EP3412170A1

EP3412170A1 - Closure mechanism protector for a luggage case

Info

Publication number: EP3412170A1
Application number: EP17175186.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dhirendra Kharka
Original assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings SARL
Current assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings SARL
Priority date: 2017-06-09
Filing date: 2017-06-09
Publication date: 2018-12-12
Also published as: CN208837180U

Abstract

A zipper closure protector for a luggage case (100) is provided. The luggage case (100) may include an opening (150) defined by a peripheral edge (140), a gusset (192) located and attached inwardly (and optionally below) the peripheral edge (140) and including a distal edge (196) extending a distance above the peripheral edge (140), and a closure arrangement (210) operable to bring the distal edge (196) of the gusset (192) inwardly together with respect to the peripheral edge (140). The gusset (192) may be located and attached adjacent to and around at least part of, and preferably along the entire length of, the peripheral edge (140).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to luggage articles, and more specifically to a zipper closure protector for a luggage case.

BACKGROUND

Many existing luggage cases include a closure mechanism, such as a zipper closure mechanism, to close the lid of the case. Often while closing the luggage case, the closure mechanism may not operate due to interference caused by contents within the case. For example, the zipper slider of a zipper closure may become obstructed because contents overlap the zipper teeth.
It is therefore desirable to provide an improved luggage case, and more specifically a mechanism to protect the zipper closure of a luggage case that addresses one or all of the above described problems and/or which more generally offers improvements or an alternative to existing arrangements.
Documents that may be related to the present disclosure include EP1196058A1 , US6135253A , US7735615B2 , US8429777B2 , US8459422B1 , US9480315B2 , US20040154889A1 ,and US20140083580A1 .

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a closure mechanism protector for a luggage case, as described below and defined in the accompanying claims. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a zipper closure protector for a luggage case as described below and defined in the accompanying claims. The present disclosure advantageously provides improved operation of a closure mechanism of a luggage case to allow a luggage case to close, such as in one example an improved operation of a zipper closure. For example, the luggage case according to the present disclosure provides a gusset operable to limit contents of the luggage case contacting the closure mechanism. In particular embodiments including a zipper closure, the gusset may facilitate unobstructed zipper operation without any obstruction from the luggage contents. Furthermore, the gusset may help to minimize the chances of zipper malfunction, thereby increasing the appeal of the luggage case.
Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a luggage case. The luggage case may include a major face, a plurality of sidewalls extending from the major face, a gusset, and a closure arrangement. The major face and sidewalls may at least partially define a storage volume of the luggage case. The edges of the sidewalls distal the major face may together define a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge may define an opening of the luggage case. The gusset may be located and attached inwardly of the peripheral edge and extend therefrom. The gusset may include a distal edge extending a distance above the peripheral edge. The gusset may be located and attached adjacent to and around at least part of, and preferably along entire length of, the peripheral edge. The closure arrangement may be operable to bring the distal edge of the gusset inwardly together with respect to the peripheral edge.
In some embodiments, the gusset may be located and attached below the peripheral edge.
In some embodiments, the closure arrangement may be operable to bring the distal edge of the gusset inwardly towards the center of the luggage case.
In some embodiments, the closure arrangement may include a drawstring or an elasticated ribbon to bring the distal edge of the gusset inwardly together with respect to the peripheral edge. The drawstring, which for example may be a flexible elongated member, such as a cord or elasticized ribbon, may extend at least partially within a channel defined in the distal edge of the gusset.
In some embodiments, the closure arrangement may be located at or proximate the distal edge of the gusset.
In some embodiments, the luggage case may include a base. The base may include a base wall and a plurality of upstanding sidewalls extending from the base wall. The edges of the sidewalls distal the base wall may together define the peripheral edge.
In some embodiments, the luggage case may include a lid hingedly connected to at least one of the sidewalls. The lid may be hingedly connected to at least one of the sidewalls of the base. The lid may be selectively coupled to the peripheral edge, such as the peripheral edge of the base. The lid may include a lid wall and a plurality of sidewalls extending from the lid wall, the edges of the sidewalls distal the lid wall together defining a peripheral edge of the lid. The lid may include a second gusset located and attached inwardly of (and optionally below) the peripheral edge of the lid and extending therefrom. The second gusset may include a distal edge extending a distance above the peripheral edge of the lid. The second gusset may be located and attached adjacent to and around at least part of, and preferably along entire length of, the peripheral edge of the lid. The lid may include a closure arrangement operable to bring the distal edge of the second gusset inwardly together with respect to the peripheral edge of the lid. The closure arrangement of the lid may include a drawstring, which in some examples may be a flexible elongated member, such as a cord or an elasticized ribbon, extending at least partially within a channel defined in the distal edge of the second gusset.
In some embodiments, the luggage case may include a closure mechanism adjacent to the peripheral edge and operable to releasably secure the luggage case in a closed configuration. The closure mechanism may include a zipper closure. The zipper closure may include a zipper tape attached to the peripheral edge of the luggage case. The gusset may be attached to an inner portion of the zipper tape. The zipper closure may include a pair of cooperating toothed zipper tapes and at least one slide for engaging the teeth of the zipper tapes.
In some embodiments, the luggage case may be a softside or a hardside upright spinner case.
In some embodiments, the gusset may be a fabric gusset.
In some embodiments, the gusset may overlie a portion of the luggage case volume.
In some embodiments, the gusset may be continuous or non-continuous.
In some embodiments, the gusset may include more than one width along its length.
Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure. One of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures in which components are not drawn to scale, which are presented as various embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the disclosure, characterized in that:

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a luggage case including an internal gusset, the gusset shown in a first, open configuration.
Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the luggage case of Fig. 1 and showing the gusset in a second, open configuration.
Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a closure arrangement of the gusset and taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2
Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the luggage case of Fig. 1 and showing the gusset in a third, closed configuration.
Fig. 5 is an isometric view of an additional luggage case including gussets attached to both the base and lid of the luggage case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to the present disclosure, a zipper closure protector is provided for facilitating unobstructed operation of a zipper closure of a luggage case. The zipper closure protector includes a gusset located and attached adjacent to and around at least part of, and preferably along the entire length of, a peripheral edge of the luggage case. The gusset is located and attached inwardly of (and optionally below) the peripheral edge and includes a distal edge selectively extending a distance beyond (such as, for example, inwardly from, or above) the peripheral edge. When positioned inwardly from the peripheral edge, the gusset may be positioned at least partially between the zipper closure and the luggage contents to limit the contents from obstructing or otherwise interfering with the operation of the zipper closure. The zipper closure protector may also include a closure arrangement operable to bring the distal edge of the gusset inwardly together, such as inwardly towards the center of the luggage case, with respect to the peripheral edge.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrated in Figs. 1-5, a luggage case 100 includes a housing 102 formed from a plurality of walls or panels (hereinafter "walls" for the sake of convenience without intent to limit) defining an internal storage volume 104 in which to carry a user's belongings. In one embodiment, the luggage case 100, which may be rectangular in shape, includes at least one shell, such as a base 106 and a lid 108 defined by a split line 110. The base 106 may be considered a first shell of the luggage case 100, and the lid 108 may be considered a second shell of the luggage case 100. The luggage case 100 may be transformable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. For example, the base 106 and lid 108 may be pivotably attached together (e.g., via a hinge structure or similar mechanism). In such embodiments, the base 106 and lid 108 may be pivoted towards or away from each other to close or open the luggage case 100, respectively. The hinge structure may be a fabric strip, a piano hinge, a living hinge, spaced-apart discrete hinges, a zipper structure, or an articulating joint made of elastomeric material or the like, among others. As described herein, the luggage case 100 may be a softside or a hardside case. In a preferred embodiment the luggage case 100 is a softside or a hardside upright spinner case, but could be any type of typical luggage case 100.
In one embodiment, the split line 110 defines the base 106 and lid 108 such that each of the base 106 and lid 108 includes a major face 120, 122, respectively, and a plurality of upstanding sidewalls 130, 132, respectively, extending from the major face 120, 122. In such embodiments, the lid 108 may be hingedly connected to at least one of the upstanding sidewalls 130 of the base 106. The major face 120 of the base 106 may be considered a base wall. Similarly, the major face 122 of the lid 108 may be considered a lid wall. Depending on the particular application, each of the base wall 120 and the lid wall 122 may be planar. Together, the sidewalls 130, 132 define respective peripheral edges 140, 142 of the base 106 and the lid 108. For instance, the edges of the sidewalls 130 distal the base wall 120 may together define the peripheral edge 140 of the base 106. Similarly, the edges of the sidewalls 132 distal the lid wall 122 may together define the peripheral edge 142 of the lid 108. In some embodiments, the peripheral edges 140, 142 of the base 106 and the lid 108 may be at the split line 110 between the base 106 and the lid 108. In such embodiments, the peripheral edges 140, 142 may define respective openings 150, 152 of the base 106 and the lid 108. For example, the peripheral edge 140 of the base 106 may define an opening 150 of the base 106. In like manner, the peripheral edge 142 of the lid 108 may define an opening 152 of the lid 108.
The base 106 and the lid 108, which may be rear and front shells, respectively, may be sized identically to each other, or one of the shells (e.g., the base 106) may be sized to include a larger or smaller internal volume. The split line 110 may extend longitudinally along the luggage case 100 substantially parallel to the major faces 120, 122 of the base 106 and the lid 108. In some embodiments, the split line 110 may jog or extend at an angle relative to at least one major face 120, 122 of the luggage case 100. In some embodiments, the luggage case 100 may include one or more support members 160 positioned on a bottom end wall to support the luggage case 100 on a support surface. In some embodiments, at least one of the support members 160 is a foot. In some embodiments, at least one of the support members 160 is a wheel, such as a spinner wheel, to allow a user to easily traverse the luggage case 100 across a support surface. The spinner wheels may be positioned on the bottom end wall of the base 106 and/or lid 108. In some embodiments, the luggage case 100 may include one or more carry handles 162 positioned on a side or end wall and/or a retractable tow handle extendible from a top face or end wall of the luggage case 100.
Depending on the particular application, the luggage case 100 may include a closure mechanism 170 adjacent at least one of the peripheral edges 140, 142 of the base 106 and the lid 108 and operable to releasably secure the luggage case 100 in a closed configuration. The closure mechanism 170 may be secured along the respective peripheral edges 140, 142 of the base 106 and the lid 108 to allow selective user actuation for opening and closing of the luggage case 100. In an open configuration, the closure mechanism 170 may be disengaged along a length (e.g., substantially the entire length) of the split line 110, allowing the base 106 and the lid 108 to pivot relative to each other to any amount from partially open to fully open. To releasably secure the luggage case 100 in a closed configuration, the lid 108 may be selectively coupled to the peripheral edge 140 of the base 106. In the closed configuration, the closure mechanism 170 may be engaged along a length (e.g., substantially the entire length) of the split line 110. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism 170 includes a zipper closure 172. In such embodiments, the zipper closure 172 includes a pair of cooperating toothed zipper tapes 174 and at least one slider 176 for engaging the teeth of the zipper tapes 174. Each zipper tape 174 may be attached to a peripheral edge 140 or 142 of the luggage case 100. Although the closure mechanism 170 is disclosed herein primarily as a zipper closure, other types of closure mechanisms are contemplated, including without limitation one or more latches (e.g. a plurality of closure mechanism) spaced discretely along the split (or closure) line 110. The gusset may be positioned near the split line, in examples where a zipper is used and in examples where a zipper is not used, and together with the closure mechanism 170 as described here throughout, act to over-lie and cover the contents of the case that are adjacent to the split line to avoid obstructing the closure of the case.
As described herein, and as illustrated in Figs. 1-5, the luggage case 100 includes a securing system 190 operable to releasably secure contents (e.g., a user's clothing and/or other items) within the luggage case 100, such as within the base 106 and/or the lid 108. As described more fully below, the securing system 190 is operable to limit interference of the contents of the luggage case 100 with the closure mechanism 170. For example, the securing system 190 may be configured to limit the contents from overlapping the zipper teeth of the zipper closure 172 when closing and/or opening the luggage case 100. More particularly, the securing system 190 may be configured to releasably secure or separate the contents of the luggage case 100 from the zipper closure 172, such as from the peripheral edge 140 of the base 106 and/or from the peripheral edge 142 of the lid 108. In this manner, the securing system 190 may facilitate an unobstructed zip operation and may help to minimize the chances of zipper malfunction.
Referring to Figs. 1-5, the securing system 190 may include an internal gusset 192. The gusset 192 may be located and attached adjacent to and around at least part of the peripheral edge 140 of the base 106. In a preferred embodiment, the gusset 192 is located and attached adjacent to and along the entire length of the peripheral edge 140 of the base 106, though other suitable configurations are contemplated. For instance, the gusset 192 may be attached at intervals to the luggage case 100, leaving gaps where the gusset 192 is unattached to the luggage case 100. To facilitate the unobstructed zip operation noted above, the gusset 192 may be located and attached inwardly, and coupled to extend around at least a portion, of the peripheral edge 140 of the base 106. In some embodiments, the gusset 192 may extend from the peripheral edge 140, such as from a line of attachment inward of the peripheral edge 140. In some embodiments, the gusset 192 may be attached below the peripheral edge 140 and may include a portion extending above the peripheral edge 140, as detailed below. As described herein, "below" means a position between the peripheral edge and the major face of a respective shell. "Above" means a position beyond the peripheral edge away from the major face of a respective shell. "Inwardly" means within or generally towards the interior (e.g., the center) of the luggage case 100, such as generally in the directions marked "D" in Fig. 1. For example, and without limitation, when associated with the base 106, the gusset 192 may be located and attached within the base 106 between the peripheral edge 140 and the base wall 120. In one embodiment, the gusset 192 may be located and attached within the base 106 between the closure mechanism 170 (e.g., the zipper closure 172) and the base wall 120. Preferably, the gusset 192 is located and attached adjacent to the zipper closure 172, and even more preferably immediately adjacent to the zipper closure 172. In this manner, the gusset 192 may provide a boundary between the contents of the luggage case 100 and the closure mechanism 170, such as by being positioned between the peripheral edge 140 (and closure mechanism 170), along at least a part of its length, and the contents of the luggage case 100. In this configuration, the gusset 192 may cover the contents of the luggage case 100 and act as an effective barrier sufficient to reduce or eliminate the interference of the contents with the operation of the closure mechanism 170.
As shown, the gusset 192 includes opposing proximal and distal edges 194, 196 defining a width of the gusset 192. The proximal edge 194, which may be considered a first edge, may be attached to the sidewalls 130 inside the luggage case 100, such as adjacent to and around at least part of the peripheral edge 140 of the base 106, and thus is inwardly spaced. For example, the proximal edge 194 of the gusset 192 may be attached (e.g., via stitching) to the sidewalls 130 of the luggage case 100. For example, the gusset 192 may be stitched to the inside of the luggage case 100 below the zipper closure 172, among other locations. In one embodiment, the proximal edge 194 may be attached to an inner portion of the zipper tape 174 positioned adjacent the peripheral edge 140. The proximal edge 194 may be attached to the luggage case 100 at a position spaced away from the peripheral edge 140, such as below the peripheral edge 140 between the peripheral edge 140 and the base wall 120. To separate the contents of the luggage case 100 from the peripheral edge 140 at least during operation of the closure mechanism 170 (e.g., while closing the zipper closure 172) or while packing the luggage case 100, among others, the distal edge 196, which may be considered a second edge, may extend a distance beyond the peripheral edge 140, such as above the peripheral edge 140 away from the base wall 120. In this manner, the gusset 192 may extend within the interior of the luggage case 100 from below the peripheral edge 140 to above the peripheral edge 140. The distal edge 196 may define an inner periphery of the gusset 192.
In some embodiments, the position of the distal edge 196 of the gusset 192 relative to the peripheral edge 140 of the base 106 may depend upon whether the luggage case 100 is being packed/unpacked or whether the closure mechanism 170 is being operated. For example, during packing and/or unpacking of the luggage case 100, the distal edge 196 may be positioned below or above the peripheral edge 140 (see Figs. 1 and 2, respectively). When the closure mechanism 170 is being operated, however, the distal edge 196 may be primarily spaced inward towards the center of the luggage case 100 to cover the gusset 192 over the luggage contents. This may allow the gusset 192 to act as an effective barrier sufficient to reduce or eliminate the luggage contents interfering with the operation of the closure mechanism 170, as explained below. For example, in the perspective of Fig. 2, the distal edge 196 of the gusset 192 may extend above the peripheral edge 140 towards the lid 108 to create separation between the contents of the luggage case 100 and the peripheral edge 140 and/or the closure mechanism 170. During use, the gusset 192 may be folded or otherwise positioned to at least partially overlie contents positioned within the luggage case 100 (see Fig. 4). For example, the gusset 192 may be resiliently folded or bent adjacent its proximal edge 194 such that the width of the gusset 192 overlies the contents around the periphery of the luggage case 100.
The distal edge 196 may define an opening 200 of the gusset 192. As detailed below, the opening 200 of the gusset 192 may be selectively dimensioned relative to the peripheral edge 140. For example, the opening 200 of the gusset 192 may be selectively closed to include a diameter smaller than the peripheral edge 140. Similarly, the opening 200 of the gusset 192 may be selectively opened to include a diameter approximate the peripheral edge 140 (e.g., approximately equal, slightly smaller, slightly larger, etc.). Accordingly, the gusset 192 may be configured to allow movement of the distal edge 196 relative to the peripheral edge 140. For instance, the gusset 192 is preferably flexible, such as being formed from a flexible fabric material.
The gusset 192 may be configured in many suitable ways and satisfy the intended purpose of creating a cover to the contents. For example, each of the proximal and distal edges 194, 196 may be continuous or discontinuous along their respective lengths. For example, the distal edge 196 may include gaps along its length that facilitate the distal edge 196 to be selectively dimensioned (e.g., closed). The proximal edge 194 may be configured similarly. In such embodiments, the gusset 192 may be defined by a plurality of "fingers," the corresponding opposing edges of the "fingers" together defining the proximal and distal edges 194, 196 of the gusset 192 in general. In the illustrated embodiments of Figs. 1-5, however, the gusset 192 is solid all the way around, with its proximal and distal edges 194, 196 continuous along their respective lengths. In some embodiments, at least one of the proximal and distal edges 194, 196 (e.g., the proximal edge 194) may include a contour, such as to facilitate attachment of the gusset 192 to the luggage case 100. In some embodiments, the width of the gusset 192 between its proximal and distal edges 194, 196 may be uniform or may vary in different positions along its length. For example, the gusset 192 may be wider along a long side of the luggage case 100 and narrower along a short side of the luggage case 100, or vice-versa. In some embodiments, the gusset 192 may be releasably secured to the luggage case 100 to be removable, such as via hook-and-loop fasteners or the like. In some embodiments, the gusset 192 may be formed from material allowing or limiting viewing therethrough. For instance, the gusset 192 may be formed from mesh, netting, or a clear material. In some embodiments, the gusset 192 may be formed from a solid material.
With continued reference to Figs. 1-5, the securing system 190 may include a closure arrangement 210 operable to bring the distal edge 196 of the gusset 192 inwardly together with respect to the peripheral edge 140. Depending on the particular application, the closure arrangement 210 may be operable to tension the distal edge 196 of the gusset 192 to bring the distal edge 196 inwardly towards the center of the luggage case 100 (see Fig. 4). The closure arrangement may tension the gusset around the entire periphery of the case to fully close the gusset, or it may tension the gusset around a portion of the periphery of the case, in which case it is a partial closure arrangement. In one example, the closure arrangement (full or partial) may include a drawstring to tension the distal end of the gusset (a drawstring closure arrangement), or may include a cinching mechanism to tension the distal edge of the gusset (a cinching mechanism). As described herein, once the luggage case 100 is packed, the closure arrangement 210 can be actuated to reduce the opening 200 of the gusset 192 defined by the distal edge 196, which causes the gusset 192 to over-lie or cover the contents adjacent the peripheral edge. The distal edge 196 of the gusset 192 may define an inner peripheral edge of the gusset 192. This limits the contents from coming into contact with the closure mechanism 170 (e.g., with the zipper closure 172). This may provide an unobstructed zip operation while closing the luggage case 100. In one embodiment, the closure arrangement 210 may include a cinching mechanism operable to reduce the opening 200 of the gusset 192 by cinching the distal edge 196 together to position the gusset 192 onto the contents within the luggage case 100. The closure arrangement 210 may be positioned relative the gusset 192 in any suitable configuration. For example, as shown in Figs. 1-5, the closure arrangement 210 may be located at or proximate the distal edge 196 of the gusset 192, as described more fully below.
As best illustrated in Fig. 3, the closure arrangement 210 may include a cord 212 operable to bring the distal edge 196 of the gusset 192 inwardly together. For example, the distal edge 196 of the gusset 192 may be hemmed to define a pocket seam or channel 214 extending the length of the distal edge 196. In such embodiments, the cord 212 may be routed through the channel 214. For example, the cord 212 may extend at least partially within the channel 214 defined in the distal edge 196 of the gusset 192. In one embodiment, the cord 212 includes opposing first and second ends 216, 218 and an intermediate portion 220 extending between the first and second ends 216, 218. In such embodiments, the intermediate portion 220 of the cord 212 may be positioned within the channel 214 with the first and second ends 216, 218 of the cord 212 positioned exterior the channel 214. As explained more fully below, the first and second ends 216, 218 of the cord 212 may be pulled or otherwise tightened to reduce the length of the cord 212 extending within the channel 214 and thereby reduce the size of the opening 200 of the gusset 192. In like manner, the cord 212 may be loosened to extend a greater length of cord 212 within the channel 214 and thereby increase the size of the opening 200 of the gusset 192. In such embodiments, reducing the length of cord 212 extending within the channel 214 may bring the distal edge 196 of the gusset 192 inwardly together to account for the reduced length (see Fig. 4). Similarly, increasing the length of cord 212 extending within the channel 214 may allow the distal edge 196 of the gusset 192 to be extended outwardly away (see Fig. 2).
The cord 212 may include any suitable configuration. For example, in one embodiment, the cord 212 may be a flexible elongated element, such as for example a string-like element, operable to bring the distal edge 196 of the gusset 192 inwardly together once the flexible elongated element is tightened. In one embodiment, the cord 212 may be an elasticized ribbon to resiliently tension the distal edge 196 of the gusset 192 inwardly together. The examples given above are for illustration purposes only, and other configurations are contemplated, including rope, paracord, cable, or webbing, drawstring or other among others.
Depending on the particular application, the closure arrangement 210 may include a cord lock 230 to releasably define the length of the cord 212 extending within the channel 214 of the gusset 192. The cord lock 230, which may be a single or double barrel cord lock or a rotary cable tightener (e.g., a BOA® tightening system or similar), may releasably engage a portion of the cord 212, such as a portion of the cord 212 exterior the channel 214 (e.g., the first and second ends 216, 218 of the cord 212). In one embodiment, the first and second ends 216, 218 of the cord 212 may be routed through the cord lock 230 for releasable engagement therewith. In such embodiments, once at least one of the first and second ends 216, 218 is pulled to reduce the length of the cord 212 extending within the channel 214, the cord lock 230 may be actuated to releasably secure the length of the cord 212 extending within the channel 214. For example, once the first end 216 and/or the second end 218 is pulled to reduce the length of the cord 212 extending within the channel 214, the cord lock 230 may be actuated and abutted against the gusset 192 (e.g., against the distal edge 196 of the gusset 192) to limit additional length of the cord 212 to be extended within the channel 214. In some embodiments, the closure arrangement 210 may include two cord locks 230 positioned on opposing sides of the luggage case 100. Such a configuration may allow a user to tailor the cinching characteristics of the gusset 192 against the luggage contents. For example, two cord locks 230 may allow a first portion (e.g., an upper portion) of the gusset 192 to be cinched tighter against the luggage contents than a second portion (e.g., a lower portion) of the gusset 192, or vice-versa.
Referring to Fig. 5, in some embodiments, the luggage case 100 may include a plurality of securing arrangements, such as a first securing system 240 associated with the base 106 of the luggage case 100 and a second securing system 242 associated with the lid 108 of the luggage case 100. The first securing system 240 may be configured consistent with the description above. The second securing system 242 may be configured identically with the first securing system 240. For example, the lid 108 may include a second gusset 250 located and attached adjacent to and around at least part of the peripheral edge 142 of the lid 108. Like the gusset 192 of the base 106, the second gusset 250 is preferably located and attached adjacent to and along the entire length of the peripheral edge 142 of the lid 108, though other suitable configurations are contemplated. Like the gusset 192 of the base 106, the second gusset 250 may be located and attached inwardly of the peripheral edge 142 of the lid 108, such as to an inner portion of the zipper tape 174, to facilitate an unobstructed zip operation by providing a boundary between the zipper closure 172 and the contents within the lid 108. The second gusset 250 may extend from the peripheral edge 142 of the lid 108, such as from a line of attachment inward of the peripheral edge 140.
With continued similarity to the gusset 192 of the base 106, the second gusset 250 may include a distal edge 252 extending a distance beyond the peripheral edge 142 of the lid 108, such as away from the lid wall 122. Like the securing system 240 of the base 106, the securing system 242 of the lid 108 may include a closure arrangement 254 operable to bring the distal edge 252 of the second gusset 250 inwardly together with respect to the peripheral edge 142 of the lid 108. The closure arrangement 254 of the lid 108 may be configured similarly to the closure arrangement 210 of the base 106, such as including one or more cords 256 at least partially extending within a hemmed channel 258 at the distal edge 252 of the second gusset 250, and one or more cord locks 260 releasably defining and securing a length of the cord(s) 256 extending within the channel 258 of the second gusset 250. The second securing system 242 may be configured similarly to the first securing system 240 in all other respects.
Operation of each securing system will now be discussed in detail. For ease of reference, operation of the first securing system 240 will be discussed relative to the base 106. Operation of the second securing system 242 may be substantially identical, albeit relative to the lid 108. To pack the base 106, the closure arrangement 210 may be loosened or otherwise released to increase the size of the opening 200 of the gusset 192, such as to a size approximate the size of the peripheral edge 140. During packing, the distal edge 196 may either be below or above the peripheral edge 140 (and optionally in the same relative position to the zipper closure 172). In one embodiment, the gusset 192 may be positioned within the base 106 during packing (see Fig. 1), though the gusset 192 may be positioned exterior the base 106 during packing (see Fig. 2), if desired. Once the gusset 192 is sufficiently opened, the user may pack the base 106 with desired contents 270.
Once the base 106 is packed as desired, the gusset 192 may be pulled up to a position above the contents 270 to separate the contents 270 from the zipper closure 172 (see Fig. 2). Prior to closing the luggage case 100, the gusset 192 may be positioned over the contents 270 near the peripheral edge 140 (where there is a gusset 192 attached if not all the way around) and to extend generally inwardly towards the center of the base 106. Depending on the amount of contents 270 within the base 106, the gusset 192 may be positioned above or below a plane defined by the peripheral edge 140 of the base 106.
The closure arrangement 210 may then be actuated to tighten the distal edge 196 (and inner periphery) of the gusset 192 and pull the gusset 192 relatively taught. For instance and in one example, actuation of the closure arrangement 210 may cinch or otherwise tighten the gusset 192 against the contents 270 such that the gusset 192 acts as a cover or barrier, or the like, over the contents 270. For example, the length of the cord(s) 212 extending within the channel 214 of the gusset 192 may be reduced, such as by pulling the first and second ends 216, 218 of the cord(s) 212 away from the gusset 192, to reduce the size of the opening 200 of the gusset 192 (see Fig. 4). The cord lock 230 may then be actuated to limit additional length of the cord(s) 212 to be extended within the channel 214 of the gusset 192. For example, the cord lock 230 may be slid along the first and second ends 216, 218 of the cord 212 towards the gusset 192 and releasably secured to the cord 212 proximate the gusset 192 (e.g., in abutting relationship with the distal edge 196 of the gusset 192). The second securing system 242 may be operated similarly to secure contents within the lid 108 of the luggage case 100 (see Fig. 5). In this manner, the contents 270, 272 within the base 106 and/or the lid 108 may be limited from coming into contact with the closure mechanism 170 (e.g., the zipper closure 172) to facilitate unobstructed closing (and opening) of the luggage case 100.
Should the user desire to unpack the luggage case 100, the user may release the closure arrangement 210 to permit enlargement of the opening 200 of the gusset 192. For example, the cord lock 230 may be actuated and positioned away from the gusset 192 (such as by sliding the cord lock 230 along the cord 212 away from the gusset 192) to permit additional length of the cord(s) 212 to be extended within the channel 214 of the gusset 192. The user may then extend the distal edge 196 of the gusset 192 outwardly away to enlarge the opening 200 of the gusset 192, whereupon the contents 270 of the luggage case 100 may be removed. The second securing system 242 may be operated similarly to release the contents 272 with the lid 108 of the luggage case 100.
The luggage case 100 may be formed from a variety of materials and means. For example, the luggage case 100 may be formed from a thermoplastic material (self-reinforced or fiber reinforced), ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, and/or PTFE, among others. The luggage case 100 may be formed or molded in any suitable manner, such as by plug molding, blow molding, injection molding, extrusion, casting, or the like. The luggage case 100 may be formed from softside material and/or hardside material. The softside material may be nylon, canvas, polyester, leather, PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene, and/or PTFE, among others. The hardside material may be a thermoplastic material (self-reinforced or fiber reinforced), ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, and/or PTFE, among others.
All relative and directional references (including: upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, side, above, below, front, middle, back, vertical, horizontal, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader's understanding of the particular embodiments described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the presently disclosed embodiments teach by way of example and not by limitation. Therefore, the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.

Claims

A luggage case (100) comprising:
a major face (120);

a plurality of upstanding sidewalls (130) extending from the major face (120), the major face (120) and sidewalls (130) at least partially defining a storage volume (104), the edges of the sidewalls (130) distal the major face (120) together defining a peripheral edge (140);

a gusset (192) located and attached adjacent to and around at least part of, and preferably along entire length of, the peripheral edge (140), the gusset (192) located and attached inwardly of the peripheral edge (140) and extending therefrom, the gusset (192) including a distal edge (196) extending a distance above the peripheral edge (140); and

a closure arrangement (210) operable to bring the distal edge (196) of the gusset (192) inwardly together with respect to the peripheral edge (140).
The luggage case (100) of claim 1, wherein the gusset (192) is located and attached below the peripheral edge (140).
The luggage case (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the closure arrangement (210) is operable to bring the distal edge (196) of the gusset (192) inwardly towards the center of the luggage case (100).
The luggage case (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the closure arrangement (210) includes a drawstring (212) or an elasticated ribbon to bring the distal edge (196) of the gusset (192) inwardly together with respect to the peripheral edge (140).
The luggage case (100) of claim 4, wherein the drawstring (212) extends at least partially within a channel (214) defined in the distal edge (196) of the gusset (192).
The luggage case (100) of any of any preceding claim, wherein the closure arrangement (210) is located at or proximate the distal edge (196) of the gusset (192).
The luggage case (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the closure arrangement (210) includes a cinching mechanism.
The luggage case (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a lid (108) hingedly connected to at least one of the sidewalls (130).
The luggage case (100) of claim 8, wherein the lid (108) comprises:
a lid wall (122);

a plurality of sidewalls (132) extending from the lid wall (122), the edges of the sidewalls (132) distal the lid wall (122) together defining a peripheral edge (142) of the lid (108); and

a second gusset (250) located and attached adjacent to and around at least part of, and preferably along entire length of, the peripheral edge (142) of the lid (108), the second gusset (250) located and attached inwardly of, and optionally below, the peripheral edge (142) of the lid (108) and extending therefrom, the second gusset (250) including a distal edge (252) extending a distance above the peripheral edge (142) of the lid (108).
The luggage case (100) of claim 9, the lid (108) further comprising a closure arrangement (254) operable to bring the distal edge (252) of the second gusset (250) inwardly together with respect to the peripheral edge (142) of the lid (108).
The luggage case (100) of claim 10, wherein the closure arrangement (254) includes a drawstring (256) extending at least partially within a channel (258) defined in the distal edge (252) of the second gusset (250).
The luggage case (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a closure mechanism (170) adjacent to the peripheral edge (140) and operable to releasably secure the luggage case (100) in a closed configuration.
The luggage case (100) of claim 12, wherein the closure mechanism (170) includes a zipper closure (172).
The luggage case (100) of claim 13, wherein:
the zipper closure (172) includes a zipper tape (174) attached to the peripheral edge (140) of the luggage case (100); and

the gusset (192) is attached to an inner portion of the zipper tape (174).
The luggage case (100) of claim 13 or 14, wherein the zipper closure (172) includes a pair of cooperating toothed zipper tapes (174) and at least one slider (176) for engaging the teeth of the zipper tapes (174).