Multi-layer Or Ply Patents (Class 190/125)
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Patent number: 6409066Abstract: A tote-bag cooler includes a multi-chambered, closeable container enclosed by overlapping flaps creating a self-sealing, sleeve-style aperture. Handle straps may be attached to the sides of the container. A handle grip may be attached to the mid-section of one of the handle straps and may be wrapped around the opposing handle strap when grasping the handle straps. A shoulder strap may be included also. The outer surface of the container optionally may include a beverage holder, a seat belt strap, mesh pockets, and/or a fabric pocket.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.Inventors: Rachel Schneider, Terry A. Mears, James T. Sener
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Publication number: 20020038745Abstract: A soft-shell bag comprising a flexible outer shell and including a removable resilient liner for placement inside the shell to provide the resultant bag with a resilient structure and with a barrier for protecting the flexible shell's construction materials from the contents of the bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2001Publication date: April 4, 2002Inventor: Michael W. Lamming
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Publication number: 20020011389Abstract: A protective case for a musical instrument such as the violin or viola which is of the soft fabric material and which can be placed within a conventional harder musical case. A method of manufacturing such a case wherein first and second layers of fabric are placed in registry and sewed together, and subsequently inverted to form a first section, third and fourth layers of fabric are also placed in registry with the first section being intermediate thereof, the first section and third and fourth layers being sewed and subsequently inverted.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventor: Vanda Intini
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Patent number: 6286645Abstract: A protective strip is fastened to the outer surface of a luggage shell by one or more fastening plates which are attached to the inner surface of the luggage shell. The protective strip is provided with a plurality of retaining bodies, whereas the fastening plates are provided with a plurality of projections corresponding in location to and engageable with the retaining bodies of the protective strip. The fastening plates are attached to the inner surface of the luggage shell such that the projections of the fastening plates are engaged with the retaining bodies of the protective strip via the through holes of the luggage shell.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventor: Sheng-Chin Chen
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Publication number: 20010013519Abstract: A container for goods, such as an item of luggage (1) has a storage compartment (4) having an outer member (7), a flexible inner lining (10) and an adjustable protection means (11) located between the outer member (7) and the lining (10). The adjustable protection means has two modes, a protection mode and a storage mode and is adjustable between the two modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2001Publication date: August 16, 2001Inventor: Achim Liebold
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Patent number: 6264084Abstract: A snowmobile trunk bag which exhibits better wear resistance in those areas which are subject to being bombarded with snow, ice and debris during operation of the snowmobile includes a plurality of fabric panels defining an enclosed storage space and exterior surfaces of the bag, a position retainer secured to one of the panels to allow the snowmobile trunk bag to be properly positioned and retained when the bag is secured to a snowmobile, and a plurality of waterproof overlays. Each of the waterproof overlays is secured to a selected exterior surface of the snowmobile trunk bag to provide reinforcement against wear and resistance to moisture penetration at the selected exterior surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Specialty Sports LimitedInventor: Christopher J. Hayes
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Patent number: 6223960Abstract: A motorcycle saddlebag comprising a body formed of a substantially continuous and substantially rigid material (e.g., plastic) having an opening providing access to the interior volume of the body. A body cover made of a flexible material (e.g., leather) is formed over at least a portion of the exterior surface of the body. The saddlebag further includes a lid formed of a substantially rigid material (e.g., plastic) and a lid cover made of a flexible material (e.g., leather) formed over at least a portion of the exterior surface of the lid. A first fastener and a second fastener are connected in series between the lid and the body such that both the first and second fasteners must be fastened to hold the body to the lid. The first fastener can be a strap and buckle fastener, and the second fastener can be a quick-release fastener that is at least partially hidden by the first fastener.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyInventors: Daniel L. Powell, Jeffrey F. Schwochert
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Patent number: 6173837Abstract: A carrying case with interchangeable side panels includes a suitcase and a number of ornamental side panels releasably attachable to the outside of the suitcase. The interchangeable ornamental side panels substantially cover the underlying structural side panels of the suitcase, and can be changed out without opening the suitcase or disassembling. This means the contents need not be disturbed in changing over the look and appearance of the carrying case, nor is the integrity of the suitcase compromised in any way. The carrying case may further include flanged framework around the interchangeable ornamental side panels to hold down the edges thereof. The flanged framework may be configured such that the ornamental side panel edges are tucked under. The carrying case may also be arrived at by simply reworking or converting a conventional suitcase.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Inventor: Elizabeth Marconi
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Patent number: 6161665Abstract: A utility bag is provided, comprising a flexible base having two opposing outer edges and two upwardly extending end panels; a pair of opposing flexible side panels attached to and extending upwardly from the opposing outer edges of the base, each of the side panels having a top edge and opposing side edges, and wherein each of the end panels of the base are attached to a lower portion of adjacent side edges of the opposing side panels; a pair of flexible upper panels attached to and extending substantially perpendicular from the top edges of the side panels, each of the upper panels including two downwardly extending end panels, wherein each of the downwardly extending end panels is attached to the end panel ofthe base and to an upper portion of an adjacent side edge of the side panels; flexible closing device, such as a zipper, cooperating between the upper panels and extending between the end panels of the base for closing and opening the bag; and wherein at least one of the side panels includes a first stType: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Inventor: Ronald D. Hoover
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Patent number: 6135253Abstract: A suitcase is provided with a compressive liner encapsulating an air tight packing chamber and having a sealable opening to allow placement and removal of clothing and other articles within the packing chamber. In a relaxed state, the volume of the packing chamber is substantially greater than the volume of the suitcase interior, thereby enlarging the available packing space. When the liner is filled and sealed closed, air is withdrawn from the packing chamber by a motorized vacuum pump, causing the liner to collapse and compress the contents, thereby reducing the volume of the packing chamber to a size which fits within the closed suitcase. A one-way valve holds the vacuum within the chamber, maintaining the liner in the collapsed state until the opening is unsealed.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Inventors: Ira B. Weissman, Helaine R. Weissman
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Patent number: 6109404Abstract: A method of forming lightweight luggage and luggage formed thereby are provided. The method preferably includes providing an outer frame body. The outer frame body is preferably formed of a foam material and has a pair of spaced-apart, end frame body members and a pair of spaced-apart, side frame body members. Each of the spaced-apart end frame body members is connected to each of the spaced-apart side frame body members along common side peripheries thereof so that the pair of end frame body members and the pair of side frame body members define outer peripheries of a body cavity. Each of the frame body members has a first predetermined width and a first predetermined length. The method also includes positioning a first frame support member to abuttingly contact an inner surface of a first of the pair of end frame body members and positioning a second frame support member to abuttingly contact an inner surface of a second of the pair of end frame body members.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: AirCase International, Inc.Inventor: George Daniel Bishop
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Patent number: 6105778Abstract: A protective pouch has a closed cell foam padding and a casing enclosed around the closed cell foam padding. The configuration forms two opposing curved sidewalls. The protective pouch has a closing mechanism, which can be a flap extending from one sidewall and attached to the other sidewall. The pouch can be substantially fitted for a rectangular object so that when the object is inside said pouch, the object forms protective pockets between the sidewalls of the object and opposing sidewalls of the pouch.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Inventor: Daniel E. Tsai
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Patent number: 6102172Abstract: A wheeled cosmetic carrying case is illustrated as including a handle and wheel assembly (A) for transporting a trunk-like box (B) with front closure member (C) fastened as by a zipper (D) over an open top of the box (B). The closure member (C) carries external compartments (E) which are zippered to open outwardly for displaying auxiliary material thus augmenting the space provided by the compartmentalized interior (F). The method includes the step of securing the closure member (C) over the trunk-like box by closing a zipper (D) for positioning externally accessible compartments as well as complementary compartments for carrying cosmetics within the box.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Inventor: Bonnie Lee Dercole
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Patent number: 6059079Abstract: A wheeled article of luggage, which has a catalog case, is disclosed which includes an externally accessible auxiliary pocket configured for the reception of a laptop computer. The auxiliary pocket may also be accessed from the interior of the case, with the exterior, and interior access means being orthognally related, such that they will both be in a horizontal position when the catalog case is in either the wheeled, or stationary, open condition.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: United States Luggage, L.P.Inventor: Richard J. Krulik
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Patent number: 6050374Abstract: A luggage case (10) with a retractable handle (17) includes handle retraction apparatus (24) located within the luggage case adjacent a bottom wall (20) and covered over by a fabric panel (34). Inner mounting parts for luggage case wheels (14) are also located under the fabric panel (34). The panel (34) includes a central flap (58) releasably secured to the panel by a zipper (60). When the flap (58) is released it provides an access space (56) for repair or replacement of retraction apparatus (24) and wheels (14) or wheels mounting.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Inventor: Tom L. Johnston
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Patent number: 5960952Abstract: A protective briefcase for a notebook computer is provided comprising a briefcase body consisting of five side panels and a cover, said briefcase body and cover being able to be engaged to or separated from each other by using a zipper, characterized in that the five side panels of said briefcase body and said cover are comprised of an outer fabric layer, an inner fabric layer, and a laminated reinforcing layer between said outer and inner fabric layers, wherein said laminated reinforcing layer is comprised of in sequence from outside to inside a hard shock-absorbing outer layer, a flexible thin plate, and a soft shock-absorbing inner layer such that a sandwich structure is formed in order to abut against the surfaces of said notebook computer contained in said protective briefcase.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Racer Sporting Goods Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mike Chien Fang Chen
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Patent number: 5894914Abstract: A suitcase, lid or door has a first polygonal part and a second polygonal part. The first and second parts are engaged against each other in a closed position for the assembly. The first and second parts each having at least two non-parallel sides connected to each other at a corner and extending at an angle to each other. Each side has a rabbet edge and the rabbet edges of the first part are shaped to closely engage the rabbet edges of the second part in the closed position. The edges of each side have a gently undulating profile with at least one arc on each side, one of the parts having convex arcs which correspond to, and closely engage concave arcs of the other part. The corners are rounded and one of the concave arcs extends around each corner.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1996Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Jubinov Societe CivileInventor: Jean-Jacques R. Jubin
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Patent number: 5875890Abstract: The invention relates to a soundproofing bag (1) for single and double reed instruments, particularly for a saxophone made up of a material providing a fabric outer layer, an intermediate soundproofing layer, and an inner layer made up of air and steam permeable material, shaped in such a way to substantially conform to the shape of the instrument, and provided with a rear opening (9) allowing the hooking of the instrument, of a rear slot (13) for the hooking of the collar (5) to the saxophone, and with two entrances (10, 11), respectively for the introduction of the right and left hands to be able to normally play the saxophone.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: R.D.B. S.A.S. Di Di Bernardini StefanoInventor: Stefano Di Bernardini
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Patent number: 5843851Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1995Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: RanDemo inc.Inventor: William H. Cochran
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Patent number: 5839577Abstract: A bag for holding athletic articles is disclosed which comprises an outer shell having an exterior surface and an interior surface. The outer shell is configured in the shape of an athletic ball and includes a securable opening for inserting and removing articles therefrom. The interior surface of the outer shell is provided with a first strip of fastening means for mating engagement with a second strip of fastening means positioned on the exterior surface of an inner lining which is removably securable within the outer shell such that the inner lining conforms to the shape of the outer shell when it is positioned therein. The inner lining may be machine-washable and is advantageously fabricated from an absorbent material for absorbing sweat and moisture from athletic articles carried within the bag. A handle is provided on the outer shell for carrying and transporting the bag.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Inventor: Mark Friedler
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Patent number: 5791488Abstract: A system for transporting, storing and displaying consumer products (10) includes a shipping container (40) having a plurality of sides (42), of which at least one of the plurality of sides is a detachable display panel (32). The shipping container (40) is sized to hold one or more consumer items (44). A flexible display and carrying bag (12) has at least one transparent display pouch (30) which is configured to hold the display panel (32). The display bag (12) further includes a resealable opener (22), such as a zipper which can be opened to allow insertion of the shipping container (40) with the display panel (32) removed into the display bag (12) to provide internal structural support to the display bag (12). The display bag (12) can then be easily stacked for storage or displayed on a retail store's selling floor, thus providing easily visible display information (34) and providing protection for the display panel (32) from in-store handling, as well as consumer access to the product (44) for inspection.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1997Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Jinwoong, Inc.Inventor: Youn Jae Lee
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Patent number: 5639004Abstract: A convertible carrying case and work platform for small electronic devices, particularly notebook computers, which is adapted to be used as a carrying case for the electronic device as well as a work platform. In a preferred embodiment, the carrying case has a case structure which holds the electronic device and a flexible top cover portion capable of forming a rolled portion that elevates the case structure when the case is supported in the wearer's lap and used when the wearer is sitting or in a reclined position, or, when the wearer uses the case while in standing position, spaces the case at a distance away from the wearer's body and provides a cushion between the case and the abdominal area of the wearer. A strap arrangement for the case permits a wearer to support the case over his shoulder to transport the device, or to position the case in a generally horizontal position in front of and against the abdominal area of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1996Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignee: Truckin' Movers CorporationInventors: Douglas David Carlton, Sherry McLean McQuage
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Patent number: 5505297Abstract: A garment bag of the type having an elongate body substantially formed of flexible fabric or sheet material, and defining a cavity with a hanger support at the top for receiving hanging clothes on hangers. The bag folds double on itself for transport, and includes a pair of rigid wall portions which when the bag is folded double on itself are urged forcefully together. These rigid wall portions substantially immobilize the clothing items therebetween to greatly reduce creasing and wrinkling of the clothing items which would otherwise result from their shifting about in transit. The garment bag also includes features preserving the efforts of careful packing during folding and unfolding of the bag to further reduce clothes wrinkling. Also, the garment bag includes a specially configured toiletries kit which by its shape and placement in the folded bag further contributes to a reduction of clothes wrinkling.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1994Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Assignee: Andiamo, Inc.Inventor: Jay E. Myers
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Patent number: 5452777Abstract: The trimming for bags and suitcases includes a protective panel made of padded material suitable to be applied to the front face of the bags and lies longitudinally to the front face, so as to partially follow its border; at least one slit is formed on the protective panel and constitutes the opening of a compartment for accommodating a partially extractable card on which appropriate identification data can be written.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1993Date of Patent: September 26, 1995Assignee: Finduck S.r.l.Inventor: Gioia Giovannella
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Patent number: 5427239Abstract: A flexible tool pouch having a plurality of elongated pockets securely positioned adjacent to each other. Each pocket has an inside liner made of woven nylon, an outside liner made of acrylic pile, and an open end for receiving a tool. Extending from the open end of the connected pockets is a hood made of acrylic pile that can be partially folded over the tools. Also positioned on the tool pouch are eyelets, handle straps, and a securing strap.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1994Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Inventor: John F. Hunt
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Patent number: 5341548Abstract: A burial/cremation case (10) for animals for receiving a deceased animal for transporting and burying or cremating the same. The burial/cremation case (10) includes a shell member (12) constructed from a liquid-permeable inner layer (32), an absorbent intermediate layer (40) and an outer layer (36). The intermediate layer (40) is selectively secured to the outer layer (36). The outer layer (36) and inner layer (32) are selectively secured one to the other about their perimeters. The inner layer (32) and outer layer (36) may be folded over and secured to define a volume within which the deceased animal may be received. The intermediate layer (40) includes a fluid impervious barrier (41) to prevent fluids from seeping through the outer layer (36) to the outside of the burial/cremation case (10).Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1993Date of Patent: August 30, 1994Inventor: Jacquelyn J. Zerick
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Patent number: 5284542Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1993Date of Patent: February 8, 1994Inventor: Leif Lee
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Patent number: 5265719Abstract: The pet luggage has an elongated main compartment with outside pockets at the ends of the main compartment, thereby making the luggage extremely long as compared to its width but more comfortably carried than shorter luggage of comparable volume. One outside pocket is for a leash, and the other is for fecal clean-up equipment. The main compartment is protectively closed by three separate fastening systems, two of which are zippers for lowering a front panel of the main compartment and on of which is Velcro-type for holding the top panel in covering position over the main compartment. Unfastening any one of the three separate fastening systems gives access to the main compartment. The top and bottom panels are stiffened to relatively reduce their pliability as compared to other panels. Padding of panels is employed to enhance comfort as the luggage bumps against a person carrying it. Within the main compartment are such items as a towel holder, pockets for grooming items, and a medicine container.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1992Date of Patent: November 30, 1993Inventor: Debra L. S. Wand
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Patent number: 5252161Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1992Date of Patent: October 12, 1993Inventors: S. J. Chang, Joseph J. Berman
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Patent number: 5228546Abstract: A formed panel for a bag and method of manufacturing therefore is provided which allows the bag to maintain an original shape without deformation even though the bag may be acted on by external forces, and also allows the bag to appear soft from the outside thereof. The panel is formed from the impression of a fabric material onto a rigid plastic material. Also provided is a hard-sided, soft-gusseted luggage to protect the contents of the luggage without a totally rigid construction. A method of manufacturing a hard panel for luggage which includes impressing a fabric sheet onto a plastic sheet to form a combined sheet and molding the combined sheet to the desired shape.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1991Date of Patent: July 20, 1993Inventors: S. J. Chang, Joseph J. Berman
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Patent number: 5219075Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1991Date of Patent: June 15, 1993Inventor: Earle White
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Patent number: 5163560Abstract: A doubled wall container having a base and a pair of container sides pivotally secured to the base. Each of the container sides has a ridge member.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1991Date of Patent: November 17, 1992Inventors: Lloyd K. Parrish, Jr., Richard D. Haddock
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Patent number: 5149203Abstract: A bag or similar portable container having a wall or walls surrounding an internal space accessible through an opening (4) in the bag, the wall or walls incorporating or being lined with one or more layers (6) of high tensile strength and high stretch resistance material such as to be capable of resisting penetration by a bullet. Preferably, a single multi-layer sheet (6) is used to form the wall or walls (9) by folding the sheet at the corners (32), thereby avoiding joins that would be vulnerable to penetration. Preferably, the penetration resistant material (6) is backed up by one or more layers (11) of an impact absorbing material, such as polycarbonate sheet material and foamed plastics material. The layers of penetration resistance material (6) and impact absorbing material (11) may be separately formed as removable inserts that are used to line the bag.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1991Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Assignee: Dowty Armourshield LimitedInventor: Michael Sacks
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Patent number: 5132166Abstract: A resilient, low modulus, semirigid shell for use as a component of an article of luggage. The shell comprises a first nonwoven batt of thermoplastic resin fibers and an exterior material attached to the first nonwoven batt. The first batt and exterior material are thermally formed to a predetermined shape. The shell may also include one or more additional component layers selected from a second nonwoven, fibrous batt, a layer of backing material, a water impermeable film, and a lining material. In manufacturing the shell, the exterior material is attached to a first portion of a substrate material which is comprised of the nonwoven batt of thermoplastic resin fibers. A second portion of the substrate material is secured to an apparatus for thermal forming and the exterior material and substrate material are thermally formed to a resilient, low modulus, semirigid shell having a predetermined configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1990Date of Patent: July 21, 1992Assignee: Gates Formed-Fibre Products, Inc.Inventors: Ronald W. Adams, Gerald J. Smith
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Patent number: 5107971Abstract: A protective shell is provided for a piece of luggage. The shell includes a pair of substantially rigid, transparent shell sections, each having an interior space, which at least partly accommodates the piece of luggage. The shell sections are pivotably interconnected such that they are pivotable between an open condition to expose the interior space of each shell section and a closed condition to define an enclosure about the interior spaces for accommodating the piece of luggage therein. The shell sections are provisionally fastened in the closed condition and include a slot that receives the handle of the piece of luggage such that both the luggage and the shell may be carried by a person using the shell.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1991Date of Patent: April 28, 1992Inventor: Eva A. Freeman
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Patent number: 5090526Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1990Date of Patent: February 25, 1992Assignee: SGI Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey M. Jacober
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Patent number: 5080206Abstract: The invention provides an attache case having an improved expansion gusset, wherein the expansion gusset includes cutouts or slots through which elastic or non-elastic straps extend to provide an improved construction for expanding the volume of the attache when needed.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1989Date of Patent: January 14, 1992Inventor: Abraham I. Tawil
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Patent number: 5065847Abstract: A briefcase includes two casing halves which are hinged to one another to allow movement between a closed position and an open position, a pair of briefcase frames respectively attached to one of the casing halves, a handle piece attached to one of the briefcase frames, and a lock incorporated in the briefcase frames. Each of the casing halves is made of a laminate which inlcudes an inner layer made of a soft lining fabric, a center layer made of an elastic plastic foam, and an outer layer made of a strong fabric cloth.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1991Date of Patent: November 19, 1991Inventor: Dick M. Hsieh
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Patent number: 5031734Abstract: Some softsided cases (luggage cases with cloth panel bodies) include the frame structures to hold them erect and give them some structural rigidity. The ability of such frame members to withstand crushing forces without damage varies considerably. Also, the weight of such frame members can work against the inherent lightness of softsided luggage. Disclosed is a luggage case and a frame member for the luggage case which includes a panel. The panel comprises a pair of cloth laminae attached to one another at a peripheral seam structure. Between the laminae are positioned flexible elongated members preferably along the diagonals of the laminae if the laminae has a rectangular or trapezoid shape. These elongated members are engaged at the corners by holding means which have sockets to receive the elongated members, and specially shaped outer edges which engage a substantial portion of the peripheral seam at the corners. The elongated members cross one another in the middle of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1990Date of Patent: July 16, 1991Assignee: Samsonite CorporationInventor: William L. King
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Patent number: 5010988Abstract: A carrying case specifically adapted for use in carrying lap top computers, printers, fax machines and the like comprising a case having an outer shell formed of a durable waterproofed material and a case interior including a main storage compartment and a secondary storage compartment. An expansion zone formed on a surrounding side wall structure allows the secondary storage compartment to be adjustable between a collapsed stowed position and an expanded operative position thereby providing a second compartment to store computer equipment. The carrying case further includes a shock barrier construction defined by a layer of shock absorbent material fitted between the exterior shell and an inner lining in surrounding protecting relation to the case interior.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1990Date of Patent: April 30, 1991Inventor: Lauren Brown
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Patent number: 5009319Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1987Date of Patent: April 23, 1991Inventor: Ellen E. Jantzen
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Patent number: 5005679Abstract: The present invention provides a tote bag equipped with a flexible, durable and lightweight cooling chamber. The cooling chamber is comprised of a cooling compartment secured to an uninsulated portion of a tote bag, a cooling chamber housed within the compartment, a flexible external housing member which externally circumscribes the chamber and forms a protective covering, a flexible insulative liner internally disposed within the housing member and enveloping the cooling chamber and a cooler compartment accessing port for access to the cooling chamber. The cooling compartment may also be equipped with means for removing the insulative liner from the housing member and also for detachably removing the housing member from the uninsulated portions of the tote bag.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1990Date of Patent: April 9, 1991Inventor: Kurt R. Hjelle
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Patent number: 5004091Abstract: A carrying case has a box and a lid. The box and lid are both compression-molded from a laminate of fabric-foam-fabric. The lid is hinged to the box along one edge. A slide fastener interconnects the remaining free edges of the box and lid to close the lid to the box.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1990Date of Patent: April 2, 1991Assignee: American Tourister, Inc.Inventors: Bradford J. Natho, George L. Andrade, John M. Wheaton, Wayne I. Schmitt
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Patent number: 4993526Abstract: A protective pad for an article of luggage and an article of luggage with a protective pad are disclosed. The pad has a foot section spacing the base from any surface luggage, the foot section spacing the base from any surface underlying the article of luggage when rested thereon. A side guard is integral with the foot section and extends from the foot section, the side guard having a proximal leg to be disposed on the base of the luggage, adjacent the foot section, and a distal leg oriented at an angle to the proximal leg such that the side guard defines a protective projection extending from the luggage at the feet around a lower corner of the article of luggage and up a sidewall. A shank can be embedded in a connecting section molded between the feet, and holes can be provided for receiving fasteners extending through the feet and also through the distal end of the side guard. At least some of the holes and fasteners can be aligned to the side guard, for bearing a tensile load.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1988Date of Patent: February 19, 1991Assignee: Lenox IncorporatedInventor: David C. Morrison
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Patent number: 4984662Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1989Date of Patent: January 15, 1991Assignee: SGI Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey M. Jacober
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Patent number: 4932506Abstract: A cover for the front and/or the back of a carrying case with a semi-rigid frame, and comprising a lining and an outer panel. The outer panel has a main central portion and a gusset member around the periphery of the central portion which are connected together through an inner welt, and which are spaced apart by a reinforcement member located in each of the four corners of the outer panel. The lining and outer panel are connected together through an outer welt around the outer peripheral edge of the cover. This second welt is concentric with the first welt, the construction of the cover being such that the outer panel is in a dome-shaped configuration for a unique appearance and additional content holding capacity for the compartments of the case.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1989Date of Patent: June 12, 1990Assignee: Airway Industries, Inc.Inventor: Hyun S. Kim
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Patent number: 4921151Abstract: A bicycle rear carrier pack has a rigid interior insulating receptacle and a removable, flexible outer enclosure that fits snugly over the receptacle. An insulating sheet is secured to the top of the enclosure to cover the receptacle when the top of the enclosure is closed, and an insulating bead at least partially thermally seals the top to the receptacle when the pack is closed.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1985Date of Patent: May 1, 1990Assignee: Cannondale CorporationInventor: Anna E. Duvall
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Patent number: 4913074Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing reinforced leather portfolio having wide opening top and concealed name tag, the wide opening top of the portfolio is provided by a novel subassembly of sides and bottom in which the top of the side portions of the subassembly is from 10 to 25% wider, preferably 20% wider than the bottom which provides much easier access to removing the contents of the center section of the portfolio. The two top-widened sides and the bottom of the subassembly comprise stitched together sheets of leather which are sewed to the envelope side panels of the portfolio and these sides and bottom panels are reinforced in an entirely new location at the center by a separate strap of continuous length going from the top of one side around the bottom and up the other side and which is stitched to provide a central load carrying strap secured to the sides and bottom which prevents tearing away from the envelope panels to which they are stitched.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1988Date of Patent: April 3, 1990Inventor: Frank Saliba
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Patent number: 4828081Abstract: Various systems have been proposed for providing personal identification information in conjunction with luggage pieces. Recently there has been concern that such personal identifying information should not be broadly or notoriously displayed. Thus, I.D. tags having a flap covering this personal identification information have been offered to the public. Information on such tags still can be relatively easily viewed, and the tags can become lost or pulled off of the luggage through ordinary baggage handling. The disclosed system includes an identification panel which is flush with a panel of the luggage and is normally protected by the luggage construction itself, specifically a web tangent to and affixed permanently to the outer covering of that luggage panel. The identification panel includes an elastic member which holds the identification panel against all but determined intentional effort to withdraw the panel from underneath the web.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1988Date of Patent: May 9, 1989Assignee: Samsonite CorporationInventors: Mark B. Nordstrom, Guenther E. Patzelberger
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Patent number: 4825506Abstract: An improved case handle structure for a folding case with a retractable handle, wherein the improvement comprises a case made of multiple layers consisting of an inner lining, a first stiffening element, a foam element, a second stiffening element and an outer skin, and wherein the legs of the retractable handle are movably positioned between the first stiffening element and the foam element.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1988Date of Patent: May 2, 1989Inventor: Nathan Weltz