HARDSIDE LUGGAGE ARTICLE WITH PIVOTABLE SHELL PORTION

Abstract

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

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a luggage article and particularly to a luggage article comprising two shells hingedly connected together, and in accordance with the invention in which one of the shells comprises a pivotable shell portion.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Luggage articles and in particular hard-sided luggage cases conventionally include two shell portions pivotably attached and defining an internal compartment designed to hold a certain volume of items for transport or storage. Access to the internal compartment is gained either by a main opening or by a lid pivotably covering a secondary opening, with separate closure mechanisms associated with each opening.

[0003] The design of such luggage presents a unique challenge. Specifically, the luggage article must have sufficient dimensions to warrant two separate openings, yet allow quick and easy access to the internal compartment by a user, sometimes in confined spaces in which the luggage cannot be opened completely in order to access the internal compartment. Previous attempts to solve the above problems typically include adding a secondary lid covering a secondary opening through a shell portion, which requires a secondary closure mechanism. This structure may be complicated to use, and requires an additional closure mechanism, as well as increased assembly costs. Alternatively, a pocket may be added to the front shell portion, which also increases expenses, is of limited value in accessing the main compartment, and offers only limited space.

[0004] It is therefore desirable to provide an improved luggage article, and more specifically an improved pivotable shell portion that addresses the above-described problems and/or which more generally offers improvements or an alternative to existing arrangements.

[0005] Documents that may be related to the present disclosure in that they include various foldable shell portions include CA 2785061 C, US 2011/0186396 A1, EP 1626639 B1, US 5875876 A, OHIM 001919721-0001, and CN 301896739 S.

SUMMARY

[0006] According to the present disclosure there is therefore provided a luggage article as described below and defined in the accompanying claims.

[0007] The present disclosure advantageously provides a pivotable shell portion openable through use of the main closure mechanism, which allows convenient access an internal compartment of the luggage article. The internal compartment can be accessed easily because only a portion of the closure mechanism needs to be disengaged. Additionally, as there is only one opening, the luggage article can be easily secured with only one lock.

[0008] In one example, a luggage article having pivotable shell portion is provided. In some embodiments, the luggage article may include a luggage case defining an internal compartment and including a first split line defining first and second shells, each shell having a major face and opposing sidewalls; a closure mechanism releasably securing the first shell and the second shell along the first split line; a second split line formed across the major face and the opposing sidewalls of the first shell and defining first and second shell portions of the first shell, the second split line extending from a portion of the first split line on one sidewall to another portion of the first split line on the opposing sidewall; and a hinge band secured to the first and second shell portions along at least a portion of the length of the second split line. The first shell portion may be pivotable about the hinge band when the closure mechanism is disengaged along the first split line extending along the first shell portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the hinge band may be a wide band of resilient material, preferably corrugated with corrugations running substantially parallel to the hinge band.

[0010] In some embodiments, the hinge band may collapse or deform along a height of the hinge band to pivot the first shell portion about the hinge band.

[0011] In some embodiments, a gap may be defined between the first and second shell portions of the first shell, the gap extending along at least a portion of the length of the second split line. In some embodiments, the hinge band may at least partially bridge the gap.

[0012] In some embodiments, the hinge band may have a height sufficient to allow collapsing of the hinge band extending along the major face of the first shell with portions of the of hinge band adjacent the first split line remaining fixed.

[0013] In some embodiments, the luggage article may include a hinge structure pivotably securing the first shell and the second shell along the first split line. In some embodiments, the hinge structure may be attached to the second shell portion of the first shell and to the second shell. In some embodiments, the hinge structure may be positioned below the hinge band.

[0014] In some embodiments, the closure mechanism may be a zipper closure selectively securing the first shell and the second shell together. The zipper closure may allow the first shell portion of the first shell to be opened while leaving the second shell portion of the first shell closed and secured to the second shell. In some embodiments, the zipper closure may extend at least completely along the first split line between the second shell and the first shell portion of the front shell. In some embodiments, the luggage article may include a zipper slider lock positioned adjacent the hinge band. In some embodiments, the zipper closure may change direction along at least one of the opposing minor faces. In some embodiments, the zipper closure may extend at least partially at an angle relative to a major face of at least one of the first shell and the second shell.

[0015] In some embodiments, the closure mechanism may be a plurality of closure mechanisms releasably securing the first shell to the second shell.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first and second shell portions of the first shell may be top and bottom shell portions of the first shell. In some embodiments, the hinge band may extend at least partially parallel to a bottom side of the luggage article. In some embodiments, the hinge band may be positioned nearer a top side of the luggage article such that the first portion of the front shell is smaller than the second portion of the front shell. In some embodiments, the hinge band may extend at least partially perpendicular to the first split line at least when the luggage article is in a closed position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first split line may extend vertically or longitudinally along the luggage article. The hinge band may extend laterally across the major face and the opposing sidewalls of the first shell.

[0018] In some embodiments, the hinge band may include a central portion disposed along the major face of the first shell. Opposing ends may extend from the central portion to the first split line on either side of the luggage article. The opposing ends may be angled relative to the central portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, the hinge band may be linear or curved across the major face and the opposing sidewalls of the first shell.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first shell may be a front shell.

[0021] In some embodiments, each of the first shell and the second shell may include a plurality of wheel assemblies.

[0022] In some embodiments, the luggage article may include an attachment structure securing the hinge band to at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion. The attachment structure may include a trim piece positioned between the hinge band and the at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion. The trim piece may secure an edge of the hinge band within an interior of the at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion to reduce a profile change between the luggage case and the hinge band. Preferably, an exterior surface of the trim piece is approximately flush with an outermost extent of the hinge band.

[0023] 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

[0024] 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 disclosure and should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the disclosure, characterized in that:

Fig. 1 is a top front isometric view of a luggage article in a closed position in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation view of the luggage article of Fig. 1 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a top front isometric view of a luggage article in a partially open position in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail view of a hinge band in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the luggage article of Fig. 3 taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 3 and showing an attachment structure in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of an additional attachment structure in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of an additional attachment structure in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of an additional attachment structure in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of an additional attachment structure in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 is a top front isometric view of a luggage article in an open position in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 is a side elevation view of an additional embodiment of a luggage article in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a luggage article 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a luggage case 102 formed from a plurality of walls defining an internal compartment 104 (see Fig. 3) in which to carry a user's belongings. The luggage article 100 includes a first shell 106 and a second shell 108 defined by a first split line 110, as is described below, and is transformable between a closed position as shown in Fig. 1, a partially-open position as shown in Fig. 3, and a fully open position as shown in Fig. 10 via an opening structure 112. The luggage article 100 includes opposing front and rear walls 114, 116, opposing left and right side walls 118, 120, and opposing top and bottom end walls 122, 124 that collectively define the outer structure or case 102 of the luggage article 100 having a height H, a width W, and a depth D. The opposing front and rear walls 114, 116 may define major faces 126 of the luggage article 100, with the opposing left and right side walls 118, 120 and the opposing top and bottom end walls 122, 124 forming opposing minor faces 128 of the luggage article 100. The intersections of the major faces 126 and the minor faces 128 of the luggage article 100 define respective edges of the luggage article 100. For example, with reference to Fig. 1, the intersection between the front wall 114 and the top end wall 122 defines an upper front edge 130, the intersection between the front wall 114 and the bottom end wall 124 defines a lower front edge 132, the intersection between the front wall 114 and the left side wall 118 defines a left front edge 134, the intersection between the front wall 114 and the right side wall 120 defines a right front edge 136, and the intersection between the rear wall 116 and the bottom end wall 124 defines a lower rear edge 138 (see Fig. 2). The luggage article 100 is preferably a hard-sided luggage suitcase or other hard-sided case. As explained below, the luggage article 100 may be formed from a variety of materials, and include a variety of means to allow the luggage article 100 to be selectively configured in a closed position, fully open position, and a partially open position. Each of the walls 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 may be referred to as a panel, a face, or a side.

[0026] With continued reference to Figs. 1 and 2, and as noted above, the first split line 110 defines the first shell 106 and the second shell 108 such that each shell 106, 108 has a major face 126 and opposing sidewalls 140 defining a portion of the opposing minor faces 128 and extending from the major face 126 of each shell 106, 108. Together, the opposing sidewalls 140 define respective peripheral edges 142, 144 of the first and second shells 106, 108 formed by the first split line 110 between the first and second shells 106, 108. The first shell 106, which may be a front shell, may be pivotally connected by a hinge structure 146 to the second shell 108 along a portion of the first split line 110. The second shell 108, which may be a rear shell, may be sized identically to the first shell 106 or may be sized to have a larger or smaller internal volume.

[0027] A closure mechanism 148 is secured along the respective peripheral edges 142 and 144 of the first and second shells 106, 108 to allow selective user actuation for opening and closing of the luggage case 102 to configure the luggage case 102 between a closed position (Fig. 1) and a fully open position (Fig. 10). In the fully open position, the closure mechanism 148 is disengaged along substantially the entire length of the first split line 110, allowing the first and second shells 106, 108 to pivot around the hinge structure 146 to any amount from fully closed to fully open. The closure mechanism 148 is disclosed herein primarily as a zipper closure, although other types of closure mechanisms are contemplated, including without limitation a plurality of closure mechanisms (e.g., latches 160) spaced discretely along the first split line 110 (see Fig. 10). The hinge structure 146 is disclosed herein primarily as a fabric strip, although other types of hinge mechanisms are contemplated, including without limitation a piano hinge, spaced-apart discrete hinges, a zipper structure, or an articulating joint made of elastomeric material or the like. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1, the first split line 110 extends substantially vertically or longitudinally along the luggage article 100, although the first split line 110 may jog or extend at an angle relative to at least one major face 126 of the luggage article 100 in some embodiments, as explained below (see Fig. 10).

[0028] With reference to Figs. 1-3 and 5, the opening structure 112 of the luggage article 100 includes a second split line 162 formed across the major face 126 and the opposing sidewalls 140 of the first shell 106, the second split line 162 extending from a portion of the first split line 110 on one sidewall 140 to another portion of the first split line 110 on the opposing sidewall 140. The second split line 162 defines first and second shell portions 164, 166 of the first shell 106, each shell portion 164, 166 having a peripheral edge 168, 170, respectively, along the second split line 162 (see Fig. 5). As best seen in Fig. 4, the intersection of the peripheral edges 168, 170 with the peripheral edges 142, 144 define peripheral corners 172 of the first and second shell portions 164, 166. As illustrated in Fig. 1, a hinge band 174 is secured to the peripheral edge 168 of the first shell portion 164 and to the peripheral edge 170 of the second shell portion 166 along at least a portion of the length of the second split line 162, and acts to operably attach, and maintain structural integrity and alignment between, the first shell portion 164 and the second shell portion 166. The first shell portion 164 is pivotable about the hinge band 174 between a closed and open position (Figs. 2 and 3, respectively) when the closure mechanism 148 is disengaged at least along a portion of the first split line 110 co-extensive the first shell portion 164. In some embodiments, the closure mechanism 148 (e.g., zipper closure) may extend at least completely along the first split line 110 between the second shell 108 and the first shell portion 164 to release and allow the first shell portion 164 to pivot about the hinge band 174.

[0029] The hinge band 174 in conjunction with the position of the closure mechanism 148 allows the first shell portion 164 to be selectively opened along the second split line 162 by pivoting around the hinge band 174 while the second shell portion 166 remains closed. This configuration allows access to the internal compartment 104 of the luggage case 102 or a portion of the interior of the luggage case 102 (e.g., a pocket) using only the closure mechanism 148 rather than a separate opening/zipper

[0030] As best seen in Figs. 1 and 3-5, the hinge band 174 includes a main body 176 having opposing first and second elongate edges 178, 180, and opposing ends 182 forming terminal edges 184. In some embodiments, the main body 176 is resilient and deformable and may be generally rectangular and have a relatively long length L_HB (see Fig. 3), a relatively thin thickness T_HB (see Fig. 5), and a height H_HB (see Fig. 1) that is greater than its thickness T_HB and less than its length L_HB. The height H_HB of the hinge band 174 may be configured to allow pivoting of the first shell portion 164 relative to the second shell portion 166. For example, the height H_HB may be sized relative to portions of the luggage article 100 (e.g., the first shell portion 164) to achieve desired aesthetic and/or functional characteristics. In some embodiments, the height H_HB may be sized relative to a first depth D₁ of the first shell portion 164 such that the height H_HB is between about 0 percent and about 75 percent greater (e.g., 38 percent greater) than the first depth D₁ of the first shell portion 164 (see Fig. 2).

[0031] As best seen in Fig. 5, the first and second elongate edges 178, 180 of the hinge band 174 engage the peripheral edges 168, 170 of the first and second shell portions 164, 166, respectively, as described in more detail below. The hinge band 174 includes a central portion 186 disposed along the major face 126, the opposing ends 182 extending from either end of the central portion 186 to a respective split line 110 on either side of the luggage article 100. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the hinge band 174 extends towards the closure mechanism 148 on either side of the luggage article 100 such that the terminal edges 184 of the hinge band 174 extend to a location adjacent or co-extensive the first split line 110. In some embodiments, a small portion of the peripheral edges 168, 170 along the second split line 162 at either end 182 of the hinge band 174 (e.g., the peripheral corners 172) may not be covered by the hinge band 174 due to securement of the closure mechanism 148 to the peripheral edges 142, 144 formed by the first split line 110 (see Fig. 4).

[0032] With reference to Fig. 1, the hinge band 174 is a band of resilient material, such as but not limited to rubber, leather, and/or fabric designed for resilient deformation, having a length L_HB extending from the first split line 110 on one minor face 128 to the first split line 110 on the opposing minor face 128 and having a transverse height H_HB sufficient such that the hinge band 174 may be considered long and wide. For example, the height H_HB may be between about 40mm and about 70mm (e.g., about 55 mm) depending on particular embodiments of the luggage article 100. Preferably, the hinge band 174 is corrugated with alternating ridges and grooves (i.e., corrugations 188), the corrugations 188 running substantially parallel to the length L_HB of the hinge band 174 (see Fig. 4). As described more fully below, the hinge band 174 deforms and acts as a hinge to allow the first shell portion 164 to pivot relative to the second shell portion 166 (see Fig. 4). In some embodiments, the height H_HB of the hinge band 174 may be sufficient to collapse along the central portion 186, along with portions of the opposing ends 182 adjacent the first split line 110. The portion of the opposing ends 182 (e.g., the terminal edges 184) attached to or adjacent the first split line 110 may remain fixed (i.e., do not collapse) during relative movement between the first shell portion 164 and the second shell portion 166, as explained below (see Figs. 3 and 4).

[0033] As shown in Fig. 1, the hinge band 174 may extend laterally across the major face 126 and the opposing sidewalls 140 of the first shell 106. In such embodiments, the hinge band 174 may extend at least partially parallel to the bottom end wall 124 and/or the lower front edge 132 of the luggage article 100. Additionally or alternatively, the opposing ends 182 may be angled relative to the central portion 186 of the hinge band 174 to limit the extent of relative movement between the first shell portion 164 and the second shell portion 166. In the embodiments described herein, the hinge structure 146 may be attached to the second shell portion 166 such that the first shell 106 may pivot relative to the second shell 108 independently from the pivoting movement of the first shell portion 164 relative to the second shell portion 166 (see Figs. 3 and 10). In such embodiments, the hinge structure 146 may be attached to the second shell portion 166 adjacent (e.g., below) the hinge band 174 between the hinge band 174 and one of the opposing minor faces 128 (e.g., the bottom end wall 124). For example, the hinge structure 146 may be attached to the second shell portion 166 and to the second shell 108.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 5, the hinge band 174 may, along its opposing first and second elongate edges 178, 180, include an attachment structure 190 for use in attaching the hinge band 174 to the respective peripheral edges 168, 170 of the first and second shell portions 164, 166. In one example, as shown in Fig. 5, the first elongate edge 178 (e.g., a top edge) defines an attachment wall 192 and an abutment wall 194 extending perpendicular to the attachment wall 192 to form a seat aligning engagement of the first elongate edge 178 with the peripheral edge 168 of the first shell portion 164. This example works in conjunction with a trim piece 196, which in one example is S-shaped, to connect the first elongate edge 178 of the hinge band 174 to the first shell portion 164. As shown, the trim piece 196, which may be arcuate and convexly-shaped, is used to hide sew lines for primarily aesthetic reasons. The trim piece 196 has a main body 198 defining adjacent grooves (e.g., a first groove 210 and a second groove 212) having openings 214 in opposite directions, the first and second grooves 210, 212 defined in part by an intermediate wall 216 between the first groove 210 and the second groove 212. In some embodiments, the trim piece 196 includes three generally co-extending layers 250, 252, 254 defining the first and second grooves 210, 212. For instance, the layers 250 and 252 may define the first groove 210, and the layers 252 and 254 may define the second groove 212. As shown, two of the layers (e.g., layers 252 and 254) may be positioned outside (right side of Fig. 5) the luggage case 102, and one of the layers (e.g., layer 250) may be positioned inside the luggage case 102 when the peripheral edge 168 is received in the first groove 210.

[0035] In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the first groove 210 receives the peripheral edge 168 of first shell portion 164, and the second groove 212 receives the attachment wall 192 of the first elongate edge 178 of the hinge band 174. As shown, the abutment wall 194 engages the intermediate wall 216 of the trim piece 196 to limit the extent of the attachment wall 192 received within the second groove 212. Once assembled, the intermediate wall 216 extends parallel to the peripheral edge 168 of the first shell portion 164. As shown in Fig. 5, a line of stitching 218 secures the attachment wall 192 and the trim piece 196 to the first shell portion 164. In some embodiments, the line of stitching 218 may be recessed within a groove 220 defined in an outer surface 222 of the attachment wall 192 to protect and/or conceal the line of stitching 218 (see Fig. 8). Additionally or alternatively, the first elongate edge 178 of the hinge band 174 can be sewn or glued directly to the peripheral edge 168 of the first shell portion 164, either on an outer surface or an inner surface and without the trim piece 196. Although described above with reference to the first elongate edge 178, the second elongate edge 180 of the hinge band 174 may be similarly configured to attach the second elongate edge 180 to the peripheral edge 170 of the second shell portion 166.

[0036] Fig. 6 illustrates an additional embodiment of the attachment structure 190' securing the hinge band 174' to the first shell portion 164', and without the trim piece 196. As shown in Fig. 6, the first elongate edge 178' is identical to that of Fig. 5 with the exception of an arcuate covering portion 224 attached to the hinge band 174' substantially opposite the abutment wall 194' such that a cavity 226 is defined between the covering portion 224 and the attachment wall 192'. The covering portion 224 is substantially C-shaped in cross-section to substantially conceal both the line of stitching 218' and the attachment wall 192' from at least an elevation view of the luggage article 100. As shown, the covering portion 224 and the attachment wall 192' may be positioned on the outside (right side of Fig. 6) of the first shell portion 164' with the abutment wall 194' extending towards an interior (left side of Fig. 6) of the first shell portion 164'. In some embodiments, the covering portion 224 may be resiliently deformable such that the cavity 226 may transversely collapse upon impact and/or during bending of the hinge band 174' to pivot the first shell portion 164' relative to the second shell portion 166'. The second elongate edge 180' of the hinge band 174' may be similarly configured to attach the second elongate edge 180' to the peripheral edge 170' of the second shell portion 166'.

[0037] Fig. 7 illustrates an additional embodiment of the attachment structure 190" securing the hinge band 174" to the first shell portion 164". The attachment structure 190" of Fig. 7 is identical to that of Fig. 6 with the exception of the covering portion 224" being a separate member. As shown in Fig. 7, the covering portion 224" is positioned on the outside (right side of Fig. 7) of the first shell portion 164" and includes a planar portion 228 extending inwardly within the C-shaped cross-section of the covering portion 224". To locate the covering portion 224" relative to the hinge band 174", the first elongate edge 178" of the hinge band 174" includes a second abutment wall 230 opposite the abutment wall 194". As shown in Fig. 7, once assembled the planar portion 228 of the covering portion 224" abuts the second abutment wall 230 of the hinge band 174" to position the covering portion 224" and the hinge band 174" relative to each other. In the embodiment of Fig. 7, the line of stitching 218" connects the planar portion 228, the attachment wall 192", and the peripheral edge 168" of the first shell portion 164" together, with the covering portion 224" concealing the line of stitching 218" from at least an elevation view of the luggage article 100. The second elongate edge 180" of the hinge band 174" may be similarly configured to attach the second elongate edge 180" to the peripheral edge 170" of the second shell portion 166".

[0038] Fig. 8 illustrates an additional embodiment of the attachment structure 190'" securing the hinge band 174"' to the first shell portion 164"'. As shown in Fig. 8, the first elongate edge 178'" is identical to that of Fig. 5. In the embodiment of Fig. 8, however, the attachment wall 192'" is attached directly to the peripheral edge 168'" of the first shell portion 164'" without the use of the trim piece 196. In such embodiments, the abutment wall 194'" abuts a free end 232 of the peripheral edge 168'" of the first shell portion 164"'. As shown, the attachment wall 192'" may be positioned on the outside (right side of Fig. 8) of the first shell portion 164"', and the abutment wall 194'" may extend towards an interior (left side of Fig. 8) of the first shell portion 164"'. The second elongate edge 180'" of the hinge band 174'" may be similarly configured to attach the second elongate edge 180'" to the peripheral edge 170'" of the second shell portion 166"'.

[0039] Fig. 9 illustrates an additional embodiment of the attachment structure 190"" securing the hinge band 174"" to the first shell portion 164"". As illustrated in Fig. 9, the attachment structure 190"" is similar to that of Fig. 5, except that the attachment wall 192"" of the hinge band 174"" is positioned within an interior of the first shell portion 164"" (left side of Fig. 9) as opposed to 192 of Fig. 5 being positioned on the outside or exterior of the first shell portion 164 (right side of Fig. 5). The attachment structure 190"" has a general "S" shape defining three generally co-extending layers 250"", 252"", and 254"" defining two adjacent but opposing receiving grooves 210"" and 212"". For example, layers 250"" and 252"" define first groove 210"", and layers 252"" and 254"" define second groove 212"". In Fig. 5 the attachment structure 190 has two of these layers 252, 254 positioned outside the luggage case 102 to form the second groove 212 for receiving the attachment wall 192, and one layer 250 inside the luggage case 102 when the peripheral edge 168 is received in the first groove 210. Thus, the attachment structure 190 of Fig. 5 extends above the luggage case 102 by three layer widths (layers 252 and 254, and the attachment wall 192 of the hinge band 174). In Fig. 5, the hinge band 174 extends linearly away from the attachment structure 190 before the corrugations 188 are formed, which extend significantly above the attachment structure 190, thus creating a height or profile change that may snag or be subject to additional wear.

[0040] Attachment structure 190"" of Fig. 9 instead has two layers 252"" and 254"" positioned inside the luggage case 102 to receive the attachment wall 192"" in the second groove 212"". Only one layer 250"" is positioned outside the luggage case 102"" in order to receive the peripheral edge 168"" in the first groove 210"". A rib 256 may be formed on an under surface 258 of the layer 250"" near the base of the first groove 210"", and a tab 260 may extend from a free edge 262 of the layer 250"" to engage an outer surface 264 of the luggage case 102"" to create a space between the luggage case 102"" and the layer 250"" to accommodate the sewing or other attachment means without displacing the layer 250"" away from the luggage case 102"".

[0041] As shown in Fig. 9, the hinge band 174"" may include a transition portion 235 positioned between the abutment wall 194"" and the corrugations 188"" of the hinge band 174"". In some embodiments, the abutment wall 194"" extends further towards an exterior surface 237 defined on the layer 250"" of the attachment structure 190"", from which the transition portion 235 bends to extend directly away from and parallel to, and in some embodiments substantially flush with, the exterior surface 237 of the trim piece 196"". In this manner, the attachment structure 190"" may be relatively flat against the first shell portion 164"" compared to the attachment structure 190 illustrated in Fig. 5, and may be flush with an outermost extent or position of at least a first portion of the hinge band 174"", such as the transition portion 235 and/or peaks 266 of the corrugations 188"", to reduce the severe local topography of the transition between the luggage case 102"" and the hinge band 174"" to reduce excess wear and damage at that location.

[0042] Only the attachment of one edge (i.e., the first elongate edge 178"") of the hinge band 174"" is shown in Fig. 9, but like Fig. 5, the attachment structure 190"" may also be utilized to attach the second elongate edge (similar to 180 in Fig. 5) to the hinge band 174"" of the second shell portion 166"". It is contemplated that this attachment structure 190"" may be utilized in securing other structural features to luggage cases, such as zipper tapes (e.g., zipper tape 236), in order to reduce the profile changes relative to the outer surface 264 of the luggage case 102 for the benefits noted above. Although Figs. 5-9 illustrate alternative attachment structures 190 securing the hinge band 174 to the first shell portion 164, the hinge band 174 may be attached to the first shell portion 164 in any suitable manner. For example, the attachment structure 190 may be configured such that the peripheral edges 168, 170 abut, overlap, or are in a tongue and groove configuration with each other. As noted above, although the attachment structure 190 is described with reference to the first shell portion 164, the hinge band 174 may be attached to the second shell portion 166 in a similar configuration as shown in Figs. 5-8. In some embodiments, the hinge band 174 may be connected to the first shell portion 164 as shown in one of the embodiments of Figs. 5-8, and may be connected to the second shell portion 166 as shown in another of the embodiments of Figs. 5-8.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 2, the first shell portion 164 includes a first height H₁ and a first depth D₁, and the second shell portion 166 includes a second height H₂, with the total height H of the luggage case 102 (except for any wheels, if applicable) equaling H₁ plus H₂, although H₁ plus H₂ may be greater or less than the total height H. In embodiments where H₁ plus H₂ is less than the total height H of the luggage case 102, the first and second shell portions 164, 166 define a gap 234 therebetween extending along at least a portion of the length of the second split line 162 and having substantially any dimensions depending on the desired aesthetic and bending properties of the luggage article 100. For instance, the gap 234, which permits relative movement between the first shell portion 164 and the second shell portion 166, may be wide or thin, arcuate, and/or vary across the opposing sidewalls 140, the major face 126, or both of the first shell 106. In some embodiments, no gap 234 may be formed between the first and second shell portions 164, 166 depending on the position of the hinge band 174 and the type of closure mechanism 148 utilized, as explained in more detail below. As illustrated, the hinge band 174 bridges or fills, at least partially, the gap 234 between the first and second shell portions 164, 166. For example, the hinge band 174 may be positioned exterior or interior the luggage article 100 to cover the gap 234 and provide a desired aesthetic appearance of the luggage article 100. In some embodiments, the hinge band 174 may cover the entire length of the gap 234 between the first split line 110 on one minor face 128 to the first split line 110 on the other minor face 128. In some embodiments, the hinge band 174 may cover only a portion of the length of the gap 234 (e.g., across only the major face 126 of the first shell 106). In such embodiments, the peripheral edges 168, 170 of the first and second shell portions 164, 166 may abut together (sealed or unsealed) or overlap. As explained below, the gap 234 permits pivotable movement of the first shell portion 164 relative to the second shell portion 166 without binding of the first and second shell portions 164, 166.

[0044] The first and second shell portions 164, 166 may be sized such that the ratio between the relative heights H₁ and H₂ (i.e., H₁ divided by H₂) may be between 10 and 90 percent. In such embodiments, the hinge band 174 may be positioned in the 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the height H of the luggage case 102. In some embodiments, the hinge band 174 may be positioned nearer one of the opposing minor faces 128 (e.g., nearer the top end wall 122) of the luggage article 100 to reduce the overall depth D of the luggage article 100 in the partially-open position, for instance (see Fig. 3), thus allowing the user to access the internal compartment 104 of the luggage article 100 in more confined spaces. In some embodiments, the first height H₁ may be greater than the second height H₂ to allow sufficient access to the internal compartment 104 when the first shell portion 164 is pivoted relative to the second shell portion 166 (see Fig. 11). As noted above, the first shell portion 164 may open into the entire space of the internal compartment 104, or in some embodiments, the first shell portion 164 may open into a pocket separated from the main interior of the luggage article 100.

[0045] As noted above, the luggage article 100 may be moved between closed and open positions to define different levels and/or configurations of access to the internal compartment 104 of the luggage article 100. As illustrated in Fig. 1, in a closed position, each of the first shell portion 164 and the second shell portion 166 is secured to the second shell 108 via the closure mechanism 148. With reference to Fig. 3, in a partially-open position, the closure mechanism 148 is engaged between the second shell 108 and the second shell portion 166, and disengaged between the second shell 108 and the first shell portion 164. In the partially-open position of Fig. 3, the first shell portion 164 can be pivoted away from the second shell 108 to allow access to the internal compartment 104 of the luggage article 100. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the hinge band 174 bends or collapses to permit movement of the first shell portion 164 relative to the second shell portion 166 without binding of the shell portions. In some embodiments, the corrugations 188 of the hinge band 174 transversely collapse to permit bending of the hinge band 174. With reference to Fig. 10, in a fully open position, the closure mechanism 148 is disengaged between the second shell 108 and both the first shell portion 164 and the second shell portion 166. Both the first shell portion 164 and the second shell portion 166 are pivoted away from the second shell 108 to allow greater access to the internal compartment 104 of the luggage article 100. In some embodiments, the first shell portion 164 may be pivoted further relative to the second shell portion 166 to define a fully open position.

[0046] With reference to Fig. 3, the hinge band 174 may bend or transversely collapse differently along the length of the hinge band 174 to permit relative movement between the first shell portion 164 and the second shell portion 166. For instance, as explained below, in embodiments where the closure mechanism 148 is a zipper closure, the first and second shells 106, 108 are attached to zipper tape 236, which is generally non-extendable and holds portions (e.g., the peripheral corners 172) of the first and second shells 106, 108 at a fixed distance apart. In such embodiments, the hinge band 174 selectively deforms such that the first and second shell portions 164, 166 can move relative to each other. For example, the portion of the hinge band 174 extending adjacent the first split line 110 (i.e., location A identified in Fig. 3) may bend such that the gap 234 in location A is substantially unaltered and the locations of the peripheral corners 172 remain generally fixed. This example works in conjunction with a non-extendable closure mechanism 148 (e.g., zipper tape 236) secured along the respective peripheral edges 142 and 144 of the first and second shells 106, 108. To permit pivotable movement of the first shell portion 164, the portions of the hinge band 174 extending across the left front edge 134 and the right front edge 136, and the front wall 114 (i.e., locations B and C, respectively, identified in Fig. 3) may selectively collapse such that the respective peripheral edges 168, 170 of the first shell portion 164 and the second shell portion 166 rotate towards each other. In such embodiments, as the peripheral edges 168, 170 rotate towards each other, the peripheral edges 168, 170 may overlap or abut each other as the first shell portion 164 is opened. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the hinge band 174 transversely collapses a greater amount in location C than in location B.

[0047] To open the luggage article 100, the user may first disengage (e.g., unzip) the closure mechanism 148 between the second shell 108 and the first shell portion 164. The user may then selectively open the first shell portion 164 by pivoting the first shell portion 164 relative to the second shell 108 and the second shell portion 166. Pivoting the first shell portion 164 away from the second shell 108 collapses and/or bends the hinge band 174 extending across the major face 126 of the first shell 106, as described above. The user may continue to pivot the first shell portion 164 away from the second shell 108 until, for example, the first shell portion 164 contacts the second shell portion 166 (e.g., the covering portion 224 contacting the second shell portion 166), thereby defining the partially-open position of the luggage article 100. Additionally or alternatively, the user may disengage the closure mechanism 148 between the second shell 108 and the second shell portion 166. The user may then selectively open the luggage article 100 by pivoting the first shell 106 relative to the second shell 108.

[0048] Closing the luggage article 100 may be accomplished in reverse order as that described above. For example, the user may first pivot the second shell portion 166 towards the second shell 108 until the closure mechanism 148 is able to secure the second shell portion 166 to the second shell 108. The user may then engage (e.g., zip) the closure mechanism 148 between the second shell 108 and the second shell portion 166. The first shell portion 164 may then be pivoted towards the second shell 108, thereby expanding the hinge band 174, as noted above, and positioning the first shell portion 164 adjacent to and for selective engagement with the second shell 108 through the closure mechanism 148. The user may selectively engage the closure mechanism 148 between the second shell 108 and the first shell portion 164 to fully close the luggage article 100. In some embodiments, the closure mechanism 148 may then be locked to prevent unwanted disengagement. For example, in embodiments wherein the closure mechanism 148 is a zipper closure, the luggage article 100 may include a zipper slider lock 238 to selectively lock tow sliders 240 of the zipper closure (see Fig. 10). In some embodiments, the zipper slider lock 238 may be positioned adjacent (e.g., above) the hinge band 174, for example on the second shell 108.

[0049] With reference to Figs. 2-4, in embodiments where the closure mechanism 148 is a zipper closure, zipper tape 236 spans the gap 234 between the first and second shell portions 164, 166 adjacent the first split line 110. In such embodiments, zipper tape 236 is secured to the peripheral edges 142, 144 of the first and second shells 106, 108 such that the zipper tape bends, buckles, or otherwise permits the first shell portion 164 to pivot relative to the second shell portion 166. Because zipper tape 236 is non-extendable and the peripheral corners 172 of the first and second shells 106, 108 are restrained from moving further apart, the hinge band 174 collapses along at least the major face 126 of the first shell 106 to at least partially close or collapse the gap 234 and permit the first shell portion 164 to pivot relative to the second shell portion 166, as explained above.

[0050] With reference to Fig. 10 and as mentioned above, in some embodiments the closure mechanism 148 may be a plurality of latches 160. As shown in dash in Fig. 10, the latches 160 may be spaced discretely along the first split line 110, for example on the opposing minor faces 128 of the luggage case 102. As shown in Fig. 10, the latches 160 are formed on the opposing sidewalls 140 of each of the first and second shells 106, 108 such that the latches 160 are in alignment when the luggage case 102 is in a closed or partially-closed position. In such embodiments, the relative folding characteristics of the first and second shell portions 164, 166 may be different than that described above. Namely, instead of remaining generally fixed, the peripheral corners 172 of each of the first and second shell portions 164, 166 may expand away from one another when the first shell portion 164 is pivoted relative to the second shell portion 166. Additionally, the portions of the peripheral edges 168, 170 extending across the major face 126 of the first shell 106 may remain fixed. In such embodiments, the luggage case 102 may not include the gap 234 between the first and second shell portions 164, 166 such that the peripheral edges 168, 170 abut or overlap each other when the luggage case 102 is in a closed position.

[0051] With reference to Fig. 10, for instance, the luggage article 100 may include at least one handle and a plurality of wheel assemblies. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the luggage article 100 may include a fixed carry handle 242 attached to at least one of the opposing minor faces 128 of the luggage article 100 (e.g., the top end wall 122). In some embodiments, the luggage article 100 may include an extendable handle 244, which may be aligned along the outside of the second shell 108 of the luggage article 100 (see Fig. 2). The extendable handle 244 may be aligned along the second shell 108 but positioned inside the luggage article 100 and extending through one of the opposing minor faces 128 of the luggage article 100 (e.g., through the top end wall 122). Although described in association with the second shell 108 and/or the opposing minor faces 128, the extendable handle 244 and the fixed carry handle 242 may be associated with any shell, wall, or side of the luggage article 100.

[0052] With continued reference to Fig. 10, each of the first shell 106 and the second shell 108 may include a plurality of wheel assemblies to rollably traverse the luggage article 100 across a support surface (e.g., the ground). For example, as illustrated in Fig. 10, the first shell 106 may include a first set of wheel assemblies 246, and the second shell 108 may include a second set of wheel assemblies 248. In some embodiments, the first set of wheel assemblies 246 may be attached to the second shell portion 166 adjacent the lower front edge 132 of the luggage article 100 (see Fig. 1), and the second set of wheel assemblies 248 may be attached to the second shell 108 adjacent the lower rear edge 138 of the luggage article 100 (see Fig. 2). The first and second sets of wheel assemblies 246, 248 may be configured identically to each other and positioned adjacent the bottom end wall 124 in a mirrored configuration across the first split line 110. Although shown and described as positioned adjacent the bottom end wall 124, the plurality of wheel assemblies may be positioned on any wall of the luggage article 100 depending on the particular application and configuration of the luggage article 100.

[0053] As illustrated in Fig. 10, the luggage article 100 may include at least one stop limiter 260 to limit the amount of opening into the internal compartment 104. As shown in dash in Fig. 10, the stop limiter 260 may be attached between either the first shell portion 164 and the second shell portion 166, or between the first shell portion 164 and the second shell 108. The stop limiter 260 is disclosed herein primarily as a fabric strip, although other types of stop mechanisms are contemplated, including without limitation straps, cables, ties, hinge obstructions, or may be integrally formed in the hinge band 174.

[0054] Fig. 11 is an elevation view of an additional embodiment of the luggage article 500. With the exception of the following description, the embodiment of Fig. 11 is substantially identical to the embodiments described above with reference to Figs. 1-10. In the embodiment of Fig. 11, the closure mechanism 548 extends, at least partially, along two opposing minor faces 528 at an angle relative to the major faces 526 of the luggage article 500 such that the closure mechanism 548 at the top end wall 522 is positioned nearer the major face 526 of the first shell 506 and adjacent the upper front edge 530 of the luggage article 500. For example, the closure mechanism 548 may extend at an angle along a bottom portion 262 of the opposing minor faces 528 defined by the second height H₂ of the second shell portion 566. In such embodiments, the closure mechanism 548 may change direction along at least one of the opposing minor faces 528 of the luggage article 500 such that a portion of the closure mechanism 548 extends parallel to the major faces 526 of the luggage article 500. As shown in dash in Fig. 11, in some embodiments the closure mechanism 548' may be substantially linear across the opposing minor faces 528 of the luggage article 500. In each of the embodiments described above, the closure mechanism 548, 548' at the bottom end wall 524 may be positioned between the first and second sets of wheel assemblies 646, 648 and may substantially bisect the bottom end wall 524 or may be positioned nearer one of the major faces 526 (e.g., the front wall 514) of the luggage article 500.

[0055] As noted above, the luggage article may be formed from a variety of materials and means. For example, the first shell 106 and the second shell 108 may be moldable hard side material or a combination of hard side material and soft side material(s). The hard side material may be a thermoplastic material (self-reinforced or fiber reinforced), ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, and/or PTFE, among others. The luggage article may be formed or molded in any suitable manner, such as by plug molding, blow molding, injection molding, or the like. Additionally, the thickness of the luggage article may be consistent, or may vary across the luggage article depending on the desired rigidity, strength, and/or weight of the luggage article. For instance, the thickness may be greater near the wheel assemblies 246, 248, the edges 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and/or the first split line 110.

[0056] Although described as extending across the first shell 106, additionally or alternatively, the opening structure 112 may be associated with the second shell 108 such that the second shell 108 is configured to allow access into the internal compartment 104. In such examples, the second shell 108 is divided into two shell portions by the second split line 162, and the hinge band 174 is positioned along the second split line 162 to extend across the second shell 108 in the same way as noted above for forming the first and second shell portions 164, 166 of the first shell 106. In such embodiments, the extendable handle 244 may be mounted to the second shell 108 above the hinge band 174.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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

1. A luggage article (100) comprising:

a luggage case (102) defining an internal compartment (104), and including a first split line (110) defining a first shell (106) and a second shell (108), each shell having a major face (126) and opposing sidewalls (140);

a closure mechanism (148) releasably securing the first shell and the second shell along the first split line;

a second split line (162) formed across the major face and the opposing sidewalls of the first shell and defining first and second shell portions (164, 166) of the first shell, the second split line extending from a portion of the first split line on one sidewall to another portion of the first split line on the opposing sidewall; and

a hinge band (174) secured to the first and second shell portions along at least a portion of the length of the second split line, wherein the first shell portion is pivotable about the hinge band when the closure mechanism is disengaged along the first split line extending along the first shell portion.

2. The luggage article of claim 1, wherein the hinge band is a wide band of resilient material, preferably corrugated with corrugations (188) running substantially parallel to the hinge band.

3. The luggage article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the hinge band collapses or deforms along a height (H_HB) of the hinge band to pivot the first shell portion about the hinge band.

4. The luggage article of any of claims 1-3, wherein:

a gap (234) is defined between the first and second shell portions of the first shell, the gap extending along at least a portion of the length of the second split line; and

the hinge band at least partially bridges the gap.

5. The luggage article of any of claims 1-4, wherein the hinge band has a height sufficient to allow collapsing of the hinge band extending along the major face of the first shell with portions of the of hinge band adjacent the first split line remaining fixed.

6. The luggage article of any of claims 1-5, further comprising a hinge structure (146) pivotably securing the first shell and the second shell along the first split line.

7. The luggage article of claim 6, wherein the hinge structure is attached to the second shell portion of the first shell and to the second shell.

8. The luggage article of any of claims 1-7, wherein:

the closure mechanism is a zipper closure selectively securing the first shell and the second shell together; and

the zipper closure allows the first shell portion of the first shell to be opened while leaving the second shell portion of the first shell closed and secured to the second shell.

9. The luggage article of claim 8, wherein the zipper closure extends at least completely along the first split line between the second shell and the first shell portion of the front shell.

10. The luggage article of any of claims 1-9, wherein the first and second shell portions of the first shell are top and bottom shell portions of the first shell.

11. The luggage article of claim 10, wherein the hinge band extends at least partially parallel to a bottom side (124) of the luggage article.

12. The luggage article of claim 10 or 11, wherein the hinge band is positioned nearer a top side (122) of the luggage article such that the first portion of the front shell is smaller than the second portion of the front shell.

13. The luggage article of any of claims 10-12, wherein the hinge band extends at least partially perpendicular to the first split line at least when the luggage article is in a closed position.

14. The luggage article of any of claims 1-13, wherein the hinge band includes:

a central portion (186) disposed along the major face of the first shell; and

opposing ends (182) extending from the central portion to the first split line on either side of the luggage article, wherein the opposing ends are angled relative to the central portion.

15. The luggage article of any of claims 1-14, further comprising an attachment structure (190) securing the hinge band to at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion, wherein:

the attachment structure includes a trim piece (196) positioned between the hinge band and the at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion; and

the trim piece secures an edge (178, 180) of the hinge band within an interior of the at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion to reduce a profile change between the luggage case and the hinge band; and preferably an exterior surface (237) of the trim piece is approximately flush with an outermost extent (235, 266) of the hinge band.

Drawing