LIGHTWEIGHT FRAME STRUCTURE FOR A SOFTSIDE LUGGAGE CASE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 17176120.8, filed Jun. 14, 2017, entitled “Lightweight Frame Structure for a Softside Luggage Case”, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to softside luggage articles, and more specifically to a lightweight frame structure for a softside luggage case.

BACKGROUND

Some softside luggage cases include a frame structure or arrangement to support a luggage case housing. Traditional frame configurations, however, include frame structures along the front, rear, top, and bottom of the luggage case, which may increase the weight of the luggage case. Traditional frame configurations are also relatively rigid and maintain the shape of the soft side luggage case when not in use.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved luggage case, and more specifically an improved frame structure that addresses one or all of the above described problems and/or which more generally offers improvements or an alternative to existing arrangements. Because luggage is price and weight sensitive, creating a lightweight luggage case construction that is cost effective is important. It may also be desirable to create a lightweight luggage case construction that may be reduced in size when not in use.

Documents that may be related to the present disclosure include US20160219997A1, US20160235173A1, US9375062B2, EP2787857B1, EP2779861A1, US20120138403A1, US7984797B1, EP2363037B1, GB2477087A, US20110162931A1, WO2011033218A1, GB2440206B, GB2441580B, US20060226619A1, US20040144606A1, US7207577B2, US7143912B2, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,512A.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a frame structure for a softside luggage case, as described below and defined in the accompanying claims. The present disclosure advantageously provides a frame structure that is lightweight to reduce the overall weight of the luggage case, and allow the luggage case to reduce in size at least when not in use. The frame structure includes a bottom pan structure, a rear frame coupled to and extending from the bottom pan structure to extend the perimeter of a rear panel of the luggage case, and no front frame structure. The rear frame includes a pair of spaced apart elongate elements coupled to and extending from the bottom pan structure, and a cross frame member connecting distal ends of the elongate elements together.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a frame structure for a softside luggage case. The frame structure may include a bottom pan structure, at least two spinner wheel assemblies coupled with the bottom pan structure, and a rear frame coupled to and extending from a rear portion of the bottom pan structure. The rear frame may extend along at least a portion of a perimeter of a rear panel of the luggage case. The rear frame may include a pair of spaced apart elongate elements connected to and extending from the bottom pan structure. The rear frame may include a cross frame member coupling distal ends of the elongate elements together. The frame structure may not include a front frame structure.

In some embodiments, the rear frame may extend from adjacent rear corners of the bottom pan structure. The rear frame may be attached to and extend away from the rear corners of the bottom pan structure.

In some embodiments, each of the elongate elements and the cross frame member may be a pulltrusion. The cross frame member pulltrusion may be connected to the distal end of a respective elongate element pulltrusion by a corner piece.

In some embodiments, the frame structure may include an extendable pull handle assembly including at least one tube connected to and extending between the bottom pan structure and the cross frame member. The cross frame member may include two elements each extending from a respective elongate element to the extendable pull handle assembly. Each of the two elements of the cross frame member extends between a respective elongate element and a proximate tube of the extendable pull handle assembly. The extendable pull handle assembly may include a top bezel. Each of the two elements of the cross frame member may extend between the top bezel and a respective elongate element. At least a portion of each of the two elements of the cross frame member may be mounted into the top bezel of the extendable pull handle assembly. The extendable pull handle assembly may include two tubes. The at least one tube of the extendable pull handle assembly may be separate from the elongate elements of the rear frame. The frame structure may include at least one cross brace each connected to and extending between a portion of the rear frame and a portion of the extendable pull handle assembly. Each cross brace may be connected to and extend between one of the elongate elements of the rear frame and one of the at least one tube of the extendable pull handle assembly.

In some embodiments, the frame structure may include at least one support brace each connected to and extending diagonally between a portion of the rear frame and a portion of the bottom pan structure. Each support brace may be connected to and extend between one of the elongate elements of the rear frame and the bottom pan structure.

In some embodiments, four spinner wheel assemblies may be mounted to the bottom pan structure.

In some embodiments, the frame structure may include wheel recesses defined in the bottom pan structure for the spinner wheel assemblies.

In some embodiments, the bottom pan structure may be an injection molded pan.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a softside luggage case including the frame structure of any embodiment described herein. The luggage case may include a housing defining an internal storage compartment, and including opposing front and rear panels, and opposing top and bottom panels extending between the front and rear panels. The frame structure may be associated with only the rear and bottom panels of the housing.

In some embodiments, the rear panel may be supported only by a peripheral frame structure.

In some embodiments, a frame member may extend only along a rear edge of the top panel.

Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure. One of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIGS. 1 and 2 are front isometric views of a softside luggage case.

FIG. 3 is an additional isometric view of the luggage case of FIG. 1 and showing the housing of the luggage case in dash.

FIG. 4 is a front isometric view of a frame structure.

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of the frame structure of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of an additional frame structure.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to the present disclosure, lightweight frame structure is provided that is configured to support the housing of a luggage case and is positioned only along the rear panel, and in one example, positioned at least in part along the periphery of the housing's rear panel. The frame structure includes a bottom pan structure and a rear frame coupled to and extending from the bottom pan structure to extend along at least a portion of a perimeter of a rear panel of the luggage case. As explained below, the frame structure does not include a front frame structure to support a front portion of the luggage case.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a luggage case 100 includes a housing 102 formed from a plurality of walls or panels defining an internal storage compartment and a storage volume in which to carry a user's belongings. In the specific embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the luggage case 100 includes opposing front and rear panels 110, 112 and a plurality of side panels extending between the front and rear panels 110, 112, such as opposing top and bottom panels 114, 116 and opposing left and right panels 118, 120 that collectively define the housing 102 having a height H, a width W, and a depth D. Any two adjacent panels may intersect to define an edge of the housing 102. For example, the intersection of the rear panel 112 and the top panel 114 may define an upper rear edge 130 of the housing 102, the intersection of the rear panel 112 and the bottom panel 116 may define a lower rear edge 132 of the housing 102, and the intersection of the bottom panel 116 and the front panel 110 may define a lower front edge 134 of the housing 102, each of the upper rear edge 130, the lower rear edge 132, and the lower front edge 134 extending at least a portion of the width W of the housing 102. Additionally or alternatively, the intersection of the rear panel 112 and the left panel 118 may define a left rear edge 140, and the intersection of the rear panel 112 and the right panel 120 may define a right rear edge 142, each of the left and right rear edges 140, 142 extending at least a portion of the height H of the housing 102.

As described herein, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the luggage case 100 includes a frame structure 150 coupled with a portion of the housing 102 to support the housing 102. In a preferred embodiment, the frame structure 150 is associated with only select portions of the housing 102, such as with only the rear panel 112 and the bottom panel 116 of the housing 102, as described below. In some embodiments, the luggage case 100 may include at least two (e.g., four) spinner wheel assemblies 152 to facilitate the luggage case 100 to traverse across a support surface. As described below, the spinner wheel assemblies 152 may be mounted to a portion of the frame structure 150, such as to the portion of the frame structure 150 associated with the bottom panel 116 of the housing 102. In a preferred embodiment, the luggage case 100 is formed at least partially from softside material, though other configurations are contemplated, including a hybrid construction of softside material and hardside material. As described herein, the housing 102 of the luggage case 100 may be substantially any type of luggage article (e.g., a bag, a case, a rollable backpack, etc.), though in a preferred embodiment the luggage case 100 is an upright spinner case (see FIG. 1).

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, the frame structure 150 includes a bottom pan structure 160 and a rear frame 162 attached to and extending from the bottom pan structure 160. In one embodiment, the rear frame 162 extends vertically from the bottom pan structure 160, though other positional configurations are contemplated as described below. Preferably, the rear frame 162 is coupled to and extends from a rear portion of the bottom pan structure 160. For example, the rear frame 162 may extend from a position adjacent one or more rear corners 164 of the bottom pan structure 160 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). In one embodiment, the rear frame 162 may be attached to and extend away from the rear corners 164 of the bottom pan structure 160. The rear frame 162 may be positioned along at least a portion of the periphery of the rear panel 112, such as including one or more elements extending along at least a portion of a perimeter of the rear panel 112 of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the rear frame 162 may be positioned adjacent to the periphery of the rear panel 112, such as at, or at a position spaced away (e.g., inwardly) from, the edges of the rear panel 112. For example, one or more elements of the rear frame 162 may extend along or adjacent to the left, right, and upper rear edges 140, 142, 130 of the housing 102 to support the rear panel 112 and position the top panel 114 away from the bottom panel 116 (see FIG. 3).

As described herein, the frame structure 150 is operable to maintain a degree of rigidity of at least the rear panel 112 and the bottom panel 116 of the housing 102 to the extent needed for holding a shape of the housing 102 and supporting a load therein when in use. For example, the rear frame 162 may be coupled to the rear panel 112 of the housing 102 to maintain a shape of the rear panel 112, such as to limit folding, collapsing, or other similar deformation of the rear panel 112 relative to the rear frame 162. Similarly, the bottom pan structure 160 may be coupled to the bottom panel 116 of the housing 102 to maintain a shape of the bottom panel 116, such as to limit folding, collapsing, or other similar deformation of the bottom panel 116 relative to the bottom pan structure 160. Additionally or alternatively, the bottom panel 116 of the housing 102 may be coupled to the bottom pan structure 160 to support the housing 102 (as well as any user's belongings therein) relative to a support surface (e.g., above the ground). The frame structure 150 may permit other portions of the housing 102 to move (e.g., deform) relative to the rear and/or bottom panels 112, 116 of the housing 102 to allow selective movement, expansion, or collapse of the housing 102. For example, the frame structure 150 may be arranged such that at least one of the front panel 110, the top panel 114, the left panel 118, and the right panel 120 is movable and/or deformable relative to the frame structure 150 to open, close, expand, or collapse the housing 102 depending on the particular application.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing 102 covers at least a portion of the frame structure 150. For example, portions of the frame structure 150 (e.g., the bottom pan structure 160 and/or the rear frame 162) may be positioned within the housing 102 of the luggage case 100, such as within the internal storage compartment (see FIG. 2). In this manner, the frame structure 150 may be covered by the material of the housing 102, such as covered by softside material. In one embodiment, at least portions of the frame structure 150 may be received in a hem or secured by discrete loops defined within the housing 102. In these embodiments, the hem or discrete loops may be positioned or secured along a length of the rear frame 162 to couple the frame structure 150 to the housing 102. In embodiments having a hybrid case construction, the frame structure 150 may be coupled to the hardside material and/or the softside material. For example, portions of the frame structure 150 (e.g., the rear frame 162) may be formed integrally with the hardside material defining a portion of at least one panel of the housing 102, such as the rear panel 112. In some embodiments, the rear frame 162 may be coupled to the hardside material via fasteners, corresponding retention features, adhesive, or the like.

As described herein, at least two of the spinner wheel assemblies 152 are mounted to the bottom pan structure 160. In some embodiments, the frame structure 150 may include wheel recesses 166 defined in (e.g., molded into) the bottom pan structure 160 for the spinner wheel assemblies 152. The bottom pan structure 160 is preferably an injection molded structure. In some embodiments, the bottom pan structure 160 extends between the lower rear edge 132 and the lower front edge 134 of the housing 102.

In some embodiments, the bottom pan structure 160 may move relative to the rear frame 162 to permit the frame structure 150 to collapse and reduce the size of the luggage case 100. For instance, the rear frame 162 may be pivotally connected to the bottom pan structure 160 to move the luggage case 100 between a collapsed configuration in which the bottom pan structure 160 is pivoted towards the rear frame 162, and an open configuration in which the bottom pan structure 160 is pivoted away from the rear frame 162. In a preferred embodiment, however, the position of the rear frame 162 relative to the bottom pan structure 160 is fixed, as described below.

As described herein, the frame structure 150 does not include a front frame structure coupled to a front portion of the housing 102 (e.g., to the front panel 110). In this manner, the frame structure 150 supports the housing 102 but may be coupled only to the rear panel 112. As such, the frame structure 150 provides support for the rear portion of the housing 102 while permitting the front of the housing 102 to move or deform freely or as desired. For example, because the frame structure 150 is not coupled to the front panel 110 of the housing 102, at least that portion of the housing 102 may deform or flex to accommodate a user's belongings within the internal storage compartment. In some embodiments, the shape of the housing 102 may be defined by the rigidity of the material and/or the construction of the panels of the luggage case 100. For example, the front panel 110, the top panel 114, the left panel 118, and the right panel 120 may be constructed with sufficient rigidity to be self-supporting without the need for an additional frame element coupled in that region. In this way, traditional structures supporting the front and top of the housing 102 may be omitted to reduce the weight of the luggage case 100. For example, as described herein, a frame member may extend only along a rear edge of the top panel 114, such as only along the upper rear edge 130. In addition, at least one of the front panel 110, the top panel 114, the left panel 118, and the right panel 120 may not be supported by a board structure (e.g., a PP board structure or the like). Additionally or alternatively, the rear panel 112 in some embodiments may not be supported by a board structure. In such embodiments, the rear panel 112 may be supported only by a peripheral frame structure (i.e., at least a portion of the rear frame 162).

In one non-limiting example, illustrated in FIGS. 3-6, the rear frame 162 includes a pair of spaced apart elongate elements (e.g., a first elongate element 180 and a second elongate element 182) connected to and extending from the bottom pan structure 160. As shown, the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 may extend away from the bottom pan structure 160 to define an angle between the elongate elements 180, 182 and the bottom pan structure 160. For example, the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 may extend (e.g., vertically) from the bottom pan structure 160 to define a 90 degree angle between the bottom pan structure 160 and the first and second elongate elements 180, 182, though other angular arrangements between the bottom pan structure 160 and the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 are contemplated, including less than 90 degrees or greater than 90 degrees, depending on the particular application. In a preferred embodiment, the angle between the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 and the bottom pan structure 160 is between approximately 92 degrees and approximately 95 degrees to ensure the rear frame 162 (e.g., the first and second elongate elements 180, 182) does not tilt forward due to flexibility of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the angle may be fixed or the angle may be adjusted to allow the luggage case 100 to move between the collapsed and open configurations.

To couple the rear frame 162 to the bottom pan structure 160, proximate ends 190 of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 may be coupled to the bottom pan structure 160 and/or to a respective spinner wheel assembly 152. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bottom pan structure 160 may include first and second slots 192, 194 defined therein (e.g., adjacent the rear corners 164 of the bottom pan structure 160) and configured to receive the proximate ends 190 of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182, respectively. The first and second slots 192, 194 may be arranged such that the proximate ends 190 of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 are interference fit therein, though other means of securing the proximate ends 190 of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 within the first and second slots 192, 194 are contemplated, including adhesive, fasteners, heat or sonic welding, or the like. For instance, the proximate ends 190 of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 may be sized annularly larger than the first and second slots 192, 194 to frictionally engage the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 within the first and second slots 192, 194.

Additionally or alternatively, the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 may be coupled to the bottom pan structure 160 via respective spinner wheel assemblies 152. For instance, a first spinner wheel assembly 200 may include first and second housing portions 202, 204 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). In such embodiments, at least a portion of the first elongate element 180 may be positioned between the first and second housing portions 202, 204 of the first spinner wheel assembly 200 and secured therebetween by a compression force, such as by clamping. Additionally or alternatively, the first elongate element 180 may be secured between the first and second housing portions 202, 204 via adhesive, fasteners, or other securing mechanisms. For example, a fastener may extend through at least one of the first and second housing portions 202, 204 (e.g., through at least the second housing portion 204) and through or adjacent the first elongate element 180. In these embodiments, tightening the fastener provides the compression or clamping force securing the first elongate element 180 between the first and second housing portions 202, 204. The second elongate element 182 may be secured to another spinner wheel assembly 152 in a similar manner, as described below. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second housing portions 202, 204 may facilitate attachment of the first spinner wheel assembly 200 to the bottom pan structure 160 (e.g., to one of the rear corners 164 of the bottom pan structure 160). For example, the first housing portion 202 may be positioned adjacent an outer portion 206 of the bottom pan structure 160, and the second housing portion 204 may be positioned adjacent an inner portion 208 of the bottom pan structure 160 with at least a portion of the bottom pan structure 160 positioned between the first and second housing portions 202, 204.

Each of the first and second housing portions 202, 204 may be attached to the respective outer and inner portions 206, 208 of the bottom pan structure 160 (e.g., via adhesive, fasteners, or the like) or may be secured together via a fastener extending through the bottom pan structure 160. In such embodiments, securing the first and second housing portions 202, 204 to the bottom pan structure 160 may simultaneously secure the first elongate element 180 therebetween. For instance, securing the first and second housing portions 202, 204 to the bottom pan structure 160 may secure the first elongate element 180 in compression between the first and second housing portions 202, 204. Additionally or alternatively, the first elongate element 180 may be secured between the first and second housing portions 202, 204 via a separate attachment mechanism, such as via the fastener described above. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second housing portions 202, 204 of the first spinner wheel assembly 200 may be formed integrally with the bottom pan structure 160. In one embodiment, the first housing portion 202 may be positioned external the housing 102, such as positioned adjacent an exterior surface of the housing 102 (see FIG. 1). The second housing portion 204 may be positioned within the internal storage compartment of the housing 102, such as positioned adjacent an interior surface of the housing 102. The luggage case 100 may include a second spinner wheel assembly 210 configured similarly to the first spinner wheel assembly 200, albeit in a mirrored configuration to the first spinner wheel assembly 200. In these embodiments, the second spinner wheel assembly 210 may secure the second elongate element 182 to the bottom pan structure 160 in a similar manner as described above, such as via first and second housing portions 212, 214.

In the embodiments described herein, the rear frame 162 includes a cross frame member 220 coupling distal ends 222 of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 together (see FIGS. 2-5). The cross frame member 220 may be defined as one element or more than one element. In some embodiments, the cross frame member 220 may be defined as one or more elements in combination with other structure of the luggage case 100, such as with at least a portion of the frame structure 150 (e.g., with an extendable pull handle structure, with a bezel structure, with the housing 102, or any combination thereof), as described in detail below. The cross frame member 220 may be arranged similarly to the first and second elongate elements 180, 182, such as being formed integrally with at least one of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 and/or formed from the same material stock. In some embodiments, the cross frame member 220 may be coupled to the distal end 222 of at least one of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 by a corner piece 224. Each corner piece 224 may be curved and may be formed from the same or a different material of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 and/or the cross frame member 220, as explained below. The curved characteristic of the corner pieces 224 may limit damage to the housing 102, especially when compared to frame corners having sharp edges.

The cross frame member 220, as well as the first and second elongate elements 180, 182, may be formed from a variety of materials and means. In one embodiment, each of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 and the cross frame member 220 may be a pulltrusion to provide a lightweight characteristic to the frame structure 150. In addition, the pulltrusion molding process may provide a composite structure of the rear frame 162 that is relatively strong for its weight. The first elongate element 180, the second elongate element 182, and the cross frame member 220 may include a diameter ranging between about 5 mm to about 10 mm (preferably between about 6 mm to about 8 mm), though other dimensions are contemplated depending on the size, weight, and/or strength requirements of the frame structure 150.

As explained below, the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 and the cross frame member 220, whether formed by a pulltrusion process or otherwise, may include a non-circular cross-section to limit torsion in the rear frame 162 by limiting rotation of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 and the cross frame member 220 relative to other portions of the frame structure 150 (e.g., relative to the bottom pan structure 160). For example, the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 may include a teardrop, elliptical, polygonal, or other non-circular cross-section (see FIG. 6). In such embodiments, the first and second slots 192, 194 may include a corresponding shape to limit rotation of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 within the first and second slots 192, 194, respectively. The cross frame member 220 may be configured similarly, as described below.

In one embodiment, the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 may be slid into the first and second slots 192, 194. This may allow simple and quick assembly of the luggage case 100 (e.g., the rear frame 162). For instance, the sliding construction of the non-circular first and second elongate elements 180, 182 into the corresponding non-circular first and second slots 192, 194 may reduce or eliminate the need for rivets or screws for assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 may limit torsion and/or deformation of the rear panel 112. For example, and without limitation, the non-circular profile of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 may limit rotation of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 about their longitudinal axes, thereby limiting torsion or flex of the rear frame 162 and the rear panel 112 attached thereto. The non-circular profile of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 may also limit relative movement between the rear panel 112 and the first and second elongate elements 180, 182.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the frame structure 150 includes an extendable pull handle assembly 240 including at least one tube 242 (e.g., one tube, two tubes, etc.) connected to and extending between the bottom pan structure 160 and the cross frame member 220. In one embodiment, each tube 242 of the extendable pull handle assembly 240 is received in a recess 244 defined in the bottom pan structure 160 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Each tube 242 may be secured in a corresponding recess 244 by a fastener or any other securing mechanism, including adhesive, interference fit, corresponding retention features, or the like. As shown, the one or more tubes 242 of the extendable pull handle assembly 240 are preferably separate from the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 of the rear frame 162. In such embodiments, the cross frame member 220 includes two elements (e.g., first and second elements 246, 248) each extending from a respective elongate element of the rear frame 162 to the extendable pull handle assembly 240, such as between a respective elongate element of the rear frame 162 and a proximate tube of the extendable pull handle assembly 240. In these embodiments, the cross frame member 220 may be defined as the first and second elements 246, 248 and at least a portion of the extendable pull handle assembly 240. In some embodiments, a portion of the pull handle assembly 240 may be received, and extend from, within a cavity or recess defined in the housing 102, such as in and/or from a cavity or recess defined in the top panel 114. For example, a pocket 249, which may be a zipped pocket in some embodiments, may be defined in the top panel 114 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3). In such embodiments, the handle or grip of the pull handle assembly 240 may be received and secured within the pocket 249 to provide a desired aesthetic and/or functional characteristic. For example, when the pull handle assembly 240 is in a collapsed configuration, the grip or handle of the pull handle assembly 240 may be concealed within the pocket 249 to provide a clean or smooth appearance.

In one embodiment, the extendable pull handle assembly 240 includes a top bezel 250 (see FIGS. 2-4). As shown, each of the first and second elements 246, 248 may extend between the top bezel 250 and a respective elongate element. In one embodiment, each of the first and second elements 246, 248 may be mounted, such as horizontally, into the top bezel 250. For instance, the first element 246 may extend from the first elongate element 180 (e.g., from a corner piece 224 coupled to the distal end 222 of the first elongate element 180) to one side of the top bezel 250 to then attach and be secured to the top bezel 250. The second element 248 may extend from the second elongate element 182 (e.g., from another corner piece 224 coupled to the distal end 222 of the second elongate element 182) to an opposing side of the top bezel 250 to then attach and be secured to the top bezel 250. In these embodiments, the cross frame member 220 may be defined as the first and second elements 246, 248 and the top bezel 250 of the extendable pull handle assembly 240. Similar to the bottom pan structure 160, the top bezel 250 may include first and second cavities 252, 254 in which to respectively receive the first and second elements 246, 248 of the cross frame member 220 (see FIGS. 5, 8, and 9). Like the first and second slots 192, 194 of the bottom pan structure 160, the first and second cavities 252, 254 of the top bezel 250 may include a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-section of the first and second elements 246, 248, which may be non-circular as described above to limit rotation of the first and second elements 246, 248 within the first and second cavities 252, 254, respectively (see FIG. 8). In such embodiments, the first and second elements 246, 248 may be slid into the first and second cavities 252, 254 of the top bezel 250. This may allow simple and quick assembly of the luggage case 100 (e.g., the rear frame 162) without requiring complex construction at least adjacent the top bezel 250. For example, the sliding construction of the non-circular first and second elements 246, 248 into the corresponding non-circular first and second cavities 252, 254 of the top bezel 250 may reduce or eliminate the need for rivets or screws for assembly.

In some embodiments, the frame structure 150 may include additional elements to increase the torsional rigidity of the rear frame 162. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 6, the frame structure 150 may include at least one support brace 270 each connected to and extending (e.g., diagonally) between a portion of the rear frame 162 and a portion of the bottom pan structure 160. For example, each support brace 270, which may be rigid or at least non-extendable, may be connected to and extend between one of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 of the rear frame 162 and the inner portion 208 of the bottom pan structure 160. In these embodiments, the support braces 270 may limit movement of the rear frame 162 towards or away from the bottom pan structure 160. For example, the support braces 270 may provide a force countering any moment forces existing at the proximate ends 190 of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182. For example, tilting the luggage case 100, such as via the extendable pull handle assembly 240, onto the first and second spinner wheel assemblies 200, 210 may induce a moment at or adjacent the proximate ends 190 of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 caused by the tendency of the bottom pan structure 160 to rotate away from the rear frame 162 due to the weight of any contents within the housing 102 and/or the housing 102 itself. In these embodiments, the support braces 270 may provide a sufficient torsional rigidity to the frame structure 150 to limit rotation of the bottom pan structure 160 away or towards the rear frame 162. Additionally or alternatively, clamping of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 between the first and second housings 200, 202, 212, 214 (if included) of the first and second spinner wheel assemblies 200, 210 may make the frame structure 150 sufficiently stiff to handle the cantilever forces tending the rotate the rear frame 162 away from or towards the bottom pan structure 160.

Each support brace 270 may include one or more parts, such as a first part 272 coupled to one of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182, and a second part 274 coupled to the bottom pan structure 160, the first and second parts 272, 274 secured together to limit movement of the rear frame 162 towards or away from the bottom pan structure 160. The first part 272 of each support brace 270 may be formed integrally with a respective elongate element of the rear frame 162 or may be preferably slid over the respective elongate element and fixed in place via a fastener or another securing mechanism. Similarly, the second part 274 of each support brace 270 may be formed integrally with the bottom pan structure 160 or may be fixed to the bottom pan structure 160 via a fastener or other securing means.

Additionally or alternatively, the frame structure 150 may include at least one cross brace 280 each connected to and extending between a portion of the rear frame 162 and a portion of the extendable pull handle assembly 240 (see FIG. 6). For instance, each cross brace 280 may be connected to and extend between one of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 of the rear frame 162 and one of the tubes 242 of the extendable pull handle assembly 240. Like the support brace(s) 270, at least a portion of each cross brace 280 may be formed integrally with the rear frame 162, the extendable pull handle assembly 240, or both the rear frame 162 and the extendable pull handle assembly 240. Alternatively, each cross brace 280 may be fixed to the rear frame 162 and/or the extendable pull handle assembly 240 via a fastener or other securing means.

As described herein, the rear frame 162 may be characterized as substantially any permutation of the first and second elongate elements 180, 182, the cross frame member 220, the extendable pull handle assembly 240, the tube(s) 242 of the extendable pull handle assembly 240, the top bezel 250 of the extendable pull handle assembly 240, and the cross braces 280. For example without limitation, the rear frame 162 may be defined as: (1) the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 and at least one of the tubes 242 of the extendable pull handle assembly 240; (2) the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 and the cross braces 280 (with or without the tubes 242 of the extendable pull handle assembly 240); (3) the first and second elongate elements 180, 182 and the cross frame member 220 (with or without the extendable pull handle assembly 240); (4) the first and second elongate elements 180, 182, the cross frame member 220, and the top bezel 250 of the extendable pull handle assembly 240 (with or without the tubes 242 of the extendable pull handle assembly 240); or (5) any combination thereof.

The luggage case 100 and/or the frame structure 150 may be formed from a variety of materials and means. For example, the rear frame 162 and the bottom pan structure 160 may be formed from a thermoplastic material (self-reinforced or fiber reinforced), ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, and/or PTFE, among others. In some embodiments, the rear frame 162 may be extruded from aluminum or other similar metal. In addition, the rear frame 162 may be formed from fiber reinforced epoxy, resin, or other similar material. The bottom pan structure 160 may be formed or molded in any suitable manner, such as by plug molding, blow molding, injection molding, extrusion, casting, or the like. As noted above, the luggage case 100 may be formed from softside material and/or hardside material. The softside material may be nylon, canvas, polyester, leather, PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene, and/or PTFE, among others. The hardside material may be a thermoplastic material (self-reinforced or fiber reinforced), ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, and/or PTFE, among others.

All relative and directional references (including: upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, side, above, below, front, middle, back, vertical, horizontal, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader's understanding of the particular embodiments described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the presently disclosed embodiments teach by way of example and not by limitation. Therefore, the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.

LIGHTWEIGHT FRAME STRUCTURE FOR A SOFTSIDE LUGGAGE CASE

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