CN221963049U - Luggage case - Google Patents

Abstract

In one embodiment, a luggage case is disclosed. The luggage case includes a body, the body including a cover shell and a base shell. The cover shell and the base shell are hingedly coupled to each other and can be selectively closed by a closing mechanism. The luggage case also includes a main recess, the main recess defining a bottom wall. A secondary recess is formed in the bottom wall of the main recess, and an attachment member is positioned in the secondary recess.

Description

suitcase

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 17/546,167, filed on December 9, 2021, entitled “Luggage Article Attachment Member,” which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/182,580, filed on April 30, 2021, entitled “Luggage Article Attachment Member.” The entire contents of both patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a luggage case, in particular to a luggage article attachment component.

Background Art

Travelers often travel with multiple pieces of luggage. Carrying more than one piece of luggage item around can be cumbersome. For example, when a traveler (especially a solo traveler) carries more than one piece of luggage item, it can be difficult to maneuver multiple pieces of luggage at an airport, train station, bus station, or on the street. Many current luggage items lack features by which a second luggage item can be selectively attached to a first luggage item to ease the burden of such travel. Some current luggage items include removable or retractable features such as belts or straps by which a second luggage item can be selectively attached to a first luggage item. The drawback of these solutions is that they add unnecessary weight, complexity, and/or cost to the luggage item. In addition, removable attachment members can be easily lost or misplaced. In addition to retractable attachment members, features that enable a second item to be selectively attached to a luggage item are not often added to hard-sided luggage items, primarily due to the difficulty and expense of adding external features to the hard-sided shell structure.

Utility Model Content

The present disclosure provides a luggage case, comprising: a main body, the main body comprising a cover shell and a base shell, wherein the cover shell and the base shell are hingedly coupled to each other and can be selectively closed by a closing mechanism; a main recess formed on the luggage case, the main recess defining a bottom wall; a secondary recess formed in the bottom wall of the main recess; and an attachment member positioned in the secondary recess.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the primary recess may be defined by a bezel positioned near the intersection between the top panel and the primary panel of one of the cover shell and the base shell, a retractable towing handle operably coupled to the luggage case may extend from the primary recess and retract into 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 located below the telescoping traction handle when the telescoping traction handle is in the retracted position.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the auxiliary recess may include an upper region having an upper width and a lower region having a lower width, wherein the lower width is smaller than the upper width.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the attachment member may include a base portion extending from the secondary recess and an extension portion extending from the base portion in a direction at least partially toward the secondary recess.

Optionally, in some embodiments, a slot may be formed adjacent each opposing side of the base portion.

Optionally, in some embodiments, auxiliary items may be received in the slot.

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

Optionally, in some embodiments, the base portion may define a width that is greater than one third of the width of the lower portion.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the base portion may taper along its length.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the attachment member may be configured to engage a portion of the auxiliary article, and the secondary recess may be configured to receive the portion of the auxiliary article.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the attachment member and the secondary recess may be configured to position a portion of the auxiliary item beneath the telescoping traction handle in the retracted position.

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

Optionally, in some embodiments, the attachment member and the secondary recess may be configured to receive portions from more than one auxiliary article.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the attachment member and the secondary recess are integrally formed with the frame plate.

The present disclosure provides a luggage case, the luggage case comprising: a main body, the main body comprising a cover shell and a base shell, wherein the cover shell and the base shell are hingedly connected to each other and can be selectively closed by a closing mechanism; a main recess formed on the luggage case, the main recess comprising a secondary recess formed in a wall of the main recess and an attachment member positioned above a portion of the secondary recess; and a retractable traction handle operably connected to the luggage case, the retractable traction handle being extendable from the main recess and retractable into the main recess.

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

Optionally, in some embodiments, the attachment member may include a base portion extending from the secondary recess and an extension portion extending from the base portion in a direction at least partially toward the secondary recess, wherein an outer surface of the extension portion may be located at or below the bottom wall of the main recess.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the main recess and the auxiliary recess may be integrally formed in a frame plate positioned near an intersection between a top panel and a main panel of one of the cover shell and the base shell.

Optionally, in some embodiments, a slot may be formed adjacent each opposing side of the attachment member and between each opposing side and a wall of the secondary recess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an article of luggage having an attachment member.

2A is a partial front view of the luggage article of FIG. 1 showing the attachment member.

2B is a front view of another embodiment of an attachment member.

FIG. 3 is a partial right side view of the luggage item of FIG. 1 .

4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the luggage article of FIG. 1 taken along section line 4 - 4 of FIG. 2A .

5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the luggage article of FIG. 1 taken along section line 5 - 5 of FIG. 2A .

6 is a partially exploded isometric view of the luggage item of FIG. 1 .

7A is an isometric view of a luggage item with example attachment members.

7B illustrates a rear right close-up perspective view of the example attachment member of FIG. 7A .

7C illustrates a right side cross-sectional view of an example attachment member.

8 illustrates a right rear close-up perspective view of an auxiliary item held by an example attachment member.

9 shows a close up rear view of the attachment member with a retractable pulling handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1-6, an attachment member 200 for a luggage item 100 is disclosed according to one embodiment. Another luggage item 101 may engage the attachment member 200 to be transported with the luggage item 100. In some examples, the attachment member 200 may include a hook member 211 to which another luggage item 101 or other object is attached.

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a luggage item 100 in a closed configuration, which luggage item 100 may be referred to as a luggage case in some examples. The luggage item 100 shown in Fig. 1 is an upright hard surface case. The luggage item 100 has a main body 102, and the main body 102 has a plurality of panels that limit an internal storage space 130 to carry user items. The luggage item 100 comprises a front panel 104 and a relative rear panel 106, a top panel 112 and a bottom panel 114, and a relative left panel 108 and a right panel 110. A corner area 116 may be defined by the intersection of any two or three adjacent panels. The luggage item 100 may be moved between closed configurations, in which the lid 118 and the base 120 of the main body 102 are positioned adjacent to each other so as to selectively open or close, thereby providing access to the internal storage space 130. In some examples, the luggage item 100 may include one or more handles 128 and/or a retractable traction handle 126 that may extend from a frame 500 of the rear panel 106 of the luggage item 100. The frame 500 may be a depression or recess 532 formed on the rear side of the body of the luggage item 100, such as formed on the top panel 112 or the rear panel 106. The frame 500 may be formed near the intersection between the top panel 112 and the rear panel 106. The frame 500 may be partially defined by both the top panel 112 and the rear panel 106 of the luggage case.

The telescopic traction handle 126 can extend outward from the frame plate 500 and retract into the frame plate 500. The telescopic traction handle 126 can include a gripping portion 126a and one or more telescopic tubes 126b, which extend from the luggage case 100 and are connected to the gripping portion 126a. In one example, two telescopic tubes 126b are included. In operation, the telescopic tubes 126b can be retracted to allow the gripping portion 126a to be received in the frame plate 500. The telescopic tubes 126b can be retracted so that the gripping portion 126a contacts the bottom wall 501 of the frame plate 500, or the gripping portion 126a is closely spaced from the bottom wall 501 of the frame plate 500. The telescopic tubes 126b can also be extended to their full length to allow the user to pull or tow the luggage item 100.

The luggage item 100 may include one or more foot elements 148, such as wheels, casters, swivel assemblies, struts, etc., for supporting or enabling the luggage item 100 to move on a support surface, such as a floor, street, sidewalk, or ground. The luggage item 100 may be a variety of types of luggage, including a soft-sided spinner, a hybrid spinner, a container, or the like.

Throughout this disclosure, reference may be made to a width or lateral direction 150, a length or vertical 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 vertical 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. In some examples, the width direction 150, the length direction 152, and the depth direction 154 may be orthogonal to each other. These directions are for illustration only and are by no means limiting.

The luggage item 100 has a recess 132 formed in the body 102. The luggage item 100 includes an attachment member 200 coupled to the body 102, and in this example, the attachment member 200 is received in the recess 132. The attachment member 200 can be positioned in the recess 132 and coupled to the outer surface of the body 102 together with the locking mechanism 300. The attachment member 200 can be hook-shaped as a whole. In many embodiments, the recess is formed in the cover or base. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the recess 132 is formed in the cover 118, and the attachment member 200 is coupled to the cover 118 in the recess 132. In other examples, the attachment member 200 can be coupled to another part of the body 102, can be positioned in the recess or not positioned in the recess. As shown in FIG. 1, the second or other luggage item 101 (e.g., a handbag) engages the attachment member 200 so as to be hung along the front panel 104 of the luggage item 100. The second luggage item 101 may include a portion for engaging the attachment member 200, such as a handle 103. One or more handles 103 are disposed in and selectively engageable with the attachment member 200 (see also the representative dashed handles 103 in FIG. 5).

The luggage item 100 can be configured in an open position, wherein the lid 118 and the base 120 are positioned apart from each other. The lid 118 and the base 120 can be pivotally attached together, for example, by a hinge 122 or similar mechanism, and can be releasably attached together by a closing mechanism 124 so as to releasably secure the lid 118 and the base 120 together in a closed configuration. In some examples, the closing mechanism 124 is a zipper 125. The closing mechanism 124 can extend along one or more edges of the lid 118 and the base 120. The closing mechanism 124 can include complementary portions on each of the lid 118 and the base 120, wherein the complementary portions can be selectively coupled or disengaged relative to each other. When the complementary portions of the closing mechanism 124 are coupled, the lid 118 and the base 120 form a closed internal storage space 130. The closing mechanism 124 can include an actuator, such as one or more pull tabs, which enable a user to selectively couple or disengage the complementary portions of the closing mechanism 124. In the example of a zipper, the closure mechanism 124 may have one or more pull-tab actuators 127 that may slide along the length of the closure mechanism 124 to selectively couple or uncouple complementary portions of the closure mechanism 124 .

The locking mechanism 300 may be operable to thwart, prevent or deter unauthorized opening of the luggage item 100. For example, the locking mechanism 300 may be a zipper lock and may be operable to receive and secure a pull tab actuator 127 (see FIG. 1 ) of a zipper 125, such as an example of a closure mechanism 124, thereby preventing the actuator from sliding along the length of the closure mechanism 124 and, therefore, preventing the closure mechanism 124 from opening. Additionally, the locking mechanism 300 may include a key or combination lock 129, such that a person possessing the key or combination may remove the pull tab actuator from the locking mechanism 300, such as by pushing the actuator 318, which causes the locking mechanism 300 to release the pull tab.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 300 is fixed to the body 102 by an anchoring element 302. The anchoring element 302 is disposed inside the luggage item 100, and the locking mechanism 300 is disposed outside the luggage item 100, wherein a portion of the body 102 is clamped between the anchoring element 302 and the locking mechanism 300. In this example, the anchoring element 302 includes a plate 312 having an upper surface 310 and an opposite lower surface 314. A wall 316 connects the upper surface 310 and the lower surface 314. The anchoring element 302 can be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, composite material (e.g., fiber reinforced composite material), wood, etc. One or more holes 304a, 304b can be formed in the anchoring element 302. The holes 304a, 304b can be adapted to receive one or more fasteners 306. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the anchoring element 302 is disposed on the inner surface of the cover 118. In other embodiments, the anchoring 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, which can act to receive one or more fasteners 306. When the fastener 306 is rotated relative to the recess 308, the recess 308 and the fastener 306 can be threadedly engaged. Other types of fasteners 306 can be used, such as pins, nails, rivets, or the like. The recesses 308 can be blind recesses as shown, or they can be through holes extending through the locking mechanism 300.

As best shown in FIGS. 4-6 , in one embodiment, the attachment member 200 is coupled to the body 102 together with the locking mechanism 300 as an assembly 322, in this example, positioned outside the body 102. The anchoring element 302 is disposed inside the luggage article 100. The attachment member 200 is disposed outside the luggage article 100. The locking mechanism 300 is disposed on the top or outside of the attachment member 200. The anchoring element 302, a portion of the body 102 (in the recess 132), the base plate 210 of the attachment member 200, and the locking mechanism 300 are secured together by fasteners 306. In one example, the fasteners engage the anchoring element 302 and the locking mechanism 300 to clamp the base plate 210 of the attachment member 200 and the portion of the body 102 located therebetween. Advantages of coupling the attachment member 200 and the locking mechanism 300 as an assembly to the luggage article 100 may include cost savings by using the locking mechanism 300 and the anchoring element 302 to perform the additional function of securing the attachment member 200 to the luggage article 100. Additionally, coupling the attachment member 200 and the locking mechanism 300 together in the assembly 322 may increase the strength and/or rigidity of the combined assembly 322. The locking mechanism 300 is received in the recess at the top end of the base, which may better protect it from damage, in part because the edge covers a portion of the periphery of the locking mechanism.

The recess 132 is formed in the body 102 of the luggage article 100. The recess 132 is defined by the body 102 being recessed into the luggage article 100. The recess 132 has a depth, a length, and a width suitable for receiving at least a portion of the attachment member 200. The attachment member 200 is defined by the body 202, which includes a base plate 210, a handle 208, an intersection 206, and a tine 204. In some embodiments, the handle 208 extends from the base plate 210 at an angle. In some embodiments, the intersection 206 extends from the handle 208 at an angle. In some embodiments, the tine 204 extends from the intersection at an angle. In some embodiments, the handle 208, the intersection 206, and the tine 204 transition smoothly between each other, such as with one or more bends. In one example, the attachment member 200 may partially include a hook member 211. The body 202 of the attachment member 200 may partially form the hook member 211. In one example, the hook member 211 can be formed by at least the handle 208, the intersection 206, and the prongs 204. In one example, such as the example in FIG. 4, the hook member 211 can have a generally curved shape, such as a generally J-shaped curve. Therefore, the attachment member 200 can include the hook member 211 and the base plate 210. In one example, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the attachment member 200 is bent away from the luggage article 100. For example, the hook member 211 of the attachment member 200 can be bent away from the luggage article 100, for example, the prongs 204 of the hook member 211 can be bent upward and away from the top panel 112 of the luggage article.

The base plate 210 includes an upper surface 244 around which an edge 212 extends to form a recess. The height of a portion of the edge 212 can vary to form a scallop 224, thereby allowing access to the actuator 318 when assembling the luggage article 100 so that the user can operate the actuator 318 to disengage the locking mechanism 300. The edge 212 and the recess in the upper surface 244 form a storage chamber 246 suitable for receiving the locking mechanism 300. The height of the edge 212 near the front panel 104 can be higher than its height near the rear panel 106 (see, for example, FIG. 5), thereby reinforcing and/or strengthening the front of the base plate 210 and reducing the deflection of the attachment member 200 and/or resisting lateral forces to stabilize the locking mechanism 300. In addition, the rear lower portion of the edge 212 can allow better access to the pull tab of the closing mechanism 124. As described above, the locking mechanism 300, the attachment member 200, and the anchoring element 302 can be sandwiched together with a portion of the body 102 in the assembly 322. On the bottom of the body 202 are one or more holes 216a that can extend through the body 202 to enable the attachment element to be coupled in the assembly 322. The hole 216a can extend through the upper surface 244 so that the hole 216a communicates with the storage chamber 246 at one end and communicates with the lower surface 222 at the other end. The hole 216a can be used to receive a corresponding fastener 306 to couple the attachment member 200 to the luggage item 100. The holes 216a and 216b can be clearance holes, which are larger than the size of the fastener 306.

The body 202 may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, composite material (e.g., fiber reinforced composite material), wood, etc. The body 202 may 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 may be a single unitary piece. The body 202 may be two or more parts connected to each other, such as by fasteners, adhesives, brazing, welding, etc.

In some embodiments, the dimension 240 between the upper surface 244 and the lower surface 222 of the substrate 210 is approximately 3-4 mm. In other embodiments, the dimension 240 can be approximately 1 mm or 2 mm. In other embodiments, the dimension 240 can be approximately 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, or more.

The handle 208 can extend from the base plate 210. The handle 208 can extend generally downward into the recess 132 of the top panel 112 of the body 102. The handle 208 can also extend from the base plate 210 toward the front panel 104 into the recess 132. In one embodiment, the handle 208 extends into the recess 132 at an angle to the plane defined by the top panel 112 (see, for example, FIG. 5). In some embodiments, a fixing recess 214 can be formed in the body 202, for example, near the intersection of the handle 208 and the intersection 206. The fixing recess 214 can act to receive a fastener to better fix the attachment member 200 to the luggage item 100. In many embodiments, the fixing recess 214 is optional. The handle 208 has a width dimension 248 (see, for example, FIG. 4). The handle 208 defines a middle surface 220 on its lower surface. In many embodiments, the middle surface 220 is a plane. In other embodiments, the intermediate surface 220 may be a curved or irregularly shaped surface.

Intersection 206 extends from a lower end of handle 208, which is opposite an upper end of handle 208. Intersection 206 is a transition portion between handle 208 and tine 204. In one embodiment, intersection forms a surface 232 on its upper surface. Surface 232 may be planar. Surface 232 is operable to receive or support a second luggage item attachment such as a strap or handle to selectively attach the second luggage item to main luggage item 100. In one embodiment, surface 232 has a length of about 4 mm along dimension 234. In other embodiments, the length along 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, surface 232 may be curved or rounded in shape with no effective length along dimension 234.

The hook-shaped tine 204 generally extends upward from the intersection 206. The tine 204 may also extend backward toward the rear panel 106 (see, e.g., FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, the tine 204 may extend at an angle 250 of approximately 18° relative to the normal direction 158 of the top panel 112, in some examples extending in the direction of the center of the luggage case 100, and in the illustrated example extending in the direction of the locking mechanism 300 (see FIG. 3 ). In some embodiments, the tine 204 may extend at an angle 250 of approximately 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, or greater relative to the normal direction 158 of the top panel 112. The tine 204 may also have a width dimension 248 (see, e.g., FIG. 2A ). The tine 204 has a thickness dimension 238 at the transition between it and the intersection 206. In some embodiments, the thickness dimension 238 is approximately 9.5 millimeters. In other embodiments, thickness dimension 238 may be approximately 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, or greater. Thickness dimension 238 may be the thickest portion of attachment member 200, for example, to counteract bending forces exerted on tine 204 by an attached luggage item, etc. Tine 204 has thickness dimension 236 near its end 242. In some embodiments, thickness dimension 236 is approximately 7 mm. In other embodiments, thickness dimension 236 may be approximately 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, or greater. In some embodiments, thickness dimension 236 may taper from a central portion of tine 204 along its width toward the edge of tine 204. In some embodiments, the size of tine 204 tapers from thickness dimension 238 to thickness dimension 236. For example, thickness dimension 236 may be less than thickness dimension 238.

When the additional luggage case is engaged with the attachment member 200, a portion of the additional luggage case (e.g., a handle) is received by at least a portion of the engagement portion of the attachment member, which is formed by a portion of the upper surface of the handle 208, a portion of the fork 204, and the intersection 206.

In some embodiments, the attachment member 200 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2A ) has a width dimension 248 of approximately 70 millimeters. For example, at least a portion of the handle 208, the intersection 206, and/or the tines 204 can have a width dimension 248 of approximately 70 millimeters. In some embodiments, the width dimension 248 of the handle 208, the intersection 206, and/or the tines 204 can be approximately 10 millimeters, 20 millimeters, 30 millimeters, 40 millimeters, 50 millimeters, 60 millimeters, 70 millimeters, 80 millimeters, 90 millimeters, 100 millimeters, or more. The width dimension 248 can be substantially consistent between the handle 208, the intersection 206, and/or the tines 204.

Alternatively, in another example of an attachment structure 200' as shown in FIG. 2B, the width 248' (in the same or similar width direction as the width 248) of the area of the tine 204' near the end 242' can be greater than the width 249 of the tine 204' at or near its intersection with the intersection 206'. In this example, the width dimension 248' of the area of the tine 204' near the end 242' can be approximately 50 millimeters, with the tine 204' tapering inwardly as it extends downward to a width dimension 249 of approximately 47.5 millimeters at or near the junction of the tine 204' and the intersection 206'. Except for the width dimension as described above, the attachment structure 200' is structurally the same or consistent with the attachment structures mentioned elsewhere herein. A benefit of relatively wide tines, such as those achieved by relatively consistent width dimension 248 or varying width dimensions 248′ and 249, may be that the attachment member is strong enough to resist deflection, twisting, deformation, or breakage, and may place less stress on an item coupled to the luggage article 100 via the attachment member relative to a narrower attachment member. In addition, the width dimension 248 of approximately 70 millimeters is about the width of a typical human hand, which is the basis of the dimensions of many bag handles to which the attachment member 200 may be coupled.

As best shown in FIG. 6 , the body 102 can have a recess 132 formed therein. The recess 132 can be adapted to receive the attachment member 200 and/or the locking mechanism 300. A benefit of having a portion of the attachment member 200 and/or the locking mechanism 300 received in the recess 132 can be to reduce the protrusion distance of the attachment member above the top panel 112, which is a challenge for additional features and functional structures attached to the exterior of the hard-sided luggage case. The attachment member 200 and the locking mechanism 300 do not increase the exterior dimensions of the luggage article 100 when received in the recess 132. In addition, by being at least partially received in the recess 132, the attachment member 200 and the locking mechanism 300 can be protected to a certain extent from damage, such as from being caught or struck by an object while being carried. Positioning the attachment member 200 and/or the locking mechanism 300 in the recess 132 can result in a luggage article 100 that is more aesthetically pleasing than simply attaching the attachment member 200 and/or the locking mechanism 300 to the body 102. Positioning the attachment member 200 and/or the locking mechanism 300 in the recess 132 can result in a stronger assembly 322 because the walls of the recess 132 help prevent lateral displacement of the tines 204. For example, the side walls 134a, 134b can support the attachment member 200 so that lateral or torsional displacement thereof is limited.

In many embodiments, the recess 132 is formed in the cover 118. In this example, the recess 132 is formed in the top panel of the cover 118. In other embodiments, the recess 132 can be formed in another part of the body 102, such as the base 120. The recess 132 is formed as an offset recessed area. The recess can be defined by a periphery, in the current example, by the sidewalls 134 and the bottom 135. The sidewalls 134 can extend from the bottom 135 at right angles, or can extend from the bottom 135 at angles other than right angles. The recess has at least one depth, at least one width (e.g., the width measured between the sidewalls 134a and 134b) and at least one length (e.g., the length measured between the front wall 142 and the rear wall 146). The recess 132 can have one or more sub-portions so that when combined together, the entire recess 132 is formed. The depth, width and length of any sub-portion of the recess can be the same or different from another sub-portion. Typically, 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 sized to receive the attachment member 200, as further described below. In one example, the width of the recess between the side walls 134a and 134b is greater than the width of the attachment member 200. The difference in width dimensions can form gaps 147, 149 between either side of the hook member 211 and the corresponding side walls 134a and/or 134b. In one example, the width between the walls 134a and 134b can be approximately 115 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the recess 132 includes a first subsection 137 defined by an upper bottom surface 138, side walls 134a and 134b, and a rear wall 146. The upper bottom surface 138 can be at a depth of about 6-7 mm. In some embodiments, the upper bottom surface 138 extends generally in a plane that is oriented similar to (e.g., parallel to) the panel in which the recess 132 is formed. One or more holes 156a and 156b can be formed in the upper bottom surface 138. The holes 156a and 156b can function to receive one or more corresponding fasteners 306. The holes 156a and 156b can be clearance holes that are larger in size than the corresponding fasteners 306.

In some embodiments, the recess 132 includes a second sub-portion 139 defined by an intermediate bottom surface 140. The intermediate bottom surface 140 can extend from the first sub-portion to the third sub-portion. Because the third sub-portion has a greater depth than the first sub-portion, the depth of the intermediate bottom surface can increase as it slopes downward from the first sub-portion to the third sub-portion 141, thereby forming a slope between the first sub-portion and the second sub-portion. In this example, the intermediate bottom surface 140 can be located at a depth of approximately 6-7 mm at the location where it intersects with the first sub-portion 137, and can be located at a depth of approximately 18-19 mm at the location where it intersects with the third sub-portion. In this example, the intermediate bottom surface 140 extends at a certain angle relative to the first sub-portion and the third sub-portion. As further discussed herein, the slope or slope of the intermediate bottom surface can support a portion of the attachment member 200, such as the handle 208.

In some embodiments, the third sub-portion 141 of the recess 132 can extend toward the front panel 104, and in some examples can extend far enough to overlap with the front panel 104. The recess can include a lower bottom surface 136 and a front wall 142, which extends between the side walls 134a and 134b, close to the front panel 104, located at the front panel 104, or overlapping with the front panel 104. The lower bottom surface 136 can be at a depth of about 18-19 mm. The front wall 142 can be included in the lip 144 of the body 102, for example, the front wall 142 can be formed by the lip. In some embodiments, the front wall 142 extends at a certain angle relative to the lower bottom surface 136. For example, the front wall 142 can form an inclined surface that provides a smooth transition from the lower bottom surface 136 to the panel in which the recess 132 is defined. In other embodiments, the front wall 142 can extend to the lower bottom surface 136 generally at a right angle. A gap 151 may be formed between the attachment member 200 and the front wall 142. For example, the gap 151 may be formed between the end of the hook member 211 and the front wall 142. The gap may be continuous with the gaps 147, 149 on the opposite sides of the attachment member 200 when it is in the recess 132. In one embodiment, the recess 132 does not include the front wall 142, and the attachment member 200 (e.g., the hook member 211) may not be surrounded at or near the front panel 104.

In some embodiments, recess 132 includes a rear wall 146 extending between side walls 134a and 134b, opposite front wall 142. In some embodiments, rear wall 146 extends from adjacent upper floor surface 138 generally at a right angle.

As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , in some embodiments, when the luggage article 100 is assembled, the attachment member 200 can be received in the recess 132. The lower surface 222 can be disposed on the upper bottom surface 138. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , in some embodiments, the anchor element 302 can be disposed on the inner surface of the body 102, below the upper bottom surface 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 storage chamber 246. One or more fasteners 306 can be inserted through one or more corresponding holes 304a and 304b. The one or more fasteners 306 can be inserted through the corresponding holes 156a and 156b. The fastener 306 can be inserted through the one or more holes 216a and 216b. The fastener 306 can be inserted into the one or more recesses 308. In some embodiments, the fastener 306 may include helical threads such that when the fastener 306 is rotated relative to the recess 308, the corresponding threads of the fastener 306 and the recess 308 engage to secure the attachment member 200 to the luggage article 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 may be inserted through the hole as described above, and the rivet expands to secure the attachment member 200 to the luggage article 100 via the locking mechanism 300 and the anchor element 302.

When installed with the luggage item 100, the lower surface 218 can be disposed on the lower bottom surface 136. In some embodiments, the lower surface 218 rests on the lower bottom surface 136 but is not coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the lower surface 218 is coupled to the lower bottom surface 136. In some embodiments, the intermediate surface 220 can be disposed on the intermediate bottom surface 140. In some embodiments, the intermediate surface 220 rests on the intermediate bottom surface 140 but is not coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the intermediate surface 220 is coupled to the intermediate bottom surface 140. In some embodiments, the handle 208 and/or the intersection 206 are coupled to one or more of the lower bottom surface 136 or the intermediate bottom surface 140, for example, by appropriate fasteners received in the fixing recess 214. The prongs 204 can be spaced apart from the front wall 142. The benefit of not coupling the handle 208, the intersection 206, and/or the prongs 204 to the body 102 can be that the attachment member 200 forms a cantilever structure. The cantilever structure can flex, for example, when it is caught on an object during handling. The flexing of the attachment member 200 can release the attachment member 200 from the object without breaking.

As shown in FIG. 5 , a portion 103 of the second luggage item 101, such as one or more handles, may engage the attachment member 200. In some examples, the portion 103 may be disposed in the attachment member 200 and may engage a portion of the handle 208, a portion of the intersection 206, and/or a portion of the tines 204 so as to remain removably secured to the attachment member 200. As described above, the portion of the attachment member 200 that receives the second luggage item 101 may have a width dimension of approximately 70 millimeters. This width dimension may be a suitable dimension because many handle structures suitable for luggage items carried by hand have a gripping portion of approximately 70 millimeters. In addition, the width dimension of approximately 70 millimeters provides a sufficiently wide and stable contact for the loop handle of the second luggage item, reducing the lateral lateral movement of the second luggage item 101 suspended on the engagement member 200 when the main luggage item 100 is pulled or moved along the support surface.

As best shown in FIG. 3 , when the attachment member 200 is mounted with the luggage item 100, the tip 242 of the tine 204 can be disposed a distance of one ridge 228 above the luggage case body 102. For example, the tip 242 can be raised above the top panel 112 by the ridge 228. Similarly, the upper surface 320 of the locking mechanism 300 can be disposed a distance of one ridge 230 above the body 102. For example, the upper surface 320 can be disposed a distance of one ridge 228 above the top panel 112. The ridge 228 can be less than or equal to the upper surface 320, such that the tip 242 is disposed a certain gap 226 below the upper surface 320. An advantage of such an arrangement is that the likelihood of the tine 204 catching on an object is reduced when the luggage item 100 is moved. Reducing the likelihood of catching can make it easier for the luggage item 100 to be moved (e.g., through a luggage handling system), and can reduce the risk of the attachment member 200 breaking. The distal ends 242 of the tines 204 may also be disposed at or below an upper surface of the handle 128 .

In another example of a luggage item 100, as shown in FIGS. 7A-9, an attachment member in the form of an attachment member 700 for supporting an auxiliary item 101 may be defined on or by the frame panel 500 and configured to be placed below the retractable towing handle 126. The luggage item 100 may be the same or similar to the luggage item 100 previously described and may include all or some of the same features. For example, the luggage case may have a body 102 having a top panel 112, a bottom panel 114, a front panel 104, a rear panel 106, a left panel 108, and a right panel 110. The attachment member 700 may allow the auxiliary item 101 to be suspended from or supported by the luggage item 100.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C , the luggage case 100 may define a concave-shaped main recess 532 in the body 102 (e.g., in the base shell 120 of the luggage case 100). In one example, the main recess 532 may be defined in whole or in part by the frame plate 500. A secondary recess 600 may be defined by the frame plate 500 for receiving a portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101. An attachment member (e.g., an attachment member 700 in one example) may be positioned in the frame plate, such as on the bottom wall 501 in one example. In one example, the attachment member 700 may be positioned in the secondary recess 600 formed in the bottom wall 501 of the frame plate 500. The attachment member 700 may be used to receive and hold a portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101, such as a strap of a wallet or handbag. The attachment member 700 may include a first base portion 701 and a second extension portion 704. The base portion 701 may extend upward from the lower wall 605 of the secondary recess 600, the extension portion 704 may extend toward the secondary recess, and in one example, it may extend from the base portion 701 at a certain angle to cover the lower wall 605 of the secondary recess 600. The outer surface 713 of the extension portion 704 of the attachment member may be positioned at or below the height of the bottom wall of the main recess 532, which may be the bottom wall 501 of the frame plate 500. Therefore, the attachment member 700 as an attachment member may be positioned below the telescopic handle so as not to interfere with the gripping portion 126a of the telescopic traction handle 126 when the telescopic traction handle 126 is in the retracted position and the gripping portion 126a is stored in the frame plate 500.

The main recess 532 can be formed in the frame panel 500 at the intersection of the top panel 112 and the rear panel 106. The frame panel 500 can be integral with the panels, such as a molded feature of the luggage article 100, or can be one or more separate components that are inserted into the underlying recess of the luggage 100. The underlying recess can be the main recess 532, which can be defined by the panels of the luggage 100. For example, the frame panel 500 can cover a recess or opening defined by the luggage 100. In other examples, the frame panel 500 can only partially define the main recess 532 and cover a portion of the recess or opening defined by the luggage 100. In additional examples, a first portion of the frame panel 500 can cover or define a first section of the main recess 532, while another portion can cover another section of the main recess 534. The frame panel 500 can 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 frame plate 500 may further define an outer wall 508, which is positioned between the bottom wall 501 and the rear panel 106 of the luggage item 100. The main wall 503 may extend upward from the bottom wall 501. The left and right side walls 505 may extend upward from the bottom wall 501 and are located at opposite side ends of the main wall 503. Each of the main wall 503 and the side walls 505 may be perpendicular to the bottom wall 501 or at an angle to the bottom wall 501. The side walls 505 and the main wall 503 may be at an angle to each other, or may have a smooth or curved transition. The bottom wall 501 may further define one or more holes, such as a traction handle hole 510, for the retractable traction handle 126 to extend from the frame plate 500 and be attached to the main recess 532.

7A-7C , the bottom wall 501 of the frame plate 500 may define an attachment member 700. In some examples, the attachment member 700 may be positioned in a secondary recess 600 formed in the bottom wall 501 of the frame plate 500. The attachment member 700 may be integrally formed in the frame plate 500, or may be a separate part attached to the bottom wall 501 of the frame plate 500. The attachment member 700 may be positioned in or above the secondary recess 600.

The secondary recess 600 may be formed in the bottom wall 501 of the frame plate 500. The secondary recess 600 may have an opening in more than one direction. For example, the secondary recess 600 may extend to the exterior of the luggage case 100, such as the outer wall 508, opening outward in a direction away from the rear main wall 503. The opening in the outer wall 508 may define one or more slots or grooves 720. The secondary recess 600 may be a space into which a portion 103 of an auxiliary item 101 (such as a strap 103 of a bag) may be inserted so as not to interfere with the towing handle 126 when in the retracted position. The secondary recess 600 may be located in a central area of the bottom wall 501, or in other examples may be positioned closer to one of the main wall 503 or the side wall 505. The secondary recess 600 may have a rear wall 601, opposite end walls 603 (a left end wall 603a and a right end wall 603b), and a lower wall 605. The rear wall 601 may be aligned with the main wall 503 in a direction.

7B and 9, laterally spaced step features 607 may or may not be formed between the lower wall 605 and the side walls 603. The step features 607 may be defined at the intersection of the lower wall 605 and each of the opposing end walls 603. There may be multiple step features, such as a first step feature 607a, a second step feature 607b (lower wall 605 in the illustrated example), and so on. In other examples, there may be only a single step feature, such as step feature 607a. The step feature 607 may divide the secondary recess 600 into an upper region 610 and a lower region 611, wherein the upper region 610 is wider than the lower region 612, as best shown in FIG. 9. The upper region 610 and the lower region 611 may define a portion of the slot 720. The step feature 607 can be used to engage a portion of the auxiliary article 101 and hold it in the secondary recess 600, or to help fit the portion 103 of the auxiliary article 101 snugly in the secondary recess 600. For example, the step feature 607 can align the portion of the auxiliary article 101 so that it bends around or under the attachment member 700. If the auxiliary article 101 has more than one portion 103 to be held by the step feature 607, the first auxiliary portion can be held in the lower region 611 and the second auxiliary portion can be held in the upper region 610.

As shown in Fig. 7B and Fig. 9, the end wall can selectively define a smooth wall 613. The smooth wall 613 can extend from the bottom wall 501 to the lower wall 605. The smooth wall 613 can have a straight shape, a circular shape or a concave shape. The secondary recess 600 formed with the smooth wall 613 can define a wider slot 720 than when there is a step 607b. The wider slot 720 can help guide the part 103 of the auxiliary article 101 to engage with the attachment member 700, and can accommodate the handle 103 with a larger structure. The smooth wall 613 can also be bent on the part 103 of the auxiliary article 101, and align the part 103 around the attachment member 700 and through the groove 720. In some examples, the secondary recess 600 can have a smooth wall 613, which has a slope that makes the upper width dimension of the recess 600 greater than the lower width dimension of the recess 600. In such an example, the upper width can define an upper region 610 having an upper width dimension and a lower region 611 having a lower width dimension. The upper width dimension can be greater than the lower width dimension. In other examples, the smooth wall 613 can define a single region having the same or similar width dimension along its height.

The attachment member 700 may be positioned in or near the secondary recess 600. The attachment member 700 may support or hold at least a portion of the auxiliary item 101 on the luggage case 100, and in some examples, within the recess 532 formed by the frame plate 500, and in other examples, within the secondary recess 600. The attachment member 700 may include a first portion or base portion 701 and a second portion or extension portion 704, and define an outer surface 713, an inner surface 710, and opposing edges 715. The base portion 701 may extend upward from the lower wall 605 of the secondary recess 600, and may be centrally located so as to define an adjacent slot or groove 720 between the base portion 701 and the end wall 603. The slot or groove 720 may receive a portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101 supported by the attachment member 700. The base portion 701 may be straight, curved, or a combination of shapes. In other examples, the base portion 701 can be angled relative to the lower wall 605, such as in one example, the base portion 701 is inclined inwardly toward the main wall 503 of the secondary recess 600. The inward inclination can help to keep the portion 103 of the auxiliary item 101 engaged with the attachment member 700. The base portion can define a width between its opposite edges 715 that is approximately equal to or greater than one-third of the width of the lower portion of the secondary recess 600. The width of the base portion 701 can be approximately equal to or less than one-quarter of the width of the upper region 610 of the secondary recess 600. The base portion 701 can also define a constant width along its height, or in another example, it can taper from wide to narrow along its height.

The second portion or extension 704 of the attachment member 700 can extend away from the base portion 701 and above the secondary recess 600 toward the main wall 503 of the secondary recess 600. For example, the extension 704 can extend from the base portion 701 and be angled relative to the base portion 701, and in some examples, the extension 704 can extend at an acute angle, a right angle, or an obtuse angle relative to the base portion 701. The extension 704 can be straight, curved, or a combination of shapes. In one example, the base portion 701 and the extension 704 can define an inverted J-shaped hook together. In such an example, the base portion 701 can be a handle, and the extension 704 can be a hook-shaped fork. In another example, the upper portion 701 and the extension 704 can form a bend together, such as a constant bend in one example. The opposite edge 715 of the extension portion 704 can define a width that can change as the extension portion 704 extends from the intersection with the base portion 701 to its end, such as tapering to a narrower width in one example. In other examples, the extension portion 704 can have a constant width. The outer surface 713 of the extension portion 704 can be the highest point or area of the attachment member 700. The outer surface 713 can be flush with or below the bottom wall 501 of the main recess 532 and does not interfere with the handle of the telescopic towing handle 126 when the telescopic towing handle 126 is in the retracted position. In other examples, the outer surface 713 can extend above the bottom wall 501 in the luggage case, wherein, in the retracted position, the gripping portion 126a of the telescopic towing handle 126 is spaced apart from the bottom wall 501 above the secondary recess 600.

The attachment member 700 can allow a user to store one or more auxiliary items 101 on the luggage item 100 and reduce the number of items that must be carried. In addition, when the attachment member 700 supports the auxiliary item 101 and the retractable traction handle 126 is in the retracted position, the attachment member 70 and the traction handle can prevent or make it difficult to remove the auxiliary item 101.

As shown in Figure 8, the auxiliary article 101 can be supported and maintained by the attachment member 700. In this example, the part 103 of the auxiliary article 101 can be a flexible grip of a wallet, bag or soft briefcase. In operation, a part 103 (such as a handle) of the auxiliary article 101 can be placed in the lower area 611 of the secondary recess 600 and engage with the inner surface 710 of the attachment member 700. The part 103 of the auxiliary article 101 can engage the base portion 701 and extend through the transverse slot or groove 720 formed on each opposite side adjacent to the base portion 701. In one example, the part extending through the slot 720 can engage with the edge of the base portion 701 and the adjacent step feature 607 on opposite sides. This can make the part 103 of the auxiliary article 101 bend, thereby enhancing the retention of the attachment member 700 to the article 101. In other examples, the smooth wall 613 may also be curved on the portion 103 so that the article 101 is positioned in the slots 720 formed on either side of the attachment member 700. The article 101 may also be engaged with the attachment member 700. The portion 103 of the auxiliary article 101 may also be positioned under the extension 704 of the attachment member 700 and may or may not be engaged with the inner surface 710 of the extension 704.

In other examples, as shown in FIG. 9 , the attachment member 700 can receive more than one portion 103 of the auxiliary article 101, such as two handles of a wallet, bag, or soft briefcase. In other examples, the attachment member 700 can receive more than one auxiliary article 101, such as two different wallets, bags, or soft briefcases. In these examples, one portion can be in the lower portion of the secondary recess 600, while another portion can be received in the upper area 610 of the secondary recess 600. In this way, more than one portion can be stacked in the attachment member 700 for support and fixation to the luggage case 100.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 9 , the retractable traction handle 126 can be retracted to a retracted position. In the retracted position, the gripping portion 126a can be closely spaced or engaged with the bottom wall 501 of the main recess 532. In this case, because the outer surface 713 of the extension portion 704 can be flush or below flush with the bottom or bottom wall 501 of the main recess 532, the attachment member 700 may not contact the gripping portion 126a of the retractable traction handle 126. Because the portion 103 of the auxiliary article 101 can be located within the secondary recess 600 and below the extension portion 704 of the attachment member 700, the portion 103 can be completely located below the traction handle 126 in the retracted position. In addition, the entire auxiliary article 101 can be located below the traction handle 126 in the retracted position. This configuration may allow the retractable towing handle 126 to utilize its full retraction and extension capabilities while allowing the portion 103 of the auxiliary article 101 to remain in and be retained by the attachment member 700 even when the towing handle 126 is retracted.

When the attachment member 700 is located in the frame plate 500, the frame plate 500 and the attachment member 700 can be formed by any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, composite material (such as fiber reinforced composite material), wood or its combination. The frame plate 500 and the attachment member 700 can be formed by any suitable method, such as vacuum forming, injection molding, subtractive manufacturing (such as machining), additive manufacturing (such as 3D printing) etc. Relatively rigid materials can be conducive to supporting the heavier loads in the attachment member 700, although softer materials may be suitable. The attachment member 700 can be a single integral piece, or can be two or more parts connected to each other such as by fasteners, adhesives, brazing, welding, etc. In addition, the precise position and angle of the attachment member 700 can be adjusted to adapt to different injection molding techniques. For example, the second step feature 607b of the secondary recess 600 can be arranged for the mold to form the inner surface 710 of the extension 704 or the attachment member 700.

The descriptions of certain embodiments included herein are merely exemplary in nature and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure or its application or use. In the included detailed description of the embodiments of the present system and method, reference is made to the drawings that form part of the embodiments, and these drawings are shown by specific descriptions of the embodiments of the described systems and methods. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to implement the currently disclosed systems and methods, and it should 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. In addition, for the sake of clarity, when certain features are obvious to those skilled in the art, the detailed description of these features will not be discussed to avoid difficulty in understanding the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the included detailed description should not be regarded as restrictive, and the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing, although specific embodiments of the present invention are described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The body 102 of the luggage case may include one or more layers of material used to make a hard-sided luggage case. Reference herein to attachment or coupling to the inner or outer surface of the lid 118 and/or base 120 includes attachment or coupling to any one or more layers of the one or more layers of hard-sided material forming the body.

The details shown herein are by way of example and are only used for illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the utility model, and the purpose is to provide the most useful and most easily understood description of the principles and concepts of various embodiments of the utility model. In this regard, except for the details necessary for a basic understanding of the utility model - descriptions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and/or examples that make it clear to those skilled in the art how to put several forms of the utility model into practice, no attempt is made to show the structural details of the utility model in more detail.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the words "a" and "an" should be understood to mean "one", "at least one" or "one or more". Unless otherwise required by context, as used herein, singular words shall include pluralities and plural words shall include the singular.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "include", "comprising", etc. are to be interpreted in an inclusive sense and not in an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to". Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural and singular, respectively. In addition, the words "herein", "above" and "below" and words of similar meaning as used in this application refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular part of this application.

Of course, it should be understood that according to the systems, devices and methods of the present invention, any one of the examples, embodiments or processes described herein may be combined with one or more other examples, embodiments and/or processes, or separated and/or executed in a separate device or device portion.

Finally, the above discussion is intended only to illustrate the system of the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the appended claims to any specific embodiment or group of embodiments. Therefore, although the system of the present invention has been described in particular detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that a variety of variations and alternative embodiments may be designed by those skilled in the art without departing from the broader and intended spirit and scope of the system of the present invention as set forth in the subsequent claims. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be viewed in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A suitcase, comprising: a main body, the main body comprising a cover shell and a base shell, wherein the cover shell and the base shell are hingedly coupled to each other and can be selectively closed by a closing mechanism; a main recess formed on the luggage case, the main recess defining a bottom wall; a secondary recess formed in a bottom wall of the primary recess; and An attachment member is positioned in the secondary recess. 2. The luggage case according to claim 1, wherein: The main recess is defined by a frame plate positioned adjacent an intersection between a top panel and a main panel of one of the cover shell and the base shell; a retractable towing handle operably coupled to the luggage case, the retractable towing handle being extendable from and retractable into the main recess; and The auxiliary recess is formed in the bottom wall of the frame plate. 3. The luggage case of claim 2, wherein the attachment member is located below the telescoping towing handle when the telescoping towing handle is in the retracted position. 4. The luggage case according to claim 2, wherein: The auxiliary recess includes an upper region having an upper width, and a lower region having a lower width, wherein the lower width is smaller than the upper width. 5. The luggage case of claim 4, wherein the attachment member comprises: a base portion extending from the secondary recess, and An extension portion extends from the base portion in a direction at least partially toward the secondary recess. 6. The luggage case of claim 5, wherein a slot is formed adjacent each opposing side of the base portion. 7. The luggage case of claim 6, wherein an auxiliary item is received in the slot. 8 . The luggage case of claim 5 , wherein the extension portion is positioned flush with or below a bottom wall of the main recess. 9. The luggage case of claim 5, wherein the base portion defines a width that is greater than one third of the width of the lower portion. 10. The luggage case of claim 5, wherein the base portion tapers along its length. 11. The luggage case of claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment member is configured to engage a portion of an auxiliary item and the secondary recess is configured to receive the portion of the auxiliary item. 12. The luggage case of claim 2, wherein the attachment member and secondary recess are configured to position a portion of an auxiliary item beneath the retractable towing handle in the retracted position. 13. The luggage case of claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment member and secondary recess are configured to position a portion of an auxiliary item at or below a bottom wall of the primary recess. 14. The luggage case of claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment member and secondary recess are configured to receive portions from more than one auxiliary item. 15. The luggage case of claim 2, wherein the attachment member and secondary recess are integrally formed with the frame panel. 16. A luggage case, comprising: a main body, the main body comprising a cover shell and a base shell, wherein the cover shell and the base shell are hingedly coupled to each other and can be selectively closed by a closing mechanism; A main recess is formed on the luggage case, the main recess comprising: a secondary recess formed in the wall of the primary recess; and an attachment member positioned over a portion of the secondary recess; and a retractable towing handle operably coupled to the luggage case, the retractable towing handle being extendable from and retractable into the primary recess. 17. The luggage case of claim 16, wherein the attachment member is in contact with or beneath the telescoping towing handle. 18. The luggage case of claim 16 or 17, wherein the attachment member comprises: a base portion extending from the secondary recess, and An extension portion extends from the base portion in a direction at least partially toward the secondary recess, wherein an outer surface of the extension portion is located at or below a bottom wall of the primary recess. 19. A luggage case according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the primary recess and the secondary recess are integrally formed in a frame panel positioned adjacent an intersection between a top panel and a main panel of one of the cover shell and the base shell. 20. The luggage case of claim 16 or 17, wherein a slot is formed adjacent each opposing side of the attachment member and a wall of the secondary recess.