Reinforced Patents (Class 190/127)
  • Patent number: 12152340
    Abstract: A high-capacity laundry bag convenient for dragging and taking clothes, and foldable for storage, includes a bag body. The laundry bag further includes a bottom pull window convenient for reaching out for clothes, disposed on a side of a bottom of the bag body, a capacity expansion layer capable of expanding clothes holding capacity, disposed at a top of the bag body, and a rolling wheel capable of supporting and moving the bag body, disposed at the bottom of the bag body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Inventor: Guanxin Chen
  • Patent number: 11653730
    Abstract: Luggage or apparatus for carrying items where a frame member collapses to allow the front to collapse toward the back to reduce the volume of the apparatus for shipping or storage. The frame member may extend: across the left side, along the bottom, from the left side to the right side, across the right side, from the back to the front, or a combination thereof. The bottom may include a folding bottom board attached with a fabric hinge. Shoulder straps may be stored in a front compartment to carry the apparatus as a backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Osprey Packs, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Meyer, Hanh Doan, James J. Matthews
  • Patent number: 9999283
    Abstract: A collapsible luggage includes a lower part forming an open-topped box having a substantially rigid bottom and a substantially rigid sidewall substantially perpendicular to the bottom. The collapsible suitcase includes a collapsible upper part having a plurality of panels, each panel of the plurality of panels having a top edge, and a bottom edge pivotally joined to the upper edge of the sidewall so that each panel may be rotated between a deployed position substantially parallel to the sidewall and a collapsed position with the panel folded into the interior of the lower part, at least one substantially rigid corner brace attached to one of the panels, and at least one fastener that attaches each corner brace to the interior surface of a second panel, adjacent to the first panel, of the plurality of panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Boban Jose
  • Patent number: 9854887
    Abstract: Provided is a rolling backpack that may be carried over a user's shoulder with shoulder straps and also be pulled with wheels. The rolling backpack includes a receiving pocket for receiving shoulder straps in a back of a main body, dual wheels coupled to both sides of a lower portion of the main body via shafts and each comprising a pair of wheels, the wheels being integrally coupled to each other to be rotated in the same direction or the wheels being independent from each other to be rotated in the same direction or in different directions, a wheel cover coupled to a lower portion of the back of the main body and spread downwards to cover the wheels, and a protector coupled to the lower portion of the main body in such a way as to extend from a front to a side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPIA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Chris Yu
  • Patent number: 9321558
    Abstract: An insert assembly (fitment) includes a container mounting element, a spout element carried by the mounting element, at least one support element and a grasp element suspended by the support element(s) below the mounting element. The grasp element provides a skeleton within a pouch-type flexible container, against which a user can grasp and squeeze the flexible container for mixing or drinking Optionally or alternatively, a mixing element is suspended by the support element(s). The mixing element impinge upon at least a portion of fluid within the container to create turbulence, thereby promoting mixing of powdered material disposed within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Perimeter Brand Packaging, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Callahan, David Honan, Shane Yellin, Mark A. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20150129384
    Abstract: A luggage article may include at least one panel attached to other walls to form the luggage article. The at least one panel may be framed by rods and/or a coil spring member connected to corner pieces to form a peripheral frame that extends around and is attached to and supports the periphery of a lamina to thereby form a framed panel that is attached to the other walls to form the luggage article. The configuration of the rods, coil spring member and the corner pieces may result in reduced weight and improved memory and elasticity comparative to conventional frames, and may offer an improvement and alternative to conventional luggage frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Annelies Mertens, Reinhard Meersschaert
  • Publication number: 20150114776
    Abstract: Accordingly an aspect of the present invention provides a frame structure for a soft sided luggage case comprising a frame that can be thermoformed from a single piece of thermoplastic material and folded into a final form to provide structure for a soft sided luggage case. Conveniently, combinations of a base and at least one side portions of the bag can hingeably connected with living hinges to provide easy and fast assembly while permitting more efficient stacking for packing and shipping. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a frame for a soft sided luggage case. The frame includes a base portion having a perimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: David L. Mathieu, Joseph Paul
  • Patent number: 8961013
    Abstract: A self-supporting, rigid, and collapsible reusable bag made from flexible material and having a bottom, two first sidewalls, two second sidewalls, a top opening, and rigid insert. A rigid full-wall board is embedded in each of the two first sidewalls. A rigid insert comprised of at least one pair of sidewalls and bottom with substantially similar dimensions to the second sidewalls and bottom of the bag are placed in the interior and in frictional contact with the second sidewalls and bottom of the bag. The rigid insert sidewalls are held in place with securing devices located on the interior upper corners of the sidewalls of the bag. The bag can be collapsed by moving the rigid insert away from the second sidewalls and bottom to allow the second sidewalls to fold either inward or outward. A full-wall pocket is provided for each first sidewall to receive the full-wall board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Erica Bush
  • Publication number: 20150047940
    Abstract: A shielded briefcase for personal protection is presented. The shielded briefcase includes a folding panel with four folding sections that fold to form the briefcase, with each of the sections further including flexible shielded panels. The shielded briefcase may also include securing handles and an opening lock. In the event of an attack, the opening lock may be released and the flexible shielded panels may unfold to provide a user with protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Carolina Ballesteros Casas
  • Patent number: 8901442
    Abstract: The present invention is a smart luggage having an outer case and an inner case with a weight determination mechanism therebetween in electrical communication with a circuit having firmware and an exterior electronic display. The circuit further incorporates a GPS locator and a transponder, whereby a user having a mobile device enabled with tracking software may be able to locate and retrieve lost or stolen luggage. Also provided within the smart luggage is a camera that can take one or more pictures when the smart luggage is opened by a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Guillermo Dilone
  • Publication number: 20140144741
    Abstract: A travel bag protective structure includes corner guard members respectively and symmetrically mounted at two opposite lateral sides of each of two hinged cover shells of the travel bag and protruding over the outside walls of the cover shells, and protective bars respectively and transversely mounted at the outside walls of the hinged cover shells and connected between each two corner guard members and protruding over the outside walls of the cover shells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: WEI-HUNG LAI
  • Patent number: 8708351
    Abstract: A rolling tool bag is described. The tool bag can include a tool bag body comprising an open topped storage volume. The tool bag body including interior facings, exterior facings enclosing first and second body reinforcing members that reinforce a bottom wall, a back wall, a right side wall, a front wall, and a left side wall of the tool bag body. The interior and exterior facings are coupled to form first and second compartments with the first and second body reinforcing members disposed therein. The tool bag also includes an axle-handle stabilizing member attached to the tool bag body; an axle coupled to the axle-handle stabilizing member; and a handle rigidly coupled to said axle-handle stabilizing member. First and second wheels are attached to opposite ends of the axle. The wheels are located outside the right side wall and the left side wall, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: LF Centennial Ltd.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Kinskey, Matthew G. Williams
  • Patent number: 8695770
    Abstract: Generally, embodiments discussed herein may include an article of softside luggage including flexible portions formed from flexible material and a rigid or semi-rigid reinforcing member. One embodiment may take the form of a wheeled duffel including a base wall, a top wall opposite the base wall, a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the base wall to the top wall, a top end wall, and a bottom end wall opposite the top end wall. The wheeled duffel may further include a reinforcing member forming the top and bottom end walls and extending along the base wall from the top end wall to the bottom end wall. The reinforcing member may have an hourglass shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Dirk Santy
  • Patent number: 8668064
    Abstract: One example may be directed to a luggage case including a first wire frame element forming at least a partial shape of a main body, an inner material attached at least in part to the first wire frame element, an outer material positioned over the first wire frame element, and a second wire frame element attached at least in part to the inner material and the outer material. The outer material is not attached to the first wire frame element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings S.a. r.l.
    Inventors: Dirk Santy, Luc K. F. Huyghe
  • Patent number: 8636123
    Abstract: Luggage cases of the soft-side construction are perceived to be lighter than hard-side cases. However, many rigidifying elements in soft-side cases tend to add to the weight of a soft-side luggage case. This reduces its weight advantage over molded shell luggage cases. Using a textile body in the luggage case to form both the grip of a carry handle and a portion of the outer surface of the luggage helps reduce the weight of the luggage. The textile body may be attached to a thin resilient wire hoop to resist distortion of the luggage case when is it lifted by the handle. This construction saves weight in comparison to conventional luggage case constructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Dirk Santy, Joris Smeuninx, George Teixeira, Kenzo Yoneno
  • Patent number: 8499804
    Abstract: A bag includes a body portion defining a pouch having an open end and a strengthening rib. A strap of the bag has a first end connected to the body portion adjacent a first side of the open end, and a locking mechanism is connected to the body portion adjacent a second side of the open end. The locking mechanism is arranged to releasably engage a second end of the strap such that the bag can be connected to immovable objects to prevent theft of the bag. Further, a closing mechanism is disposed on the body portion and arranged to close the open end. The closing mechanism has a moveable head that is arranged to engage the second end of the strap when the strap is engaged with the locking mechanism, such that unauthorized access to the contents of the open end is prevented when the bag is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Sarah Schulte
  • Patent number: 8382373
    Abstract: The invention provides a wear protector device, system and method. The device including a first protective layer configured to cover a wear-point of a utility bag, and a reinforcement covering connected over a portion of the first layer. The reinforcement covering including a flat portion and a raised portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Custom LeatherCraft Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Dancyger
  • Patent number: 8256591
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a support mechanism for luggage, and more specifically to a support mechanism for luggage having U-shaped recesses within which telescoping handle tubes are positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: eBags, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard H. Majeau
  • Patent number: 8245825
    Abstract: A remote cinching device 14 comprising a resiliency mechanism 15 and 16, a force-transferring device 17, and a cinching device 28, 30, 32 enhances luggage, totes, briefs, and other transport and/or storage devices. The resiliency mechanism biases the luggage in an open condition, while the cinching device, located remotely from the areas undergoing the highest levels of expansion force (the top and bottom ends of an upright luggage case, for example), allows effective, easy, and visually pleasing compression of the case once it has been closed. The cinch is carried by force-transferring structures 17, by which the act of cinching is made even more efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings S.ar.l.
    Inventors: Kenzo Yoneno, Luc Huyghe, Dirk Santy, William L. King
  • Patent number: 8186505
    Abstract: An expansible ballistic containment bag is adapted for safely storing weapons ammunition. The containment bag includes a blast-resistant flexible body defining an ammunition storage compartment, and having an access opening to the storage compartment for receiving weapons ammunition. A reinforcement webbing is attached to an outside of the flexible body, and incorporates an arrangement of spaced-apart longitudinal straps and spaced-apart lateral straps. At least one of the spaced-apart longitudinal straps extends substantially from one end of the flexible body to an opposite end of the flexible body, and is substantially continuously affixed along its length to the outside of the flexible body. At least two of the spaced-apart lateral straps substantial encircle the flexible body, and are substantially discontinuously affixed along their respective lengths to the containment bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Armorworks Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Kent D. Saucedo
  • Patent number: 8181834
    Abstract: A backpack comprises a load carrying section with a forwardly facing front panel. A pair of mutually spaced sleeves are joined to and border the sides of the front panel. An injection molded generally U-shaped partial perimeter frame has a base bordering a bottom of the front panel, with arms projecting from the base and into the sleeves on the sides of the panel. The load carrying section of the backpack is comprised principally of fabric. The front panel is flexible and has a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the fabric forming other portions of the backpack. In one embodiment, the front panel is integrally stiffened. In another embodiment, the front panel forms a pocket configured and dimensioned to accept a flexible stiffening plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Here be Dragons;LLC
    Inventor: Frank A. Howell
  • Patent number: 8172077
    Abstract: A portable container includes a first half-shell pivotally connected to a second half-shell to form at least one releasably sealed compartment, wherein each half-shell includes a substantially flat, rectangular portion having walls extending from each edge of the rectangular portion; an opening substantially centered in the first half-shell sized for a cylindrical rod attached to a tripod, the rod having a base portion larger than its extension portion; and a support assembly within the first half-shell having a substantially flat base portion sized to increase strength and rigidity and including a receptacle to the extension portion of the cylindrical rod, the receptacle and extension including corresponding fastener openings so that a fastener device secures the portable container to the cylindrical rod, whereby the portable container is supported by the base portion, the support assembly provides stability to the portable container, and the portable container is rotatable upon the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Jack D. Gray
  • Patent number: 8123007
    Abstract: The invention provides a carry-on wheeled luggage (1) for photographic equipment that has an interior compartment (80) deep enough to accommodate a large article of photographic equipment such as at least a 400 mm 2.8 f-stop aperture telephoto lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Think Tank Photo, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Harland Murdoch, Michael Sturm
  • Publication number: 20120006640
    Abstract: Generally, embodiments discussed herein may include an article of softside luggage including flexible portions formed from flexible material and a rigid or semi-rigid reinforcing member. One embodiment may take the form of a wheeled duffel including a base wall, a top wall opposite the base wall, a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the base wall to the top wall, a top end wall, and a bottom end wall opposite the top end wall. The wheeled duffel may further include a reinforcing member forming the top and bottom end walls and extending along the base wall from the top end wall to the bottom end wall. The reinforcing member may have an hourglass shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Samsonite IP Holdings S.a.r.l
    Inventor: Dirk Santy
  • Patent number: 8074798
    Abstract: A tool tote that is collapsible to reduce storage space is disclosed. The tool tote may be generally rectangular and include an upper opening facilitating access into the main compartment of the tote. The tote may include a removable rigidity enhancement device enabling the tote to be a self supporting tote when fully erected and enabling the tote to be collapsible when the rigidity enhancement device is pivoted out of position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Union Rich USA LLC
    Inventors: Matthew G. Williams, Terrence P. Kinskey
  • Publication number: 20110284334
    Abstract: A suitcase includes a case body having a housing and a protective cover covering the housing of the case body. The protective cover has a plurality of air cushions abutting the housing. Thus, the protective cover entirely covers the housing to protect the housing so as to prevent the housing from being scratched, worn or broken due to hit or collision by a foreign object. In addition, the air cushions are located between the protective cover and the housing so that when the protective cover is subjected to an external force, the air cushions of the protective cover provide an elastic buffering effect to the housing of the case body so as to protect the housing of the case body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Chao-Ming Cheng
  • Patent number: 8028730
    Abstract: A purse comprising a base formed of rigid transparent or translucent material, and a removable liner that is to be inserted in the base of the purse so as to be visible from outside the base, the removable liner being provided in a plurality of colors and textures and patterns and being made of a pliable, sturdy material, wherein the liner provider a creative, decorative design for the purse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventors: Carolyn Whiting, Rebecca S. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 7984797
    Abstract: A rolling soft sided luggage case enclosing a volume and having opposing sidewalls, the sidewalls being supported by a tubular strut frame structure independent of the wheel housings mounted at the rear corners of the case. A straddle bracket affixed to a middle region of a side edge of the structural base joins the rear sidewall strut to the rigid base without engaging the wheel housing in order to facilitate ease of construction and repair of the wheel bracket. The levered portion of the base to which the wheel housing is affixed serves as a dampened swing arm on which the luggage case is sprung in order to isolate the structural frame of the case from bumps while being rolled and to and dampen shocks to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Delsey Luggage, Inc.
    Inventor: David Bieber
  • Patent number: 7950509
    Abstract: A dual compartment, dual open mouth tool bag is fabricated from flexible material forming the side and top panels of the bag and the dual access openings. Each of the separate open mouth openings provides separate access to an individual compartment within the bag. The compartments may, in an alternative embodiment, be connected one to the other or may be separated by an intermediate open top storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Travel Caddy, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrezj M. Redzisz
  • Patent number: 7896143
    Abstract: A portable container system includes a collapsible frame, a shell attached to the frame and defining a volume, wheels attached to the bottom of the frame, and a pull bar assembly comprising a removable attachment member that removably attaches the pull bar assembly to the frame. The removable attachment member is contractible so it disengages from the frame when contracted and it engages the frame when expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Mascot Metropolitan Inc.
    Inventor: Sui Yuan Lawn Lee
  • Publication number: 20100133130
    Abstract: A tool bag that includes a base with a first and second endwall attached at opposite end regions of the base. The tool bag includes a handle rotatably attached to a first handle opening in an upper portion of the first endwall and a second handle opening in an upper portion of the second endwall. The handle having first and second base mating end portions disposed within the handle openings and terminating facing an interior of the tool bag body. The handle openings can be reinforced by a grommet with flange portions on inside and outside surfaces of the endwalls. The bag being convertible between a closed tool box and an open tool bag and including a tool wall for simply, secure storage of tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Union Rich USA
    Inventors: Matthew G. Williams, Terrence P. Kinskey
  • Publication number: 20100133131
    Abstract: A tool bag comprising a base with a first endwall attached at a first end region of the base and a second endwall attached a second end region of the base opposite the first end. The tool bag also includes a tool wall attached to the first endwall and the second endwall, and at least one bracket. Each of the at least one brackets can include two legs extending perpendicular to one another. The first endwall can include a rigid, stabilizing sheet and the tool wall can include a rigid, stabilizing member extending longitudinally along the length of the tool bag. The first leg of the first bracket can be attached to the first endwall and a second leg of the first bracket can be attached to a first end region of the rigid, stabilizing element. The tool wall can include a plurality of high-density, secure-storage pockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Union Rich USA
    Inventors: Matthew G. Williams, Terrence P. Kinskey
  • Publication number: 20100133129
    Abstract: A tool bag that includes a tool bag body formed from a base with first and second endwalls attached to opposite end portions of the base. The tool bag body also includes a first sidewall attached to a side of the tool bag body that is releasably attached to the first endwall and releasably attached to the second endwall, and a second sidewall attached to a second side of the tool bag body opposite the first sidewall. The second sidewall includes a sidewall section flexibly joined to a cover section, where the sidewall section is releasably attached to vertical portions of the first endwall and the second endwall. The removable cover is removably attachable to a top portion of the first and second endwalls. The tool bag can also include a rotatable handle and a tool wall for simple, secure storage of tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Union Rich USA
    Inventors: Matthew G. WILLIAMS, Terrence P. KINSKEY
  • Patent number: 7617917
    Abstract: A carry bag for pets includes a construction that has a general rectangular, parallelepiped configuration and incorporates first and second mesh flaps which may be folded to provide for easy ingress and egress of a pet from the bag. The flaps are designed to be retained in an open condition by means of magnetic catches. The configuration of the carry bag is designed to enhance the comfort of a pet retained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Travel Caddy, Inc.
    Inventors: Du Hai, Andrezj M. Redzisz
  • Publication number: 20090120752
    Abstract: A collapsible piece of luggage is disclosed. The piece of luggage may have wheels and an extendable and retractable handle. The sidewall, bottom and cover of the luggage have sufficient rigidity to hold their own shape and may be folded into a storage configuration in which the piece of luggage is smaller in width and depth. Additionally, the luggage includes an expansion feature that allows the luggage cover to expand outward pyramidally so as to increase the storage volume of the luggage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Max Mirani, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bettua, Kiran Joseph, Rachel Matthai
  • Publication number: 20090114494
    Abstract: A collapsible piece of luggage is disclosed. The piece of luggage may have wheels and an extendable and retractable handle. The sidewall, bottom and cover of the luggage have sufficient rigidity to hold their own shape and may be folded into a storage configuration in which the piece of luggage is smaller in width and depth. Additionally, the luggage includes an expansion feature that allows the luggage cover to expand outward pyramidally so as to increase the storage volume of the luggage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: MAX MIRANI, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bettua, Kiran Joseph, Rachel Matthai
  • Patent number: 7500547
    Abstract: A collapsible piece of luggage is disclosed. The piece of luggage may have wheels and an extendable and retractable handle. The sidewall, bottom and cover of the luggage have sufficient rigidity to hold their own shape and may be folded into a storage configuration in which the piece of luggage is smaller in width and depth. Additionally, the luggage includes an expansion feature that allows the luggage cover to expand outward pyramidally so as to increase the storage volume of the luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Max Mirani LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bettua, Kiran Joseph, Rachel Matthai
  • Patent number: 7451861
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible utility bag which may, for example, be sized to fit within an athletic locker. The utility bag is generally rectangular in shape with a door that is hingedly attached to the front of the utility bag. Top and bottom rigid panels are provided, which are hinged or removable, and when in position support a top wall and a bottom wall. Removable side panels provide rigidity to side walls. Generally rectangular frames may be incorporated into the utility bag to provide further rigid support to the front and the rear of the bag. The utility bag can be collapsed for easy storage or shipping by removing the side panels, detaching the top and bottom panels, and collapsing the front of the bag towards the rear of the bag. A method for utilizing the present invention as a vehicle for advertising is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Sun Coast Merchandise Corporation
    Inventor: Dilip Bhavnani
  • Patent number: 7434683
    Abstract: A protective case includes a first shell member and a second shell member connected generally in a clam shell manner. Each shell includes a centrally disposed rigid portion. Each shell member further includes a first flexible portion, which extends from a first side of the rigid portion to adjacent the first side wall boundary of the case, so as to form a portion of the top wall boundary and the bottom wall boundary of the case. A second flexible portion also extends from the second side of the rigid portion to adjacent the second side wall boundary of the case. A zipper is disposed along the top wall boundary and extends from the first side wall boundary to the second side wall boundary. The zipper operatively connects the rigid portion and the flexible portions of the first shell member to the respective corresponding rigid portion and first and second flexible portions of the second shell member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Plano Molding Company
    Inventors: Mike Harper, Scott Skurdalsvold, Jeffrey Allen Guyer, Charles Schmucker
  • Patent number: 7392888
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Allen Lai
  • Publication number: 20080078636
    Abstract: A combination travel bag having a cloth body, a top frame and a bottom frame and two rectangular side open frames respectively fastened to the openings on the top, bottom and two opposite lateral sides of said cloth body, two side panels respectively covered with a covering and respectively fastened to said rectangular side open frames, and two decoration strips respectively fastened to said rectangular side open frames around the covering at each of said side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Wei-Hung Lai
  • Patent number: 7331454
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Travel Caddy Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Andrezj M. Redzisz
  • Patent number: 7314126
    Abstract: A collapsible bag construction includes a telescoping handle mounted on a bracket with a portion of the bracket extending along the bottom edge of the collapsible bag and cooperative with a supplement or auxiliary rigid bottom panel that may be removed to permit the collapsible bag to be folded for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Travelon
    Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Andrezj Redzisz
  • Patent number: 7188714
    Abstract: A travel bag includes two major components; specifically, a bag member and a base member. These components are formed to matingly fit together and to be permanently attached to one another via rivets. The bag member incorporates additional features including a reinforcement system of webbing with longitudinal and circumferal portions. Also, the bag includes accessory pockets, a taper and padding, zippered opening, ā€˜Dā€™-ring, among others. The base member features include wheels, reinforcement ribbing, seamless and cornerless joints, surface relief indicia among others. In addition, the travel bag as a whole enjoys a new arrangement of all parts and systems which provides for an extremely durable and rugged device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: West Coast Trends, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Herold
  • Patent number: 7090399
    Abstract: A rectangular parallelepiped carrying case is fabricated from a fabric or other flexible material and includes at least three wire rod reinforcement members extending between lateral sides of the carrying case generally adjacent at least two of the top peripheral edges forming the carrying case. The wire rods are retained by an extra layer of fabric which effectively encapsulates the wire rods or rigid members that extend between opposite lateral sides of the carrying case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Travel Caddy, Inc. D/B/A Travelon
    Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Andrejz M. Redzisz
  • Patent number: 7048101
    Abstract: A collapsible bag construction includes a telescoping handle mounted on a bracket with a portion of the bracket extending along the bottom edge of the collapsible bag and cooperative with a supplemental or auxiliary rigid bottom panel that may be removed to permit the collapsible bag to be folded for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Travelon
    Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Andrezj Redzisz
  • Patent number: 7048102
    Abstract: A collapsible bag construction includes a telescoping handle mounted on a bracket with a portion of the bracket extending along the bottom edge of the collapsible bag and cooperative with a supplemental or auxiliary rigid bottom panel that may be removed to permit the collapsible bag to be folded for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Travel Caddy, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Andrezj Redzisz
  • Patent number: 7021437
    Abstract: An apparatus for the containment of objects includes a container having at least one expandable portion that includes an expandable surface and a plurality of elastomers connected to the container and to the expandable portion that normally supplies a force to the expandable surface to retract it toward the container. When the objects exceed the normal volume in the container and the container is closed, the elastomers expand where needed and to a minimum extent as needed sufficient to accommodate the objects. When the objects do not exceed the normal volume and the container is closed, the elastomers automatically retract the expandable portion into a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Mohssen Ghiassi
  • Patent number: 6971517
    Abstract: An attache style toolbox with an outer frame includes two hollow half bodies (10) to hold multiple tools and an outer frame (20) to hold the two half bodies (10). Each half body (10) has multiple strips (12) formed on an outer periphery of the half body (10) and multiple through holes (147) defined inside the half body (10). The outer frame (20) is composed of two shells (22), and each shell (22) accommodates one half body (10) and has two strip recesses (224) mating with the strip (12) on the half body (10). Each shell (22) further has multiple retaining posts (29) extending inward to respectively engage the multiple through holes (147) and be held together by threaded rods. Therefore, the outer frame (20) is firmly combined with the two half bodies (10) to provide protection and attractiveness to the attache style toolbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Kun-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 6953110
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Dirk Santy, Clemens Van Himbeeck