JP2024082274A - Baggage attachment parts - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a luggage case with functions to enable selective attachment of a second luggage article to a first luggage article and enable addition to hard-shell luggage articles.SOLUTION: In one embodiment, a luggage case is disclosed. The luggage case includes a main body including a lid shell and a base shell. The lid shell and the base shell are hingedly coupled to one another and selectively closable by a closure mechanism. The luggage case further includes a primary recess, the primary recess defining a bottom wall. A secondary recess is formed in the bottom wall of the primary recess, and an attachment member is positioned in the secondary recess.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/546,167, entitled "Luggage Article Attachment Member," filed on December 9, 2021, and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/182,580, entitled "Luggage Article Attachment Member," filed on April 30, 2021, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

Travelers often travel with a lot of luggage. Traveling with multiple baggage items can be cumbersome. For example, travelers, especially solo travelers, may have difficulty handling multiple pieces of baggage at airports, train or bus stations, or on the street.

Many current luggage items do not include the ability to selectively attach a second luggage item to a first luggage item to ease such travel burdens. Some current luggage items include features, such as removable or extendable belts or straps, that allow a second luggage item to be selectively attached to a first luggage item. Such means are deficient in that they add extra weight, complexity, and/or cost to the luggage item. Furthermore, removable attachments are easily lost or misplaced. Besides extendable attachments, features that allow a second item to be selectively attached to a luggage item have rarely been added to hardcover luggage items, primarily due to the difficulty and expense of adding external features to a hardcover shell structure.

The present disclosure provides a luggage case. The luggage case includes a body including a lid shell and a base shell, the lid shell and the base shell being hingedly connected to each other and selectively closable by a closing mechanism, a primary recess formed on the luggage case and defining a bottom wall, a secondary recess formed in the bottom wall of the primary recess, and a mounting member disposed in the secondary recess.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the primary recess is defined by a bezel disposed adjacent an intersection of the top panel and the primary panel of one of the lid shell and the base shell, a telescoping towing handle is operably coupled to the luggage case to be extendable and retractable from the primary recess, and the secondary recess may be formed in a bottom wall of the bezel.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the attachment member may be below the telescoping towing handle when the telescoping towing handle is in the retracted position.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the minor recess can include an upper region having an upper width and a lower region having a lower width, the lower width being smaller than the upper width.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the mounting member includes a base extending from the minor recess and an extension extending from the base at least partially toward the minor recess.

Optionally, in some embodiments, slots may be formed on opposite sides of the base.

Optionally, in some embodiments, an auxiliary item can be received in the slot.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the extension may be flush with or below the bottom wall of the main recess.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the base may define a width that is greater than 1/3 of the lower width.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the base may be tapered along its length.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the attachment member can be configured to engage a portion of the auxiliary item and the secondary recess can be configured to receive a portion of the auxiliary item.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the mounting member and secondary recess can be configured to position a portion of the accessory underneath the telescoping towing handle in the retracted position.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the mounting member and the secondary recess can be configured to position a portion of the auxiliary item on or below the bottom wall of the primary recess.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the mounting member and secondary recess can be configured to receive portions of two or more auxiliary items.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the mounting member and the secondary recess are integrally formed with the bezel.

The present disclosure provides a luggage case comprising a body including a lid shell and a base shell, the lid shell and the base shell being connected to each other by a hinge and selectively closable by a closing mechanism; a main recess formed on the luggage case, the main recess including a secondary recess formed in a wall of the main recess and an attachment member disposed on a portion of the secondary recess; and a telescoping towing handle operably coupled to the luggage case and capable of extending from and retracting into the main recess.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the attachment member may be in contact with or below the telescoping towing handle.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the mounting member can include a base extending from the minor recess and an extension extending from the base at least partially toward the minor recess, and an outer surface of the extension can be flush with or below the base wall of the major recess.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the major and minor recesses may be integrally formed within a bezel, and the bezel may be positioned adjacent the intersection of the top and major panels of one of the lid and base shells.

Optionally, in some embodiments, slots may be formed adjacent to opposing sides of the mounting member and between each opposing side and the wall of the minor recess.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a luggage item having an attachment member. FIG. 2 is a partial front elevational view of the luggage item of FIG. 1 showing the attachment member; FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a mounting member. FIG. 2 is a partial right elevational view of the baggage item of FIG. 1; 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of the luggage item of FIG. 1 taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 2A. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of the luggage item of FIG. 1 taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2 is a partially exploded isometric view of the luggage item of FIG. 1 . 1 is an isometric view of a luggage item having an exemplary attachment member. FIG. 7B is an enlarged rear right perspective view of the exemplary mounting member of FIG. 7A. FIG. 2 is a right cross-sectional elevation view of an exemplary mounting member. FIG. 13 is an enlarged rear-right perspective view of an auxiliary item held by an exemplary mounting member. FIG. 13 is an enlarged rear elevational view of a mounting member having a telescoping towing handle.

With reference to Figures 1-6, an attachment member 200 for a luggage item 100 is disclosed according to one embodiment. Another luggage item 101 may be engaged with the attachment member 200 for transportation together with the luggage item 100. In some examples, the attachment member 200 may include a hook member portion 211 for attaching another luggage item or other object.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a luggage item 100 in a closed position, which may be referred to as a luggage case in some instances. The luggage item 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a vertical hard cover case. The luggage item 100 has a body 102 of panels that define an interior storage volume 130 for carrying a user's belongings. The luggage item 100 includes a front panel 104 and an opposing back panel 106, a top panel 112 and a bottom panel 114, and opposing left and right panels 108 and 110. A corner region 116 may be defined by the intersection of any two or three adjacent panels. The luggage item 100 may be selectively opened and closed for access to the interior storage volume 130 by moving between a closed configuration in which the lid portion 118 and the base portion 120 of the body 102 are adjacent to one another, and an open configuration. In some embodiments, the luggage item 100 may include one or more carrying handles 128 and/or a telescoping towing handle 126 extendable from a bezel 500 on the rear panel 106 of the luggage item 100. The bezel 500 may be a recess or depression 532 formed on the rear side of the body of the luggage item 100, such as on the top panel 112 or the rear panel 106. The bezel 500 may be formed adjacent to an intersection between the top panel 112 and the rear panel 106. The bezel 500 may be defined in part by both the top panel 112 and the rear panel 106 of the suitcase.

The telescopic towing handle 126 can extend outward from the bezel 500 and retract into the bezel 500. The telescopic towing handle 126 can include a gripping portion 126a and one or more telescopic tubes 126b that extend from the luggage case 100 and connect to the gripping portion 126a. In one embodiment, two telescopic tubes 126b are included. In operation, the telescopic tube 126b retracts to receive the gripping portion 126a inside the bezel 500. The telescopic tube 126b can be retracted to bring the gripping portion 126a into contact with the bottom wall 501 of the bezel 500 or to move the gripping portion 126a slightly away from the bottom wall 501 of the bezel 500. The telescopic tube 126b can also be extended to its full length to allow a user to pull or tow the baggage item 100.

The luggage item 100 may include one or more leg elements 148, such as wheels, casters, spinner assemblies, posts, etc., to support and move the luggage item 100 across a supporting surface, such as a floor, road, sidewalk, or ground. The luggage item 100 may be any type of luggage, including soft-sided spinner cases, hybrid spinner cases, containers, etc.

Throughout this disclosure, reference may be made to a width or lateral direction 150, a length or longitudinal direction 152, and/or a depth direction 154. The width or lateral direction 150 is generally the direction between the left panel 108 and the right panel 110. The length or longitudinal direction 152 is generally the direction between the top panel 112 and the bottom panel 114. The depth direction 154 is generally the direction between the front panel 104 and the back panel 106. The width direction 150, the length direction 152, and the depth direction 154 can be orthogonal to one another in some instances. These directions are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting.

The luggage item 100 has a recess 132 formed in the body 102. The luggage item 100 has an attachment member 200 coupled to the body 102. In this embodiment, the attachment member 200 is received in the recess 132. The attachment member 200 may be disposed in the recess 132 and coupled to the outer surface of the body 102 together with the locking mechanism 300. The attachment member 200 may be generally hook-shaped. In many embodiments, the recess is formed in the lid or base. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the recess 132 is formed in the lid 118 and the attachment member 200 is coupled to the lid 118 in the recess 132. In other embodiments, the attachment member 200 may be coupled to another portion of the body 102 and may or may not be disposed in the recess. As shown in FIG. 1, a second or other luggage item 101, e.g., a handbag, is engaged with the attachment member 200 and suspended along the front panel 104 of the luggage item 100. The second baggage item 101 may have a portion that engages the attachment member 200, such as a handle 103. One or more handles 103 are seated on the attachment member 200 and selectively engaged thereto (see also the representative dashed handle 103 in FIG. 5).

The luggage item 100 can be configured in an open position in which the lid 118 and the base 120 are disposed apart from one another. The lid 118 and the base 120 can be pivotally attached together, such as by a hinge 122 or similar mechanism, or can be removably attached by a closure mechanism 124 to removably secure the lid 118 and the base 120 together in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the closure mechanism 124 is a zipper 125. The closure mechanism 124 can extend along one or more edges of the lid 118 and the base 120. The closure mechanism 124 can include complementary portions on each of the lid 118 and the base 120, which are selectively matable or separable with respect to one another. When the complementary portions of the closure mechanism 124 are mated, the lid 118 and the base 120 form a closed interior storage volume 130. The closure mechanism 124 can include an actuator, such as one or more pull tabs, that allows a user to selectively couple or separate complementary portions of the closure mechanism 124. In a zipper embodiment, the closure mechanism 124 can have one or more pull tab actuators that are slidable along the length of the closure mechanism 124 to selectively couple or separate complementary portions of the closure mechanism 124.

The locking mechanism 300 is operable to prevent, prevent, or inhibit unauthorized opening of the baggage item 100. For example, the locking mechanism 300 may be a zipper lock operable to receive and secure a pull tab actuator 127 (see FIG. 1 ) of an exemplary closure mechanism 124, such as a zipper 125, to prevent the actuator from sliding along the length of the closure mechanism 124 and thus prevent the closure mechanism 124 from opening. The locking mechanism 300 may additionally include a key or combination lock 129 such that a person with the key or combination can disengage the pull tab actuator from the locking mechanism 300, such as by pressing an actuator 318, thereby causing the locking mechanism 300 to release the pull tab.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 300 is secured to the body 102 by an anchor element 302. The anchor element 302 is disposed inside the baggage item 100, the locking mechanism 300 is disposed outside the baggage item 100, and a portion of the body 102 is clamped between the anchor element 302 and the locking mechanism 300. The anchor element 302 in this example includes a plate 312 having an upper surface 310 and an opposing lower surface 314. A wall 316 joins the upper surface 310 and the lower surface 314. The anchor element 302 can be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, composite material (e.g., fiber-reinforced composite material), wood, etc. The anchor element 302 can have one or more openings 304a, 304b formed therein. The openings 304a, 304b can be adapted to receive one or more fasteners 306. As best shown in FIGS. 4-6, the anchor element 302 is disposed on an inner surface of the lid 118. In other embodiments, the anchor element 302 can be disposed on an inner surface of another portion of the body 102, such as the base 120. As shown in FIG. 5, the locking mechanism 300 can include one or more recesses 308 formed therein that serve to receive one or more fasteners 306. The recesses 308 and fasteners 306 can be threaded to engage upon rotation of the fastener 306 relative to the recesses 308. Other types of fasteners 306, such as pins, nails, rivets, etc., can also be used. The recesses 308 can be bottomed recesses as shown, or can be through holes that extend through the locking mechanism 300.

As best shown in Figures 4-6, in one embodiment, the mounting member 200 is coupled to the body 102 with the locking mechanism 300 as an assembly 322, which in this example is disposed on the outside of the body 102. The anchor element 302 is disposed on the inside of the baggage item 100. The mounting member 200 is disposed on the outside of the baggage item 100. The locking mechanism 300 is disposed on the top or outside of the mounting member 200. The anchor element 302, a portion of the body 102 (within the recess 132), the base plate 210 of the mounting member 200, and the locking mechanism 300 are secured together by fasteners 306. In one example, the fasteners engage the anchor element 302 and the locking mechanism 300 to secure the base plate 210 of the mounting member 200 and the portion of the body 102 therebetween. An advantage of coupling the mounting member 200 to the baggage item 100 as an assembly with the locking mechanism 300 is the potential cost savings realized by using the locking mechanism 300 and anchor element 302 to serve another function of securing the mounting member 200 to the baggage item 100. Additionally, coupling the mounting member 200 and the locking mechanism 300 together as an assembly 322 can increase the strength and/or rigidity of the assembly 322. Because the locking mechanism 300 is received in a recess in the top of the base, it is better protected from damage, in part, by a lip that covers a portion of the periphery of the locking mechanism.

The recess 132 is formed in the body 102 of the luggage item 100. The recess 132 is defined by a depression in the body 102 of the luggage item 100. The recess 132 has a depth, length, and width suitable for receiving at least a portion of the attachment member 200. The attachment member 200 is defined by a body 202 including a base plate 210, a shank portion 208, a cross portion 206, and a tine 204. In some embodiments, the shank portion 208 extends obliquely from the base plate 210. In some embodiments, the cross portion 206 extends obliquely from the shank portion 208. In some embodiments, the tine 204 extends obliquely from the cross portion. In some embodiments, the shank portion 208, the cross portion 206, and the tine 204 smoothly transition between each other, such as one or more curves. In one embodiment, the attachment member 200 can include a hook member 211 in part. The body 202 of the attachment member 200 can partially define the hook member 211. In one embodiment, the hook member 211 can be formed of at least the shank portion 208, the intersection portion 206, and the tines 204. In one embodiment, such as in FIG. 4, the hook member 211 can have a generally curved shape, such as a generally J-shaped curve. The attachment member 200 can thus include the hook member 211 and the base plate 210. In one embodiment, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the attachment member 200 curves outwardly from the luggage item 100. For example, the hook portion 211 of the attachment member 200 can curve outwardly from the luggage item 100, such as, for example, the tines 204 of the hook member 211 curve upwardly away from the top panel 112 of the luggage item 100.

The base plate 210 includes an upper surface 244 around which a lip 212 extends forming a recess. A portion of the lip 212 may be of varying height in a clamshell shape 224 to allow access to the actuator 318 during assembly of the luggage item 100 and to allow a user to manipulate the actuator 318 to release the locking mechanism 300. The lip 212 and the recess in the upper surface 244 form a receptacle 246 suitable for receiving the locking mechanism 300. The height of the lip 212 may be higher near the front panel 104 and near the rear panel 106 (see FIG. 5 ) to stiffen and/or strengthen the front of the base plate 210 to reduce bending of the attachment member 200 and/or stabilize the locking mechanism 300 against lateral forces. Additionally, a lower portion at the rear of the lip 212 may allow better access to the pull tab of the closure mechanism 124. As described above, the locking mechanism 300, the attachment member 200, and the anchor element 302 can be sandwiched together with a portion of the body 102 of the assembly 322. The bottom of the body 202 has one or more openings 216a that can extend through the body 202 to allow for coupling of the attachment members within the assembly 322. The openings 216a can extend through the top surface 244 such that the openings 216a communicate with the receptacle 246 on one end and with the bottom surface 222 on the other end. The openings 216a can function to receive respective fasteners 306 that couple the attachment member 200 to the baggage item 100. The openings 216a and 216b can be clearance openings having dimensions larger than the dimensions of the fasteners 306.

The body 202 can be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, composites (e.g., fiber-reinforced composites), wood, etc. The body 202 can be formed by any suitable method, such as vacuum forming, injection molding, subtractive manufacturing (e.g., machining), additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing), etc. The body 202 can be a single, unitary piece. The body 202 can be two or more pieces joined together with fasteners, adhesives, brazing, welding, etc.

In some embodiments, the base plate 210 has a dimension 240 between the upper surface 244 and the lower surface 222 of about 3-4 mm. In other embodiments, the dimension 240 may be about 1-2 mm. In other embodiments, the dimension 240 may be about 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, or more.

The shank portion 208 can extend from the base plate 210. The shank portion 208 can extend generally downward toward the recess 132 in the top panel 112 of the body 102. The shank portion 208 can also extend from the base plate 210 toward the front panel 104 within the recess 132. In one embodiment, the shank portion 208 extends into the recess 132 at an angle from a plane defined by the top panel 112 (see, e.g., FIG. 5). In some embodiments, a fastening recess 214 can be formed in the body 202, such as near the interface of the shank portion 208 and the intersection portion 206. The fastening recess 214 can function to receive a fastener for more securely fastening the attachment member 200 to the baggage item 100. In many embodiments, the fastening recess 214 is optional. The shank portion 208 has a width dimension 248 (see, e.g., FIG. 4). The shank portion 208 defines an intermediate surface 220 on its lower surface. In many embodiments, the intermediate surface 220 is a flat surface. In other embodiments, the intermediate surface 220 may be a curved or irregularly shaped surface.

The intersection 206 extends from a lower end of the shank portion 208 opposite the upper end of the shank portion 208. The intersection 206 is a transition between the shank portion 208 and the tines 204. In one embodiment, the intersection 206 defines a surface 232 on its upper surface. The surface 232 may be a flat surface. The surface 232 may function to receive or support an attachment of the second baggage item, such as a strap or handle for selectively attaching the second baggage item to the first baggage item 100. In one embodiment, the surface 232 has a length of about 4 mm in the dimension 234. In other embodiments, the length of the dimension 234 may be about 0 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, or more. In other embodiments, the surface 232 may have a curved or rounded shape with no effective length in the dimension 234.

The hook-shaped tines 204 extend generally upward from the intersection 206. The tines 204 may extend rearward toward the rear panel 106 (see, e.g., FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the tines 204 may extend at an angle 250 of about 18° relative to the normal 158 of the top panel 112, toward the center of the luggage case 100 in some embodiments, and toward the locking mechanism 300 in the illustrated embodiment (see, e.g., FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the tines 204 may extend at an angle 250 of about 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, or more relative to the normal 158 of the top panel 112. The tines 204 also have a width dimension 248 (see, e.g., FIG. 2). The tines 204 have a thickness dimension 238 at the transition between the tines 204 and the intersection 206. In some embodiments, thickness dimension 238 is about 9.5 mm. In other embodiments, thickness dimension 238 may be about 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, or more. Thickness dimension 238 may be the thickest portion of attachment member 200 to resist bending forces exerted on tines 204 by attached luggage items or the like. Tines 204 have thickness dimension 236 near their tips 242. In some embodiments, thickness dimension 236 is about 7 mm. In other embodiments, thickness dimension 236 may be about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, or more. In some embodiments, thickness dimension 236 may taper in the width direction from the center of tines 204 to the edges of tines 204. In some embodiments, tines 204 taper from thickness dimension 238 to thickness dimension 236. For example, thickness dimension 236 may be smaller than thickness dimension 238.

When an additional luggage case is engaged with the mounting member 200, a portion of the additional luggage case, such as a handle, is received by at least a portion of the engagement portion of the mounting member formed by a portion of the top surface of the shank portion 208, a portion of the tines 204, and the intersection portion 206.

In some embodiments, the attachment member 200, for example as shown in FIG. 2A, has a width dimension 248 of about 70 mm. For example, at least a portion of the shank portion 208, intersection portion 206, and/or tines 204 may have a width dimension 248 of about 70 mm. In some embodiments, the width dimension 248 of the shank portion 208, intersection portion 206, and/or tines 204 may be about 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, or more. The width dimension 248 may generally be constant for the shank portion 208, intersection portion 206, and/or tines 204.

Alternatively, in another example of the mounting structure 200' shown in FIG. 2B, the width 248' (in the same or similar width direction as the width 248) of the region of the tines 204' near the tip 242' may be greater than the width 249 of the tines 204' at or near their intersection with the intersection 206'. In this example, the width dimension 248' of the region of the tines 204' near the tip 242' may be about 50 mm, and the tines 204' may taper as they extend downward to a width dimension 249 of about 47.5 mm at or near where the tines 204' engage the intersection 206'. The mounting structure 200' is structurally identical or identical to the mounting structure 200 referenced elsewhere herein, except for the width dimension. The advantage of the relatively wide tines, with relatively constant width dimension 248 or varying width dimensions 248', 249, etc., is that the attachment member has sufficient strength against bending, twisting, deformation, or breaking and may impart less stress to an item attached to the luggage item 100 via the attachment member than a narrower attachment member. Furthermore, the width dimension 248 of approximately 70 mm is approximately the width of a typical person's hand, which is a measure of the size of many handles of bags that may be attached with the attachment member 200.

As best shown in FIG. 6, the body 102 may have a recess 132 formed therein. The recess 132 may be adapted to receive the attachment member 200 and/or the locking mechanism 300. An advantage of having a portion of the attachment member 200 and/or the locking mechanism 300 received in the recess 132 may be to reduce the protruding distance of the attachment member 200 above the top panel 112, which is a drawback for additional features and features attached to the exterior of a hard cover luggage case. The attachment member 200 and the locking mechanism 300 do not increase the exterior dimensions of the luggage item 100 while received in the recess 132. Moreover, by being at least partially received in the recess 132, the attachment member 200 and the locking mechanism 300 may be somewhat protected from damage, such as when caught on or impacted by an object during operation. Locating the attachment member 200 and/or locking mechanism 300 in the recess 132 may result in a more aesthetically pleasing luggage item 100 than if the attachment member 200 and/or locking mechanism 300 were simply attached to the body 102. Locating the attachment member 200 and/or locking mechanism 300 in the recess 132 may result in a stronger assembly 322 because the walls of the recess 132 may prevent lateral displacement of the tines 204. For example, the side walls 134a, 134b may support the attachment member 200 and limit its lateral or torsional displacement.

In many embodiments, the recess 132 is formed in the lid 118. In this example, the recess 132 is formed in the top panel of the lid 118. In other embodiments, the recess 132 can be located in another portion of the body 102, such as the base 120. The recess 132 is formed as an off-center recessed area. The recess can be defined by a perimeter, in this example by a sidewall 134 and a floor portion 136. The sidewall 134 can extend perpendicularly from the floor 136 or can extend at an angle other than perpendicularly from the floor 136. The recess has at least one depth, at least one width (e.g., the distance between the sidewall 134a and the sidewall 134b), and at least one length (e.g., the distance between the front wall 142 and the rear wall 146). The recess 132 can have one or more subportions that, when combined, form the entire recess 132. The depth, width, and length of any subportion of the recess can be the same as or different from another subportion. In general, the width of the recess 132 between the walls 134a and 134b, and the length of the recess between the front wall 142 and the rear wall 146, are large enough to receive the mounting member 200, as described in more detail below. In one embodiment, the width of the recess between the side walls 134a and 134b is greater than the width of the mounting member 200. The difference in width dimensions can form gaps 147, 149 between either side of the hook member 211 and the respective side walls 134a and/or 134b. In one embodiment, the width between the walls 134a and 134b can be approximately 115 mm.

In some embodiments, the recess 132 includes a first subportion 137 defined by an upper floor 138, a side wall 134a, a side wall 134b, and a rear wall 146. The upper floor 138 may be approximately 6-7 mm deep. In some embodiments, the upper floor 138 extends generally in a plane of similar orientation (e.g., parallel, etc.) to the panel in which the recess 132 is formed. One or more openings 156a and 156b may be formed in the upper floor 138. The openings 156a and 156b may function to receive one or more respective fasteners 306. The openings 156a and 156b may be clearance openings of dimensions larger than the respective fasteners 306.

In some embodiments, the recess 132 includes a second subdivision 139 defined by an intermediate floor 140. The intermediate floor 140 may extend from the first subdivision to the third subdivision. Because the third subdivision is deeper than the first subdivision, the intermediate floor has an increasing depth that slopes downward from the first subdivision to the third subdivision 141, forming a ramp between the first and second subdivisions. In this example, the intermediate floor 140 may be approximately 6-7 mm deep where it intersects with the first subdivision and approximately 18-19 mm deep where it intersects with the third subdivision. In this example, the intermediate floor 140 extends at an angle relative to the first and third subdivisions. As discussed further herein, the ramp or slope of the intermediate floor may support a portion of the mounting member 200, such as the shank portion 208.

In some embodiments, the third subportion 141 of the recess 132 extends toward the front panel 104, and in some examples may extend far enough to overlap the front panel 104. The recess may include a lower floor 136 and a front wall 142. The front wall 142 extends between the side walls 134a and 134b, near or at the front panel 104, or overlapping the front panel. The lower floor 136 may be approximately 18-19 mm deep. The front wall 142 may be included in a lip 144 of the body 102, e.g., the front wall 142 may be formed with a lip. In some embodiments, the front wall 142 extends obliquely relative to the lower floor 136. For example, the front wall 142 may form a slope that provides a smooth transition from the lower floor 136 to the panel in which the recess 132 is defined. In other embodiments, the front wall 142 may extend generally perpendicular to the lower floor 136. A gap 151 may be formed between the mounting member 200 and the front wall 142. For example, the gap 151 may be formed between an end of the hook member 211 and the front wall 142. This gap may be continuous with the gaps 147, 149 on opposite sides of the mounting member 200 when the mounting member 200 is in the recess 132. In one embodiment, the recess 132 does not include the front wall 142, and the mounting member 200 (e.g., the hook member 211) may not be enclosed by or near the front panel 104.

In some embodiments, the recess 132 includes a rear wall 146 that extends opposite the front wall 142 between the side walls 134a and 134b. In some embodiments, the rear wall 146 extends generally perpendicularly from the adjacent upper floor 138.

As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, when the baggage item 100 is assembled, the attachment member 200 can be received in the recess 132. The lower surface 222 can be disposed on the upper floor 138. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the anchor element 302 can be disposed on the interior surface of the body 102 below the upper floor 138 of the recess 132. The locking mechanism 300 can be disposed above the attachment member 200. The locking mechanism 300 can be received in the receiver 246. One or more fasteners 306 can be inserted through one or more respective openings 304a and 304b. One or more fasteners 306 can be inserted through one or more respective openings 156a and 156b. The fasteners 306 can be inserted through one or more openings 216a and 216b. The fasteners 306 can be inserted into one or more recesses 308. In some embodiments, the fastener 306 has helical threads such that when the fastener 306 is rotated relative to the recess 308, the respective threads of the fastener 306 and the recess 308 engage to secure the attachment member 200 to the baggage item 100 between the anchor element 302 and the locking mechanism 300. In other embodiments, such as when the fastener 306 is a rivet, the head of the rivet can be inserted through the opening as described above, and the rivet can expand to secure the attachment member 200 to the baggage item 100 by the locking mechanism 300 and the anchor element 302.

When attached to the baggage item 100, the lower surface 218 can be positioned on the lower floor 136. In some embodiments, the lower surface 218 rests on the lower floor 136 but is not coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the lower surface 218 is coupled to the lower floor 136. In some embodiments, the intermediate surface 220 can be positioned on the intermediate floor 140. In some embodiments, the intermediate surface 220 rests on the intermediate floor 140 but is not coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the intermediate surface 220 is coupled to the intermediate floor 140. In some embodiments, the shank portion 208 and/or the intersection portion 206 are coupled to one or more of the lower floor 136 or the intermediate floor 140, such as by suitable fasteners received in the fastening recesses 214. The tines 204 can be spaced from the front wall 142. An advantage of not coupling the shank portion 208, the intersection portion 206, and/or the tines 204 to the body 102 can be that the mounting member 200 forms a cantilever structure. The cantilever structure may bend, for example, if it gets caught on an object during operation. The bending of the mounting member 200 may allow the mounting member 200 to be removed from the object without breaking.

5, a portion 103, such as one or more handles, of the second baggage item 101 can be engaged with the attachment member 200. In some embodiments, the portion 103 can be engaged with a portion of the shank 208, a portion of the intersecting portion 206, and/or a portion of the tines 204 to seat on the attachment member 200 and remain removably secured to the attachment member 200. The portion of the attachment member 200 that receives the second baggage item 101 can have a width dimension of about 70 mm as previously described. This width dimension can be an appropriate size because many handle structures of baggage items that are intended to be carried by hand have a grip of about 70 mm. Furthermore, a width dimension of about 70 mm provides a sufficiently wide and stable contact for the loop handle of the second baggage item to reduce side-to-side lateral movement of the second baggage item 101 suspended from the engagement member 200 when the first baggage item 100 is towed or moved along a support surface.

As best shown in FIG. 3, when the attachment member 200 is installed on the luggage item 100, the tips of the tines 204 can be positioned a distance of the opening 228 above the body 102 of the luggage item. For example, the tips 242 can be elevated above the top panel 112 by the opening 228. Similarly, the top surface 320 of the locking mechanism 300 can be positioned above the body 102 by the opening 230. For example, the top surface 320 can be elevated above the top panel 112 by the opening 230. The opening 228 can be below the top surface 320 such that the tips 242 are positioned below the top surface 320 with a gap 226 therebelow. Such an arrangement can have the advantage of reducing the likelihood that the tines 204 will snag on an object when the luggage item 100 is moved. Reducing the likelihood of snagging can make it easier to move the luggage item 100 (e.g., through a baggage handling system) and reduce the risk of damage to the attachment member 200. The tips 242 of the tines 204 can also be positioned below the top surface of the carry handle 128.

In another embodiment of the luggage item 100, as shown in FIGS. 7A-9, a mounting member in the form of a mounting member 700 for supporting an auxiliary item 101 can be configured to be located on or defined by the bezel 500 and below the telescoping towing handle 126. The luggage item 100 can be the same as or similar to the luggage items 100 previously described and can include all or some of the same features. For example, the luggage case can have a body 102 with top 112, bottom 114, front 104, back 106, left 108, and right 110 panels. The mounting member 700 can allow the auxiliary item 101 to be suspended or supported by the luggage item 100.

7A-7C, the luggage item 100 can define a major recess 532 in the form of a recess in the body 102, for example in the base shell 120 of the luggage item 100. In one example, the major recess 532 can be defined in whole or in part by the bezel 500. A minor recess 600 can be defined by the bezel 500 for receiving a portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101. An attachment member, for example, the attachment member 700, can be disposed in the bezel, for example on the bottom wall 501. In one example, the attachment member 700 can be disposed in the minor recess 600 formed in the bottom wall 501 of the bezel 500. The attachment member 700 can be operable to receive and hold a portion 503 of the auxiliary item 101, such as a strap for a wallet or handbag. The attachment member 700 can include a first base 701 and a second extension 704. The base 701 can extend upward from the floor wall 605 of the secondary recess 600, and the extension 704 can extend toward the secondary recess. In one embodiment, it can extend beyond the floor wall 605 of the secondary recess 600 at an angle to the base 701. The outer surface 713 of the extension 704 of the mounting member can be positioned at or below the height of the base wall of the primary recess 532, which can be the bottom wall 501 of the bezel 500. As a result, the mounting member 700 can be positioned below the telescoping handle 126 so as not to interfere with the grip 126a of the telescoping towing handle 126 when the telescoping towing handle 126 is in the retracted position and the grip 126a is stored in the bezel 500.

The main recess 532 can be formed in a bezel 500 located at the intersection of the top panel 112 and the back panel 106. The bezel 500 can be integral with the panel, e.g., as a molded feature of the luggage item 100, or can be one or more separate pieces inserted into a recess in the underside of the luggage case 100. The recess in the underside can be the main recess 532 that can be defined by a panel of the luggage case 100. For example, the bezel 500 can cover a recess or opening defined by the luggage case 100. In other embodiments, the bezel 500 can only partially define the main recess 532 and cover a portion of the recess or opening defined by the luggage case 100. In further embodiments, a first portion of the bezel 500 can cover or define a first portion of the main recess 532, and an additional portion can cover an additional portion of the main recess 532. The bezel 500 may include a main wall 503, a pair of opposing walls, such as a left side wall 505a and a right side wall 505b, and a bottom wall 501. The bezel 500 may further define an outer wall 508 located between the bottom wall 501 and the rear panel 106 of the luggage item 100. The main wall 503 may extend upwardly from the bottom wall 501. Left and right side walls 505 may extend upwardly from the bottom wall 501 and may be located toward opposite lateral ends of the main wall 503. Each of the main wall 503 and the side walls 505 may be perpendicular or oblique to the bottom wall 501. The side walls 505 and the main wall 503 may be oblique to each other or may have a smooth curved transition. The bottom wall 501 may further define one or more openings, such as a towing handle opening 510, for allowing the telescoping towing handle 126 to extend from the bezel 500 and be mounted within the main recess 532.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the bottom wall 501 of the bezel 500 can define a mounting member 700. In some embodiments, the mounting member 700 can be located in a secondary recess 600 formed in the bottom wall 501 of the bezel 500. The mounting member 700 can be integrally molded into the bezel 500 or can be a separate piece attached to the bottom wall 501 of the bezel 500. The mounting member 700 can be located in or over the secondary recess 600.

The secondary recess 600 can be formed in the bottom wall 501 of the bezel 500. The secondary recess 600 can have openings in more than one direction. For example, the secondary recess 600 can extend toward the outside of the luggage case 100, such as the outer wall 508, and open outwardly in a direction away from the rear main wall 503. The opening in the outer wall 508 can define one or more slots or grooves 720. The secondary recess 600 can be a volume that allows a portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101, such as a strap 103 of the bag, to be inserted without interfering with the towing handle 126 in the retracted position. The secondary recess 600 can be located in a central portion of the bottom wall 501. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the secondary recess 600 can be located closer to one of the main wall 503 or the side walls 505. The secondary recess 600 can have a rear wall 601, opposing left 603a and right 603b end walls 603, and a floor wall 605. The rear wall 601 may be aligned with the main wall 503.

7B and 9, laterally spaced step structures 607 may or may not be formed between the floor wall 605 and the end wall 603. The step structures 607 can be defined at the intersections of the floor wall 605 and the opposing end walls 603. There can be multiple step structures, e.g., a first step structure 607a and a second step structure 607b (which is the floor 605 in the illustrated example). In other embodiments, there can be only one step structure, e.g., step structure 607a. The step structures 607 divide the sub-recess 600 into upper and lower regions 610 and 611, with the upper region 610 being wider than the lower region 611, as best seen in FIG. 9. The upper and lower regions 610 and 611 can define portions of a slot. The step structure 607 can act to engage a portion of the auxiliary item 101 to hold it in the minor recess 600 or to help the portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101 conform to fit snugly into the minor recess 600. For example, the step structure 607 can be aligned to curve the portion of the auxiliary item 101 around or under the mounting member 700. If the auxiliary item 101 has two or more portions 103 to be held by the step structure 607, a first auxiliary portion can be held in the lower region 611 and a second auxiliary portion can be held in the upper region 610.

7B and 9, the sidewalls may optionally define smooth walls 613. The smooth walls 613 may extend from the bottom wall 501 to the floor wall 605. The smooth walls 613 may be straight, rounded, or concave. The minor recess 600 formed by the smooth walls 613 may define a wider slot 720 than would be the case if the step 607b were present. The wider slot 720 may help guide the portion 103 of the minor recess 101 into engagement with the mounting member 700 and may accommodate a handle 103 having a larger structure. The smooth walls 613 may also provide a curvature to the portion 103 of the minor recess 101 to align the portion 103 around the mounting member 700 via the groove 720. In some embodiments, the minor recess 600 may have a sloped smooth wall 613 such that the upper width dimension is greater than the lower width dimension. In such an embodiment, the top width can define an upper region 610 having an upper width dimension and a lower region 611 having a lower width dimension. The top width dimension can be greater than the lower width dimension. In other embodiments, the smooth wall 613 can define a single region having the same or similar width dimension in the height direction.

The mounting member 700 may be disposed within or adjacent to the secondary recess 600. The mounting member 700 may support or retain at least a portion of the auxiliary item 101 on the luggage item 100, in some embodiments within the recess 532 formed by the bezel 500, and in still other embodiments within the secondary recess 600. The mounting member 700 may include a first portion or base 701 and a second portion or extension 704, and may define an outer surface 713, an inner surface 710, and an opposing edge 715. The base 701 may extend upwardly from the floor wall 605 of the secondary recess 600 and may be centrally located to define adjacent slots or grooves 720 between the base 701 and the end wall 603. The slots or grooves 720 may receive a portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101 supported by the mounting member 700. The base 701 may be straight, curved, or a combination thereof. In further embodiments, the base 701 can be bent relative to the floor wall 605 and, in one embodiment, bent inwardly toward the main wall 503 of the minor recess 600. The inward bending can aid in retaining a portion of the auxiliary 101 engaged by the attachment member 700. The base can define a width between its opposing edges 715 that is about 1/3 or more the width of the bottom of the minor recess 600. The width of the base 701 can be about 1/4 or less the width of the top region 610 of the minor recess 600. The base 701 can also define a constant width along its height, or in another embodiment, can taper from a wider width to a narrower width along its height.

The second portion of the attachment member 700, i.e., the extension 704, can extend away from the base 701 and over the minor recess 600 toward the major wall 503 of the minor recess 600. For example, the extension 704 can extend from the base 701 at an angle to the base 701, and in some embodiments can extend at an acute angle, a right angle, or an obtuse angle to the base 701. The extension 704 can be straight, curved, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the base 701 and the extension 704 can together define an inverted J-shaped hook. In such an embodiment, the base 701 can be a shank and the extension 704 can be a tine of the hook. In another embodiment, the base 701 and the extension 704 can together form a curve, such as a constant curve. The opposing edges 715 of the extension 704 can define a width that can vary, in one example tapering, as the extension 704 extends from its intersection with the base 701 toward its end. In other embodiments, the extension 704 can be of a constant width. The outer surface 713 of the extension 704 can be the highest point or area of the mounting member 700. The outer surface 713 can be flush with or lower than the bottom wall 501 of the major recess 532 and does not interfere with the telescoping towing handle 126 when the handle is in the retracted position. In other embodiments, the outer surface 713 can extend above the bottom wall 501 of the luggage case, provided that the gripping portion 126a of the telescoping towing handle 126 is spaced from the bottom wall 501 above the minor recess 600 in the retracted position.

The mounting member 700 may allow a user to store one or more auxiliary items 101 on the luggage item 100 to reduce the number of items to be carried. Additionally, when the mounting member 700 supports the auxiliary item 101 and the telescoping towing handle 126 is in the retracted position, the mounting member 700 and the towing handle may prohibit or make it difficult to remove the auxiliary item 101.

As shown in FIG. 8, the auxiliary item 101 can be supported and held by the attachment member 700. In this embodiment, the portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101 can be a flexible grip handle of a wallet, bag, or soft briefcase. In operation, the portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101, such as a handle, can be placed in the lower region 611 of the secondary recess 600 and engage with the inner surface 710 of the attachment member 700. The portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101 can engage with the base 701 and extend through a lateral slot or groove formed adjacent each opposing side of the base 701. In one embodiment, the portion extending through the slot 720 can be engaged on opposite sides by the edge of the base 701 and the adjacent step structure 607. This creates a curve in the portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101, which can enhance the retention of the item 101 by the attachment member 700. In other embodiments, the smooth wall 613 can also provide a curve to the portion 103, so that the item 101 is placed in a slot 720 formed on either side of the mounting member 700. The item 101 can also engage the mounting member 700. The portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101 can be positioned under the extension 704 of the mounting member 700 and may or may not engage the inner surface 710 of the extension 704.

9, the attachment member 700 can receive two or more portions 103 of the auxiliary item 101, such as both handles of a purse, bag, or soft briefcase. In yet other embodiments, the attachment member 700 can receive two or more auxiliary items 101, such as two different purses, bags, or soft briefcases. In these embodiments, one portion can be in the lower portion of the secondary recess 600 and another portion can be received in the upper region 610 of the secondary recess 600. In this manner, two or more portions can be stacked on the attachment member 700 for support and fastening to the luggage case 100.

9 further shows that the telescopic towing handle 126 can be folded into a contracted position. In the contracted position, the gripping portion 126a is spaced or engaged with the base wall 501 of the main recess 532 by a small distance. In this case, the mounting member 700 does not contact the gripping portion 126a of the telescopic towing handle 126 because the outer surface 713 of the extension 704 is flush or lower than the bottom surface or base wall 501 of the main recess 532. Since the portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101 is inside the secondary recess 600 and below the extension 704 of the mounting member 700, the portion 103 can be completely below the towing handle 126 in the contracted position. Furthermore, the entire auxiliary item 101 can be below the towing handle 126 in the contracted position. This configuration allows the portion 103 of the accessory 101 to remain within and be retained by the mounting member 700 even when the towing handle 126 is stored, while allowing the telescoping towing handle 126 to have full retraction and extension capabilities.

When the mounting member 700 is placed within the bezel 500, the bezel 500 and the mounting member 700 can be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, composite material (e.g., fiber-reinforced composite), wood, or a combination thereof. The bezel 500 and the mounting member 700 can be formed by any suitable method, such as vacuum forming, injection molding, subtractive manufacturing (e.g., machining), additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing), etc. A relatively stiff material may be beneficial for the mounting member 700 to support heavier loads, although softer materials may be suitable. The mounting member 700 may be a single, integral piece, or may be two or more pieces joined together by fasteners, adhesives, brazing, welding, etc. Additionally, the exact orientation and angle of the mounting member 700 may be adjusted to accommodate different injection molding techniques. For example, the second step structure 607b of the minor recess 600 may be adjusted for the mold used to form the extension 704 or the inner surface 710 of the mounting member 700.

The descriptions of specific embodiments contained herein are merely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or its application or uses. In the detailed description contained herein of the embodiments of the present system and method, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification and which are shown as specific examples of embodiments in which the described system and method may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the disclosed system and method. And it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, for the purposes of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features have not been provided so as to obscure the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure if such details would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Therefore, the detailed description contained herein should not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The body 102 of the luggage case may include one or more layers used in the manufacture of hardcover luggage cases. References herein to attaching or bonding to an interior or exterior surface of the lid 118 and/or base 120 include attaching or bonding to any one or more of the one or more layers of hardcover material that make up the body.

The particulars shown in this specification are exemplary and are presented solely for the purpose of illustrative description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, in order to provide what is believed to be the most effective and easily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, structural details of the present invention have not been shown in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the present invention. The description provided by the drawings and examples will make clear to those skilled in the art how some forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.

As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "a" and "an" shall be construed to mean "one," "at least one," or "one or more." As used herein, singular terms shall include plurals and plural terms shall include the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Throughout the specification and claims, words such as "comprises," "including," and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to," as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, unless the context clearly requires otherwise. Words using the singular or plural also include the plural and singular, respectively. Furthermore, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

Of course, it will be understood that any one of the examples, embodiments, or processes described herein may be combined with one or more other examples, embodiments, and/or processes, or may be divided and/or performed among separate devices or portions of devices in accordance with the present systems, devices, and methods.

Finally, the above discussion is intended merely to describe the system and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims to any particular embodiment or group of embodiments. Thus, although the system has been described in certain details with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should also be understood that numerous modifications and alternative embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the broader and intended spirit and scope of the system as set forth in the following claims. Thus, the specification and drawings should be regarded as illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

A luggage case,
a body including a lid shell and a base shell, the lid shell and the base shell being hingedly connected to one another and selectively closeable by a closure mechanism;
a main recess formed on the luggage case and defining a bottom wall;
a sub-recess formed in the bottom wall of the main recess;
A mounting member disposed in the secondary recess;
A luggage case comprising: the main recess is defined by a bezel, the bezel being disposed adjacent an intersection of a top panel and a main panel of one of the lid shell and the base shell;
a telescoping towing handle operatively coupled to the luggage case for extending and retracting from the main recess;
The luggage case of claim 1 , wherein the secondary recess is formed in a bottom wall of the bezel. The luggage case of claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment member is located below the telescoping towing handle when the telescoping towing handle is in a retracted position. The luggage case according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the secondary recess includes an upper region having an upper width and a lower region having a lower width, the lower width being smaller than the upper width. The luggage case according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mounting member includes a base extending from the secondary recess and an extension extending from the base at least partially toward the secondary recess. The luggage case of claim 5, wherein a slot is formed adjacent each of the opposing sides of the base. The luggage case of claim 6, wherein the slot can receive an auxiliary item. The luggage case according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the extension is flush with or below the bottom wall of the main recess. The luggage case according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the base defines a width greater than 1/3 of the lower width. The luggage case according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the base is tapered along its length. The luggage case according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the mounting member is configured to engage with a portion of the auxiliary item, and the secondary recess is configured to receive the portion of the auxiliary item. The luggage case according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the mounting member and the secondary recess are configured to position a portion of the auxiliary item under the telescoping towing handle in the retracted position. The luggage case according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the mounting member and the secondary recess are configured to position a portion of the auxiliary item on or below the bottom wall of the primary recess. The luggage case according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the mounting member and the secondary recess are configured to receive parts of two or more auxiliary items. The luggage case according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the mounting member and the secondary recess are integrally formed with the bezel. A luggage case,
a body including a lid shell and a base shell, the lid shell and the base shell being hinged together and selectively closeable by a closure mechanism;
A main recess formed on the luggage case, the main recess comprising:
a secondary recess formed within a wall of the primary recess;
a mounting member disposed over a portion of the minor recess;
a main recess including
a telescoping towing handle operatively coupled to the luggage case and capable of extending from and retracting into the main recess;
A luggage case comprising: The luggage case of claim 16, wherein the attachment member is in contact with or below the telescoping towing handle. The mounting member is
a base extending from the minor recess;
an extension extending from the base at least partially toward the minor recess;
18. A luggage case as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein an outer surface of the extension is flush with or below a base wall of the main recess. The luggage case according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the primary and secondary recesses are integrally formed within a bezel, and the bezel is positioned adjacent to an intersection of one top panel and a main panel of the lid shell and the base shell. A luggage case according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein a slot is formed adjacent each opposing side of the mounting member and a wall of the minor recess.