Abstract: The carrying device of the present invention provides a unique construction which allows a user to collapse and store the carrying device in a way that allows it to be deployed, set-up quickly, and packed away again. The carrying device of the present invention comprises a back panel, a front panel, a bottom panel and side panels. When the panels of the carrying device are zipped together, the carrying device provides a convenient enclosure for storing and carrying items. When the panels of the carrying device are unzipped, the carrying device may be collapsed to a compact shape for easy storage.

Abstract: A luggage device having fully recessed legs that may be selectively engaged to translate and pivot about an axis to facilitate controlled movement from a fully recessed storage position to an operative position for conveniently transporting large heavy objects within the luggage. The fully recessed translation biased cantilever leg luggage device includes a dextral leg recess for receiving a dextral leg, and a sinistral leg recess for receiving a sinistral leg. Each leg recess has an engagement region, a storage region, and a pivot. Additionally, the engagement region includes a leg engagement region storage location, a leg engagement region operative location, and a leg engagement region transition region; through which a portion of the leg pivots about the axis and transitions from the fully recessed storage position to an operative position.

Abstract: A carry case for a laptop computer, including: a plurality of side walls defining a chamber for containing a laptop computer, at least one of said side walls having a protective outer skin portion and a cushioning portion extending inwards from said outer skin portion for protecting a laptop computer in said chamber from physical shock, and at least a substantial portion of said at least one side wall being transparent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of luggage identification tags, and in particular, to a removable identification patch in which indicia can be incorporated onto the patch prior to installation of the patch onto the piece of luggage. A fastening plate is positioned on the interior surface of the luggage and is securely coupled to the identification patch, which is positioned on the exterior surface of the luggage. In one embodiment, the identification patch is attached directly to the fastening plate through fasteners that extend through the luggage wall. In another embodiment, the fastening plate includes projecting tabs which extend through the luggage wall to matingly engage a housing member positioned on the exterior surface of the luggage. The housing member includes a cavity for receiving the identification patch. The identification patch can be removed from the luggage and replaced with an alternative or second identification patch.

Abstract: A storage device and a method for making the storage device are described. In one implementation, the storage device comprises first and second walls having interior and exterior portions. The second wall opposes and is connected to the first wall so that the interior portions of the first and second walls define an interior of the storage device and the exterior portions of the first and second walls define an exterior of the storage device. An access opening is located between the first and second walls, and the access opening is sized to receive an electronic device. A plurality of voids is located in the first wall and the voids are configured to permit air passage between the interior and exterior of the storage device. A porous material that permits airflow through the voids may be connected to the first wall. Other implementations are described.

Abstract: A general purpose carrier having a clear pocket to retain a telecommunication device in a usable orientation. One panel of a plurality of panels that form the sides of a general purpose carrier has a transparent region. A pocket is formed having the transparent region as one side. One or more elastic members retain an arbitrarily sized telecommunication device inserted within the pocket against the transparent region to permit viewing of the display of the device as well as manipulation of its controls through the transparent region.

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

Abstract: A travel case for liquid cosmetics, medications and the like includes an interior pocket with a separate transparent plastic pouch for the liquid materials such as cosmetics. Access to the interior of the bag may be effected through a principal access opening in the top of the bag. Access to the interior pocket which holds the pouch may also be effected through an auxiliary opening in the side wall of the bag. The access opening to the pocket within the bag as well as to the interior of the bag are all oriented in the same direction.

Abstract: The sports equipment bag of the present invention is capable of assuming three configurations: a hang-up, a stand-up, and a transport configuration. It comprises two compartments, with partitions and pockets for equipment and items of clothing. The compartments are connected by a connecting strip, to accommodate moving the compartments to and from each other between the transport configuration and the hang-up configuration. Fastening means on one compartment engage fastening means on the other compartment, to secure the compartments in either the transport configuration or the stand-up configuration. Each compartment comprises a frame, sufficiently rigid to render the bag stable in the stand-up configuration. Rear and front panels of the compartments, as well as partitions and pockets, are manufactured of open texture material, to facilitate ventilation and drying of items carried in the bag. In one embodiment, one of the compartments comprises a pair of wheels and a retractable handle.

Abstract: A wheeled luggage item comprises a molded shell and fabric in combination. The molded shell includes arcuate side panels which in cooperation with the fabric side panels of the luggage enable the incorporation of oversize storage pockets on the side panels which are easily accessible without access to the interior of the luggage through a front side panel. A method of attaching the fabric to the molded shell is also disclosed along with various reinforcing boards and members to facilitate the integrity of the combination.

Abstract: Soft-sided luggage having means for preventing unauthorized access through the zipper is disclosed herein. Preferred means for preventing unauthorized access through the zipper include a rigid barrier attached internally to a first side of the luggage, positioned alongside and extending to the length of the zipper track, and extending past the plane of the zipper towards the second side of the luggage. Further security features can also be used with soft luggage provided herein, including padlocks, and flaps crossing the zipper plane, for example.

Abstract: Described are systems, methods and products for the shipment of passenger or other traveler containers, e.g. containing personal items for use during travel. In certain aspects, systems and methods for such shipment involve the use of transport vessels other than those that will be occupied by a passenger during travel, e.g. cargo vessels or vehicles.

Abstract: A carrying bag adapted to separate and reattach into a plurality of pieces and having decorative elements on each piece that when viewed by third parties will show an association between parties carrying the pieces. A method of providing user decoration of the pieces forming the carrying bag to allow individual customization of the ornamental aspects of the bag pieces such that when carried by two or more individuals, the pieces indicate an association between them.

Abstract: A travel bag is disclosed to include two rigid side panels symmetrically disposed at two opposite lateral sides, a rigid top panel disposed at the top side, a rigid bottom panel disposed at the bottom side, a retractable handle provided at the back side, and a cover provided at the front side, a reinforcing wire fastened to the periphery of the side panels, the top panel and the bottom panel to bind the side panels, the top panel and the bottom panel tightly together, and two rubber packing strips and a cloth covering provided between side panels to cause a sense of beauty.

Abstract: A trunk includes a first shell, a second shell, a major soft strip and two minor soft strips. The first shell is made of a hard material and formed with a rear panel, an upper panel, a lower panel, two lateral panels and a space defined by the panels. The second shell is connected to the first shell. The major soft strip is made of a soft material and formed with a central portion attached to an external face of the rear panel, an upper portion attached to an external face of the upper panel and a lower portion attached to an external face of the lower panel. The minor soft strips are made of a soft material and each attached to an external face of a related one of the lateral panels.

Abstract: A backpack assembly includes a luggage case having a first attachment interface and a backpack having a second attachment interface. The second attachment interface is configured to be mated with the first attachment interface to removably attach the backpack to the luggage case. The luggage case further includes a flap with a third attachment interface that is configured to be mated with the first attachment interface if the backpack is detached from the luggage case.

Abstract: Disclosed is an invention for a transparent carry-on case that contains moveable privacy shields. This invention will be constructed with an outer sturdy and transparent material, such as polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), clear dividing and storage units, and opaque shields for privacy. The purpose of this invention is to allow ease of passage through any facilities with security measures by utilizing a carrying case whose contents can be easily visualized for inspection and that can also provide privacy for personal items at other times.

Abstract: Luggage is disclosed that includes a main body that defines an interior compartment bounded by a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and side walls. The front wall is hingeably connected with one of the side walls and includes a closing mechanism for sealing or unsealing the interior compartment. An accessory compartment is formed within one of the front wall, the rear wall, or one of the side walls. The accessory pocket includes a first sealable access mechanism to permit access to the accessory pocket from an exterior of the main body. It also includes a second access mechanism to permit access to the accessory pocket from the interior of the main body. Wheels are positioned along the bottom wall, and handle assembly is attached with the main body and deployable from a stowed position.

Abstract: A tool bag with wheels includes a base and back side reinforced by a polymeric board covered with a fabric material. Wheel wells and telescoping handle affixed to the polymeric sheet or board facilitate maintenance of the configuration of the open topped tool bag. Additional polymeric boards and/or ribs are included in the lateral side walls and a front wall to further facilitate the maintenance of the configuration of the open topped, wheeled tool bag.

Abstract: A carrying case or bag that includes a soft pouch portion that is supported with a more rigid support structure. The soft pouch portion is supported by a cross-brace support system that allows limited movement relative to the support structure.

Abstract: A folding carrier described herein is composed of a plurality of panels made of pliable and flexible material such as fabric, vinyl or leather where each of the plurality of panels may be folded onto each other. The folding carrier also includes a cavity access opening in one of the panels that allows a user to access the cavity formed by the plurality of panels, wherein the cavity access opening is secured to the one of the panels with re-closable access device.

Abstract: An illuminable storage receptacle that is mounted to a motor vehicle wheel well by suction cups disposed on the cover to cast white light from the bottom and rear portions in order to illuminate the subjacent work area. Red hazard lenses are disposed in the sidewalls and an amber hazard lens is disposed in the front wall. An interior compartment is disposed therein divided by a replaceable plate to form an illumination chamber to produce the light and a storage chamber for keeping lug nuts and the like while changing the tire. A strap having hook and loop fastener elements is provided to allow the user to selectively maintain the storage compartment on a substantially horizontal plane regardless of the angle of engagement of the cover with the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of constructing a hard suitcase including forming a shaped base portion and a shaped lid portion from a plastics material of such characteristic that the portions retain their intended shape, and attaching to each of said portions the respective zipped portions of a zip fastener arrangement by a stitching operation involving a securing thread. A further Zip arrangement provided between the Zip arrangement and the lid portion enables increase in the storage volume of the case.

Abstract: A luggage case (10) includes a main packing door (20) that has defined two volume pockets. A volume pocket (26) extends across the top of the packing door and a second volume pocket (38) across the bottom and major portion of the packing door. Elongated panels such as inverted U-shaped panel (22), elongated panel (40), and a second elongated panel (30), all include a stiffening foam layer which, together with door panel (28) and rectangular panel (34), define an overall truncated pyramid shape on the main access door. A single textile divider panel (44) separates the first and second volume pockets a minimum amount of material or sewing being required.

Abstract: A light-weight side gusset for a bag is manufactured from a formed composite frame having a peripheral raised region and a depressed central region. An opening is formed through the depressed central region to form a relatively narrow border portion around the inner periphery of the raised region. A central panel corresponding in configuration to the outline of the depressed region is attached to the border portion of the depressed region to cover the opening therethrough. The composite frame is made up of a moldable substrate, e.g. ethyl vinyl acetate foam, an outer layer wear-resistant material, e.g., high-denier nylon or poly/nylon combination, and, preferably, an inner adherent layer, e.g., the loop half of a hook-and-loop fabric. A complete bag is assembled by securing two such gussets to the body of the bag. A drop-in liner is attached to the inner surfaces of the gussets to line the interior of the bag.

Abstract: A light-weight side gusset for a bag includes a formed composite frame having a peripheral raised region and a depressed central region. An opening through the depressed central region forms a relatively narrow border portion around the inner periphery of the raised region. A central panel corresponding in configuration to the outline of the depressed region is attached to the border portion of the depressed region to cover the opening therethrough. The composite frame is made up of a moldable substrate, e.g. ethyl vinyl acetate foam, an outer layer wear-resistant material, e.g., high-denier nylon or poly/nylon combination, and, preferably, an inner adherent layer, e.g., the loop half of a hook-and-loop fabric. Methods of manufacturing the composite frame, a gusset including such frame, and a bag including such gusset are also disclosed.

Abstract: Luggage cases of sewn fabric panels are old. These are cumbersome to manufacture, requiring many manual processes. A more advanced luggage case uses a shape retaining foam and fabric laminate to form major portions of the luggage case. This prior case still requires manual steps to apply shape stabilizing frame parts to the inside of the formed foam shell, and sewing to attach the slide fastener type closure around the perimeter of the shell. Disclosed is a process for forming a clamshell type luggage case (1) with an injection molded peripheral frame (5, 5′) and a fabric panel for a broad face (3). The edges of the fabric panel are attached to the injection molded frame by an autogenous bond formed between the edge of the panel and the plastic frame during molding.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a travel trunk comprising a trunk body having a rigid front and a rigid back panel, and a rigid substantially rectangular perimetrical sidewall therebetween defining a hollow interior of the trunk, wherein the sidewall is comprised of an upper and a lower portion wherein the upper portion is perimetrically bounding the front panel and the lower portion is perimetrically bounding the back panel, and wherein the upper portion is pivotal between and open and a closed position for accessing the hollow interior, at least two wheels affixed to the trunk body, a selectively extendable handle extendable from the trunk body opposite the wheels, and a zipper closure for releasably closing upper and the lower portion.

Abstract: A light-weight side gusset for a bag includes a formed composite frame having a peripheral raised region and a depressed central region. An opening through the depressed central region forms a relatively narrow border portion around the inner periphery of the raised region. A central panel corresponding in configuration to the outline of the depressed region is attached to the border portion of the depressed region to cover the opening therethrough. The composite frame is made up of a moldable substrate, e.g. ethyl vinyl acetate foam, an outer layer wear-resistant material, e.g., high-denier nylon or poly/nylon combination, and, preferably, an inner adherent layer, e.g., the loop half of a hook-and-loop fabric. Methods of manufacturing the composite frame, a gusset including such frame, and a bag including such gusset are also disclosed.

Abstract: A luggage structure is disclosed to include a hard plastic body internally decorated with a curtain, a metal reinforcing inner frame and a metal reinforcing outer frame respectively fastened to inner and outer diameters of the hard plastic body, a flexible supplementary frame attached to the topmost edge of the hard plastic body and riveted to the metal reinforcing inner frame, a fabric cover fastened to the flexible supplementary frame and adapted to close/open the luggage, and a fabric shell riveted to the metal reinforcing outer frame and covered over the flexible supplementary frame.

Abstract: A protective case which includes two mating case components and a liner extending between a peripheral area for mating engagement to ensure a relatively sealed relationship when the case components are closed. A latch face is a single elongated element on the front and has two spaced interlocking components to cooperate with hooks in the opposite case component.

Abstract: A suitcase has a frame (17), a cover (15) covering the frame, a stabilizing brace (12) joining two opposite sides of the frame, a pair of corner wheels (14), a pull handle collar (11), and a pull handle assembly (13) mountable between the stabilizing brace and the pull handle collar. The frame and the cover comprise the case body (1) for packing the contents of the suitcase within. The pull handle assembly includes a pull handle support (123), at least a hollow tube (131), and a retractable slide handle (132). The stabilizing brace both holds the sides of the frame in fixed relation and provides a mounting point for a lower end of the pull handle assembly. Because the pull handle assembly occupies less than a length of the bottom of the suitcase, a large area of flat space is created in the bottom of the suitcase for easier packing of flat objects.

Abstract: With a baggage item from plastic shell elements (2,4) linked with each other via a hinge (5) along an edge of the free margins (9) facing each other and comprising a closing device for holding the shell elements (2,4) in the closed position, it is provided that the shell elements (2,4) are formed of a thin, flexible plastic material, and that at least one shell element (2,4) has an outward protruding peripheral margin (28) that circumscribes an area, said margin being linked with a lid (8) by means of a zipper (16) while forming an outer pocket (6).

Abstract: A luggage case is provided with straps or handles for carrying the case and a wheel and an extendable handle assembly for dragging or pulling the case. The wheel and extendable handle assembly is removably attachable to the case, such that it need not be carried when the case is carried by the straps or handles. The wheel and handle assembly are formed as a shell to snugly surround the luggage case. In the preferred embodiment, the case and the shell are joined by mating zippers at the bottom front and top rear edges of the assembly.

Abstract: A soft-sided carrying case having pivotable upper compartments is disclosed. The soft-sided carrying case includes a lower compartment, with the lower compartment including a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall. A first upper compartment is provided, with the first upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, and with the first upper compartment pivotally meeting the lower compartment along a first line of intersection. A second upper compartment is disclosed, with the second upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, and with the second upper compartment pivotally meeting the first upper compartment along a second line of intersection. The first and second upper compartments are both pivotable about their respective lines of intersection between folded positions in which the first and second upper compartments overlie the lower compartment and unfolded positions.

Abstract: A bag equipped with a bottom case, which is comprised of a bottom plate and a side peripheral wall and is integrally provided at its inner or outer surface with handle holding members and at its outer surface with caster mounting members, and which is coupled to an upper case made of fabric material or synthetic resin, is disclosed. The bottom case is detachably coupled to an upper case to allow only one case of both cases to be separated from the other case and to be cleaned or replaced with a new one. The bottom case is provided at its side wall with a reinforcing frame to prevent the side wall from being squeezed or broken. The bottom case is provided with handle mounting members to be integrally formed thereto or to be separated therefrom so as to diversify design and appearance of the bag.

Abstract: A luggage shell is formed of a top plate, a bottom plate, and two side plates, which are all provided with a number of pits for reducing the weight of the luggage shell. The pits are arranged at interval in rows. The top plate, the bottom plate and the side plates are further provided with a plurality of ribs which are located between two adjacent rows of the pits for reinforcing the structural strength of the luggage shell.

Abstract: A foldable luggage frame comprises two main support rods to which an upper support board and a lower support board are fastened. The upper support board and the lower support board are intended to support the shell of the luggage and are basically similar in construction. Both support boards are formed of a fixed portion, a movable portion, and a folding portion located between the fixed portion and the movable portion to enable the movable portion to collapse. The fixed portion and the movable portion are connected at one side by two connection bars which are pivoted together at one end.

Abstract: A full-gussetted luggage article and an associated method for making a full-gussetted luggage article are provided. The full-gussetted luggage article includes an integrally molded full-gusset and a skin disposed over the full-gusset. An associated method of making a full-gussetted luggage article and a unique handle assembly for a full-gussetted luggage article are also disclosed.

Abstract: A compact case that can be manually carried or carried in another case, for example a brief case, is designed to protect fragile, delicate objects such as laptop computers contained in the case from side impacts of bumping or from dropping the case without appreciably detracting from the compact size of the computer carried in the case.

Abstract: A frame bracket for lightweight luggage comprises a U-shaped plastic frame, a fabric frame covered on the U-shaped plastic frame, two L-shaped lower skeletal frame members each having a vertical member provided at the front corners of the bottom to secure the support plate, the plastic frame, and the fabric frame, and a U-shaped support plate provided on the bottom of U-shaped plastic frame. With the enhancement of U-shaped support plate and L-shaped lower skeletal frame members, the purpose of protecting the bottom of luggage and strengthening the structural frame is achieved.

Abstract: A containment article, such as a luggage article, is provided which comprises a pair of substantially identical plastic shells which are hingedly connected to each other. The invention also includes an improved telescoping handle assembly for an article, such as wheeled luggage as well as a unique and novel safety latch for a containment article.

Abstract: A containment article, such as a luggage article, is provided which comprises a pair of substantially identical plastic shells which are hingedly connected to each other. The invention also includes an improved telescoping handle assembly for an article, such as wheeled luggage as well as a unique and novel safety latch for a containment article.

Abstract: A wedding dressed jewelry box enables wedding gauze and/or lace to perfectly wrap to the jewelry box, by wrapping the base box and the box cover of the jewelry box with dressing sheet. The dressing sheet includes a wedding gauze layer having peripheral edges sewn and/or adhered around a lining layer to form the dressing sheet. Therefore, by directly adhering the lining layer to the exterior and outer surfaces of the base boxes and the box cover can firmly wrap the dressing gauze layer to the jewelry box.

Abstract: A process for designing durable and esthetically pleasing luggage. The luggage features a top and bottom created from a thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer provides a durable surface while allowing luggage design in different shapes. A radio frequency process is used to couple different sections of the luggage. This process removes the need for unsightly stitches while simplifying construction. In addition, the lower and upper sections of the luggage are coupled by a zipper mechanism that is not visible from the exterior of the luggage. This protected zipper adds to the durability and esthetic form of the luggage.

Abstract: A trunk or briefcase that may be pulled or pushed to move, the top part of the telescopic lever unit may be accommodated in a top hood, the top hood being made of a soft plastic material, with its surrounding edge sewed onto the outside of the trunk or briefcase, so that when the trunk or briefcase is opened, there will be no hindrance caused by the material of the top hood, and that the hood may be opened to its fullest to facilitate the user in taking out or putting in personal articles.

Abstract: A flexible composite comprising a high tensile strength fibrous component dispersed within a flexible or resilient polymeric matrix, the matrix and fibrous component being essentially unbonded to each other so that the composite retains essentially the flexibility of the polymeric matrix.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making a covering panel for a portable case, the process including a step of bonding a lining and a sheet of foamed EVA by an adhesive agent then cutting it into base panels according to the desired sizes, a step of bonding a face layer to each base panel by a layer of polyethylene through the process of heating and pressing and then punching each panel into the desired shape.

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 musical instrument case cover is disclosed, the cover being comprised of flexible fabric top and bottom panels having a surrounding side panel of the same fabric therebetween. The side panel is longitudinally bisected over a portion of its length by a slide fastener. The fabric employed in the panels is comprised of a reflective outer portion made up of an outer clear polyester coating over a reflective metallic layer of aluminum. A sheet of woven strips of polyethylene backs the metallic layer which, in turn, is backed by a layer of resilient foam. A fabric lining is the innermost layer, the top and bottom panels having a thick layer of resilient foam between this lining and the reflective outer portion. Interior slide fasteners secure openings in the fabric lining through which the thick layer of foam may be removed and replaced.