CN116326900A - Hard shell luggage article with pivotable housing portion - Google Patents

Abstract

A hard shell luggage article (100) having a pivotable housing portion (164) is provided. The luggage article may include: a luggage case (102) defining an interior compartment (104) and including a first split line (110) defining first and second shells (106, 108), each shell having a major face (126) and opposing sidewalls (140); a closing mechanism (148) releasably securing the first housing and the second housing along the first split line; a second split line (162) formed across the major face and the opposite side walls of the first housing and defining first and second housing portions (164, 166) of the first housing, the second split line extending from a portion of the first split line at one side wall to another portion of the first split line at the opposite side wall; and a hinge strap (174) secured to the first and second housing portions along at least a portion of the length of the second split line. The first housing portion is pivotable about the hinge strap when the closure mechanism is separated along a first split line extending along the first housing portion.

Description

Hard shell luggage item with pivotable shell portion

This patent application is a divisional application of the patent application with the application number 201611051423.1, the applicant is "Samsonite IP Holdings Co., Ltd.", and the title of the invention is "hard-shell luggage with a pivotable housing part".

technical field

The present disclosure relates generally to an item of luggage, in particular to an item of luggage comprising two shells hingedly connected together, and according to the invention one of the shells comprises a pivotable shell part.

Background technique

Items of luggage, particularly hard-shell luggage, traditionally include two shell portions that are pivotally attached and define an interior compartment designed to hold a volume of items for transport or storage. Access to the internal compartment is obtained either through the main opening, or through a cover pivotably covering the secondary openings, with individual closing mechanisms associated with each opening.

The design of this luggage presents unique challenges. In detail, the item of luggage must be of sufficient size to ensure two separate openings, but still allow the user to quickly and easily access the interior compartment in limited spaces where the item of luggage cannot be fully opened for access to the interior compartment. Access to interior compartments. Previous attempts to address the above problems have generally included the addition of a secondary cover covering the secondary opening through the housing portion, which requires a secondary closing mechanism. This structure may be complicated to use and requires an additional closing mechanism and increases assembly costs. Alternatively, a pocket could be added to the front housing portion, which also adds expense, has limited access value to the main compartment, and provides only limited space.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved item of luggage, and more particularly, an improved pivotable housing portion that solves the problems described above and/or more generally provides Improvements or alternatives to existing arrangements.

Documents that may relate to the present disclosure as they include various foldable housing parts include CA 2785061 C, US2011/0186396 A1, EP 1626639 B1, US 5875876 A, OHIM 001919721-0001 and CN 301896739S.

Contents of the invention

Accordingly, according to the present disclosure, there is provided an article of luggage as described below and defined in the appended claims.

The present disclosure advantageously provides a pivotable housing portion that can be opened through use of the main closing mechanism, which allows easy access to the interior compartment of the luggage item. Since only a part of the closing mechanism needs to be disengaged, the internal compartment can be easily accessed. In addition, since there is only one opening, luggage items can be easily secured with only one lock.

In one example, an item of luggage having a pivotable housing portion is provided. In some embodiments, the luggage item may include a luggage case defining an interior compartment and including a first split line defining a first shell and a second shell, each shell having a major face and opposing sides wall; a closure mechanism that releasably secures the first and second housings along the first split line; a second split line that spans the first The main face of the housing and the opposing side walls form and define first and second housing parts of the first housing, the second line of splitting being located at one from the first line of splitting a portion of the side wall extends to another portion of the opposite side wall of the first split line; and a hinge strap secured to the first and first split lines along at least a portion of the length of the second split line. Two shell parts. The first housing portion is pivotable about the hinge strap when the closure mechanism is separated along a first split line extending along the first housing portion.

In some embodiments, the hinge strap may be a wide strip of elastic material, preferably corrugated to have corrugations extending substantially parallel to the hinge strap.

In some embodiments, the hinge strap is collapsible or deformable along the height of the hinge strap to allow the first housing portion to pivot about the hinge strap.

In some embodiments, a gap may be defined between the first and second housing portions of the first housing, the gap extending along at least a portion of the length of the second split line. In some embodiments, the hinge strap can at least partially bridge the gap.

In some embodiments, the hinge strap may have a length sufficient to allow the hinge strap extending along the major face of the first housing to remain fixed at a portion of the hinge strap adjacent to the first split line. The collapsed height of the case.

In some embodiments, the luggage item may further include a hinge structure pivotably securing the first shell and the second shell along the first split line. In some embodiments, the hinge structure may be attached to the second housing portion of the first housing and to the second housing. In some embodiments, the hinge structure may be located below the hinge strap.

In some embodiments, the closure mechanism may be a zipper closure that selectively secures the first housing and the second housing together. The zipper closure may allow a first housing portion of the first housing to be opened while leaving a second housing portion of the first housing closed and secured to the second housing. In some embodiments, the zipper closure may extend at least completely along the first split line between the second housing and the first housing portion of the front housing. In some embodiments, the luggage item may include a zipper slider lock located adjacent the hinge strap. In some embodiments, the zipper closure can change direction along at least one minor of the opposing sides. In some embodiments, the zipper closure may extend at least partially at an angle relative to a major face of at least one of the first and second housings.

In some embodiments, the closure mechanism may be a plurality of closure mechanisms that releasably secure the first housing to the second housing.

In some embodiments, the first and second housing portions of the first housing may be top and bottom housing portions of the first housing. In some embodiments, the hinge strap may extend at least partially parallel to the bottom side of the luggage item. In some embodiments, the hinge strap may be positioned closer to the top side of the luggage item such that the first portion of the front shell is smaller than the second portion of the front shell. In some embodiments, the hinge strap may extend at least partially perpendicular to the first split line at least when the luggage item is in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the first split line may extend vertically or longitudinally along the luggage item. The hinge strap may extend laterally across a major face and opposing side walls of the first housing.

In some embodiments, the hinge strap may include a central portion disposed along a major face of the first housing. Opposite ends may extend from the central portion to the first split line on either side of the luggage item. The opposite ends may be angled relative to the central portion.

In some embodiments, the hinge strap may be linear or curved across a major face and opposing side walls of the first housing.

In some embodiments, the first case may be a front case.

In some embodiments, each of the first housing and the second housing may include a plurality of wheel assemblies.

In some embodiments, the luggage item may include an attachment mechanism to secure the hinge strap to at least one of the first and second housing parts. The attachment structure may comprise a trim between the hinge strap and the at least one of the first housing part and the second housing part. The trim may secure the edge of the hinge strap within the interior of the at least one of the first and second housing parts to reduce the luggage compartment and the The profile changes between the hinge straps described above. Preferably, the outer surface of the trim is approximately flush with the outermost extent of the hinge strap.

Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the drawings and remainder of the specification which form a part hereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that each of the various aspects and features of this disclosure may be used to advantage in some circumstances alone or in other circumstances in combination with other aspects and features of this disclosure.

Description of drawings

This description will be more fully understood with reference to the following drawings, in which elements are not drawn to scale, and which are presented as various embodiments of the disclosure and should not be construed as limitations on the disclosure. A complete elaboration of the scope, characterized by:

1 is a top front isometric view of an item of luggage in a closed position, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the luggage item of FIG. 1 , according to some examples of the present disclosure.

3 is a top front isometric view of an item of luggage in a partially open position, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

4 is an enlarged detail view of a hinge strap according to some examples of the present disclosure.

5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the luggage item of FIG. 3 taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 3 and illustrating attachment structures according to some examples of the present disclosure.

6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an additional attachment structure according to some examples of the present disclosure.

7 is a partial cross-sectional view of an additional attachment structure according to some examples of the present disclosure.

8 is a partial cross-sectional view of an additional attachment structure according to some examples of the present disclosure.

9 is a partial cross-sectional view of an additional attachment structure according to some examples of the present disclosure.

10 is a top front isometric view of an item of luggage in an open position, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

11 is a side elevation view of an additional embodiment of an item of luggage according to some examples of the present disclosure.

Detailed ways

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , an item of luggage 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a luggage case 102 formed from a plurality of walls defining an interior compartment 104 (see FIG. 3 ) in which belongings of a user are carried. . Luggage item 100 includes a first shell 106 and a second shell 108 defined by a first split or separation line 110 as described below, and is openable by means of an opening mechanism 112 in a closed position as shown in FIG. Alternate between the partially open position shown in FIG. 3 and the fully open position shown in FIG. 10 . The luggage item 100 includes opposing front and rear walls 114, 116, opposing left and right sides 118, 120, and opposing top and bottom end walls 122, 124 that collectively define a height H, a width W, and a depth D. The outer structure or box 102 of the luggage item 100. The opposing front wall 114 and rear wall 116 may define a major face 126 of the item of luggage 100 , while the opposing left and right side walls 118 , 120 and opposing top and bottom end walls 122 , 124 form opposing secondary faces of the item of luggage 100 . Face 128. The intersection of the major face 126 and the minor face 128 of the item of luggage 100 define respective edges of the item of luggage 100 . For example, referring to FIG. 1 , the intersection between the front wall 114 and the top end wall 122 defines a front upper edge 130, the intersection between the front wall 114 and the bottom end wall 124 defines a front lower edge 132, and the front wall 114 and the left side wall The intersection between 118 defines a left front edge 134, the intersection between front wall 114 and right side wall 120 defines a right front edge 136, and the intersection between rear wall 116 and bottom end wall 124 defines a rear lower edge 138 (see FIG. 2). Luggage item 100 is preferably a hard shell carry-on luggage or other hard shell case. As explained below, item of luggage 100 may be formed from various materials and include various devices that allow item of luggage 100 to be selectively configured in a closed position, a fully open position, and a partially open position. Each of the walls 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 may be referred to as a panel, face or side.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , and as noted above, the first split line 110 defines the first shell 106 and the second shell 108 such that each shell 106, 108 has a major face 126 and defines opposing minor faces. A portion of face 128 and opposing side walls 140 extending from major face 126 of each housing 106 , 108 . Taken together, the opposing side walls 140 define respective peripheral edges 142 , 144 of the first and second shells 106 , 108 formed by the first split line 110 between the first and second shells 106 , 108 . The first housing 106 , which may be the front housing, may be pivotally connected to the second housing 108 by a hinge structure 146 along a portion of the first split line 110 . The second housing 108 (which may be the rear housing) may be the same in size as the first housing 106, or may be sized to have a larger or smaller internal volume.

A closing mechanism 148 is secured along respective peripheral edges 142 and 144 of the first and second housings 106, 108 to allow a user to selectively actuate to open and close the trunk 102 in the closed position ( FIG. 1 ) in the fully open position ( Fig. 10) arranges the suitcase 102 therebetween. In the fully open position, the closure mechanism 148 is separated along substantially the entire length of the first split line 110, thereby allowing the first housing 106 and the second housing 108 to pivot about the hinge structure 146 to any amount from fully closed to fully open. . The closure mechanism 148 is primarily disclosed herein as a zipper closure, although other types of closure mechanisms are contemplated, including, but not limited to, a plurality of closure mechanisms (e.g., latches 160 ) discretely spaced along the first split line 110 ( See Figure 10). The hinge structure 146 is disclosed here primarily as a fabric strip, although other types of hinge mechanisms are contemplated including, but not limited to, piano hinges, spaced apart discrete hinges, zipper structures, or hinged joints made of elastomeric materials, among others. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 , the first split line 110 extends substantially vertically or longitudinally along the luggage item 100 , although as described below, in some embodiments the first split line 110 may extend relative to the luggage item. At least one major face 126 of 100 jogs or extends at an angle (see FIG. 10 ).

1 to 3 and FIG. 5 , the open configuration 112 of the luggage item 100 includes a second split line 162 formed across the main face 126 and the opposing sidewall 140 of the first shell 106, the second split line 162 extending from the first A part of the splitting line 110 on one sidewall 140 extends to another part of the first splitting line 110 on the opposite sidewall 140 . A second split line 162 defines first and second housing portions 164, 166 of the first housing 106, each housing portion 164, 166 having a peripheral edge 168, 170, respectively, along the second split line 162 (see FIG. 5). As best shown in FIG. 4 , the intersection of the peripheral edges 168 , 170 with the peripheral edges 142 , 144 define peripheral corners 172 of the first and second housing portions 164 , 166 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the hinge strap 174 is secured to the peripheral edge 168 of the first housing portion 164 and the peripheral edge 170 of the second housing portion 166 along at least a portion of the length of the second split line 162 and acts to operate Securely attach and maintain structural integrity and alignment between first housing portion 164 and second housing portion 166 . When the closure mechanism 148 is separated at least along a portion of the first split line 110 coextensive with the first housing portion 164, the first housing portion 164 can be positioned between a closed position and an open position (FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively). pivot around the hinge strap 174. In some embodiments, the closure mechanism 148 (eg, a zipper closure) can extend at least completely along the first split line 110 between the second housing portion 108 and the first housing portion 164 to release and allow the first Housing portion 164 pivots about hinge strap 174 .

The cooperation of the hinge strap 174 with the location of the closure mechanism 148 allows the first housing portion 164 to be selectively opened along the second split line 162 by pivoting about the hinge strap 174 while the second housing 166 remains closed. This configuration allows access to the interior compartment 104 of the luggage case 102 or a portion of the interior of the luggage case 104 (eg, a bag) using only the closure mechanism 148 rather than a separate opening/zipper.

As best seen in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 182. In some embodiments, body 176 is elastic and deformable, and may be generally rectangular, having a relatively long length L _HB (see FIG. 3 ), a relatively thin thickness _THB (see FIG. 5 ), and greater than Its thickness _THB is less than its height H _HB (see FIG. 1 ) which is less than its length L _HB . The height H _HB of hinge strap 174 may be configured to allow pivoting of first housing portion 164 relative to second housing portion 166 . For example, height H _HB may be sized relative to portions of the luggage item (eg, first shell portion 164 ) to achieve desired aesthetic or/or functional characteristics. In some embodiments, the height H _HB may be sized relative to the first depth D ₁ of the first housing portion 164 such that the height H _HB is about ₀ greater than the first depth D 1 of the first housing portion 164 . % to about 75% (eg, greater than about 38%) (see Figure 2).

As best shown in FIG. 5 , as described in more detail below, the first and second elongated edges 178 , 180 of the hinge strap 174 engage the peripheral edges 168 , 180 of the first and second housing portions 164 , 166 , respectively. 170. Hinge strap 174 includes a central portion 186 disposed along major face 126 , with opposite ends 182 extending from either end (both ends) of central portion 186 to corresponding split lines 110 on either side (both sides) of luggage item 100 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the hinge strap 174 extends toward the closure mechanism 148 on either side of the luggage item 100 such that the terminal edge 184 of the hinge strap 174 extends to a position adjacent or coextensive with the first split line 110 . In some embodiments, a small portion of the peripheral edges 168 , 170 along the second split line 162 at either end 184 of the hinge strap 174 (eg, the peripheral corners 172 ) may be secured by the closure mechanism 148 to the edge of the second split line 162 . A split line 110 forms peripheral edges 142 , 144 that are not covered by hinge strap 174 .

Referring to FIG. 1 , hinge strap 174 is a strap of elastic material, such as but not limited to rubber, leather, and/or fabric designed to elastically deform, with a first split line 110 extending from one minor face 128 to an opposite minor face 128. The first split line 110 on the face 128 has a length L _HB and a transverse height H _HB sufficient to identify the hinge strap 174 as long and wide. For example, height H _HB may be between about 40 mm and about 70 mm (eg, about 55 mm) depending on the particular implementation of luggage item 100 . Preferably, the hinge strap 174 is corrugated into alternating ridges and grooves (eg, corrugations 188 ), the corrugations 188 extending substantially parallel to the length L _HB of the hinge strap 174 (see FIG. 4 ). As described more fully below, the hinge strap 174 deforms to act as a hinge to allow the first housing portion 164 to pivot relative to the second housing portion 166 (see FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments, the height H _HB of the hinge strap 174 may be sufficient to collapse along the central portion 186 with the portion of the opposite end 182 adjacent the first split line 110 . The portion of the opposing end 182 that is attached to or adjacent to the first split line 110 (e.g., terminal edge 184) may remain stationary during relative movement between the first housing portion 164 and the second housing portion 166 ( That is, without collapsing), as explained below (see Figures 3 and 4).

As shown in FIG. 1 , the hinge strap 174 may extend laterally across the main face 126 and the opposing sidewall 140 of the first housing 106 . In such an embodiment, the hinge strap 174 may extend at least partially parallel to the bottom end wall 124 and/or the front lower edge 132 of the luggage item 100 . Alternatively or additionally, the opposite end 182 may be angled relative to the central portion 186 of the hinge strap 174 to limit the degree of relative movement between the first housing portion 164 and the second housing portion 166 . In the embodiments described herein, the hinge structure 146 may be attached to the second housing portion 166 such that the first housing 106 may pivot independently of the first housing portion 164 relative to the second housing portion 166 Instead, it pivots relative to the second housing 108 (see FIGS. 3 and 10 ). In such an embodiment, the hinge structure 146 may be attached adjacent to (eg, below) the hinge band 174 between the hinge band 174 and one of the opposing minor faces 128 (eg, the bottom end wall 124 ). to the second housing portion 166 . For example, hinge structure 146 may be attached to second housing portion 166 and second housing 108 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , the hinge strap 174 may include along its opposing first and second elongated edges 178 , 180 respective peripheral edges 168 for attaching the hinge strap 174 to the first and second housing portions 164 , 166 . , 170 of the attachment structure 190 . In one example, as shown in FIG. 5 , first elongated edge 178 (eg, a top edge) defines an attachment wall 192 and an abutment wall 194 extending perpendicular to attachment wall 192 to form first elongated edge 178 in contact with the attachment wall 192 . The seating alignment of the peripheral edge 168 of the first housing portion 164 engages. This example works with a trim piece 196 (in one example, the trim piece 196 is S-shaped) to connect the first elongated edge 178 of the hinge strap 178 to the first housing portion 164 . As shown, trim 196 (which may be arcuate and convexly shaped) is used primarily for aesthetic reasons to hide sutures. Trim piece 196 has body 198 that defines adjacent grooves (eg, first groove 210 and second groove 212 ) having openings 214 in opposite directions, first groove 210 and second groove 212 Delimited in part by an intermediate wall 216 between the first groove 210 and the second groove 212 . In some embodiments, the trim 196 includes three generally coextensive layers 250 , 252 , 254 that define the first and second grooves 210 , 212 . For example, layers 250 and 252 may define first groove 210 and layers 252 and 254 may define second groove 212 . As shown, when perimeter edge 168 is received in first groove 210, two of the layers (e.g., layers 252 and 254) may be located on the exterior (right side in FIG. One layer (eg, layer 250 ) may be located inside the luggage case 102 .

In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the first groove 210 receives the peripheral edge 168 of the first housing portion 164 , while the second groove 212 receives the attachment wall 192 of the first elongated edge 178 of the hinge strap 174 . As shown, the abutment wall 194 engages the intermediate wall 216 of the trim piece 196 to limit the extent to which the attachment wall 192 is received within the second recess 212 . Once assembled, the intermediate wall 216 extends parallel to the peripheral edge 168 of the first housing portion 164 . As shown in FIG. 5 , stitching 218 secures the attachment wall 192 and trim 196 to the first housing portion 164 . In some embodiments, the suture 218 may be recessed within a groove 220 defined in the outer surface 222 of the attachment wall 192 to shield and/or conceal the suture 218 (see FIG. 8 ). Additionally or alternatively, the first elongated edge 178 of the hinge strap 174 may be stitched or glued directly to the peripheral edge 18 of the first housing portion 164 on the outer or inner surface without the use of the trim 196 . Although described above with reference to the first elongated edge 178 , the second elongated edge 180 of the hinge strap 174 may be similarly configured to attach the second elongated edge 180 to the peripheral edge 170 of the second housing portion 166 .

FIG. 6 shows an additional embodiment of an attachment structure 190' securing the hinge strap 174' to the first housing portion 164' without a trim piece 196. As shown in FIG. 6, the first elongated edge 178' is the same as that of FIG. 5, except that the arcuate covering portion 224 is attached to the hinge strap 174' substantially opposite the abutment wall 194', A cavity 226 is thereby defined between the cover portion 224 and the attachment wall 192'. Covering portion 224 is substantially C-shaped in cross-section to substantially conceal seam 218' and attachment wall 192' from at least a front view of luggage item 100. As shown, the cover portion 224 and the attachment wall 192' may be positioned on the outside (right side of FIG. 6 ) of the first housing portion 164', with the abutment wall 194' facing the interior of the first housing portion 164'. (left side in Figure 6) extend. In some embodiments, the cover portion 224 may be elastically deformable such that the cavity 226 may collapse laterally upon impact and/or during bending of the hinge strap 174 ′ to allow the first housing portion 164 'pivot relative to the second housing part 166'. The second elongated edge 180' of the hinge strap 174' can be similarly configured to attach the second elongated edge 180' to the peripheral edge 170' of the second housing portion 166'.

Figure 7 shows an additional embodiment of an attachment mechanism 190" that secures the hinge strap 174" to the first housing portion 164". The attachment structure 190" of Figure 7 is the same as that of Figure 6 except for the covering portion 224" is a separate component. As shown in Figure 7, the cover portion 224" is located on the outer side (right side in Figure 7) of the first housing portion 164", and is included in the C-shaped cross-section of the cover portion 224". Inwardly extending planar portion 228 . To position the covering portion 224" relative to the hinge strap 174", the first elongated edge 178" of the hinge strap 174" includes a second abutment wall 230 opposite the abutment wall 194". As shown in FIG. 7, once assembled Well, the planar portion 228 of the covering portion 224" abuts against the second abutment wall 230 of the hinge strap 174" to position the covering portion 224" and the hinge strap 174" relative to each other. In the embodiment of Fig. 7, the stitching Thread 218" connects planar portion 228, attachment wall 192", and peripheral edge 168" of first housing portion 164" together, with cover portion 224" hiding seam 218" from at least a front view of luggage item 100. The second elongated edge 180" of the hinge strap 174" may be similarly configured to attach the second elongated edge 180" to the peripheral edge 170" of the second housing portion 66".

FIG. 8 shows an accessory embodiment of the attachment mechanism 190"' securing the hinge strap 174"' to the first housing portion 164"'. As shown in FIG. The first elongated edge of 5 is the same. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the attachment wall 192"' is attached directly to the peripheral edge 168"' of the first housing portion 164"' without the use of a trim 196. In this embodiment, the abutment The wall 194"' abuts the free end 232 of the peripheral edge 168"' of the first housing portion 164"'. As shown, the attachment wall 192"' may be located on the outside (right side in FIG. 8) of the first housing portion 164"', while the abutment wall 194"' may face toward the The interior (left side in Figure 8) extends. The second elongated edge 180"' of the hinge strap 174"' may be similarly configured to attach the second elongated edge 180"' to the peripheral edge 170"' of the second housing portion 166"'.

FIG. 9 shows an additional embodiment of an attachment structure 190"" securing the hinge strap 174"" to the first housing portion 164"". As shown in FIG. 9, the attachment structure 190"" is similar to that of FIG. the left side of the first housing portion 164), which is opposite to the abutment wall 192 of FIG. The attachment structure 190"" has a general S-shape defining three generally coextensive layers 250"", 252"" and 254"", thereby defining two adjacent but opposite receiving grooves 210"" and 212"" . For example, layers 250"" and 252"" define a first recess 210"", and layers 252"" and 254 define a second recess 212"". In FIG. 5 , the attachment structure 190 has two of these layers 252 , 254 on the outside of the luggage case 102 to form a second recess 212 for receipt against the wall 192 and one layer 250 on the outside of the luggage case 102 . Inside (when perimeter edge 168 is received in first groove 210). Thus, the attachment structure 190 of FIG. 5 extends three layer widths across the luggage case 102 (layers 252 and 254 and the attachment wall 192 of the hinge strap 174 ). In FIG. 5 , hinge strap 174 extends linearly away from attachment structure 190 before corrugations 188 are formed, which extend substantially over attachment structure 190 , thereby creating height or profile changes that may resist or be subject to additional wear.

In contrast, the attachment structure 190"" of FIG. 9 has the two layers 252"" and 254"" located inside the luggage case 102 to receive the attachment wall 192"" within the second recess 212"". Only one layer 250"" is located on the outside of the luggage case 102"" to receive the peripheral edge 168"" within the first groove 210"". A rib 256 may be formed on the bottom surface of the layer 250"" near the base of the first groove 210"" and a tab 260 may extend from a free edge 262 of the layer 250"" to engage the luggage case 102". ", to form a space between the luggage case 102"" and the layer 250"" to accommodate stitching or other attachment means without removing the layer 250"" from the luggage case 102"".

As shown in FIG. 9, the hinge strap 174"" may include a transition portion 235 between the corrugated portion 188"" of the hinge strap 174"" and the abutment wall 194"". In some embodiments, the abutment wall 194"" extends further toward an outer surface 237 defined on the layer 250"" of the attachment structure 190"" from which the transition portion 235 curves to align with the trim piece 196". The outer surface 237 of " extends directly away from the outer surface 237 in parallel, and in some embodiments is substantially flush with the outer surface 237. As such, attachment structure 190"" may be relatively flat relative to first housing portion 164"" as compared to attachment structure 190 in FIG. Locations (such as transition portion 235 and/or peak 266 of corrugated portion 188"") are flush to reduce severe local configuration of the transition between luggage case 102"" and hinge strap 174"", thereby reducing the excessive wear and damage.

The attachment of only one edge of the hinge strap 174"" (i.e., the first elongated edge 178"") is shown in FIG. 9, but like FIG. An elongated edge (similar to 180 in FIG. 5 ) is attached to the hinge strap 174"" of the second housing portion 166"". It is contemplated that the attachment structure 190"" could be used to secure other structural features to the luggage case, such as zipper straps (e.g., zipper strap 236), in order to reduce the relative size of the outer surface of the luggage case 102 for the benefits noted above. 264 profile change. Although FIGS. 5-9 illustrate an alternative attachment mechanism 190 for securing the hinge strap 174 to the first housing portion 164 , the hinge strap 174 may be attached to the first housing portion 164 in any suitable manner. For example, the attachment structure 190 may be configured such that the peripheral edges 168, 170 abut each other, overlap, or lie in a tongue and groove configuration. As noted above, although the attachment structure 190 is described with reference to the first housing portion 164 , the hinge strap 174 may be attached to the second housing portion 166 in a configuration similar to that shown in FIGS. 5-8 . In some embodiments, the hinge strap 174 may be attached to the first housing portion 164 as shown in one of the embodiments in FIGS. 5-8 , and may be connected as shown in another of the embodiments in FIGS. Connected to the second housing portion 166 .

2, the first shell portion 164 includes a first height H ₁ and a first depth D ₁ , and the second shell portion 166 includes a second height H ₂ , wherein the overall height H of the luggage case 102 (if employed, except except any wheels) is equal to H ₁ plus H ₂ , although H ₁ plus H ₂ may be greater or less than the total height H. In an embodiment wherein _H1 plus _H2 is less than the overall height H of the luggage case 102, the first and second shell portions 164, 166 define a gap 234 therebetween along the second split line At least a portion of the length of 162 extends and can be of substantially any size depending on the desired aesthetic and flex properties of luggage item 100 . For example, the gap 234 that allows relative movement between the first housing portion 164 and the second housing portion 166 can be wider or thinner, arcuate, and/or span across opposing side walls of the first housing portion 106 140, main face 126, or both. In some embodiments, depending on the location of the hinge strap 174 and the type of closure mechanism 148 utilized, no gap 234 may be formed between the first and second housing portions 164, 166, as explained in more detail below. like that. As shown, the hinge strap 174 at least partially bridges or fills the gap 234 between the first and second housing portions 164 , 166 . For example, hinge strap 174 may be located on the exterior or interior of luggage item 100 to cover gap 234 and provide the desired aesthetic appearance of luggage item 100 . In some embodiments, hinge strap 174 may cover the entire length of gap 234 between first line of split 110 on one minor face 128 to first line of split 110 on the other minor face 128 . In some embodiments, the hinge strap 174 may cover only a portion of the length of the gap 234 (eg, only a portion across the major face 126 of the first housing portion 106 ). In these embodiments, the peripheral edges 168, 170 of the first and second housing portions 164, 166 may abut each other (sealed or not) or overlap. As explained below, the gap 234 allows pivotal movement of the first housing portion 164 relative to the second housing portion 166 without joining the first and second housing portions 164 , 166 .

The first and second housing portions 164, 166 may be sized such that the ratio between the relative heights _Hi and _H2 (ie, _Hi divided by _H2 ) may be from 10% to 90%. In such an embodiment, the hinge strap 174 may be located within 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the height H of the luggage case 102 . In some embodiments, for example, the hinge strap 174 may be positioned closer to one of the opposing minor surfaces 128 of the luggage item 100 (eg, closer to the top end wall 122 ) to reduce the risk of the luggage item 100 , for example, in a partially open position. The overall depth D (see FIG. 3 ), thus allowing the user to access the interior compartment 104 of the luggage item 100 in a more limited space. In some embodiments, first height H ₁ may be greater than second height H ₂ to allow sufficient access to interior compartment 104 when first housing portion 164 pivots relative to second housing portion 166 (see Figure 11). As noted above, the first housing portion 164 may open into the entire volume of the interior compartment 104 , or in some embodiments, the first housing portion 164 may open into a pocket separate from the main interior of the luggage item 100 .

As noted above, the luggage item 100 can be moved between a closed position and an open position to define different levels and/or different configurations of access to the interior compartment 104 of the luggage item 100 . As shown in FIG. 1 , in the closed position, each of the first housing portion 164 and the second housing portion 166 is secured to the second housing 108 by means of the closing mechanism 148 . Referring to FIG. 3 , in the partially open position, the closure mechanism 148 is engaged between the second housing 108 and the second housing portion 166 and disengaged between the second housing 108 and the first housing portion 164 . In the partially open position of FIG. 3 , the first housing portion 164 may pivot away from the second housing 108 to allow access to the interior compartment 104 of the luggage item 100 . As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the hinge strap 174 flexes or collapses to allow the first housing portion 164 to move relative to the second housing portion 166 without engaging the housing portions. In some embodiments, the corrugated portion 166 of the hinge strap 174 collapses laterally to allow the hinge strap 174 to flex. Referring to FIG. 10 , in the fully open position, the closure mechanism 148 is disengaged between the second housing 108 and both the first housing portion 164 and the second housing portion 166 . Both the first housing portion 164 and the second housing portion 166 pivot away from the second housing 108 to allow greater access to the interior compartment 104 of the luggage item 100 . In some embodiments, the first housing portion 164 can pivot further relative to the second housing portion 166 to define a fully open position.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the hinge strap 174 may bend or collapse laterally differently along the length of the hinge strap 174 to allow relative movement between the first housing portion 164 and the second housing portion 166 . For example, as explained below, in embodiments where the closure mechanism 148 is a zipper closure, the first and second housings 106, 108 are attached to a zipper strip 236 that is generally inextensible and Portions of the first and second housings 106, 108 (eg, perimeter corners 172) are maintained a fixed distance apart. In such an embodiment, the hinge strap 174 is selectively deformable so that the first and second housing portions 164, 166 can move relative to each other, eg, the hinge strap 174 extends adjacent to the first split line 110 ( That is, the portion identified as position A) in FIG. 3 may be bent such that the gap 234 at position A does not substantially change, and the position of the peripheral corner 172 remains generally fixed. This example cooperates with a non-extensible closure mechanism 148 (eg, zip ties 236 ) secured along respective peripheral edges 142 and 144 of the first and second housings 106 , 108 . To allow pivotable movement of first housing portion 164, portions of hinge strap 174 that span left and right front edges 134, 136 and front wall 114 (i.e., identified as positions B and C in FIG. 3 ) may be selectively collapsed. Collapse causes the respective peripheral edges 168, 170 of the first housing portion 164 and the second housing portion 166 to rotate toward each other. In such an embodiment, the peripheral edges 168, 170 may overlap or abut each other when the first housing portion 164 is opened as the peripheral edges 168, 170 are rotated toward each other. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the hinge strap 174 is laterally collapsed at position C by a greater amount than at position B .

To open the luggage item 100 , the user may first disengage (eg, unhook) the closure mechanism 148 between the second housing portion 108 and the first housing portion 164 . A user may then selectively open first housing portion 164 by pivoting first housing portion 164 relative to second housing 108 and second housing portion 166 . Pivoting the first housing portion 164 away from the second housing 108 collapses and/or bends the hinge strap 174 extending across the major face 26 of the first housing 106 , as described above. The user may continue to pivot first housing portion 164 away from second housing 108 until, for example, first housing portion 164 contacts second housing portion 166 (e.g., cover portion 224 contacts second housing portion 166), A partially open position of the luggage item 100 is thereby defined. Alternatively or additionally, a user may disengage the closure mechanism 148 between the second housing 108 and the second housing portion 166 . The user may then selectively open the luggage item 100 by pivoting the first housing 106 relative to the second housing 108 .

Closing of the luggage item 100 may be accomplished in the reverse order to that described above. For example, a user may first pivot second housing portion 166 toward second housing 108 until closure mechanism 148 is able to secure second housing portion 166 to second housing 108 . A user may then engage (eg, pull on) the closure member 148 between the second housing 108 and the second housing portion 166 . The first housing portion 164 can then be pivoted toward the second housing 108, thereby expanding (expanding) the hinge strap 174 as described above, and positioning the first housing portion 164 in the second housing by the closing mechanism 148. 108 is adjacent to and selectively engages with the second housing 108 . A user may selectively engage the closure mechanism 148 between the second housing portion 108 and the first housing portion 164 to fully close the luggage item 100 . In some embodiments, the closure mechanism 148 may then be locked to prevent unwanted separation. For example, in embodiments where the closure mechanism 148 is a zipper closure, the luggage item 100 may include a zipper slider lock 238 to selectively lock the pull slider 240 of the zipper closure (see FIG. 10 ). In some implementations, the zipper slider lock 238 may be located on, for example, the second housing 108 adjacent (eg, above) the hinge strap 174 .

Referring to FIGS. 2-4 , in embodiments in which the closure mechanism 148 is a zipper closure, the zipper tape 236 spans the gap 234 between the first and second housing portions 164 , 166 adjacent the first split line 110 . In this embodiment, the zipper tape 236 is secured to the peripheral edges 142, 144 of the first and second shells 106, 108 such that the zipper tape bends, buckles, or otherwise allows the first shell portion to 164 pivots relative to second housing portion 166 . Because the zipper strap 236 is inextensible, and the peripheral corners 172 of the first and second housings 106, 108 are restricted from moving further apart, the hinge strap 174 collapses at least along the major face 126 of the first housing 106 to The gap 234 is at least partially closed or collapsed and the first housing portion 164 is allowed to pivot relative to the second housing portion 166, as described above.

Referring to FIG. 10 and as mentioned above, in some embodiments the closure mechanism 148 can be a plurality of latches 160 . As shown in phantom in FIG. 10 , the latches 160 may be discretely spaced along, for example, the first split line 110 on the opposing minor face 128 of the luggage case 102 . As shown in FIG. 10, latches 160 are formed on opposing side walls 140 of each of the first and second housings 106, 108 such that they 160 alignment. In such embodiments, the relative folding characteristics of the first and second housing portions 164, 166 may vary from that described above. That is, instead of remaining substantially stationary, the peripheral corners 172 of each of the first and second housing portions 164, 166 may pivot in the first housing portion 164 relative to the second housing portion 166. expand away from each other. Additionally, the portion of the peripheral edges 168 , 170 extending across the major face 126 of the first housing 106 may remain fixed. In such an embodiment, the luggage case 102 may not include a gap 234 between the first and second housing portions 164 and 166 such that the peripheral edges 168, 170 abut or overlap each other when the luggage case 102 is in the closed position. .

Referring to FIG. 10, for example, an item of luggage 100 may include at least one handle and a plurality of wheel assemblies. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the luggage item 100 may include a fixed carrying handle 242 attached to at least one of the opposing minor sides 128 of the luggage item 100 (eg, the top end wall 122 ). In some embodiments, the luggage item 10 can include a retractable handle 244 that can be aligned along the outside of the second housing 108 of the luggage item 100 (see FIG. 2 ). The retractable handle 244 may be aligned along the second housing 108 , but positioned inside the luggage item 100 and extending across one of the opposing minor faces 128 of the luggage item 100 (eg, through the top end wall 122 ). Although described in relation to the second shell 108 and/or the opposing secondary side 128 , the retractable handle 244 and the fixed carry handle 242 may be associated with any shell, wall, or side of the luggage item 100 .

With continued reference to FIG. 10 , each of the first housing 106 and the second housing 108 may include a plurality of wheel assemblies to enable the luggage item 100 to roll across a support surface (eg, the ground). For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the first housing 106 may include a first set of wheel assemblies 246 and the second housing 108 may include a second set of wheel assemblies 248 . In some embodiments, the first set of wheel assemblies 246 can be attached to the second housing portion 166 (see FIG. 1 ) adjacent the front lower edge 132 of the item of luggage 100, and the second set of wheel assemblies 248 can be attached to the luggage. The lower rear edge 138 of the article 100 is adjacently attached to the second housing 108 (see FIG. 2 ). The first and second sets of wheel assemblies 246 , 248 may be identically configured with each other and positioned adjacent the bottom end wall 124 in a mirror image configuration across the first split line 119 . Although shown and described as being located adjacent the bottom end wall 124 , the plurality of wheel assemblies may be located on any wall of the luggage item 100 depending on the particular application and configuration of the luggage item 100 .

As shown in FIG. 10 , the luggage item 100 may include at least one stop limiter 260 to limit the amount of opening into the interior compartment 104 . As shown in FIG. 10 , the stop limiter 260 may be attached between the first housing portion 164 and the second housing portion 166 , or between the first housing portion 164 and the second housing portion 108 between. Stop stop 260 is primarily disclosed herein as a fabric strap, although other types of stop mechanisms are contemplated, including but not limited to straps, cords, tethers, hinge stops, or may be integrally formed on hinge strap 174. middle.

FIG. 11 is a front view of an additional embodiment of a luggage item 500 . Except as described below, the embodiment of FIG. 11 is substantially the same as the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 . In the embodiment of FIG. 11 , the closure mechanism 548 extends at least partially along two opposing minor surfaces 528 relative to the major surface 526 of the luggage item 500 such that the closure mechanism 548 is positioned adjacent the luggage item 500 on the top end wall 522 The upper front edge 530 of the first housing 506 is located closer to the main face 526 . For example, the closure mechanism 548 may extend along the bottom 262 of the opposing minor face 528 at an angle defined by the second height H ₂ of the second housing portion 566 . In such an embodiment, the closure mechanism 548 may change direction along at least one of the opposing minor faces 528 of the luggage item 500 such that a portion of the closure mechanism 548 extends parallel to the major face 526 of the luggage item 500 . As shown in phantom in FIG. 11 , in some embodiments, the closure mechanism 548 ′ can be substantially linear across the opposing minor face 528 of the luggage item 500 . In each of the embodiments described above, the closure mechanism 548, 548' located at the bottom end wall 524 can be located between the first and second sets of wheel assemblies 646, 648 and can substantially bisect the bottom end wall 524, or more Positioned proximate to one of the major faces 526 of the luggage item 500 (eg, the front wall 514 ).

As noted above, items of luggage may be formed from a variety of materials and devices. For example, the first housing 106 and the second housing 108 may be a formable hard shell material or a combination of hard shell material and soft shell material. The hard shell material can be thermoplastic (self-reinforced or fiber-reinforced), ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, and/or PTFE, among others. Items of luggage may be formed or molded in any suitable manner, such as by plug molding, blow molding, injection molding, and the like. Additionally, the thickness of the luggage item may be constant or may vary across the luggage item depending on the desired stiffness, strength and/or weight of the luggage item. For example, the thickness may be greater near wheel assemblies 246 , 248 , edges 130 , 132 , 134 , 136 , 138 , and/or first split line 110 .

Although described as extending across the first housing 106, an opening structure 112 may additionally or alternatively be associated with the second housing 108 such that the second housing 108 is configured to allow access to the interior compartment 104. Pick. In this example, the second housing 108 is divided into two housing parts by the second split line 162, and the hinge strap 174 is positioned along the second split line 162 across the second housing 108 in the same manner as noted above. Extend to form first and second housing portions 164 , 166 of first housing 106 . In such an embodiment, the retractable handle 244 may be mounted to the second housing 108 above the hinge strap 174 .

All relative and directional references (including up, down, up, down, left, right, left, right, top, bottom, side, above, below, front, middle, back , vertical, horizontal, etc.) are given by way of example to help the reader understand the specific implementations described herein. They should not be read as requirements or limitations as to particular position, orientation or use, unless expressly set forth in the claims. Connection references (eg, attached, coupled, connected, joined, etc.) should be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements as well as relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship relative to each other, unless expressly recited in the claims.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the presently disclosed embodiments are taught by way of example, and not limitation. Accordingly, all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein and all statements of the scope of the method and system of the invention which, as such, fall within the scope.

Claims (11)

1. An item of luggage comprising: a luggage case defining an interior compartment and including a first split line defining a first shell and a second shell, each shell having a major face and opposing side walls; a closure mechanism that releasably secures the first housing and the second housing along the first split line; A second split line formed across the main face and the opposing side walls of the first housing, the second split line defining first and second splits of the first housing Two housing parts, each housing part having a peripheral edge, the second split line extending from a portion of the first split line on one side wall to the other of the first split line on the opposite side wall a part; a hinge strap secured to the first and second housing portions at each peripheral edge along the length of the second split line such that the hinge strap is located on one side wall from the first split line A portion of the first split line extends to another portion of the opposite side wall of the first split line, wherein when the closure mechanism is separated along the first split line extending along the first housing portion, the first shell The body portion is pivotable about the hinge strap; wherein the hinge strap collapses or deforms along the height of the hinge strap to pivot the first housing portion about the hinge strap; wherein along the said hinge strap extending from said major face of the first housing is collapsible, a portion of said hinge strap adjacent said first split line remaining fixed; wheel assemblies, retractable handles and carrying handles; and a hinge structure that pivotally secures the first housing and the second housing along the first split line, the hinge structure being attached to the second housing of the first housing body portion and is attached to the second housing. 2. An article of luggage according to claim 1, wherein the hinge strap is a wide strap of elastic material, preferably corrugated to have corrugations extending substantially parallel to the second split line. 3. An item of luggage according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: defining a gap between the first and second housing portions of the first housing, the gap extending along at least a portion of the length of the second split line; and The hinge strap at least partially bridges the gap. 4. An item of luggage according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the closure mechanism is a zipper closure selectively securing the first housing and the second housing together; and The zipper closure allows the first housing portion of the first housing to be opened while leaving the second housing portion of the first housing closed and secured to the second housing. 5. The luggage item of claim 4, wherein the zipper closure extends at least completely along the first split line between the second shell and the first shell portion of the front shell . 6. The luggage item of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second shell parts of the first shell are top and bottom shell parts of the first shell. 7. The luggage item of claim 6, wherein the hinge strap extends at least partially parallel to a bottom side of the luggage item. 8. The item of luggage of claim 6, wherein the hinge strap is positioned closer to a top side of the item of luggage such that the first portion of the front shell is smaller than the second portion of the front shell. 9. The luggage item of claim 6, wherein the hinge strap extends at least partially perpendicular to the first split line at least when the luggage item is in the closed position. 10. The luggage item of claim 1 or 2, wherein the hinge strap comprises: a central portion disposed along the main face of the first housing; and Extending from the central portion to opposite ends of the first split line on either side of the luggage item, wherein the opposite ends are angled relative to the central portion. 11. The luggage item of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an attachment securing the hinge strap to at least one of the first housing part and the second housing part. agencies, including: the attachment structure includes a trim between the hinge strap and the at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion; and The trim secures the edge of the hinge strap within the interior of the at least one of the first and second housing parts to reduce the luggage compartment and the The profile varies between the hinge straps; and preferably, the outer surface of the trim is approximately flush with the outermost extent of the hinge straps.

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