U.S. patent application number 12/982493 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-04 for hard-sided expandable suitcase.
This patent application is currently assigned to Heys (USA), Inc.. Invention is credited to Haroon Sheikh.
Application Number | 20110186398 12/982493 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44319666 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110186398 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sheikh; Haroon |
August 4, 2011 |
Hard-Sided Expandable Suitcase
Abstract
A hard-sided suitcase may include two polycarbonate composite or
other hard shells, and a polycarbonate composite or other expansion
portion positioned between the two shells at approximately a
midpoint of a depth of the suitcase. A carrying handle may be
attached to the polycarbonate composite expansion portion. An
opening zipper may connect at least one of the polycarbonate
composite shells to the polycarbonate composite expansion portion
and provide access to one or more storage compartments. An
expansion zipper may connect the polycarbonate composite expansion
portion and the other of the polycarbonate composite shells. The
expansion zipper may have a flexible gusset. A reinforcement frame
may be connected to the polycarbonate composite expansion portion
such that the polycarbonate composite expansion portion can bear
the weight of the hard-sided suitcase when lifted by the carrying
handle. The reinforcement frame may be a honeycomb plastic frame
and enclosed by a fabric material.
Inventors: |
Sheikh; Haroon; (Weston,
FL) |
Assignee: |
Heys (USA), Inc.
Weston
FL
|
Family ID: |
44319666 |
Appl. No.: |
12/982493 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61299727 |
Jan 29, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
190/18A ;
190/103; 190/115; 190/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 7/0027 20130101;
A45C 2005/037 20130101; A45C 5/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/18.A ;
190/103; 190/115; 190/119 |
International
Class: |
A45C 7/00 20060101
A45C007/00; A45C 5/03 20060101 A45C005/03; A45C 5/14 20060101
A45C005/14; A45C 13/00 20060101 A45C013/00 |
Claims
1. A hard-sided suitcase, the hard-sided suitcase comprising: at
least two polycarbonate composite shells for forming one or more
storage compartments of the hard-sided suitcase; a polycarbonate
composite expansion portion positioned between the two
polycarbonate composite shells at approximately a midpoint of a
depth of the suitcase; at least one carrying handle attached to the
polycarbonate composite expansion portion; an opening zipper
connecting at least one of the polycarbonate composite shells to
the polycarbonate composite expansion portion and providing access
to the one or more storage compartments of the storage suitcase; an
expansion zipper connecting the polycarbonate composite expansion
portion and the other of the polycarbonate composite shells, the
expansion zipper provided with a flexible gusset therein; and a
reinforcement frame connected to the polycarbonate composite
expansion portion such that the polycarbonate composite expansion
portion can bear the weight of the hard-sided suitcase when lifted
by the carrying handle.
2. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, the hard-sided suitcase
further comprising a hinge between (a) one of the at least two
polycarbonate composite shells for forming one or more storage
compartments of the hard-sided suitcase, and (b) the polycarbonate
composite expansion portion to facilitate opening the hard-suited
suitcase.
3. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement
frame is a honeycomb plastic frame.
4. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 3, wherein the reinforcement
frame is enclosed by a fabric material, and the reinforcement frame
has a width of between approximately one inch and approximately two
inches, and a thickness of between approximately one inch and
approximately two inches.
5. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 3, wherein the reinforcement
frame is screwed or riveted to the polycarbonate composite
expansion portion.
6. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, the hard-sided suitcase
further comprising wheels, the wheels being hub cap plated.
7. A hard-sided suitcase having a re-enforced expansion portion,
the hard-sided suitcase comprising: two hard shells configured to
form a main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase; an
expansion portion positioned between the two hard shells at
approximately a midpoint of a depth of the suitcase; at least one
carrying handle attached to the expansion portion; an opening
zipper connecting one of the two hard shells to the expansion
portion and providing access to the main storage compartment of the
hard-sided suitcase; an expansion zipper connecting the expansion
portion and the other of the two hard shells, the expansion zipper
configured to have a flexible gusset; and a reinforcement frame
connected to the expansion portion such that the expansion portion
is configured to bear the weight of the hard-sided suitcase when
lifted by the carrying handle.
8. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 7, wherein the reinforcement
frame is directly interconnected to the expansion portion, the
expansion portion being manufactured from a polycarbonate
composite.
9. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 8, wherein the reinforcement
frame is a honeycomb plastic frame.
10. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 9, wherein the reinforcement
frame is enclosed by a fabric material, and the reinforcement frame
has a thickness of at least approximately one inch extending into
the interior of the hard-sided suitcase.
11. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 7, the hard-sided suitcase
further comprising a hinge between one of the two hard shells and
the expansion portion that facilitates opening the hard-sided
suitcase.
12. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 7, the hard-sided suitcase
further comprising wheels, the wheels being hub cap plated.
13. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 7, wherein the two hard shells
are manufactured from a polycarbonate based material.
14. A hard-sided suitcase having a re-enforced expansion portion,
the hard-sided suitcase comprising: a left hard shell and a right
hard shell configured to form a main storage compartment of the
hard-sided suitcase; an expansion portion positioned between the
left and right hard shells at approximately a midpoint of a depth
of the suitcase; at least one carrying handle attached to the
expansion portion; an opening zipper connecting the left hard shell
to the expansion portion and providing access to the main storage
compartment of the hard-sided suitcase; an expansion zipper
connecting the expansion portion and the right hard shell; and a
reinforcement frame connected to the expansion portion such that
the expansion portion is configured to bear the weight of the
hard-sided suitcase when lifted by the carrying handle.
15. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 14, wherein the expansion
zipper includes a flexible gusset.
16. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 14, wherein the reinforcement
frame is a honeycomb plastic frame and is enclosed by a fabric
material.
17. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 14, wherein the reinforcement
frame is mechanically attached to the expansion portion, the
expansion portion being manufactured from a polycarbonate based
composite.
18. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 14, the hard-sided suitcase
further comprising a hinge between the left hard shell and the
expansion portion that facilitates opening the hard-sided
suitcase.
19. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 14, wherein the reinforcement
frame has a width of between approximately one inch and
approximately two inches, and a thickness of between approximately
one inch and approximately two inches.
20. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 14, wherein the left and right
hard shells are manufactured from a polycarbonate based material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND PRIORITY
[0001] The present patent application claims priority to U.S.
Patent Provisional Application No. 61/299,727, filed Jan. 29, 2010
and entitled "Hard-Sided Expandable Suitcase," which is
incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present application relates to luggage, and more
particularly to a hard-sided suitcase that is expandable.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Currently, consumers have a variety of different options
when it comes to luggage for their personal belongings and/or other
articles. For example, consumers can use suitcases, briefcases,
computer cases, beauty cases, business cases, travel bags, and a
host of other types of cases. People often spend considerable
resources to ensure that they have suitcases which are both durable
and stylish. However, in addition to desiring a suitcase which is
both durable and styling, people also seek suitcases which provide
a significant amount of storage space and compartments, without
being cumbersome and unwieldy. Many available suitcases come in a
variety of sizes which feature a plurality of pockets and storage
compartments.
[0004] Soft-sided suitcases have been provided in expandable
versions, however once a soft-sided suitcase has been expanded to
fit in extra clothing and other belongings, it may not be possible
to compress them back to their original size because of the
stresses that this puts on the fabric that forms the suitcase. This
means that the suitcase may have to be carried in the expanded
state, which may mean that the suitcase no longer meets an airline
size requirements, or that the carrying handles become offset with
respect to the center of weight of the suitcase, making the case
unwieldy to carry. However, hard-sided suitcases have generally not
been successfully expandable. Currently available hard-sided
suitcases have thus often had to be provided in larger sizes to
ensure larger storage capacities, which may result in a suitcase
which may be inconveniently large for many consumers. Additionally,
larger hard-sided suitcases may weigh an unacceptably high amount,
even while empty, which can use up too much of an airline weight
restriction amount for the luggage.
[0005] It is desirable to provide expandable hard-sided suitcases
in novel configurations.
SUMMARY
[0006] A hard-sided suitcase may include a number of hard shells
for forming a main storage compartments. An expansion portion, such
as a polycarbonate composite expansion portion, may be positioned
between two hard shells and may include a carrying handle. An
opening zipper may connect one or both of the shells to the
expansion portion and provide access to the main storage
compartment. An expansion zipper or other zipper may connect the
expansion portion with the two hard shells. A reinforcement frame
may be connected to the expansion portion such that the expansion
portion may bear the weight of the hard-sided suitcase when lifted
by the carrying handle.
[0007] In one aspect, a hard-sided suitcase may be provided. The
hard-sided suitcase may include two or more polycarbonate composite
shells, and a polycarbonate composite or other expansion portion
positioned between two shells at approximately a midpoint of a
depth of the suitcase. At least one carrying handle may be attached
to the polycarbonate composite expansion portion. An opening zipper
may connect at least one of the polycarbonate composite shells to
the polycarbonate composite expansion portion and provide access to
the one or more storage compartments of the storage suitcase. An
expansion zipper may connect the polycarbonate composite expansion
portion and the other of the polycarbonate composite shells. The
expansion zipper may include a flexible gusset. A reinforcement
frame may be connected to the polycarbonate composite expansion
portion such that the polycarbonate composite expansion portion may
bear the weight of the hard-sided suitcase when lifted by the
carrying handle.
[0008] In another aspect, a hard-sided suitcase may be provided.
The hard-sided suitcase may include two hard shells configured to
form a main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase; an
expansion portion positioned between the two hard shells at
approximately a midpoint of a depth of the hard-sided suitcase; and
at least one carrying handle attached to the expansion portion. The
hard-sided suitcase may further include an opening zipper
connecting one of the two hard shells to the expansion portion and
providing access to the main storage compartment of the hard-sided
suitcase, and an expansion zipper connecting the expansion portion
and the other of the two hard shells. The expansion zipper may
include a flexible gusset. The hard-sided suitcase may include a
reinforcement frame connected to the expansion portion such that
the expansion portion may bear the weight of the hard-sided
suitcase when lifted by the carrying handle.
[0009] In another aspect, a hard-sided suitcase may be provided.
The hard-sided suitcase may include a left hard shell and a right
hard shell that together form a main storage compartment of the
hard-sided suitcase; an expansion portion positioned between the
left and right hard shells at approximately a midpoint of a depth
of the suitcase; and at least one carrying handle attached to the
expansion portion. The hard-sided suitcase may further include an
opening zipper connecting the left hard shell to the expansion
portion and providing access to the main storage compartment of the
hard-sided suitcase, and an expansion zipper connecting the
expansion portion and the right hard shell. The expansion zipper
may include a flexible gusset. The hard-sided suitcase may include
a reinforcement frame connected to the expansion portion such that
the expansion portion may be configured to bear the weight of the
hard-sided suitcase when lifted by the carrying handle.
[0010] Advantages of the present invention will become more
apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description
of the preferred embodiments of the invention which have been shown
and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the
invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its
details are capable of modification in various respects.
Accordingly, the drawings and description are illustrative in
nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are
presently discussed, it being understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and
instrumentalities shown, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a hard-sided suitcase in a closed position
featuring a honeycomb plastic frame according to another embodiment
of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts the hard-sided suitcase of FIG. 1 in an
opened position;
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a plastic reinforcement frame according to the
invention; and
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a method manufacture and assembly of the
hard-sided suitcase.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are
described with respect to a hard-sided suitcase for carrying and/or
storing different types of articles. It should be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art that the exemplary embodiments of the
present disclosure can be applied to other types of hard-sided
suitcases. Referring to the drawings, an embodiment of a hard-sided
suitcase 10 for storing articles is illustrated. Notably, the
suitcase can comprise a variety of different types of luggage. For
example, the suitcase can be a traditional suitcase, a briefcase, a
laptop bag/case, a computer bag/case, a business case, a travel
bag, a beauty case, or a variety of other types of luggage. Of
course, the aforementioned types of suitcases are merely for
illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the suitcase to
the listed varieties.
[0017] The hard-sided suitcase 10 can include front, back, side,
and top and bottom portions. The suitcase 10 can include two
hard-sided shells 20, which can be utilized to form one or more
storage compartments for the hard-sided suitcase 10. Outer portions
of the hard-sided shells can form at least a portion of the front,
back, sides, top and bottom portions. The inner portions of the
hard-sided shells can be lined with various types of fabrics or
other similar features and can include one or more pockets, which
can be open and closed through zipper mechanisms or other
mechanisms for opening and closing pockets. The two hard-sided
shells can be utilized to form a primary compartment. One or more
other hard-sided shells can be utilized to form secondary
compartments as well.
[0018] Notably, the shells 20 can be comprised of a thermoplastic
composition or other similar composition. In an embodiment, the
shells can be comprised of a polycarbonate composition, which can
include adding one or more other substances to the composition such
as ABS plastic. The polycarbonate composition can enable the shells
to be flexible, while maintaining a generally rigid form. When
stressors are applied to the shells, the polycarbonate composition
can allow the shells to absorb the impact from the stressors and
cause the shells to flex to accommodate the stressors. After the
stressors have been remove, the polycarbonate composition can
enable the suitcase to return to its original shape.
[0019] The hard-sided shells 20 can be connectable to one another
through the use of an opening zipper 30 or other fastening
mechanism such as, but not limited to, snap fasteners, buttons, and
buckles. Each side of the zipper 30 can include a plurality of
metal or plastic teeth, which can be stitched or otherwise attached
to corresponding pieces of fabric tape. The fabric tape can be
comprised of ballistic nylon or other similar materials. One fabric
tape can be stitched or otherwise fastened to an edge of one of the
hard-sided shells and the other fabric tape can be fastened to an
edge of another hard-sided shell. The zipper 30 can include one or
more sliders 35, which can be configured to hold at least a portion
of the plurality of teeth on each side of the zipper mechanism.
Once the slider 35 is slid across the plurality of teeth, it can be
utilized to connect the edges of the hard-sided shells together,
which forms a seal for the storage compartments within the
shells.
[0020] In one embodiment, the zipper 30 can be slid across the
entire edges of the hard-sided shells 20. Such a configuration
would allow the compartments to be entirely or almost entirely
separated upon completely unzipping the edges from one another.
However, in another embodiment, the suitcase can have a hinge 40,
preferably along the bottom portion of the suitcase. The hinge can
permanently connect at least a portion (such as the bottom portion)
of the edges of the hard-sided shells together. The remaining
portions of the edges that are not connected by the hinge can be
connectable via the zipper mechanism. By utilizing the hinge, this
can allow the hard-sided shells to remain at least partially
connected to one another, particularly in the event that the zipper
mechanism fails. In some arrangements, the hinge can be formed of a
hard nylon, or plastic material.
[0021] The suitcase 10 can include one or more handles for
carrying, pulling, pushing, and/or lifting the suitcase. The
handles can include a rigid, telescoping handle 50 which may have a
push button lock. The telescoping handle 50 can be connected to a
top portion or other portion of a hard-sided shell so as to allow
for easy transportation of the suitcase. The handle can include
trolley tubes, which can extend through a portion of the hard-sided
shell to which it is attached. This allows for additional
structural support and allows the handle to undergo a greater
amount of stress.
[0022] In one embodiment, the trolley tubes can be encased within
the storage compartment into a protrusion along the backside of the
hard-sided shell. The encasing can be performed laying a fabric,
plastic, or other material across the trolley tubes so as to ensure
the flat surface. Once the trolley tubes are encased, a flat
surface can be created across the trolley tubes. This allows one to
pack the compartment of the suitcase without having to pack around
the trolley tubes, while also ensuring a more uniform compartment
space. One may also pack between the trolley tubes. One or more
carry handles 60 may also be included. For example, on a large
suitcase two carry handles 60 may be provided, one on the top of
the suitcase 10 and one on a side thereof.
[0023] The suitcase 10 can also be configured to include a
plurality of wheels 70 for transporting the suitcase. In one
configuration, two wheels 70 can be connected to a bottom portion
of a hard-sided shell, preferably along the opposite ends of the
bottom of the shell. In another configuration, another set of
wheels can be connected to a bottom portion of another hard-sided
shell so as to allow for four wheels positioned at the four ends of
the bottom of the suitcase.
[0024] Any number of wheels and any position for placement of the
wheels can be utilized as well. For example, one wheel can be
placed on a bottom portion of one hard-sided shell and two wheels
can be placed on a bottom portion of another hard-sided shell. Such
a positioning allows for greater stability and for easier
transportation of the suitcase 10. In an embodiment, the wheels can
be plated with chrome or another similar material. Plating the
wheels with chrome or other similar materials can enable the wheels
to rotate along a variety of surfaces in a smooth and easy motion
by minimizing friction and drag along the surfaces. In another
embodiment, the wheels may be hub cap plated. The wheels may be
manufactured from rubber, nylon, plastic, metal, or other
materials. The wheels may have packed or other types of bearings to
facilitate rotation.
[0025] The suitcase 10 can be configured to have one or more
expandable portions 80, which can be utilized to expand one or more
storage compartments of the suitcase. The expansion portion 80 can
comprise a fabric expansion gusset 84 and a polycarbonate composite
expansion shell portion 86. The gusset 84 can be made of ballistic
nylon or other similar materials, particularly materials which
allow for flexibility. The expansion shell portion 86 can be
connected to at least one of the hard-sided shells 20 at an edge of
the shell 20. Notably, the expandable portion 80 can be secured in
a non-expanded state by utilizing an expansion zipper 90 or other
similar securing mechanism, which is connected between an edge of
one shell 20 and the expansion shell portion 86 with the expansion
gusset between the two sides of the zipper 90.
[0026] When an individual pulls a slider 95 to open the expansion
zipper 90, the expandable portion expands so as to increase the
storage capacity of the suitcase. For example, the expandable
portion 80 may allow the storage capacity of the suitcase to be
increased by 10-25%. If the individual would like to return the
suitcase to its original size, the individual can close the zipper
90 using its slider mechanism 95, if necessary while applying force
or sitting on one of the shells 20. This enables the two shells 20
to compress the contents of the suitcase down to a smaller size if
desired, or the user can travel with the suitcase 10 in the
expanded configuration.
[0027] The expansion shell portion 86 can include a honeycomb or
other plastic frame portion 100, which can be positioned on an
interior side of the expansion shell portion 86. The frame 100 can
screwed and/or riveted to the polycarbonate expansion shell portion
86, and can be covered with a nylon or other fabric lining so as to
hide the frame from direct view. The frame portion 100 may provide
additional strength to the expansion shell portion 86.
[0028] Notably, the expansion shell portion 86 is located at
approximately the midpoint of the width of the suitcase 10, and
supports at least one of the carry handles 60, preferably
supporting two carry handles 60, one on the top of the suitcase and
one on the side of the suitcase. This provides several advantages.
First, the expandable portion 80 and the shell 20 to which it is
attached form a deep receptacle for packing clothes into. This
makes for easier packing and closing of the suitcase 10 than with a
suitcase formed of two equally-sized shell portions. Second, the
carry handles 60 can be provided at the midpoint of the suitcase,
which makes for easier weight distribution and carrying of the
suitcase. Such positioning of the handle allows an even-balanced,
level lift of the suitcase when an individual decides to transport
the suitcase. The frame portion 100 attached to the expansion shell
portion 86 provides sufficient strength to prevent buckling of the
expansion shell portion 86 as the weight of the suitcase is carried
by the carry handle 60.
[0029] In an embodiment, the suitcase 100 can include a locking
mechanism for preventing unauthorized access to one or more
compartments of the suitcase. The locking mechanism can be a
conventional lock and key mechanism, a combination lock, a key code
lock, a radio frequency identification lock, or other types of
locks. Additionally, the locking mechanism can be a biometric lock,
which, for example, can be configured to read fingerprints or other
physical identifiers.
[0030] In an embodiment, aluminum side frames can be attached to
the outside of the suitcase 10, both for a decorative look and to
protect the edges of the suitcase from knocks during transit. Other
side frames may be used, including those made from other types of
metal or other materials.
I. Exemplary Embodiments
[0031] In one embodiment, the hard-sided suitcase may include two
hard shells configured to together form a main storage compartment
of the hard-sided suitcase; an expansion portion positioned between
the two hard shells at approximately a midpoint of a depth of the
suitcase; and at least one carrying handle attached to the
expansion portion. The hard-sided suitcase may further include an
opening zipper connecting one of the two hard shells to the
expansion portion and providing access to the main storage
compartment of the hard-sided suitcase, and an expansion zipper
connecting the expansion portion and the other of the two hard
shells. The expansion zipper may be include a flexible gusset or
other expandable portion. The hard-sided suitcase may include a
reinforcement frame connected to the expansion portion such that
the expansion portion may bear the weight of the hard-sided
suitcase when lifted by the carrying handle. The reinforcement
frame may be a honeycomb plastic frame that is enclosed by a fabric
material. The reinforcement frame may be attached to the expansion
portion to re-enforce the expansion portion during use.
[0032] In another embodiment, the hard-sided suitcase may include a
left hard shell and a right hard shell configured to form a main
storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase; an expansion
portion positioned between the left and right hard shells at
approximately a midpoint of a depth of the suitcase; and at least
one carrying handle attached to the expansion portion. The
hard-sided suitcase may further include an opening zipper
connecting the left hard shell to the expansion portion and
providing access to the main storage compartment of the hard-sided
suitcase, and an expansion zipper connecting the expansion portion
and the right hard shell. The hard-sided suitcase may include a
reinforcement frame connected to the expansion portion such that
the expansion portion may be configured to bear the weight of the
hard-sided suitcase when lifted by the carrying handle.
[0033] The expansion zipper may include a flexible gusset or other
expandable portion. The reinforcement frame may be a honeycomb
plastic or other frame that is enclosed by a fabric material. The
reinforcement frame may be screwed or riveted to the expansion
portion and the expansion portion may be manufactured from a
polycarbonate based composite or other material. The hard-sided
suitcase may include a hinge between the left hard shell and the
expansion portion to facilitate opening the hard-sided suitcase.
The hard-sided suitcase may include wheels that may be hub cap
plated. The left and right hard shells may be manufactured from a
polycarbonate based or other material. The hard-sided suitcase may
include additional, fewer, or alternate components, including those
discuss elsewhere herein.
II. Exemplary Method of Manufacture and Assembly
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of manufacture and
assembly of a hard-sided suitcase 400. The method 400 may include
manufacturing two hard shells 402, manufacturing an expansion
portion 404, manufacturing and attaching a carrying handle to the
expansion portion 406, manufacturing and attaching an opening
zipper 408, manufacturing and attaching an expansion zipper 410,
and manufacturing and attaching a reinforcement frame 412. The
method may include additional, fewer, or alternate actions.
[0035] The method 400 may include manufacturing two hard shells
402. The two hard shells may be configured to form a main storage
compartment of the hard-sided suitcase. For instance, a right hard
shell and a left hard shell, or a top hard shell and a bottom hard
shell, may be manufactured to form a main storage compartment. The
hard shells may be manufactured from ABS plastic, PVC, metal,
plastic, forms of thermoplastic, polycarbonate, or any combination
thereof or any combination of other plastics known in the art.
[0036] The hard shells may be smooth and configured to be devoid of
sharp corners. The hard shells may retain their shape during use
and/or when the suitcase is empty. In one embodiment, one of the
hard shells is configured to be larger than the other, such as a
top hard shell being smaller than a larger bottom hard shell.
Alternatively, the two hard shells may be configured to have the
same or substantially the same shape and/or storage capacity.
[0037] Either or both of the hard shells may have an embedded or
otherwise attached locking mechanism for locking the hard shells
together, and then unlocking the hard shells. The locking mechanism
may be operated by manually entering a code, by key, by finger
print reader, or other means.
[0038] The method 400 may include manufacturing an expansion
portion 404. The expansion portion may be positioned between the
two hard shells at approximately a midpoint of a depth of the
suitcase. The expansion portion may be positioned at other
locations with respect to the depth of the suitcase. The expansion
portion may include a fabric portion and a shell portion. The
fabric portion may be manufactured from flexible and/or soft
material, such as nylon or other suitcase material. The shell
portion may be manufactured from ABS plastic, PVC, metal, plastic,
forms of thermoplastic, polycarbonate, or any combination thereof
or any combination of other plastics known in the art.
[0039] The shell portion may have a width of between approximately
0.25 inches and approximately 3.0 inches. In one embodiment, the
shell portion may have a width of between approximate 1.0 inch and
approximately 2.0 inches. The shell portion may have a thickness of
between approximately 0.1 and approximately 0.4 inches. Other
widths and thicknesses may be used.
[0040] The method 400 may include manufacturing and attaching at
least one carrying handle to the expansion portion 406. A carrying
handle may be attached to the expansion portion, such as to the
shell portion of the expansion portion. The carrying handle may be
manufactured wholly or partially from ABS plastic, PVC, metal,
plastic, forms of thermoplastic, polycarbonate, or any combination
thereof or any combination of other plastics known in the art. The
carrying handle may be riveted, screwed, or otherwise firmly
attached to the shell portion and/or the expansion portion.
[0041] The method 400 may include manufacturing and attaching an
opening zipper 408 to the hard-sided suitcase. The opening zipper
may be an expandable or other zipper arrangement. The opening
zipper may be stitched or otherwise attached to one or both of the
hard shells. For example, the opening zipper may be stitched
directly to one or both of the hard shells. Alternatively, the
opening zipper may be stitched directly to one of the hard shells
and directly or indirectly to the expansion portion. The zipper
arrangement may be stitched directly to a frame or rim extended
around the exterior of either or both of the hard shells and/or the
expansion portion.
[0042] In one embodiment, the opening zipper may directly or
indirectly connect one of the two hard shells to the expansion
portion and provide access to the main storage compartment of the
hard-sided suitcase. In another embodiment, the opening zipper
arrangement may include an expandable zipper arrangement or gusset
section that expands the size of the main storage container during
use.
[0043] The method 400 may include manufacturing and attaching an
expansion zipper 410 to the hard-sided suitcase. The expansion
zipper may connect the expansion portion and the other of the two
hard shells. The expansion zipper may be configured to have a
flexible gusset or other flexible and/or expandable attachment.
[0044] The expandable zipper may be similar to the opening zipper,
and may be stitched or otherwise attached to one or both of the
hard shells. For example, the expandable zipper may be stitched
directly to one or both of the hard shells. Alternatively, one side
of the expandable zipper may be stitched directly or indirectly to
one of the hard shells, and the other side of the expandable zipper
may be stitched directly or indirectly to the expansion portion.
The expandable zipper arrangement may be stitched directly to a
frame or rim extended around the exterior of either or both of the
hard shells and/or the expansion portion.
[0045] In one embodiment, the opening zipper may be located between
a first hard shell and the expansion portion, and on the other
hand, the expandable zipper may be located between the expansion
portion and a second hard shell. Other configurations may be used,
including those with additional, fewer, or alternate
components.
[0046] The method 400 may include manufacturing and assembling a
reinforcement frame 412 to re-enforce the expansion portion and/or
the shell portion of the expansion portion. The reinforcement frame
may be connected to the expansion portion such that the expansion
portion is configured to bear the weight of the hard-sided suitcase
when lifted by the carrying handle during use.
[0047] In one embodiment, the shell portion of the expansion
portion may include a honeycomb or other plastic reinforcement
frame portion. The honeycomb plastic reinforcement frame portion
may be on an interior side of the shell portion. The reinforcement
frame may be screwed, riveted, glued, bolted, or other wise
directly or indirectly attached to the shell portion.
[0048] The reinforcement frame may be approximately square or
rectangular in shape. The reinforcement frame may be a frame
extending around the exterior of the suitcase. The width of the
reinforcement frame may be between approximately 0.25 inches and
approximately 3.0 inches. In one embodiment, the reinforcement
frame may have a width of between approximate 1.0 inch and
approximately 2.0 inches. The width of the reinforcement frame may
be the same or approximately the same as the shell portion.
[0049] The reinforcement frame may have a thickness of between
approximately 0.1 and approximately 2.0 inches. In one embodiment,
the reinforcement frame may have a thickness of between approximate
1.0 inch and approximately 2.0 inches. Thickness of the
reinforcement frame may extend into the interior of the hard-sided
suitcase. In one embodiment, the width and the thickness of the
reinforcement frame are the same or approximately the same. Other
widths and thicknesses may be used.
[0050] The reinforcement frame may be covered with a nylon or other
fabric lining so as to hide the frame from direct view. The fabric
lining covering the reinforcement frame may have a zipper
arrangement to facilitate assembly and the covering of the
reinforcement frame with a fabric material. The reinforcement frame
portion may provide additional strength to the shell portion, and
in turn the expansion portion.
[0051] The arrangements described herein are intended to provide a
general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and
they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the
elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use
of the structures described herein. Many other arrangements will be
apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above
description. Other arrangements may be utilized and derived
therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and
changes may be made without departing from the scope of this
disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be
drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated,
while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and
drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense.
[0052] Thus, although specific arrangements have been illustrated
and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement
calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the
specific arrangement shown. This disclosure is intended to cover
any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments and
arrangements of the invention. Combinations of the above
arrangements, and other arrangements not specifically described
herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon
reviewing the above description.
[0053] Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited
to the particular arrangement(s) disclosed as the best mode
contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the
invention will include all embodiments and arrangements falling
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *