging container. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a modular travel, garment bag or similar container system that can be customized based on the needs of the user. Furthermore, the various modules or segments of the bag may have different shapes and sizes so as to be adapted to carry items, with such modules or segments being combinable in varying arrangements to provide a flexibly configured bag that is suitable for a variety of uses. The present invention also relates to a packaging system for suits, blazers and jackets from garment, fashion and retail brands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: ABIBOO Corp.
    Inventor: Alfredo Munoz
  • Patent number: 9560902
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Briggs & Riley Travelware, LLC
    Inventors: Donald Hogan, Georgene Rada, Jessica LoVerso, Matthew Dierkes, Richard Krulik, Tsung-Ming (Min) Kung
  • Patent number: 9236649
    Abstract: A housing for a personal electronic device is described herein. The housing may include at least structural member configured to be arranged within an internal cavity of the housing. The at least structural member is aligned with a feature external to the housing. The at least one structural member is affixed to an interior surface of the internal cavity. Furthermore, the at least structural member and housing are co-machined to define a coaxial aperture for accepting the feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Jarvis, Miguel C. Christophy, Richard Hung Minh Dinh
  • Publication number: 20150144447
    Abstract: An adjustable luggage system comprised of telescoping poles joined by a pair of corner hinge joints and stationary joints and surrounded by a rigid shell, with each side of the shell constructed of four panes with U-channels to maintain alignment of panes and rigidity of the structure. The luggage system may be adjusted in three dimensions, which allows the luggage system to increase up to six times the size of the original capacity. The telescoping poles may be accessed at the external panels of the adjustable luggage system in order to adjust the size in three dimensions. The adjustment or locking mechanism of each pole is located along the telescoping pole. The luggage system opens on one side but is permanently closed on the remaining sides. The entire rigid shell covers the telescoping frame such that by adjusting the telescoping poles and therefore adjusting the rigid shell surrounding the telescoping poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Richard Mandel
  • Patent number: 8978850
    Abstract: A reconfigurable bag is disclosed. The reconfigurable bag has a center expanding section and two bottom expanding sections, all of which may be moved between stored and open configurations. Opening one or more of the expanding sections changes the shape and configuration of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Max Mirani Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bettua, Kiran Joseph
  • Patent number: 8967375
    Abstract: A travel case for elongate items such as skis, golf clubs, snowboards, or the like comprises an elongate bag having a pair of hard sided end sections longitudinally spaced from a hard sided center section. Between each end section and the center section is a respective soft sided intermediate section. The hard sided end and center sections provide protection for the case contents at the vulnerable locations of those contents. The soft sided intermediate sections, made of collapsible and supple material, provide the advantage of reducing the weight of the overall case, and the suppleness permits the end sections to be folded in on the center section when the case is open along its length to educe the length and the required storage space for the case when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Athalon Sportsgear, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Nitkin
  • Publication number: 20140238801
    Abstract: An expandable luggage includes a luggage body, a luggage cover, a secondary cover and an extension fabric connected between the secondary cover and the luggage cover through second zippers. The secondary cover has an outer flange. The luggage cover has an inner flange. The inner flange engages with the outer flange. Thus, when the secondary cover is extended to expand the inner space of the luggage body, the extension fabric can be protected to prevent the extension fabric from being damaged so that the articles in the luggage won't be stolen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Wei Hung Lai
  • Publication number: 20130228408
    Abstract: A bag and storage system is provided for securing personal items. The bag comprises an outer casing, an inner frame, and a fastening assembly. The outer casing includes a cavity which forms the primary storage area. The primary storage area is configured to provide access to a plurality of storage cases that are secured within the primary storage area by way of a flap and a plurality of dividers. The inner frame that can be assembled inside the cavity and made larger than an opening so that the inner frame does not slide out of the opening. The fastening assembly is configured to restrict and allow access to the primary storage area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: MEDIAUSA ADVERTISING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael W. Lease, Mark W. Lease
  • Patent number: 8479900
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Tumi, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Scicluna
  • Publication number: 20130092490
    Abstract: A hard luggage case includes a cover portion and a body portion hinged to one side of the cover portion. The body portion is made of a rigid material for maintaining the luggage case in a fixed shape and providing sufficient supporting strength for carrying things, and includes a base section and an extension section telescopically fitted in the base section. An axially extendable structure is connected at two axially opposite ends to between the base section and the extension section, and is configured as a tubular member formed of a flexible material. A first fastening structure is correspondingly connected to along two facing ends of the base section and the extension section of the body portion; and a second fastening structure is correspondingly connected to along two facing ends of the cover portion and the extension section of the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: FTI Group (Holding) Company Limited
    Inventor: Jerry MOON
  • Publication number: 20130087423
    Abstract: A reconfigurable bag is disclosed. The reconfigurable bag has a center expanding section and two bottom expanding sections, all of which may be moved between stored and open configurations. Opening one or more of the expanding sections changes the shape and configuration of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: MAX MIRANI INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bettua, Kiran Joseph
  • Patent number: 7963379
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ingo Roth
  • BAG
    Publication number: 20110120825
    Abstract: A bag 10 is provided for carrying personal items such as money, keys and train tickets. The bag is expandable, having one or more collapsible portions 26, 28 about a main chamber which unfold into an extended position thereby providing additional volume for further personal items as and when required. The bag 10 may be carried in a number of different ways by the user and when any straps are not required, a sleeve is provided for their concealed stowage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: DESIGN I.Q. LIMITED
    Inventor: Guy Daniel Aidan MATHIOT
  • Publication number: 20110073425
    Abstract: This invention relates to a carrying case used to transport objects or documents, such as posters, drawings, or blueprints for presentation at conventions, exhibitions, meetings or similar functions. The expandable carrying case is made of leather or similarly sturdy, durable synthetic material such as nylon. It has flexible tubes that constitute a protective container for objects or rolled-up documents when deployed, and can be coiled up and stored in the said cylindrical case when not in use. The benefits of the present invention include its versatility in transporting objects or documents of different sizes or lengths. The flexible extensions are interconnected to each other, and to the cover and elongated tubular member through zippers, or similarly durable, sturdy fasteners to form one enclosed, protective carrier. This makes the current invention a uniquely versatile, flexible and reusable (hence “green”) transport/storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: CYNTHIA O. SIU, Giacomo Aiazzi, Carla Brambilla, Chan K. Leung
  • Patent number: 7909150
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Ingenious Designs LLC
    Inventor: Joy Mangano
  • Patent number: 7874409
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Imad Lakhal
  • Publication number: 20100140309
    Abstract: The luggage container is suited for two-wheeled vehicles, trikes, and quads. It comprises at least two planar walls that can be nested in a telescoping manner such that the volume of the luggage container can be infinitely adjusted by way of adjusting means. In each case, two adjoining nestable walls are connected to each other by an interposed membrane. By nesting the walls, the top of the luggage container can be lashed to the bottom using Velcro fastener belts or belts with buckles to any desired volume between the fully expanded and the fully collapsed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: David JENNI, Christoph VON OW
  • Patent number: 7426985
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs & Riley Travelware, LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Krulik, Georgene Rada, Jason V. Drew
  • Patent number: 7328779
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: William L. King, Glenn Schmierer
  • Publication number: 20080023356
    Abstract: A golf bag and travel system for providing a multi-component, modular golf bag that enables golf clubs to be carried therein. The system includes a rigid inner body core and a plurality of modular, interchangeable, soft outer body members. The rigid inner body core includes a rigid top loop region, a rigid central loop region, a rigid bottom end, and a rigid belly region that connects the top loop region, the central loop region, and the bottom end. Each soft outer body member is selectively attachable to the top loop region, bottom end, and belly region of the inner body core, since each soft outer body member is shaped and sized to be selectively attachable to the correspondingly shaped and sized rigid inner body core. A cross-sectional area of the central loop region is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the top loop region, and a cross-sectional area of the central loop region is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the bottom end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: JETTISON PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Jacob S. Manaster, Chip W. Robertson, Isaac Manaster
  • Patent number: 7281616
    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 receiving member affixed to the wall panel of the first component, the receiving member having an aperture therein, and a substantially rigid bridge plate affixed to the wall panel of the second component and slidably received by the receiving members, the plate having a first and second tongue capable of cooperating with the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Tumi, Inc.
    Inventors: Shep Peterson, Robert P. Davis
  • Patent number: 7178567
    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 defining an upper opening and an upper portion defining an upper sidewall having a lower edge coupled adjacent to the upper edge 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, in turn, the bag creating an interior compartment of greater size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ingenious Designs LLC
    Inventor: Joy Mangano
  • Patent number: 7093700
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs & Riley Travelware LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Krulik, Georgene Rada, Jason V. Drew
  • Patent number: 6575272
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Briggs & Riley Travelware LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Krulik, Georgene Rada, Jason V. Drew
  • Publication number: 20030057044
    Abstract: An expandable case includes a top portion including a rectangular top having four edges, and four top side walls hingedly connected to the top at its four edges, respectively, the top and the four top side walls each having an outside surface and an inside surface, and a bottom portion including a rectangular bottom having four edges, and four bottom side walls hingedly connected to the bottom at its four edges, respectively, the bottom being smaller than the top, the bottom and the four bottom side walls each having an outside surface and an inside surface. The top portion and the bottom portion are positioned relative to each other such that the inside surface of each of the four top side walls faces the outside surface of a corresponding bottom side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Hunter
  • Publication number: 20030000784
    Abstract: A luggage piece having a sector-like expandable section is disclosed. The expandable section is seamed between a body and a cover for adjusting the receiving space of a trunk. Furthermore, the body has a bottom and a top, and a longitudinal depth of a bottom is large than that of the top. By a first zipper, the cover can be opened or closed. By the action of the second zipper, the expandable section is expanded outwards and closed inwards like a sector so as to increase the receiving volume for the truck. As the legs of the luggage piece are moved outwards as much as possible so as to have a large distance with the corner wheels, thereby, a preferred stability being acquired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Universal World-Wide Business, Inc.
    Inventor: Ching Shih Hsu
  • Publication number: 20020185350
    Abstract: An expandable bag has a base portion and an expandable portion. The expandable portion is connected to the base portion by flexible connection sidewalls. The base portion and the expandable portion are connected to one another by a plurality of folding struts which allow the expandable portion to be alternatively moved between an expanded position and a non-expanded position. The bag further also has a retaining mechanism for retaining the bag in the non-expanded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Ying Chang, Elliot Sax
  • Patent number: 6484911
    Abstract: Luggage container, the side walls (3) of which are flexible and at one end fixed to a top rim (2) and at the other end to the bottom (1) of the container, a limiting device (6) being detachable to and across the open top rim (2), strap members (5) being secured to the top rim (2) being securable to a base, thereby securing the container as such to a base as well as compressing the limitation device (6) and the side walls (3) together with the content of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventors: Thorbjorn Doler, Ole James
  • Publication number: 20020130004
    Abstract: A stabilizing mechanism is provided in an expandable travel bag to maintain the bag in the expanded condition. The stabilizer comprises a tongue secured to one of a pair of coincident frame members which mates with a receiver secured to the other frame member. The facing edges of the coincident frame members are joined by an expansion ring which is extended when the tongue is secured in the receiver and collapsed when the tongue and receiver are disconnected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Shin-Fu (Eiken) Lin
  • Patent number: 6390259
    Abstract: A wheeled luggage with expandable body has two support mechanisms each comprising a sliding board secured to the side of auxiliary body, a locking mechanism secured to the side of main body and comprising two opposite locking members each having a ratchet member, and a trigger mechanism comprising a plate member, a trigger member, and two sliding members. In an unused position, the width of a flexible section is reduced to a minimum by closing the zipper and the sliding member is engaged with the rear tooth of the ratchet member, thereby preventing the sliding board from forward moving. The width of the flexible section is increased to a maximum by opening the zipper in a use position. The plate member is pushed rearward for disengaging the sliding members from the ratchet members, thereby permitting a rearward sliding of the sliding board from the use position to the unused position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Ting Cheng Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lien Ching Lu
  • Patent number: 6305513
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Ting Cheng Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lieh Ching Lu
  • Patent number: 6244399
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: O.J. Birkenstrand
    Inventor: Orville J. Birkestrand
  • Patent number: 6220411
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Tumi, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Scicluna, David Workman
  • Patent number: 5960744
    Abstract: An expandable pet cage for animals, and a method for house-training pets of various sizes comprises two complimentary compartments that are in telescopic relation to each other, thereby providing an adjustable composite volume to house a pet. The adjustable composite volume facilitates using the natural instincts of the pet to resist excreting in the volume of the confinement, thus resulting in house-training the pet. The adjustable volume also can be relied on to hold an animal securely and safely during transporting, and provides an efficient enclosure for drying a pet after grooming. Also, the adjustable composite volume provides the pet owner with the convenience of only having to purchase one cage even if dogs of various sizes are to utilize the cage at different times and for different purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Mark A. Rutman
  • Patent number: 5819891
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventors: Yuan Liang Wang, Chi Chen Lung
  • Patent number: 5664652
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Romar International Corp.
    Inventor: Edward Shamah
  • Patent number: 5472082
    Abstract: An expandable closet hanger which can be adjusted (expanded) in the directions of the three main directional axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Glenn Thiele
  • Patent number: 5314046
    Abstract: Expandable container consisting of two hollow bodies, the inner one fitting inside the outer body and bearing a closed bottom. Placed between these two bodies is a harmonic steel band; the said band bears diagonal slots which are engaged by pins integral with the shell of the hollow inner body. The steel band can slide freely and is moved by a hand-operated knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
  • Patent number: 5097922
    Abstract: An extensible motor bicycle is equipped with a body virtually in the form of a suitcase. The body houses within itself, at least partially, several mechanical members necessary for motion and an actuating device operatively connected to the members and capable of automatically controlling coming out and return within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventor: Marco Stagi
  • Patent number: 5082094
    Abstract: A case including side wall portions and a central frame portion, and substantially rigid means on the side wall portions adapted to engage substantially rigid complementary means on the central frame portion, the side walls being adapted to move a predetermined distance relative to the central frame portion so as to expand the case to one of a plurality of substantially predetermined case sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventor: Gabriel Nechushtan
  • Patent number: 5038842
    Abstract: A nesting bag comprises a 3-bag combination and a strap. The three bags of the combination are so dimensioned that they are slidably disposed within one another, leaving two suitable spaces between the bottoms of the inner and middle bags as well as between the bottoms of the middle and outer bags respectively. The spaces grow larger when and after the inner and middle bas are pulled upwards relative to the middle and outer bags respectively. U-shaped zippers are horizontally provided on the top and bottom of the inner bag and on the bottom of the middle bag. When these zippers are pulled closed, the three bags can be used separately and when they are pulled open, the three bags can be used as a single, larger unit, instead. A U-shaped zipper is vertically provided on one side of the outer bag for conveniently putting objects into and taking them out of the outer bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventor: Yueh Huang
  • Patent number: 5005743
    Abstract: A telescopic carrying case comprising two sleeves, a securing strap, a shoulder strap and carrying handle. The inner sleeve slides into the outer sleeve. The securing strap runs from a bar which is positioned on the end of the inner sleeve so that there are no protrusions along the length of the sleeve which would prevent the inner sleeve from being fully inserted into the outer sleeve. The handle is positioned along a length of the outer sleeve so that a hand may be clasped around the handle on the exact center of gravity of the loaded carrying case regardless of the length of object placed within the case. The lug to which the shoulder strap is attached is positioned so that when the case is slung in an upright position from the carrier's shoulder the carrying handle snuggles beneath the carrier's armpit and does not push against the carrier's collar bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Inventor: Richard P. Ramsay
  • Patent number: 4854430
    Abstract: An expandable carrying case apparatus, having two pivotably attached members, each of which is substantially rectangular, and each of which is expandable. Expansion is accomplished by individualized displacement mechanisms deployed upon each corner of the members. Each of the displacement mechanisms is attached to a controllable driver which when actuated, expands or contracts an element of the case frame causing the exterior members to expand outwardly or contract inwardly and thereby increase or decrease the volume of the carrying case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Inventor: Laverne Peterson
  • Patent number: 4846319
    Abstract: A carrying case includes telescoping walls that can be attached one to the other in alternative positions of adjustment to permit expansion or reduction of the interior volume of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: United States Luggage Company
    Inventor: Bernard D. Sadow
  • Patent number: 4844215
    Abstract: An item of expandable luggage comprises top and bottom walls and side walls extending between the top and bottom walls to form an enclosed space, the side walls being composed of a top section, a bottom section and an intermediate section and each such section extending continuously along the walls coextensively with the perimeters of the top and bottom walls. The top and bottom sections are U-shaped in cross-section throughout their extents to form a pocket between a pair of wall parts and are oriented with the openings of the pockets facing each other. The intermediate section is received telescopically between the wall parts in sliding relation. Latches retain the top and bottom wall sections in at least two selected spacial relationships relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Inventor: Emilio Ambasz
  • Patent number: 4643302
    Abstract: A container is for elongated playing devices and associated game items. It provides protection during storage, handling, and shipping by freight carriers against damage and it offers resistance to theft. Principal parts of the container are made of a plastic material. Its cavity is formed in one or more standardized tubular extrusions to which molded end caps are affixed. Accessories provide for hand and shoulder carrying and lockable hardware secures the cavity. Access to the container cavity is by removal of lockable end caps and in certain embodiments by separation at the unions between two or more tubular sections. The manufacture of the container is adaptable to the requirements of a multiplicity of sports and games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Inventor: Edward W. Baumgardner