Gusset for a light-weight bag, a bag assembled therefrom, and methods for the manufacture and assembly thereof

Abstract

A light-weight side gusset for a bag includes a formed composite frame having a peripheral raised region and a depressed central region. An opening through the depressed central region forms a relatively narrow border portion around the inner periphery of the raised region. A central panel corresponding in configuration to the outline of the depressed region is attached to the border portion of the depressed region to cover the opening therethrough. The composite frame is made up of a moldable substrate, e.g. ethyl vinyl acetate foam, an outer layer wear-resistant material, e.g., high-denier nylon or poly / nylon combination, and, preferably, an inner adherent layer, e.g., the loop half of a hook-and-loop fabric. A complete bag is assembled by securing two such gussets to the body of the bag. Methods of manufacturing the composite frame, a gusset including such frame, and a bag including such gussets are also disclosed. During the frame manufacturing process, a flat sheet of substrate is covered an one side by the wear-resistant material and, preferably, an the other side by the adherent layer. Incisions are cut through a central region of the substrate-adhered materials composite. The composite is then molded to provide the peripheral raised region and the depressed central region of the frame, with the raised surface being covered by the wear-resistant material.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to lightweight profiled side panels or stiffeners for duffle bags and bags, luggage bags incorporating such side panels or stiffeners, and methods of making such side panels or stiffeners and assembling bags incorporating such side panels or stiffeners . Background technique [0002] In the field of luggage or handbags, there are generally two basic types of construction: (1) hard handbags, in which the outer wall is made of hard plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), etc., And (2) upholstered bags wherein the outer wall is made of a flexible material such as leather, polyvinyl film, fabric, etc. The hard bag has the advantage of resisting deformation caused by external force, which can provide greater protection against damage to the contents of the bag. However, such bags tend to be unattractive in look or feel. [0003] Soft bags, on the other hand, while aesthetically pleas...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, such a rigid internal frame significantly increases manufacturing costs and also increases weight

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