Button deployment system for luggage

Abstract

The invention discloses a compressing and unfolding device for luggage articles and a luggage case comprising the compressing and unfolding device. In one embodiment, the device includes a base including axially disposed, spaced parallel passages; a latch pivotally disposed on the base between the passages and having a tongue-shaped protrusion; a deployment body including a catheter member slidably fitted to the passage, a biasing member located within the passage, and a catheter member pushing the deployment body and the base away from each other; an opening in the deployment body configured to receive the tongue in a first compressed position; and a button engaged with the opening and movable to contact the tongue and displace it from a first position to a second position, whereby the deployment body and the base assume a deployed configuration urged by the biasing member.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 389,602, filed on July 15, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 468,901, filed on May 25, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a compression and expansion device for a luggage case, so as to increase or decrease the internal capacity of the luggage case as needed. The present disclosure also relates to a luggage case comprising the compression and expansion device. Background Art

[0003] Expandable luggage known in the art includes various designs that allow the luggage to be compressed and expanded to meet internal volume requirements. Such devices often require the packer to use both hands or require multiple steps to operate the device, or have complex designs that affect the luggage itself. Therefore, there is a need for a more simple compression and expansion device. A design is desired that allows the device to be operated by pressing a button, which can be easily performed with one hand, including the practicality of having the button located on the exterior of the luggage article. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one practical embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a compression and expansion device for an item of luggage, the compression and expansion device comprising: (a) a base, the base comprising: a front surface, a rear surface, a top edge and a bottom edge, and a pair of spaced-apart parallel passages axially disposed from the top edge of the base to the bottom edge of the base, (b) a latch, the latch comprising an upper end, a lower end and an inner surface, the latch being interposed between the pair of spaced-apart passages, wherein the inner surface of the latch is disposed opposite the front surface of the base, the upper end of the latch extending above the top edge of the base, the upper end comprising a tongue projecting outwardly from the inner surface of the latch, and the lower end of the latch being pivotally attached to the base; (c) a biasing member connecting the latch to the base and urging the latch toward the front surface of the base; and (d) an expansion body, the expansion body comprising: an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge, a bottom edge, and a tongue projecting outwardly from the bottom edge of the expansion body. a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members extending from the edges of the base, each of the parallel conduit members individually slidably cooperating with a corresponding passageway of the base; a pair of biasing members, each biasing member individually disposed within a corresponding passageway of the base and its corresponding conduit member, and each biasing member individually urging the deployment body away from the base to assume the deployed configuration; an opening in the deployment body, the opening extending between the inner surface and the outer surface and configured to receive the tongue of the latch member from the direction of the inner surface, the opening including a ridge against which the tongue rests in a first position in which the deployment body and the base are in the compressed configuration; and (e) a button engaged with the opening of the deployment body from the direction of the outer surface, the button being movable within the opening to contact the tongue to thereby sufficiently move the tongue away from the ridge to a second position whereby the deployment body and the base assume the deployed configuration urged by the pair of biasing members.

[0005] In another practical embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a compression and deployment device for an item of luggage, the compression and deployment device comprising: (a) a base, the base comprising: a front surface, a rear surface, a top edge, and a bottom edge; a pair of spaced-apart parallel passages axially disposed from the top edge of the base to the bottom edge of the base, and an opening in the base, the opening extending between the front surface and the rear surface; (b) an deployment body, the deployment body comprising: an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members extending from the bottom edge of the deployment body, each of the parallel conduit members individually slidably engaging a corresponding passage of the base; a pair of biasing members, each biasing member individually disposed within a corresponding passage and its corresponding conduit member, and each biasing member individually urging the deployment body away from the base to assume an deployed configuration; and a cross member extending between and perpendicular to the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members. , the cross member including an upper ridge; (c) a latch including an upper end, a lower end and an inner surface, the latch being interposed between the pair of spaced-apart passages, wherein the inner surface of the latch is disposed opposite the front surface of the base, the upper end of the latch extending above the top edge of the base, the upper end including a tongue projecting outwardly from the inner surface of the latch, the tongue being configured to rest against the upper ridge of the cross member in a first position when the expanded body and the base are in a compressed configuration, said latch being pivotally attached to said base; (d) a biasing member connecting said latch to said base and urging said latch toward said front surface of said base; and (e) a button engaging said opening in said base from the direction of said rear surface, said button being movable to contact said latch, thereby fully pivoting said latch and moving said tongue away from said upper ridge of said cross member to a second position, whereby said deployment body and said base assume said deployed configuration urged by said pair of biasing members.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a luggage item comprising: a main luggage case body having a bottom surface and a cavity formed to receive a packed item; an expansion portion having an outer periphery defining the cavity; a foldable gusset connecting the luggage case body to the expansion portion; and a compression expansion device disposed internally on respective opposing inner walls of the luggage item, the compression expansion device comprising: (i) a base secured to one of the luggage case body or the expansion portion, the base comprising: a front surface, a rear surface, a top edge, and a bottom edge. and a bottom edge; a pair of spaced-apart parallel passages axially arranged from the top edge of the base to the bottom edge of the base; a latch comprising an upper end, a lower end and an inner surface, the latch being interposed between the pair of spaced-apart passages, wherein the inner surface of the latch is arranged opposite the front surface of the base, the upper end of the latch extending above the top edge of the base, the upper end comprising a tongue projecting outwardly from the inner surface of the latch, and the lower end of the latch being pivotally attached to the base; a biasing member connecting the latch to the base and biasing the and (ii) an expansion body secured to the other of the main luggage case body or the expansion portion, the expansion body comprising: an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members extending from the bottom edge of the expansion body, each of the parallel conduit members individually slidably engaging a corresponding passageway of the base; and a pair of biasing members, each biasing member individually disposed within a corresponding passageway and its corresponding conduit member, and each biasing member individually urging the expansion body away from the base to be in the expanded position. an open configuration; an opening in the expansion body, the opening extending between the inner surface and the outer surface and configured to receive the tongue of the latch member from the direction of the inner surface, the opening including a ridge, the tongue resting on the ridge when the expansion body and the base are in a first position of the compressed configuration, and a button engaged with the opening of the expansion body from the direction of the outer surface, the button being movable to contact the tongue to move the tongue sufficiently away from the ridge to a second position whereby the expansion body and the base assume the expanded configuration urged by the pair of biasing members. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1A is a plan view of the latch side of an embodiment of a compression-deployment device of the present disclosure, the device being in a compressed position. Figure 1B is a side view of the same embodiment in a compressed position. Figure 1Cis a plan view of the button side of the same embodiment in a compressed position.

[0008] Figure 2A is a plan view of the latch side of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the deployed position. Figure 2B is a side view of the same embodiment in the deployed position. Figure 2C is a plan view of the button side of the same embodiment in the deployed position.

[0009] Figure 3A yes Figure 1B 1 and 2. A side view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown, illustrating certain internal components. Figure 3B yes Figure 1B A side view of an embodiment is shown in which the button is partially depressed and certain internal components are illustrated, with the device still in the compressed position. Figure 3C yes Figure 2B The side view shown in FIG. 1 illustrates certain internal components.

[0010] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1 from the perspective of the latch side.

[0011] Figure 5 1 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1 from the perspective of the button side.

[0012] Figure 6A and 6B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a compression deployment device of the present disclosure on a section of an item of luggage, the device in a deployed position. Figure 6C 、 6D and 6E is Figure 6A and 6B A side view of the device showing the Figure 6C ) to the middle position when the button is pressed ( Figure 6D ) and what happens Figure 6A and Figure 6B The expanded position is shown.

[0013] Figure 7A 、 7B 7C and 7D are perspective views of the interior area of ​​an embodiment of a luggage article of the present disclosure employing the compression-expand locking device of the present disclosure, wherein the two devices are internally positioned on opposing interior walls of the luggage case and the sliding switch is accessible from the exterior of the luggage case ( Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B ); and wherein the two devices are externally placed on opposite outer walls ( Figure 7C 、 7D ).

[0014] Figure 8 1 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the compression and expansion device disclosed herein.

[0015] Figure 9A and 9B yes Figure 8 A partial perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the compression deployment device in a locked configuration ( Figure 9A ) and expanded configuration ( Figure 9B ) when operating the flexible part and the button. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following detailed description will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which is for convenience only and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] refer to Figure 1A 、 1B , 1C, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4, and 5, embodiments of the compression and expansion device 100 of the present disclosure include a base 110 comprising a front surface 120, a rear surface 130, a top edge 140, and a bottom edge 150. As shown, the base can be generally rectangular in shape, though other shapes are also contemplated. In one embodiment, the rear surface 130 can be a straight wall (not shown) or can have a recessed portion, shown as 130 in the figures, including 130a defined by a protrusion 131. Recessing a portion of the rear wall helps allow the expansion gusset material to fold when the device is positioned on an item of luggage and in the compressed position. As described herein, reference to the rear surface 130 includes both embodiments in which 130 is a straight wall and embodiments in which 130 is recessed from 130a. In the illustrated embodiment, base 110 includes a pair of spaced-apart, parallel passageways 160 (a first passageway) and 170 (a second passageway) disposed axially from a top edge 140 of the base to a bottom edge 150 of the base. Passageways 160, 170 may each individually extend the entire axial length of base 110 from top edge 140 to bottom edge 150, or may only partially do so. In one non-limiting embodiment, passageways 160, 170 may each individually comprise a generally tubular channel, as shown, extending outwardly from front surface 120 of base 110, although other geometries are also contemplated. In one embodiment, the generally tubular channel (or other geometries) comprising passageways 160, 170 may be integrally formed with the base, for example, as a tubular recess printed onto base 110, which may be formed from a unitary component such as plastic or metal. In another practice, the generally tubular passageway (or other geometric shape) comprising passageways 160 , 170 may be made from a separate component attached to the front surface 120 of the base 110 .

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 180 (illustrated in various instances by cross-hatching) includes an upper end 190, a lower end 200, and an inner surface 210. As shown, the latch is generally rectangular in shape, but other suitable shapes may be employed. The latch 180 is interposed between a pair of spaced-apart passageways 160, 170, with the inner surface 210 of the latch disposed opposite the front surface 120 of the base. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper end 190 of the latch extends above the top edge 140 of the base and includes a tongue 220 that projects outwardly from the inner surface 210 of the latch. As shown, the tongue 220 projects outwardly from the topmost portion of the upper end 190 and extends across the width of the latch 180. This is non-limiting, and other tongue configurations are contemplated, for example, where the tongue projects outwardly from below the topmost portion of the upper end and / or extends across only a portion of the latch 180.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower end 200 of the latch 180 is pivotally attached to the base, for example, with a pivot axis perpendicular to the passages 160, 170. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the latch 180 is pivotally attached to the base 110 by a pin 370 disposed in a pin passage 371 extending the width of the latch 180 and having its end secured to a hole 372 in the base 110, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is coextensive with the pivot axis. Other methods known in the art for pivotally attaching the latch 180 to the base 110 are contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 180 is connected to the base by a biasing member 240, which may be, for example, a coil spring as shown, or other suitable biasing member known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 240 is a coil spring having rings 400 and 410 at both ends; the base 110 includes a connecting opening 421, the protrusion 420 extends within the connecting opening 421, and one of the rings 410 is placed on the connecting opening 421, and the other ring 400 is fixed to the latch 180 by a pin 380. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin 380 extends through the protrusion 301 of the latch 180, and the protrusion 301 is sized to accommodate the spring biasing member 240 so that the latch 180 remains substantially flush relative to the front surface 120 of the base 110.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, device 100 includes a deployment body 250 comprising an inner surface 260 and an outer surface 251, an upper edge 252, a bottom edge 280, and a pair of spaced-apart, parallel conduit members 290 and 300 extending from bottom edge 280 of deployment body 250. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the spaced-apart, parallel conduit members 290 (first conduit member) and 300 (second conduit member) individually slidably engages a corresponding passageway 160 (for conduit member 290) or 170 (for conduit member 300) of base 110. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, conduit members 290 and 300 are slidably disposed within passageways 160 and 170, respectively. Other slidable configurations are contemplated. In one non-limiting embodiment, as shown, conduit members 290 and 300 may each individually comprise a generally cylindrical shape, although other conduit member geometries are also contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of spaced-apart, parallel passageways 160, 170 each comprise a generally tubular channel extending outwardly from the front surface 120 of the base, and each generally cylindrical conduit member 290, 300 is slidably disposed within its respective tubular channel.

[0021] As shown, the device 100 includes a pair of biasing members 310, 320, each biasing member individually disposed within a corresponding passage 160, 170 and its corresponding conduit member 290, 300. Each biasing member 310, 320 is configured to individually urge the deployment body 250 away from the base 110 to assume the deployed configuration, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A 、 2B , 2C and 3C. In one embodiment, each of the biasing members 310, 320 comprises a coil spring, but other suitable biasing members known in the art are also contemplated. The biasing members 310, 320 can be freely disposed within the passages 160, 170 and the conduit members 290, 300 without being fixed at any of their ends.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, passageways 160, 170 are each depicted as generally tubular channels, wherein each channel includes a slot 450 (in passageway 160) and a slot 451 (in passageway 170), each slot 450, 451 being axially disposed in a direction from the top edge 140 to the bottom edge 150 of the base 110. The slots may be axially disposed along most or only a portion of the length from the top edge 140 to the bottom edge 150. As shown, each slot 450, 451 has a first closed end, with the first closed end 161 for slot 450 and the first closed end 171 for slot 451 being proximate to the top edge 140 of the base 110. Protrusions 430 and 440 are located near the respective distal ends of the conduit members 290 and 300. The protrusions 430 and 440 extend outward from the conduit members 290 and 300 and are configured to extend into the slots 450 and 451, respectively, and contact the first closed ends 161 and 171 of the slots 450 and 451 to prevent the deployment body 250 from moving away from the base 110, for example, to prevent the deployment body 250 from separating from the base 110, or to stop the deployment movement at a predetermined point.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the device 100 includes an opening 340 in the deployment body 250, the opening extending between the inner surface 252 and the outer surface 251 of the deployment body and configured to receive the tongue 220 of the latch 180 from the direction of the inner surface 252 of the deployment body, the opening 330 including a ridge 331 against which the tongue 220 rests in a first position in which the deployment body and the base are in a compressed configuration, as shown. Figure 1A 、 1B , 1C and 3A. In the compressed configuration, the biasing members 310 and 320 (such as coil springs) are fully or partially compressed. The button 340 engages the opening 330 of the deployment body 250 from the direction of the outer surface 251, and the button 340 is movable to contact the tongue, thereby sufficiently moving the tongue away from the ridge to the second position, whereby the deployment body and base assume the deployed configuration pushed or facilitated by the pair of biasing members. Figure 3A Representatively, the device is shown in the compressed position (first position) with the tongue 220 resting on the ridge 331 and the button 340 at point A (not moved). Figure 3B , the button 340 begins to move from point A to point B, such as would occur when a user begins to press the button 340 inwardly, whereby the button 340 contacts the tongue 220 and begins to move the tongue 220 away from the ridge 331, causing the latch 181 to begin to pivot away from the base 110 about the pivot axis point 372. Figure 3C , the button 340 has moved to point C, which is sufficient to move the tongue away from the ridge 331, whereby the deployment body 250 and base 110 assume the deployed configuration (second position) under the urging of the pair of biasing members 310, 320.

[0024] As shown, the deployment body 250 may include one or more latch stop members 350, 360 extending from the bottom edge 280 of the deployment body 250 and interposed between a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members 290, 300. Figure 3C As shown, the latch stop member 360 (the latch stop member 360 is located at the rear, so Figure 3C 10) is configured to provide contact with the tongue 220 of the latch 180 in the second position to prevent the tongue 220 from extending above the top edge 140 of the base 110 when the deployment body and base are in the deployed configuration. The one or more latch stop members 350, 360 can be configured to move and extend above the front surface 120 of the base portion 110 to allow the deployment body 250 to close together and assume a compressed configuration. In one practice, when in the first compressed position, the distal ends of the one or more latch stop members 350, 360 terminate coextensively with the distal ends of the conduit members 290, 300. In one practice shown, the one or more latch stop members can include a plurality of slats, two slats in Figure 2A 、 2C and Figure 4 and 5 Indicated by 350, 360. In one practical mode, a latch stop member in the shape of a wall can be used.

[0025] In one embodiment, the device may include a button housing 470 disposed against the outer surface 251 of the deployment body 250. The button housing 470 may include a hole 520 therethrough that is aligned with and sized to the opening 330 in the deployment body and is configured to removably secure the button, for example, the button 340 may include laterally extending wings 500, 510 that are slidably mounted in button slots 490 and 480, respectively, in the button housing 470, thereby allowing the button to move within the openings 520 and 330 to contact the tongue 220. Figure 3A In one illustrated alternative practice, when the button 340 rests on the ridge 331 in the first position, the button 340 is already in contact with the tongue 220 or is very close to being in contact with the tongue 220 .

[0026] The expansion body and base of the compression expansion device and their components can be composed of any suitable structural material or combination of such materials, including but not limited to rigid or semi-rigid materials. Representative structural materials include plastics, including but not limited to plastics such as high-rigidity grades of polyoxymethylene copolymer (POM-C), or metals.

[0027] Figure 6A、 6B , 6C, 6D and 6E are another embodiment of the compression expansion device 101 of the present disclosure. This embodiment utilizes a button that engages with an opening in the base portion of the device, rather than the button of Figures 1 to 6C. Figure 5 In the reference Figures 6A to 6E In the practice of FIG6 , the configuration, elements and limitations of FIG6 apply unless otherwise specified below. Generally, in the practice of FIG6 , in which the main body and base are in the first position of the compressed configuration (see FIG6 ), the main body and base are in the first position of the compressed configuration (see FIG6 ). Figure 6C ), the tongue 220a of the latch body 180a rests on the upper ridge 701 of the cross member 700, which extends between and perpendicular to a pair of spaced parallel conduit members 290a and 300a. In this alternative embodiment, the base 110a has an opening extending therethrough between the front and rear surfaces, and the button 340a (shown) engages the opening in the base and (obscured by the button 340a) is movable to contact the latch body 180a sufficient to pivot the latch about the pivot axis 372a and move the tongue 220a away from the upper ridge 701 of the cross member 700 to the second position, whereby the deployment body and base assume a deployed configuration urged by a pair of biasing members (see Figure 6A and Figure 6B More specifically, in this mode of practice, the device comprises a base including a front surface, a rear surface, a top edge, and a bottom edge, a pair of spaced-apart parallel passages disposed axially from the top edge of the base to the bottom edge of the base, all of which are shown in FIG. Figure 5 Depicted, and an opening in the base extending between the front and rear surfaces (obscured by button 340a).

[0028] The device 101 of this other embodiment includes a deployment body 250a including an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members extending from the bottom edge of the deployment body, each of the parallel conduit members individually slidably engaging a corresponding passageway of the base; and a pair of biasing members, each biasing member individually disposed within a corresponding passageway and its corresponding conduit member, and each biasing member individually urging the deployment body away from the base to assume the deployed configuration, all as shown in Figures 1 to 2. Figure 5 The deployment body 250a of this embodiment of the device 101 further includes a cross member 700 extending between and perpendicular to a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members 290a and 300a, the cross member 700 including an upper ridge 701 .

[0029] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , a latch body 180 a including an upper end, a lower end, and an inner surface is interposed between a pair of spaced-apart passages, wherein the inner surface of the latch is disposed opposite the front surface of the base, the upper end of the latch extends above the top edge of the base, the upper end including a tongue projecting outwardly from the inner surface of the latch, all of which are shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. Figure 5 In the embodiment shown in FIG6 , the tongue 220a is configured to rest on the upper ridge 701 of the cross member 700 when the main body 250a and the base 110a are in the compressed configuration in the first position, and the latch is pivotally attached to the base, for example about the pivot axis 372a. A biasing member (not shown) connects the latch body 180a to the base 110a, as shown in FIG1 to FIG6 . Figure 5 as shown, and push the latch toward the front surface of the base.

[0030] In the embodiment of FIG. 6 , the button 340 a engages the opening of the base from the direction of the rear surface of the base, and the movable button 340 a is configured to contact the latch body 180 a sufficiently to pivot the latch body about the axis 372 a, thereby moving the tongue 200 a away from the upper ridge 701 of the cross member 700 to the second position, whereby the deployment body and the base assume the deployed configuration urged by a pair of biasing members, as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. Figure 5 shown.

[0031] refer to Figure 7A 、 7B , 7C and 7D, which depict embodiments of luggage articles contemplated by the present disclosure that exhibit the compression locking devices of the present disclosure, such as those shown in FIGs. 1-6 and Figure 8-9. In a non-limiting embodiment, luggage item 1400 includes a main luggage case body 1440 having a bottom surface 1441 forming a cavity for receiving packed items. The luggage item also includes an expansion portion 1420 having an outer perimeter defining the cavity. A foldable gusset 1430 connects the main luggage case body 1440 to the expansion portion 1420. The foldable gusset 1430 allows the expansion portion 1420 to move away from the luggage case body 1440 to expand the volume formed by the cavity of the luggage case body 1440 and the expansion portion 1420. The gusset 1430 may be foldable or compressible and may comprise cloth or other suitable material. A cover 1410 is attached to the expansion portion 1420 and can be sealed and opened, for example, by a zipper. The luggage item 1400 may have soft sides or hard sides, or a combination of both, and may comprise structural materials including cloth, metal, and plastic. Luggage item 1400 may include wheels as known in the art, such as spinning wheels 1490 or rollers (not shown), or feet (not shown), or any combination thereof, and may include one or more handles (not shown), including a telescoping handle attached to main luggage case body 1440 of unfolding portion 1420. In various embodiments, at least one compression and unfolding device 100, as described herein, may be positioned on an interior wall of the luggage item or on an exterior wall of the luggage case. Multiple such devices may be installed, for example, two devices, each positioned on opposing interior walls or opposing exterior walls. In one embodiment, a button switch that activates unfolding is accessible from the exterior wall. For example, a user may access the button without opening the luggage case. For example, because the button is located on or accessible from an exterior wall surface of the luggage case while the remaining components are still inside, the user may press the button without opening the luggage case.

[0032] like Figures 7A to 7D In the embodiment shown, two compression expansion devices 1100 are internally disposed at opposing respective interior walls of a luggage item 1400; in the embodiment shown, the base portion 1110 is secured to the main luggage case body 1440, and the expansion body 1190 is secured to the expansion portion 1420 of the luggage case 1400; these attachments may be reversed for both devices 1100 or only one of the two devices 1000. In other embodiments, one or more than two compression expansion devices may be used, as well as various embodiments of such devices described herein. Figure 7AAs shown, for example, as described herein, a compression deployment device 1100 can include a base portion 1110 and a deployment body 1190, each secured to one of the luggage case body or the deployment body. As described herein, the base portion 1110 and the deployment body 1190 are disposed in sliding relation to one another and are engaged by at least one biasing member (e.g., two coil springs) that urges the base portion 1110 and the deployment body 1190 away from one another in the deployed configuration.

[0033] In a first embodiment, as described above and incorporated herein, the base portion includes a flexible portion including a protrusion facing the deploying body, the deploying body including a retaining surface complementary to the protrusion, and the protrusion resting against the retaining surface in a first position, in which the base portion and the deploying body are in a compressed configuration; and a button 1320 disposed opposite the protrusion, the button 1320 being configured to move, when pressed, into contact with a release protrusion sufficient to displace the protrusion from the retaining surface to a second position, whereby the base portion and the deploying body assume the deployed configuration. The button 1320 is accessible from an exterior wall of the main luggage case body or the deploying portion, eliminating the need for a user to open the luggage case to deploy it. Instead, the user can push the main luggage case body or the deploying portion, in the deployed configuration, toward one another while the luggage case remains closed, and the protrusion clicks against the retaining surface, causing the luggage case to assume the compressed configuration.

[0034] Figure 7A A practice is described in which two compression-expansion devices 1100 are employed, one of which is secured to the inside of the wall where the wheels 1490 are located (the bottom wall of the luggage item in an upright position, i.e., when the wheels 1490 are on the ground), and a second device 1100 is secured to the inside of the opposite wall (the top wall when the luggage item 1400 is upright). Figure 7B Another practice is depicted in which two compression deployment devices 100 are employed, one secured to the inside of a wall perpendicular to the wall where wheels 1490 are located (the vertical side of the luggage item when it is upright), and a second device 100 secured to the inside of the opposite vertical wall. Figure 7C Yet another practice is depicted in which two compression-expansion devices 1100 are employed, one secured to the outside of the wall where the wheels 1490 are located (the bottom wall of the luggage item in the upright position), and a second device 1100 secured to the outside of the opposite wall (the top wall when the luggage item 1400 is upright). Figure 7D Another embodiment is depicted in which two compression and expansion devices 1100 are used, one of which is secured to the outside of a wall perpendicular to the wall where the wheels 1490 are located (the vertical side of the luggage item when it is upright), and a second device 1100 is secured to the outside of the opposite vertical wall. When the compression and expansion devices 1100 are located on the exterior wall, a cover can be used to protect the devices.

[0035] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an article of luggage is contemplated that exhibits the compression and expansion apparatus of the present disclosure (eg, as shown in FIG. 6 ).

[0036] Additional references Figure 8 、 9A , 9B, which depicts a second embodiment of a compression expansion device 100 of the present disclosure. Elements common to the above embodiments are further described herein and incorporated herein by reference, including the discussion of Figures 1 to 7. Figure 8 、 9A 9B, the depicted embodiment includes a base portion 1510 comprising a front surface 1520, a rear surface 1531, a top edge 1531, and a bottom edge 1550. A pair of spaced-apart, parallel passages 1560, 1561 are axially disposed on the base portion, with a retaining surface 1580 disposed between the pair of spaced-apart, parallel passages 1560, 1561. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, retaining surface 1580 is the underside of an arch 1571, which may fully or partially span passages 1560, 1561. In the illustrated embodiment, region 1581 is open; in another embodiment (not shown), region 1581 is filled, and retaining surface 1580 may comprise the underside of a protrusion. As shown, deployment body 1590 includes an inner surface 1600, an outer surface 1610, an upper edge 1520, and a lower edge 1530. A pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members 1540, 1541 are axially arranged on the deployment body, and each of the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members is individually slidably engaged with the corresponding spaced-apart parallel passages 1560, 1561 of the base 1510; as shown in the figure, the inner surface 1600 of the deployment body 1590 is arranged relative to the rear surface 1530 of the base 1510.

[0037] Deployment body 1590 includes a flexible portion 1570 disposed between a pair of spaced-apart, parallel conduit members 1540, 1541. Flexible portion 1570 includes at least one protrusion 1574 extending outward from inner surface 1600 and at least one release protrusion 1575 extending outward from inner surface 1600 of deployment body 1590. In the depicted embodiment, protrusion 1574 is shown as a ridge; other shapes and sizes of protrusions may be employed, and single or multiple protrusions may be used. In one embodiment, release protrusion 1575 is axially spaced from protrusion 1574 (along an axis generally extending from upper edge 1520 to lower edge 1530, including along the same axis). In another embodiment, release protrusion 1575 extends outward beyond protrusion 1574. In one embodiment, as shown, release protrusion 1575 is located near upper edge 520 of deployment body 1590 and is located on the same vertical axis as protrusion 1574, which is located below release protrusion 1575 away from upper edge 1520. In the illustrated embodiment, release protrusion 1575 has a generally rectangular cross-section when viewed from upper edge 1520; other shapes and sizes of release protrusions may be employed, and a single or multiple release protrusions may be employed. In the illustrated embodiment, optional clamp 1620 extends outwardly from inner surface 1600 and is positioned axially away from protrusion 1574 and proximate lower edge 1530, and is configured to sufficiently contact retaining surface 1580 to prevent movement of base portion 1510 away from deployment body 1590, e.g., retaining surface 1580 will strike clamp 1620, thereby stopping movement.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of biasing members 1562, 1563 (illustrated as coil springs) are each independently disposed within their respective passageways and their respective conduit members, and each independently urges the deployment body 1590 away from the base portion 1510 to assume the deployed configuration. A button 1591 is disposed opposite the release protrusion 1575 and is movable to contact the release protrusion 1575. The button 1591 is configured to sufficiently contact the release protrusion 1575 when the button is depressed so that, upon pressing the button 1591, the protrusion 1574 is displaced from the retaining surface 1580 to the second position, whereby the base portion 1510 and the deployment body 1590 assume the deployed configuration.

[0039] like Figure 9A and 9B As shown in the non-limiting practice: Figure 9AThe base portion 1510 (only the arch 1571 is depicted) and the expanded body 1590 (only the flexible portion is depicted) are depicted in a compressed configuration, with the protrusion 1574 resting on a retaining surface 1580, which is the underside of the arch 1571); the button 1591 is shown positioned away from the release protrusion 1575 (the button is in a non-depressed state). Figure 9B The release operation is depicted: as shown, the button 1591 is pressed in the direction of arrow D1, so that the button 1591 contacts the release protrusion 1575 sufficiently to bend (or flex) the flexible portion 1570 in the direction of arrow F10, whereby the protrusion 1574 is sufficiently disengaged from the retaining surface 1580, so that the base portion and the deployment body assume the deployed configuration, as shown. Figure 9B As shown, wherein the base portion (only the arch 1571 is depicted) moves in the direction of arrow E10 and / or the deployment body (only the flexible portion 1570) moves in the direction of arrow E11.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible portion 1570 is configured as a leaf spring, and the leaf spring configuration constituting the flexible portion 1570 is an area defined by and between a pair of slits 1571, 1572, the pair of slits extending from near the upper edge 1520 toward the lower edge 1530 and passing through the inner surface 1600 and the outer surface 1610 of the deployment body 1590. In one embodiment, the button 1591 is housed in a cover 1600 that can be attached to the upper end of the deployment body, the cover having an opening 1610 through which a user can access the button.

[0041] In an optional practice, a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members 1540, 1541 disposed on the deployment body portion 1590 each individually include slots 1542, 1543 disposed along all or part of the length of the respective passages. A pair of spaced-apart parallel passages 1560, 1561 disposed axially on the base portion 510 each individually include stop protrusions 1546, 1547 configured to extend sufficiently through the respective slots 1542, 1543 to contact the respective closed ends, thereby stopping the movement of the deployment body 1590 away from the base portion 1510 at a designated stop point or preventing the base portion 1510 from being removed from the deployment body 1590. In one practical embodiment, the pair of spaced-apart parallel passages 1560, 1561 each individually have a generally cylindrical shape, but may also have other shapes suitable for sliding engagement, and extend partially outward from the rear surface 1530 of the base portion 1510; and the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members 1540, 1541 each individually have a generally cylindrical shape, but may also have other shapes suitable for sliding engagement, and extend partially outward from the outer surface 1610 of the expansion body 1590.

Claims

1. A compression and expansion device for luggage, the compression and expansion device comprising: (a) a base, the base comprising: front surface, back surface, top edge and bottom edge, a pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways disposed axially from the top edge of the base to the bottom edge of the base, (b) a latch including an upper end, a lower end and an inner surface, the latch being interposed between the pair of spaced apart passageways, wherein the inner surface of the latch is disposed opposite the front surface of the base, the upper end of the latch extending above the top edge of the base, the upper end including a tongue projecting outwardly from the inner surface of the latch, and the lower end of the latch being pivotally attached to the base; (c) a biasing member connecting the latch to the base and urging the latch toward the front surface of the base; (d) an expansion body, the expansion body comprising: an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members extending from the bottom edge of the deployment body, each of the parallel conduit members individually slidably cooperating with a corresponding passageway of the base, a pair of biasing members, each biasing member being individually disposed within a respective passageway and its respective conduit member and each biasing member being individually adapted to urge the deployment body away from the base to be in the deployed configuration, an opening in the deployment body, the opening extending between the inner surface and the outer surface and configured to receive the tongue of the latch member from the direction of the inner surface, the opening including a ridge against which the tongue rests in a first position when the deployment body and the base are in a compressed configuration, and (e) a button engaged with the opening of the deployment body from the direction of the outer surface, the button being movable to contact the tongue to move the tongue sufficiently away from the spine to a second position whereby the deployment body and the base assume the deployed configuration urged by the pair of biasing members.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways each comprise a generally tubular passage extending outwardly from the front surface of the base.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the latch is pivotally attached to the base about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the latch is pivotally attached to the tubular channel near the bottom edge of the base.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the biasing member is a coil spring.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members is generally cylindrical in shape.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways each comprises a generally tubular passage extending outwardly from the front surface of the base, and each generally cylindrical conduit member is slidably disposed within its respective tubular passage.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein each generally tubular channel includes a groove arranged along all or part of the length of the corresponding tubular channel, each groove having a first closed end near the top edge of the base; and wherein each generally cylindrical catheter member includes a protrusion near its distal end, the protrusion being configured to extend into its corresponding groove and contact the first closed end of the groove to prevent movement of the deployment body away from the base.

9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the top portion includes at least one latch stop member extending from a bottom edge of the top portion and interposed between the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members, the at least one latch stop member being configured to provide contact with the tongue of the latch in the second position to prevent the tongue from extending above the top edge of the base when the deployment body and the base are in the deployed configuration.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein a distal end of the at least one latch stop member extends at least partially above the front surface of the base.

11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the top portion further comprises a button housing disposed against an outer surface of the top portion, the button housing comprising a hole passing through the button housing, the hole being aligned with the opening in the top portion and being configured to secure the button so that the button can move within the hole and the opening.

12. A compression and expansion device for luggage, the compression and expansion device comprising: (a) a base, the base comprising: front surface, back surface, top edge and bottom edge, a pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways disposed axially from the top edge of the base to the bottom edge of the base, and an opening in the base, the opening extending between the front surface and the rear surface; (b) an expansion body, the expansion body comprising: an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members extending from the bottom edge of the deployment body, each of the parallel conduit members individually slidably cooperating with a corresponding passageway of the base, a pair of biasing members, each biasing member being individually disposed within a respective passageway and its respective conduit member and each biasing member being individually adapted to urge the deployment body away from the base to be in the deployed configuration, a cross member extending between and perpendicular to the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members, the cross member including an upper ridge; (c) a latch including an upper end, a lower end and an inner surface, the latch being interposed between the pair of spaced apart passageways, wherein the inner surface of the latch is disposed opposite the front surface of the base, the upper end of the latch extending above the top edge of the base, the upper end including a tongue projecting outwardly from the inner surface of the latch, the tongue being configured to rest against the upper ridge of the cross member in a first position when the expansion body and the base are in a compressed configuration, the latch being pivotally attached to the base, (d) a biasing member connecting the latch to the base and urging the latch toward the front surface of the base; (e) a button that engages the opening of the base from the direction of the rear surface, the button being movable to contact the latch to fully pivot the latch and move the tongue away from the upper ridge of the cross member to a second position whereby the deployment body and the base assume the deployed configuration urged by the pair of biasing members.

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the pair of biasing members and the biasing member each independently include a coil spring; the pair of spaced-apart parallel passages each include a generally tubular channel extending outward from the front surface of the base; the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members each have a generally cylindrical shape, and each generally cylindrical conduit member is slidably disposed within its corresponding tubular channel.

14. An item of luggage, comprising: a main luggage case body having a bottom surface and a cavity formed to receive items for packaging; an expanded portion having an outer perimeter defining a cavity; a foldable gusset connecting the luggage case body to the unfolded portion; and At least one compression and expansion device, the at least one compression and expansion device is arranged on the wall of the luggage item, the compression and expansion device comprises: (i) a base portion secured to one of the luggage case body or the unfolded portion, the base portion comprising: front surface, back surface, top edge and bottom edge, a pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways disposed axially from the top edge of the base to the bottom edge of the base, a latch including an upper end, a lower end and an inner surface, the latch being interposed between the pair of spaced apart passageways, wherein the inner surface of the latch is disposed opposite the front surface of the base, the upper end of the latch extending above the top edge of the base, the upper end including a tongue projecting outwardly from the inner surface of the latch, and the lower end of the latch being pivotally attached to the base; a biasing member connecting the latch to the base and urging the latch toward the front surface of the base; (ii) an unfolded body secured to the other of the main luggage case body or the unfolded portion, the unfolded body comprising: an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members extending from the bottom edge of the deployment body, each of the parallel conduit members individually slidably cooperating with a corresponding passageway of the base, a pair of biasing members, each biasing member being individually disposed within a respective passageway and its respective conduit member and each biasing member being individually adapted to urge the deployment body away from the base to be in the deployed configuration, an opening in the deployment body, the opening extending between the inner surface and the outer surface and configured to receive the tongue of the latch member from the direction of the inner surface, the opening including a ridge against which the tongue rests when the deployment body and the base are in a first position in the compressed configuration, and a button that engages the opening of the deployment body from the direction of the outer surface, the button being movable to contact the tongue to move the tongue sufficiently away from the spine to a second position whereby the deployment body and the base assume the deployed configuration urged by the pair of biasing members.

15. The luggage article of claim 14, wherein the pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways each comprise a generally tubular channel extending outwardly from the front surface of the base.

16. The luggage article of claim 14, wherein the latch is pivotally attached to the base about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways.

17. The luggage article of claim 15, wherein the latch is pivotally attached to the tubular channel near the bottom edge of the base.

18. The luggage article of claim 14, wherein the biasing member is a coil spring.

19. The luggage article of claim 14, wherein the pair of spaced apart parallel conduit members are each generally cylindrical in shape.

20. The luggage article of claim 19, wherein the pair of spaced apart parallel passageways each comprises a generally tubular channel extending outwardly from the front surface of the base, and each generally cylindrical conduit member is slidably disposed within its respective tubular channel.

21. The luggage article of claim 20, wherein each generally tubular channel includes a slot disposed along all or part of the length of the corresponding tubular channel, each slot having a first closed end proximate the top edge of the base; and wherein each generally cylindrical conduit member includes a protrusion proximate its distal end, the protrusion being configured to extend into its corresponding slot and contact the first closed end of the slot to prevent movement of the deployment body away from the base.

22. The luggage article of claim 14, wherein the top portion includes at least one latch stop member extending from a bottom edge of the top portion and interposed between the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members, the at least one latch stop member being configured to provide contact with the tongue of the latch in the second position to prevent the tongue from extending above the top edge of the base when the deployment body and the base are in the deployed configuration.

23. The luggage article of claim 22, wherein a distal end of the at least one latch stop member extends at least partially above the front surface of the base.

24. The luggage article of claim 14, wherein the pair of biasing members each comprise a coil spring.

25. The luggage article of claim 14, wherein the top portion further comprises a button housing disposed against an outer surface of the top portion, the button housing comprising a hole therethrough, the hole being aligned with the opening in the top portion and configured to secure the button so that the button is movable within the hole and the opening.

26. A luggage item, comprising: a main luggage case body having a bottom surface and a cavity formed to receive items for packaging; an expanded portion having an outer perimeter defining a cavity; a foldable gusset connecting the luggage case body to the unfolded portion; and At least one compression and expansion device, the at least one compression and expansion device is arranged on the wall of the luggage item, the compression and expansion device comprises: (i) a base portion secured to one of the luggage case body or the unfolded portion, the base portion comprising: front surface, back surface, top edge and bottom edge, a pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways disposed axially from the top edge of the base to the bottom edge of the base, and an opening in the base, the opening extending between the front surface and the rear surface; (ii) an unfolding body, the unfolding body being fixed to the other of the luggage case body or the unfolding portion, the unfolding body comprising: an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members extending from the bottom edge of the deployment body, each of the parallel conduit members individually slidably cooperating with a corresponding passageway of the base, a pair of biasing members, each biasing member being individually disposed within a respective passageway and its respective conduit member and each biasing member being individually adapted to urge the deployment body away from the base to be in the deployed configuration, a cross member extending between and perpendicular to the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members, the cross member including an upper ridge; (iii) a latch including an upper end, a lower end and an inner surface, the latch being interposed between the pair of spaced apart passageways, wherein the inner surface of the latch is disposed opposite the front surface of the base, the upper end of the latch extending above the top edge of the base, the upper end including a tongue projecting outwardly from the inner surface of the latch, the tongue being configured to rest against the upper ridge of the cross member in a first position when the expansion body and the base are in a compressed configuration, the latch being pivotally attached to the base, (iv) a biasing member connecting the latch to the base and urging the latch toward the front surface of the base; (v) a button that engages the opening of the base from the direction of the rear surface, the button being movable to contact the latch to fully pivot the latch and move the tongue away from the upper ridge of the cross member to a second position whereby the deployment body and the base assume the deployed configuration urged by the pair of biasing members.

27. A compression and expansion device for luggage, the compression and expansion device comprising: (a) a base portion, the base portion comprising: front surface, back surface, top edge and bottom edge, a pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways disposed axially from the top edge of the base to the bottom edge of the base, and a retaining surface disposed between the pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways; (b) an expansion body, the expansion body comprising: Inner surface, outer surface, upper edge and lower edge, a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members axially disposed on the deployment body, each of the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members individually slidably cooperating with corresponding spaced-apart parallel passageways of the base portion, the inner surface of the deployment body being disposed opposite the rear surface of the base portion, and a flexible portion disposed between the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members, the flexible portion including a protrusion and a release protrusion, the protrusion and the release protrusion both extending outwardly from the inner surface of the deployment body, the protrusion being configured to rest against the retention surface in a first position when the base portion and the deployment body are in a compressed configuration, the release protrusion being axially spaced from the protrusion and extending outwardly beyond the protrusion, (c) a pair of biasing members, each biasing member individually disposed within a respective passageway and its respective conduit member and each biasing member individually urging the deployment body away from the base portion to be in the deployed configuration; and (d) a button disposed opposite the release projection and configured to be movable to contact the release projection to sufficiently displace the projection from the retaining surface to a second position, whereby the base portion and the deployment body assume the deployed configuration.

28. The device of claim 27, wherein the flexible portion is configured as a leaf spring.

29. The device of claim 27, wherein the retaining surface comprises a projection, the protrusion comprises a ridge, and the release projection comprises a generally rectangular axial cross-section.

30. The device of claim 27, wherein the button is housed in a cover plate attached to a top end of the base portion, the cover plate having an opening through which a user accesses the button.

31. The device of claim 27, wherein the flexible portion further comprises a clamp extending outwardly from the inner surface and positioned axially away from the protrusion and configured to substantially contact the retaining surface to prevent movement of the base portion away from the deployment body.

32. A device according to claim 27, wherein (i) the pair of spaced-apart parallel passages axially disposed on the base portion each individually includes a groove disposed along all or part of the length of the corresponding passage, each groove having a first closed end proximate the top end of the base portion; and (ii) a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members axially disposed on the deployment body, each conduit member individually including a stop protrusion, the stop protrusion being configured to extend sufficiently through the corresponding groove to contact the first closed end and prevent the deployment body from moving away from the base portion.

33. A device according to claim 27, wherein the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members are each individually substantially cylindrical and extend partially outward from the rear surface of the base portion; and the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members each individually comprise a substantially tubular channel and extend outward from the outer surface of the expansion body.

34. The device of claim 27, wherein each biasing member is individually a coil spring.

35. An item of luggage comprising: a main luggage case body having a bottom surface and a cavity formed to receive items for packaging; an expanded portion having an outer perimeter defining a cavity; a foldable gusset connecting the luggage case body to the unfolded portion; and At least one compression and expansion device, the at least one compression and expansion device is arranged on the wall of the luggage item, the compression and expansion device comprises: (a) a base portion secured to one of the main luggage case body or the unfolded portion, the base portion comprising: front surface, back surface, top edge and bottom edge, a pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways disposed axially from the top edge of the base to the bottom edge of the base, and a retaining surface disposed between the pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways; (b) an unfolded body secured to the other of the main luggage case body or the unfolded portion, the unfolded body comprising: Inner surface, outer surface, upper edge and lower edge, a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members axially disposed on the deployment body, each of the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members individually slidably cooperating with corresponding spaced-apart parallel passageways of the base portion, the inner surface of the deployment body being disposed opposite the rear surface of the base portion, and a flexible portion disposed between the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members, the flexible portion including a protrusion and a release protrusion, the protrusion and the release protrusion both extending outwardly from the inner surface of the deployment body, the protrusion being configured to rest against the retention surface in a first position when the base portion and the deployment body are in a compressed configuration, the release protrusion being axially spaced from the protrusion and extending outwardly beyond the protrusion, (c) a pair of biasing members, each biasing member individually disposed within a respective passageway and its respective conduit member and each biasing member individually urging the deployment body away from the base portion to be in the deployed configuration; and (d) a button disposed opposite the release projection and configured to be movable to contact the release projection to sufficiently displace the projection from the retaining surface to a second position, whereby the base portion and the deployment body assume the deployed configuration.

36. The luggage article of claim 35, wherein the flexible portion is configured as a leaf spring.

37. The luggage article of claim 35, wherein the retaining surface comprises a projection, the protrusion comprises a ridge, and the release projection comprises a generally rectangular axial cross-section.

38. The luggage article of claim 35, wherein the button is housed in a cover plate attached to a top end of the base portion, the cover plate having an opening through which a user accesses the button.

39. A luggage article according to claim 35, wherein (i) the pair of spaced-apart parallel passages axially disposed on the base portion each individually includes a groove disposed along all or part of the length of the corresponding passage, each groove having a first closed end proximate the top end of the base portion; and (ii) a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members axially disposed on the unfolding body, each conduit member individually including a stop protrusion, the stop protrusion being configured to extend sufficiently through the corresponding groove to contact the first closed end and prevent movement of the unfolding body away from the base portion.

40. A luggage item according to claim 35, wherein the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members are each individually substantially cylindrical and extend partially outward from the rear surface of the base portion; and the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members each individually include a substantially tubular channel and extend outward from the outer surface of the unfolded body.

41. The luggage article of claim 35, wherein each biasing member is individually a coil spring.

42. The luggage article of claim 41, wherein the top end of the base portion includes a pair of stabilizer post projections, each stabilizer post projection individually extending into a corresponding one of the spaced apart parallel conduit members and configured to be axially mounted within a corresponding coil spring.

43. The luggage article of claim 35, wherein the protrusion is configured as a ridge, the retaining surface is configured as a convex portion or a concave portion, and the release protrusion comprises a generally rectangular cross-section.

44. The luggage article of claim 35, wherein a pair of compression and expansion devices are each disposed on an opposite inner wall of the luggage article, or disposed on an opposite outer wall of the luggage article, respectively.

45. The luggage article of claim 35, wherein the button is externally accessible from an exterior wall of the luggage case.

46. ​​The luggage article of claim 14, wherein a pair of compression and expansion devices are each disposed on an opposite inner wall of the luggage article, or disposed on an opposite outer wall of the luggage article, respectively.

47. The luggage article of claim 14, wherein the button is externally accessible from an exterior wall of the luggage case.

48. The luggage article of claim 26, wherein a pair of compression and expansion devices are each disposed on an opposite inner wall of the luggage article, or disposed on an opposite outer wall of the luggage article, respectively.

49. The luggage article of claim 26, wherein the button is externally accessible from an exterior wall of the luggage case.

50. The device of claim 1, wherein the pair of biasing members each comprises a coil spring.

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