Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include articles incorporating fibrous fragments of mats of silica fibers and methods for producing such articles. The fiber mats may be formed via electrospinning of a sol gel produced with a silicon alkoxide reagent, such as tetraethyl ortho silicate, alcohol solvent, and an acid catalyst.

Abstract: A shipping container formed from a single piece of flexible planar material as a continuous and contiguous structure foldable into a reusable, knock-down box. The shell body comprises a fabric or mesh and includes a semi-rigid bottom panel and a zipper disposed within an end panel securing an end panel flap. A pair of opposing handles are formed in the end portion and a resealable label pouch is affixed to a top panel.

Abstract: A collapsible travel case includes a plurality of panels that are each non-removably secured to at least one other panel of the plurality of panels. Each panel of a subset of the panels may be removably secured to another panel of the subset of panels such that the plurality of panels define a substantially cuboid shape. A top panel may define a top opening with a closure mechanism. A bottom panel may be foldable and insertable within the top opening with other panels of the plurality of panels folded between the top panel and the bottom panel. The bottom panel may include a retractable stiffening element. Panels may define openings through which flaps secured to other panels may insert and be secured within using fastening material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bag or purse for containing valuables. The bag or purse includes a rigid endoskeleton, an exterior covering disposed over the rigid endoskeleton, a lock assembly coupled to the endoskeleton, a biometric sensor and a microcontroller. The lock assembly prevents access to the interior space when the lock assembly is in a locked state. The lock assembly includes a handle and an actuator. The actuator is arranged within the lock assembly to selectively allow the lock assembly to unlock from a locked state. The microcontroller is programmed to determine whether an input provided to the biometric sensor corresponds with an authorized user and, if affirmative, activate the actuator to allow the lock assembly to achieve the unlocked state, and if negative, to not allow the lock assembly to achieve the unlocked state. A quick release cross body shoulder strap and GPS tracking feature can also be provided.

Abstract: A luggage case for children includes a case body and a case lid portion installed on the case body, wherein the case body is provided with a first and second case board, a fixing member, a support column, a magnetic buckle, a drawstring set, a wire rope, a rivet and a metal ring fixedly connected to the wire rope, the first and second case board fixedly connected to the fixing member through the rivet, the rivet fixedly connecting the support column to the first and second case board, the magnetic buckle provided with a base fixedly installed on the first case board and a drawstring buckle, the second box board provided with a clamping slot, and the drawstring set fixedly installed in the clamping slot, wherein when the metal ring is engaged with the drawstring buckle, the luggage case is capable of being towed or shoulder-carried by the wire cord.

Abstract: The invention discloses an airtight thermal insulation with a large opening therein, comprising a base, a tableware box, a thermal insulation body, a zipper enclosure, an iron wire frame and a strap, wherein the side of the base has the tableware box, the top thereof has the body; the side of the body has an outer pocket, the left and right sides thereof have a handle above the pocket, the interior thereof has the inner lining; two sides of the inner lining top have a zipper tail strap extendedly, the periphery thereof has the velcro; the body top edge has a zipper enclosure; two sides of the enclosure have a side patch top, the enclosure is internally embedded with the iron wire frame comprising left and right ones. The overall structure is simple, the sealing effect is good, the large opening effect is achieved and it has certain promotion value.

Abstract: A sleeve case is for a portable electronic device (e.g., laptop computer or electronic tablet device) and includes neoprene or fabric panels attached to an elastic polymer frame, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The elastic polymer frame extends around a perimeter of the sleeve to provide cushioning or padding for side edges of the sleeve. A magnetic or other latching mechanism is used to secure an opening on one side of the sleeve.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a corner protector including a strip-shaped corner bead and a connector for connecting the corner bead, wherein the corner bead encloses a rectangular area, and the connector is connected between two adjacent sides of the corner beads. The corner protector of the present disclosure adopts a connector to connect the corner bead with higher hardness, which can ensure that the top edge of the package structure has higher hardness and is not easily broken. The corner protector can be split and assembled as needed, has the advantages of low cost, simple manufacture, simple transportation and storage, and convenient assembly and use.

Abstract: A hard-shell luggage includes two shells connected together to form a storage space therein. Each of the shells has a rigid panel and an annular frame connected together. Two stop mechanisms are provided on the shells to be abutted against the rigid panels respectively to stop a movement of the panels so as to increase a structural strength of the luggage.

Abstract: In one form, a security handbag is provided that includes an interior security panel assembly with a matrix of wires secured between a pair of material layers. The interior security panel assembly can be positioned intermediate the bag outside wall and a lining of the bag. A strap with security cable and a carabiner attachment device can be attached to the handbag. Methods for forming such security panel assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a customized carrying bag includes a frame that defines a periphery and an interior compartment. The frame has a top, a bottom, and a pair of opposite sides that extend between and interconnect the ends of the top and the bottom. The frame may also include an upper rear flange adjacent the top and a pair of lower rear flanges adjacent the bottom and each of the sides. A plurality of frame brackets is secured onto the top, the bottom, the sides, the upper rear flange and the lower rear flanges of the frame. One or more connector pieces are attached to certain ones of the frame brackets. An accessory component, such as a pair of straps, a strap, a handle and/or an extensible handle, is attached to the connector piece so as to create a customized carrying bag.

Abstract: A piece of luggage (100, 298) may include front, rear, top, bottom, right, and left sides or faces (102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112) that define an enclosed space. The enclosed space may be divided into one or more compartments. The luggage piece may further include at least one zipper (124) to access the enclosed space. The at least one zipper may include a zipper track (132), at least one zipper slider (134), and at least one zipper tab (136). The luggage piece may further include a frame (138, 300) that generally defines the shape of the luggage piece. The frame may include upper and lower bodies (140, 142, 144, 146, 302, 304) that are joined together by elongated structural members (148, 150, 306), such as pultrusions or closed wire loops. The upper bodies may substantially define the top side of the luggage piece, and the lower bodies may substantially define the bottom side of the luggage piece. The upper and lower bodies may be molded, hard bodies.

Abstract: Frame structures (106a, 106b, 206) for luggage pieces (100) formed of one or more frame supports (110, 210) and one or more frame elements (108) may be assembled with the luggage piece. Luggage pieces may include an outer layer (102), an inner layer (104), and at least one frame structure (106a, 106b, 206) with one or more frame elements (108) and one or more frame supports (110, 210). The frame elements (108) may be joined to the inner layer (104), the outer layer (102), or both, and may be arranged between the outer layer (102) and the inner layer (104). The frame supports (110, 210) may be joined to the outer layer (104), and one or more frame elements (108) may be joined to the frame supports (110, 210). The frame structures (106a, 106b, 206) may provide support and/or reinforcement to the luggage piece (100).

Abstract: A luggage item may include a first and second outer portions defining an inner compartment of the luggage item and a closing mechanism. At least one of the first outer portion or the second outer portion may include a frame structure and a relatively flexible cover member. The closing mechanism may be configured to operably engage a peripheral edge of each of the outer portions and configured to selectively open and close the luggage item. The frame structure may include a first frame member. The first frame member may form at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the at least one of the first outer portion or the second outer portion. The first frame member may define a width dimension extending in a direction away from the peripheral edge. The relatively flexible cover member and the closing mechanism may be joined to the first frame member by a common sewn attachment.

Abstract: A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit includes a rigid exo-skeletal frame and a flexible storage bag that couples to the rigid exo-skeletal frame while within an open storage region framed by the exo-skeletal frame. The mobile storage unit also includes a top seat portion and stabilizing features that extend and retract from the rigid exo-skeletal frame to support the mobile storage unit in the upright position. The mobile storage unit can also include a monitoring device for transmitting signals that are used to determine the location of the mobile storage unit.

Abstract: An article of luggage comprises a suitcase with a substantially cuboid fabric structure supported by a frame. A set of wheels and an upward and rearward projecting handle are mounted on the frame. The suitcase is stable in an upright position. A user may incline the handle of the suitcase rearward from the upright position to wheel the suitcase. Thus, the suitcase need not be orientated far from the vertical when being wheeled by a user. The handle may be fixed but is preferably telescopic. The frame has a plurality of elongate members connected to form a frame base and a frame top spaced apart by diagonal length members connected between the front of the base and the rear of the top. The handle is mounted to the diagonal length members and the wheels are mounted to the frame base.

Abstract: An article of luggage includes a built-in scale that slides into and out of a base. When the scale is disposed within the base, the user can measure the weight of the luggage. When the scale is external to the base, the user can weigh him or herself.

Abstract: A luggage support structure is disclosed to include a frame member where at least a portion of the frame member comprises titanium. In one embodiment, the support structure further includes a plate member near the top of the luggage to provide additional support.

Abstract: A piece of luggage, such as a suitcase, is constructed with one or more compartments of predesigned location and purpose to facilitate security inspection. Compartments may be designated to hold objects that, if obscured by other objects, carry an undesirably high likelihood of generating a false alarm because obscuring objects prevent an accurate assessment of the nature of those objects. For this reason, a compartment may be designated for liquids, gels and/or aerosols. A compartment may also be designated for objects, such as metal objects, which carry a risk of generating a false alarm if packed in a suitcase in a way that they obscure other objects and prevent an accurate determination of whether those objects are threat objects. Such compartments are positioned to ensure that the items they contain are segregated during x-ray inspection so as to neither obscure or be obscured by other objects packed in the luggage.

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.

Abstract: A case, such as a suitcase or a photo case, for holding an object at an exterior thereof includes a case body and a hinge edge frame arrangement. The hinge edge frame arrangement includes a first edge frame, a second edge frame and a resilient element. The first edge frame is extended along the utility edge of the case body to retain a utility panel in position, wherein the first edge frame has an elongated holding slot formed between an outer and an inner wall along a utility edge. The second edge frame includes an elongated pivot arm, having an enlarged end portion, pivotally received in and extended along the holding slot of the first edge frame, and a clipping member extended from the pivot arm, wherein the clipping member is adapted to fold between a clipping position and a releasing position for detachably clipping an object by the clipping member.

Abstract: Wheeled luggage including an extendable tongue permits use as a hand-truck to transport an additional piece of luggage supported on the extended tongue. The wheeled luggage may be similar to conventional wheeled luggage, but further includes a tongue movable between an inactive and active positions. In the inactive position, the tongue is positioned within a footprint of a bottom of the luggage. In the active position, the tongue extends beyond an outer edge of a bottom of the body to provide supportive structure on which the additional luggage may be placed. The structure of the extendable tongue may have various suitable configurations. A mechanism may be provided for moving the tongue between the inactive and active positions while the user and luggage are in an upright position. An optional strap and/or strap retraction mechanism may be provided to securing the additional luggage.

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.

Abstract: In a case, in particular a pilot case, comprising a bottom element (2), a cover element (4) and side as well as front wall elements (6,8), the cover element (4) is made up of a plurality of hingedly interconnected strips (10).

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.

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 suitcase structure includes a shell which is reinforced by a reinforcing frame. The reinforcing frame is formed of a bottom tray, a top plate, a back plate, and two side plates. The top plate and the back plate are made integrally. The bottom tray is formed of a bottom rib, a plurality of peripheral ribs raised from the fringes of the bottom rib, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs for reinforcing corners of the peripheral ribs.

Abstract: A luggage includes a frame which is formed of bottom plate, top side plate and back plate. The top side plate and left and right side plates and top plate are joined together. The lower edges of the top side plate and the back plate are fastened to the side edge of the bottom plate. The top edge of the back plate is fastened to the top plate. The back plate is provided on the top with a stacking plate to facilitate the stacking of the top plate. The junctures of the side edges of the bottom plate, the side plates and the top plate are arcuate in shape. The juncture of the back plate and the stacking plate is arcuate in shape. The frame is resistant to deformation.

Abstract: A container, incorporated with a multi-functional edge frame arrangement, includes a container body including a base panel and a plurality side panels connected to edge portions of said base panel respectively. The multi-functional edge frame arrangement includes a plurality of edge frames, each having a main frame having a L-shaped cross section and two edge holders provided at two side ends of the main frame. An edge portion of the side panel and an edge portion of the base panel are arranged to securely mount along the edge holders respectively so as to connect the side panel with the base panel. At least one of the edge frames is constructed to form a utility edge frame and the multi-functional edge frame arrangement further includes a mounting unit provided on the utility edge frame and a container accessory including a reinforcing member shaped and sized to fittedly mount on the mounting unit.

Abstract: A multifunctional container includes a shell formed of a body piece and a cover piece pivoted to the body piece by a pivoting device, a handle member mounted on the top side of the shell, one or more wheel members mounted on the bottom side of the shell, a downsized pull rod fastened to the shell, and a shock-absorbing pad removably disposed in the interior of the body piece of the shell to locate and protect an electronic device and the like.

Abstract: A luggage frame including two upright support rods, two brackets fastened respectively to the top end of the upright support rods, two base seats fastened respectively to the bottom end of the upright support rods, two caster mounts fastened respectively to the base seats, a top plate fastened to the two brackets, and a bottom plate fastened to the caster mounts.

Abstract: A bag assembly for saving time in the organization, storage, and transportation of sporting equipment. The bag assembly includes a frame assembly with a pivotable upper frame member, a cover member, and a pair of strap members.

Abstract: A paperboard box with improved structure comprising a one-piece paperboard, an in-box frame, several washers and screws. On the one-piece paper board there are 2 horizontal and 4 vertical creases, which partition the board into a top section and a base section with each having right side, left side, front side and back side. The back side is where the top and the base connect with each other. On both the top and the base sections, extended panels are disposed at the two ends of the left side and the right side. Each panel has a pre-pierced hole on the center. When the paperboard is folded into a box shape, the panels are folded inwards, and other pierced holes that correspond to the holes of the panels are also mounted on the front side, right side and left side. Several curved washers with holes thereon are then arranged on the corners of the base and the top, where the front side meets the left side and the right side.

Abstract: A generally-rectangular duffle bag is provided which includes a front panel, a rear panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a top panel, and a rear panel. The front panel is connected and spaced from the rear panel by the top, bottom, first side and second side panels. Support structures are also provided for supporting the body in two orientations, such orientations being substantially 90° apart.

Abstract: A rigid frame travel bag equipped with wheels and a retractable handle is formed with a rigid frame assembly which includes a front panel, a rear panel and a shell in the form of a C-shaped bottom panel. The rigid frame members are constructed of extruded plastic material such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). For increased strength and reduced weight, each panel is formed with longitudinally extending cells defined by longitudinally extending ribs. The front and rear panels are attached to the C-shaped bottom panel by integrally formed connecting flanges which extend in overlapping engagement with the inside surfaces of end panel portions extending from the bottom panel. The front and rear panels are also attached to and stabilized on one of the end panel portions by wheel assembly support plates.

Abstract: A luggage framework includes a top plate, a bottom plate, two wheel mounts, a plurality of corner connection seats, a plurality of cross rods, a plurality of corner cross rods, and a plurality of longitudinal support rods. The top plate is provided at four corners thereof with one corner connection seat, whereas the bottom plate is provided at both ends of the front side thereof with one corner connection seat. Both ends of the rear side of the bottom plate are fastened with the wheel mounts. The longitudinal support rods are located between the top plate and the bottom plate such that both ends of the longitudinal support rods are retained by the corner connection seats of the top plate, the two corner connection seats of the front side of the bottom plate, and the two the wheel mounts of the rear side of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A luggage frame for supporting a substantially rectangular wheeled suitcase is disclosed. The luggage frame comprises a rectangular board, a U-shaped frame mounted above the board, a lower U-shaped panel attached under the board and an upper U-shaped panel attached above the U-shaped frame, an L-shaped brace mounted to the rear end of the board, the rear panel comprising a tube receiving means, an L-shaped head piece mounted to the upper end of the U-shaped frame, two elongated tubes vertically mounted between the L-shaped head piece and L-shaped brace, two wheel assemblies mounted under the rear end of the board, and a flat panel being mounted to the upper panels of the two wheel assemblies. Except for the L-shaped head piece, L-shaped brace and the two wheel assemblies which require hard tooling, all the other components can be made by using generic tools when required.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: There is provided a system for forming compartments in a carrying case or attache case to stow various items, such as a laptop or notebook computer. The system comprises a plurality of support bars disposed along the inner walls of the carrying case and a plurality of partition bars coupled to the frame. Each support bar has a pair of substantially parallel rails disposed at its upper side and a longitudinal surface disposed at its lateral side. The parallel rails form an equidistant channel therebetween. Each partition bar that has an end portion for coupling to a respective support bar. The end portion has an appendage that is disposed in the channel of the support bar and a planar end surface that is positioned adjacent to the longitudinal surface of the support bar. Accordingly, each elongated partition bar subdivides the housing and forms a compartment on either side of the partition bar.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A frame member for an article receptacle includes an annular member having formed thereon a protruding member and a recess or notch for receiving the protruding member of an identical frame. The protruding member and the recess or notch are disposed opposite to one another on the annular member. Also described is an article receptacle made with two such frame members.

Abstract: A rigid frame garment bag travel case combination is formed in a rectilinear shaped case having opposed openable main compartments which share a common side. Each compartment is bounded by a partial rigid U-shaped frame. Between the openable compartments is a common wall provided with a separate planar frame which protects garments, especially suits or dresses, which may be hung from one compartment across the common side and into the other main compartment and secured by crossing straps. A small fold-out fabric panel attached to the lower edge of a lower main compartment is capable of holding dresses which are longer than both compartments. A larger fold-out panel is attached to one side of both main compartments and has a number of pockets for soft garments. The larger panel is folded over the openable compartments and the smaller panel. It is secured along its edge with a zipper.

Abstract: A musical sound equipment case used for rack-mounting sound equipment has a molded body with top and bottom surfaces raised above the valences. During impact to the top or bottom surface, the entire surface acts as a bumper or shock absorber to spread the load of the impact across the surface, as opposed to in the direction of the impact itself. Thus, the valences are less likely to experience the force of such an impact, and therefore less likely to incur damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to hard sided luggage shells and other containers manufactured using vacuum forming or pressure forming of thermoplastics. Shells and containers with integrally molded frames are disclosed. The differential pressure formed shell containers have framed openings, but without the need to attach a separate frame element to the molded shell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein in a garment bag which folds from a fully folded configuration to a tote configuration and an open configuration. The garment bag has wheels, a lifting mechanism, a linkage assembly, and an actuator. The lifting mechanism includes a shoulder strap. The shoulder strap can pull on the linkage assembly to fold the garment bag from the tote configuration to the fully folded configuration. The wheels facilitate transport of the garment bag when the garment bag is in the tote configuration. The garment bag automatically locks in the fully folded configuration to facilitate carrying of and storage of the garment bag. The actuator is engageable to automatically release the garment bag from the fully folded configuration to the tote configuration.

Abstract: A luggage cart (10) is formed from two mirror image frame members (12) and (14), which are pivotally connected at (16) and (18). A soft shell fabric garment bag (20) is fastened to the frame members (12) and (14). Projections (24) extend into fold (26) of the garment bag (20) to support it in place on the frame members (12) and (14). A crossed flexible cable (42) is connected to the frame members (12) and (14) at (46) and (48) near the bottom of the frame members (12) and (14) by means of D-rings (49) and by means of tubes (51) near the top of the frame members (12) and (14) at front (50) and back (52) of the luggage cart (10). The cable 42 further is connected to a shoulder strap (56). In use of the luggage cart (10) and garment bag (20), the luggage cart (10) is opened by placing the luggage cart (10) on the ground and pressing down on the top of the garment bag (20) or on handles (40). The luggage cart can then be wheeled around by pulling on handle (58).

Abstract: An internal frame for supporting a wheeled suitcase comprises a base, a U-shaped frame mounted on top of the base and a central frame comprising a horizontal U-shaped member having two legs on its rear end and two vertical elongated supporting members. The top ends of the two supporting members are connected to the rear ends of the two legs of the U-shaped member. The upper end of the central frame is mounted to the central part of the top panel of the U-shaped frame and the lower end of the central frame is mounted to the bottom panel of the base so that the structure of the internal frame is greatly strengthened by the central frame.

Abstract: A trunk includes a trunk body reinforced by a lining and a supporting frame on the inside and defines a storage chamber. The trunk body includes a top notch, a front cover covering the storage chamber at one side, a metal frame fastened around the periphery of the storage chamber at an opposite side relative to the front cover, and a back cover fixedly fastened to the metal frame and coveting the storage chamber opposite to the front cover. The metal frame has a top recessed portion defining, with the top notch, a handle mounting space. A handle mounting frame assembly is mounted in the handle mounting spaced and includes an upper handle holder and a bottom handle holder. The bottom handle holder includes a recessed portion and the upper handle holder includes a recessed portion fitted into the recessed portion on the bottom handle holder.

Abstract: A frame work for soft-sided luggage comprises a U-shaped base structure that can be engaged with a U-shaped upper structure and/or a metal frame. The U-shaped upper structure or the metal frame serves to support a luggage configuration at the upper portion. The U-shaped base structure is provided with reinforcing ribs to increase the luggage rigidity, and also has wheel bases that can accommodate wheels for trailing the luggage. Guide grooves and guide bands are also provided on the U-shaped base structure to accommodate the metal frame when required. The U-shaped base and upper structures can be injection molded as standardized components that allow constructions of luggage with different structural configurations.

Abstract: An article of soft luggage, preferably a folding garment bag, has a soft shell forming outer walls, with wheels on the outer bottom wall and a flange and pocket engagement that fixes the bottom walls together when the bag is folded. The bottom wall is partitioned into left and right portions due to folding over of the ends of the bag, which has an inverted U-shape when closed and resting on the wheels. To stiffen the bottom walls of the left and right portions, and provide a mounting for the wheels, relatively stiffer gussets are affixed to the left and right cooperative portions, respectively. The two cooperative portions are connected by a flexible closure such as a zipper when the bag is closed. The zipper or the like defines a flexible seam that normally would permit the cooperative portions to be displaced relative to one another, for example rotating around the longitudinal axis of the zipper, interfering with positioning of the wheels mounted on each cooperative portion.