Abstract: Luggage for transporting articles is collapsible into a compact size by simple handling. The luggage includes a ceiling board, a bottom board, two flexible side faces which interconnect the ceiling and the bottom boards, and flexible front and rear faces enclosing front and rear portions of the luggage. Reinforcing inserts are attached to insert retaining hinges inside the luggage. The reinforcing inserts are hingedly movable between a first position wherein the reinforcing inserts are positioned upright along the side faces and the luggage is in an operative position, and a second position wherein the reinforcing inserts are positioned flat along the bottom board and the luggage can be collapsed.

Abstract: Upstanding soft-walled carriers having upstanding end panel doors are described. The soft walled carriers are made from a plurality of pliable panels, some of them having a resilient pliable construction, joined together along their edges by flexible corners. The panels cooperate in such manner that the carriers are self-supporting in a free upstanding position. A removable resilient pliable end panel insert is provided for additional support. In a preferred embodiment, the self-supporting soft walled carriers are also selectively collapsible along defined fold lines for self contained compressed storage.

Abstract: A folding suitcase with hard casing consisting of six hard sides at least, wherein the plate bodies of hard casing on the bottom, left and right sides (i.e. bottom, left and right plate bodies) are separable from their corresponding soft surface materials so that these plate bodies become removable. The inner sides at the bottom of the left and right plate bodies are provided with grooves respectively to engage with two longitudinal sides of a bottom plate body, the inner sides at the tops of the left and right plate bodies are provided with hook-and-loop fasteners. A part protruding upward from the tops of the left and right soft surface materials each become a turnover body of which the inner side is also provided with the hook-and-loop fastener to be folded inward and tightly adhered to the foregoing hook-and-loop fasteners on the left and right plate bodies, so the upper and lower ends and the inner and outer sides of left and right plate bodies are tightly fixed and firmly assembled.

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.

Abstract: A purse including a series of flexible plastic inserts that gives the purse shape when the plastic inserts are bent and placed into the soft "skin" of the purse. These plastic inserts can be removed, if desired, so that the "soft" purse can return to a foldable, storable, cleanable state. Purse straps may be detached and interchanged. Purse flaps may be detached and interchanged. A fitted, removable, liner/organizer lets the user change purses without removing the contents piecemeal.

Abstract: An article holder and carrier includes a box-like container having fabric walls reinforced with soft, shock-absorbing material and adapted to disconnect along an edge between two walls and around three edges of a base panel to unfold to a flat position for access to articles held within the holder and carrier. Access is also provided by a drawstring closure at one end of the article holder and carrier and is further provided by unfolding the base panel at another end. The article holder and carrier includes pockets or other compartments sewn to an inner surface of the fabric walls and base panel with the pockets or compartments being adapted to hold the articles against the fabric walls providing rigidity and support therefor.

Abstract: In the suitcase according to this invention each of its two parts (container or cover) is formed from a dismountable belt with four panels and from a bottom connected at the four corners through four structural connection parts, each of the latter comprising known assembling and/or fitting in elements or means for the edge portions of two adjacent panels and for the corresponding angle of the bottom to be connected so as to form a rectangular trihedron used as means for supporting, mounting and securing a protective corner, on the one hand, and on the other hand, reinforcing corner irons protecting from shocks in the longitudinal, vertical and transverse directions, each corner iron clamping the selvedge of a suitcase coating material against the corresponding panel.

Abstract: The film change bag has an opaque fabric or plastic bag through which a user may put his hands and an opening through which a camera or the like may be inserted. When in use, the bag is maintained in an expanded state by a continuous loop elastic frame inside the bag. The loop is twisted in a way to have a center loop and a pair of end loops essentially touching each other. At the two points where the larger loop crosses itself to form the smaller loops, there are hinge points. The normal state of the frame is with the three loops approximately copolanar for folding the bag. The bag is erected by twisting the elastic loop at the hinge points so that the end loops are roughly normal to the center loop. The elasticity of the loop tends to return it to the folded state. The edges of the end loops remote from the hinge points are therefore connected together by a spring latch for holding the edges a selected distance apart and keeping the frame erect.

Abstract: Upstanding soft-walled carriers having upstanding end panel doors are described. The soft walled carriers are made from a plurality of pliable panels, some of them having a resilient pliable construction, joined together along their edges by flexible corners. The panels cooperate in such manner that the carriers are self-supporting in a free upstanding position. A removable resilient pliable end panel insert is provided for additional support. In a preferred embodiment, The self-supporting soft walled carriers are also selectively collapsible along defined fold lines for self contained compressed storage.

Abstract: A multi-purpose utility tote is provided which can be used for storage when it is fully closed and can provide a flat, cushioned surface when fully opened. The tote is comprised of a flat, T-shaped unit having a zipper chain disposed about the perimeter thereof. A slide fastener is located on the zipper chain with its initial starting position at an internal corner of the flat, T-shaped unit. The slide fastener is operable to transform the flat, T-shaped unit into a parallelipiped-shaped container.

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.

Abstract: A carrier includes a hollow boxlike body member having a plurality of soft, pliable walls. At least one of the walls contains a compartment of a given width and an impact absorbing panel removably disposed therewithin. The panel has a width somewhat greater than the width of the compartment. The impact absorbing panel is slightly flexed end-to-end about its midplane to tension the compartment to maintain the wall taut in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The panel can be removed from the compartment, to help permit with release of the flexion force, the panel is restored to its usual flat configuration thereby imparting tautness to the compartment. One of the carrier side walls is rigid and has a plurality of wheels fixed to its exterior to rollably support the carrier during transport.

Abstract: The invention comprises an elongate body adaptable for the carrying and transportation of various lengthy items along with clothes or other related or unrelated items the placement of the latter of which provides a resilient deformable barrier for the protection of the former, and which body includes appropriate compartments, securing means and/or fastening means for the accomplishment of such purposes. Such body is constructed of materials, and comprises appropriate fastening and carrying means, which allow it to be folded along various axes thereof so as to allow it to be configured in a variety of ways for the accomplishment of its purposes.

Abstract: A collapsible multicompartmented pack able to be affixed to the back of a garment. The pack may include two compartments; a first boxlike collapsible compartment and a second flat compartment that may have snaps for compressing the first compartment between the back of the garment and the second compartment. A single cover is provided that may either close the first compartment when it is expanded or cover both the first and second compartments when the first compartment is compressed. Multiple compartments of either type may be provided.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible valise is described as rigidized and supported against distortion by at least two vertical encircling adjustable straps and one horizontal encircling adjustable strap, the vertical straps being retained in situ by means of a topmost movable batten having strap retention keepers thereon. Additional vertical strap retention keepers are at the bottom of the valise. The vertical straps overlay a horizontally disposed retention strap, adjustably supported adjacent the bottom of the valise being likewise secured against displacement. The bottom of the valise is characterized by convolute portions which, being an extension of the front and rear panels of the valise are extensible and contractible, depending upon the content volume of the valise.

Abstract: Luggage cases of the softside construction which are capable of being collapsed when not in use are known. However, these past constructions are cumbersome, heavy, or comprise a number of parts which must be assembled by the retailer in order to display the case in its erected condition or must be erected by the consumer before the case can be used for travel, packing, etc. The disclosed luggage case comprises a 6-sided case of the duffel type which includes a bottom board, a front batten stiffening the front panel, and a back batten stiffening the back panel, and including at least perimeter stiffening means, preferably a stiffening wire or coil wire around each end panel. The bottom board is releasable to permit it to be placed in parallel with the stiffened front panel. The packing door carries the stiffening batten for the back panel, and this permits the batten to be moved parallel to the bottom board and front batten.

Abstract: A container for holding circuit cards within a plastic, static dissipative nclosure. The container has a handle and is sturdy enough for carrying as a suitcase. The design can be varied so that various circuit card sizes and shapes can be accommodated. The container is suitable for stacking with another like container. Detachable slides are affixed to the container for mounting in a cabinet.

Abstract: A convertible valet bag, characterized in that it is made from a generally rectangular bag opened at the top and fitted, at this level, with a holding means, as well as a supporting means which is movable between a resting position in which it is totally retracted within the bag and a working position in which it acts as a support to allow the bag to stand in a generally upright position.

Abstract: An improved tube shape duffle-type travel or sports bag features an oblong, softsided, expansible central compartment having access through the top thereof, and smaller end compartments on each on the opposing ends of the oblong central compartment. The opposing compartments have circumferential slide fastener openings therearound and has an expansible wall constructed in connection and cooperation with one end wall of the main central compartment providing a collapsible pocket, preferably made of waterproof material, which is capable of extending into the main and end compartments and expanding therein as desired, preferably for positioning soiled or wet clothing or assessories therein. The central compartment further includes opposed tubular expansion panels positioned between the ends of the central sidewall panel and the respective end panels of that compartment.

Abstract: A collapsible piece of baggage, comprising internally a flexible or pliable bag enclosure and externally a detachable frame to outline the bag-defining formation and to hold the flexible or pliable bag enclosure, is constructed and well arranged so that it may be readily reduced in size for storage or other purposes and so that it may be easily and quickly set up into operative condition, ready for use.

Abstract: An article of soft luggage is formable into a simulation of an article of hard luggage by the provision of axially extending stiffening members and collapsible interconnecting members arranged at the corners thereof, the article of soft luggage having a peripheral stiffening frame whereby dimensional stability of the article of soft luggage is provided in all directions along the outer surface thereof.

Abstract: Two main rectangularly-shaped panels, each of said panels having projections on all four of its edges; four upper and four lower pieces having two thin walls which are separated by a partition to form an inside cavity, each of the pieces having distal ends forming 90 degree angles with each other; a cavity is formed in each of the pieces; four upper and four lower cornerpieces, all of the corner pieces having projections at either distal lateral end thereof, said projections being at an angle of 90 degrees from each other and tightly fitting into the appropriate cavities so as to form a detachable case.

Abstract: Expandable luggage which includes a case forming a first compartment and having a hinged cover, and a collapsible bag located at the top of the case and forming a second compartment to provide additional packing space when required. A removable panel is also attached to the top of the case, and the panel forms a pocket for the collapsible bag when the second compartment is not in use.

Abstract: A knock-down collapsible carrier for storing and transporting athletic equipment such as a bicycle or the like. The carrier comprises a hollow housing unit, shaped and dimensioned in a tri-dimensional box-like structure, adopted to contain a partially dismantled bicycle. The housing unit includes a front wall, a rear wall, two side walls, and a top member, each of which comprises a pair of light-weight layers of flexible composition, for removably housing a plurality of resilient rigidifying inserts. The carrier further comprises a plurality of strap bands for retaining the bicycle inside the housing unit, leaving a clearance space therebetween.

Abstract: A multi-compartment bag construction (10) comprising a bag unit (11) including a waterproof inner wall member (16) and an outer wall member (15) provided with a strap member (13) having securing means (21) and a handle member (14) wherein the outer (15) and inner (16) wall members are connected together to form a plurality of individual compartment elements (19) having their own closure members (30); wherein the strap member (13) is adapted to bring the individual compartments (19) into contact with one another to produce a generally barrel shaped bag configuration for the bag construction.

Abstract: A case assembly kit for assembling a case of any chosen dimensions from a plurality of separate components includes a series of panels which are cut to chosen dimensions to form the bottom, side and end walls of a box-like, open top enclosure base and the top, side and end walls of a similar box-like lid. The kit further includes a series of angled corner strips for connecting adjacent edges of the bottom, side and end wall panels of the base and top, side and end wall panels of the lid, and mateable closure strips for securing along the opposed peripheral upper and lower edges, respectively, of the base and lid. Hinge devices are provided for hinging the lid along one edge to the base, and a latching mechanism is provided for releasably closing the lid. All the separate parts are securable together by bonding.

Abstract: A foldable carry bag generally includes a flexible outer shell, foldable along a centerline thereof, to enable the bag to be opened to provide easy accessibility to compartments therein which are defined by flexible flaps attached to the outer shell and removably attached by zippers to flexible strips attached to end pieces of the carry bag. The bag is foldable to a flat configuration for storage and has the advantage of providing separate compartments within the bag which are easily accessible for packing and unpacking clothes, as well as arrangement of clothes or articles therein, while at the same time maintaining the lightweight and inexpensive features of conventional carry bags.

Abstract: A variable volume insulated container is manufactured from a flexible cover and a laminated insulator. The laminate is constructed of at least one layer of air bubbles encapsulated between sheets of heat reflecting thin flexible material. The bubble layers provide excellent insulative qualities. The insulated container is designed to fold inwardly accordion style along the side and bottom panels, thereby collapsing into an insulative and comfortable cushion. The flexability of the insulated container permits it to be partially collapsed along the side panels to efficiently insulate a partial cargo. The insulator is appropriately notched so that the insulator does not bunch in the corners when in the collapsed mode. The invention includes an insulated container having side and bottom walls which fold outwardly to collapse into a flat seat, and the insulator thereof is notched to prevent bunching when the seat is unfolded to the container mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to luggage which includes a ceiling board having a handle, a bottom board, front and rear faces and both side walls which are composed of freely foldable sheets. The bag portions are formed in the inner lower parts of both side walls at both right and left sides, and fastening tools are attached to both corners of the ceiling part respectively, and further hard side reinforced inserts having core materials inside are composed to be attached to the pockets and the fastener tools attachably or freely removably.

Abstract: A vest-bag which is convertible between a vest garment configuration and a bag configuration comprises a unit of flexible material such as leather having a lower portion sectioned into laterally contiguous rectangular panels forming open ended pockets having a series of eyelets extending vertically near the longitudinal sides of the contiguous rectangular panels and an upper portion extending upwardly from the lower portion and divided into a central back panel and a pair of side panels having snap fasteners at the upper ends. The side panels may be fastened to the back panel to form a vest bodice for wearing the vest-bag in a vest garment configuration. The back panel and one side panel may be folded onto the contiguous panels which may then be folded one upon another and releasably connected by a lace member passing through the eyelets to form a bag configuration. A carrying strap extends from the vest-bag in the folded position for carrying the bag.

Abstract: A variable volume carrying case of diverse utility includes hinged companion sections each having relatively movable telescoping portions whereby each case section can be expanded or reduced in size. An independent push-pull cable drive system for the expansion and reduction of each case section includes a rotary manual drive device having a connection with each push-pull cable of the system.

Abstract: This foldable frame type article of luggage comprises a central band-like frame and front and back flexible wall panels detachably connected to the peripheral edges of the frame. The frame includes a rigid, shallow, U-shape member defining the bottom portion and minor adjacent parts of the respective side portions of the frame and a pair of flexible band-like legs detachably joining together at the middle of the top portion of the frame at one end and transversely hinged to the ends of the U-shape shallow member at the other end, whereby said legs can be collapsed against said shallow U-shape member, when the side wall panels are detached, for storing the article of luggage in a minimum of space. When the side wall panels are fully attached to the frame, they maintain said frame in erected position.

Abstract: An improved luggage comprising a main body portion, a lid hingedly attached to one side of the main body portion, a zipper fastener provided on the main body portion and the lid, a supporting frame fastened on the inner sides of the main body portion, four casters mounted on the bottom of the main body portion, two fixing members engageable with the casters and a stiffening board capable of engaging with the casters, whereby when not in use the improved luggage may be reduced in volume thereby facilitating the storage and transportation of the luggage.

Abstract: A collapsible bag or article of luggage having internal stiffening panels capable of forming a rigid configuration. The stiffening panels may be released to an unsecured position in which the article can assume a collapsed configuration. In its reinforcing position, the stiffening panels are anchored by an elongated retaining member affixed thereto.

Abstract: A collapsible container of for example a thermoplastic material comprises a bottom 10, side walls 11 and end walls 13. The side walls and bottom are made up of regions interconnected by fold lines 15 and 16, enabling the container to be folded flat and then folded on itself to provide a compact article. The side walls may be attached to the end walls by flaps 17 provided with press studs 18. Handles 22 and 23 for carrying the erect container may be provided in the side and end walls, and a handle 20 for carrying the collapsed container may be attached to the bottom by portions 21 of the handle engaged in slots in the bottom.

Abstract: A container (20) for carrying fragile and delicate items, such as cameras, instruments, or the like, comprises a soft or rigid casing and an inner inflatable envelope (34) made of a resilient air-impermeable material. The inner envelope (34) is removable and is inserted into a space formed between the inner surface of the container (20) and a permanent liner (32) which is attached to the casing, leaving an opening for inserting the inflatable envelope into said space. The container is equipped with a pump for inflating the inner envelope (34). The pump is made in the form of a rubber bulb (42) with a check valve (44), a manually operated air release valve (46), and an automatic safety valve (48). This container can be embodied in the form of a suitcase, a briefcase, a wig tote, etc. It protects its contents from rough handling and accidental dropping by the energy-absorbing effect of the inflatable envelope and by the tight holding effect provided by the variable inflatability of the envelope.

Abstract: A bag construction comprising an outer casing portion having a plurality of flexible outer walls, an inflatable bladder removably received in the casing portion, and preferably also a pocket element or the like for receiving articles in the bag and positioning them adjacent the bladder. The inflatable bladder acts to effectively cushion and protect the articles contained in the pocket element and hence the bag can be utilized for transporting relatively fragile articles, such as bottles containing cosmetics and the like in the pocket element. The bladder is inflatable from the exterior of the bag and it is removable from the casing portion to permit the use of the bag without the bladder and to facilitate the cleaning of the bag.

Abstract: A cloth bag having the property of maintaining a sustained open-bag configuration once opened and the sides arranged vertically comprising a flat base, a pair of flexible yet retentive side panels and a pair of supple end panels attached to the base, a flexible yet retentive divider panel attached to the end panels and base to divide the bag into two large compartments, closure means, such as a zipper, to join the side panels together along their top edges and fold back and join the end panel top edges onto themselves to form exterior flaps that are folded down and attached to the end flap near the base and a handle for carrying same.

Abstract: A combination knock-down handbag and mat which is formed of a blank of sheet material of a predetermined length and width which is peculiarly seamed and secured so that in the assembled or folded position, the blank forms a handbag and in the unfolded position the blank defines a mat, e.g. a beach mat. To form the mat, which can be subsequently formed into a handbag, one end of the blank is initially reversely folded onto a portion of the blank and secured thereto to define one or more open end pockets. A handle is secured to the open end of the pocket. To convert the mat into a handbag the remainder or extended portion of the blank is reversely folded in accordian fashion to the size and shape of the reversely folded portion. The opposed end portions of the folded blank thus folded are then folded relative to the central portion thereof. With the blank so folded, the central pocket thus formed is turned inside out to define the handbag in the final folded position of the blank.

Abstract: A modular carrying case of all metal construction that includes a top cover section and a bottom cover section that can be closed against each other to provide a totally enclosed case or alternatively closed against one or more center sections to provide a case of greater carrying capacity. Each of the cover sections and the center section are fabricated from a metal extrusion that is formed into a generally endless loop. The peripheral edges of the abutting sections are equipped with interlocking joints that serve to form an extremely tight closure when the case is placed in a closed condition.

Abstract: A kit for use in teaching characteristics and use of electrical devices, such as motors. The kit makes it possible to transport with relative ease both one or more heavy electrical devices and the additional teaching aids required for demonstrating such devices and their proper use.

Abstract: This invention relates to dual purpose tote bags in which one purpose is to provide a carrying bag or box and the other is to provide for a semi-rigid surface, which can be used for carrying and, holding food and for providing a table-like surface during picnics and outings. Prior devices have never fully satisfied the second purpose, their surfaces being too soft and pliable, this leading to problems in fulfilling the first purpose also in that the bag would not provide a semi-rigid internal space for carrying a payload. This invention teaches a new construction and a new method for converting from one purpose to the other.The new construction is both internal; employing three layers, the center layer being of semi-rigid material and, external; in the arrangement of the panels of the three-layered material.The new method of folding employs a stepwise folding of the flat panels into a box-like shape, suitable for maintaining a semi-rigid internal space.

Abstract: A carrier bag which is convertible between a body support configuration and a hand support configuration consists of a vest and two purse segments. The two purse segments are connected one at the lower edge of each front panel of the vest. A zip fastener as provided for connecting the pouch segments to one another in a face-to-face relationship to form a garment storage compartment between which is proportioned to accommodate the vest. The pouch is supported in close proximity to the torso of the wearer when the garment is worn and the garment may be stored within the garment storage compartment when the segments of the pouch are in the face-to-face relationship so that it may be carried as a handbag.

Abstract: A suitcase which is supplied to the customer completely dismantled consisting of flat top and bottom plates, of front and back profiled strips and side walls including the corners of the suitcase made by casting or molding. Grooves are provided in the front and back strips and side walls into which the top and bottom plates are inserted when the suitcase is set up.

Abstract: A golf club bag is formed of a plurality of elongate receptacles attached together in a row and parallel to one another to lie generally flat on a support surface. Each receptacle is dimensioned to receive the handle of a golf club. The receptacles are made of a resilient material which will allow folding the receptacles over one another into a bundle as well as laying the receptacles out generally flat. Fastening elements are installed on the endmost receptacles to join them together to secure the receptacles in the folded arrangement. A handle is attached to the receptacles centrally thereof for holding the bag. If desired, another row of receptacles can be formed and attached back-to-back to the first receptacles thereby increasing the number of golf clubs which can be carried. Also included is a cover for placing over the bag when in the folded configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides unique hinge means comprising three components, two of which are wedge shaped members or segments which slidably pivot relative to each other about a central pivot point and the third being a base bracket pivotably attached to the center wedge whereby the two wedge members fan open relative to the base bracket in operational sequence.The present hinge finds particular application for use in a solid rigid suitcase and which is adapted for retaining garments in a full length arrangement. The present suitcase comprises two halves operably connected along their bottom portions by opposing pairs of expanding hinges positioned at each end.