Compression and deployment device for luggage

Abstract

The invention discloses a compression and expansion device for luggage and luggage comprising the compression and expansion device. In a particular practice, the device includes a base portion disposed in sliding relationship with the deployment body, the base portion and the deployment body being engaged with each other by a coil spring. The flexible portion on the base portion or the deployment body includes a ridge resting on a complementary boss on the other of the base portion or the deployment body to assume a compressed configuration. A slide switch including one or more urging protrusions contacts the flexible portion to move the ridge away from the boss to move the base and the deployment body away from each other and assume a deployed configuration.

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 luggage to increase or decrease the internal volume of the luggage as required. The present disclosure also relates to luggage including such a device. Background Art

[0003] Expandable luggage known in the art includes various designs to allow for the compression and expansion of luggage to meet internal volume requirements. Such devices often require the person packing the luggage to use both hands or require multiple steps to operate the device, or have complex designs that affect the luggage itself. There is a need for a simpler locking compression and expansion device that can expand or compress luggage, including an ideal design that allows the device to be operated by a sliding switch to automatically expand the luggage, including the practice of the switch being located on the outside of the luggage item for ease of operation by the user. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one practice, the present disclosure relates to a compression and expansion device for luggage items, comprising: a base portion and an expansion body, the base portion and the expansion body being arranged in a sliding manner relative to each other and engaged with at least one biasing member, the biasing member urging the base portion and the expansion body away from each other in the expanded configuration, wherein: (i) the base portion includes a flexible portion, the flexible portion includes a protrusion facing the expansion body, the expansion body includes a retaining surface complementary to the protrusion, and the protrusion rests on the retaining surface at a first position, in which the base portion and the expansion body are in the compressed configuration; and an actuating member (e.g., a sliding switch), the actuating member being arranged opposite to the protrusion and being movable across the protrusion, the actuating member (e.g., a sliding switch) including a push protrusion, the push protrusion being configured to: (i) sufficiently contact the flexible portion to urge the protrusion to rest on the retaining surface at the first position when the actuating member (e.g., the sliding switch) is moved to a locked position, thereby urging the base portion and the expansion body to be in the compressed configuration, and (ii) when the actuating member (e.g., the sliding switch) is moved to a locked position, When an actuating member (e.g., a sliding switch) moves to a release position, it sufficiently disengages from the flexible portion to displace the protrusion from the retaining surface to a second position, whereby the base portion and the deploying body assume the deployed configuration; or (I I) the deploying body includes a flexible portion, the flexible portion includes a protrusion and a release protrusion, both of which face the base portion, the release protrusion is axially spaced from the protrusion and the release protrusion extends outwardly beyond the protrusion, the base portion includes a retaining surface complementary to the protrusion, and the protrusion resting on the retaining surface at a first position, in which the base portion and the deploying body are in a compressed configuration; and an actuating member (e.g., a sliding switch) arranged opposite to the release protrusion and capable of moving across the release protrusion, the actuating member (e.g., a sliding switch) including a push protrusion, which is configured to fully contact the release protrusion when the actuating member (e.g., a sliding switch) moves to the release position to shift the protrusion from the retaining surface to a second position, whereby the base portion and the deploying body present the deployed configuration.

[0005] In a first embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a compression and expansion device for luggage items, comprising: (a) a base portion, the base portion comprising: a front surface, a rear surface, a top end and a bottom end; a pair of spaced-apart parallel passages axially disposed on the base portion; and a flexible portion, the flexible portion interposed between the pair of spaced-apart parallel passages and comprising a protuberance extending outwardly from the rear surface; (b) an expansion body, the expansion body comprising: an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper end and a lower end, a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members axially disposed on the expansion body, each of the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members individually and slidably cooperating with a corresponding spaced-apart parallel passage of the base portion, the inner surface of the expansion body being disposed opposite to the rear surface of the base portion; and a retaining surface, the retaining surface interposed between the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members on the inner surface of the expansion body, and the protuberance extending outwardly from the rear surface (a) a first position in which the base portion and the expansion body are in a compressed configuration and rest on the retaining surface; (b) a pair of biasing members, each biasing member being individually disposed within a corresponding passage and its corresponding conduit member and each biasing member individually urging the expansion body away from the base portion to the expanded configuration; and (c) a sliding switch, the sliding switch being disposed relative to the protrusion and being movable across the protrusion, the sliding switch including a push protrusion configured to: (i) sufficiently contact the flexible portion to urge the protrusion to rest on the retaining surface at the first position when the sliding switch is moved to a locked position, thereby placing the base portion and the expansion body in the compressed configuration, and (ii) sufficiently disengage the flexible portion to displace the protrusion from the retaining surface to a second position when the sliding switch is moved to a released position, thereby placing the base portion and the expansion body in the expanded configuration.

[0006] In a second embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a compression and expansion device for luggage items, comprising: (a) a base portion, the base portion comprising: a front surface, a rear surface, a top end and a bottom end; a pair of spaced-apart parallel passages axially disposed on the base portion; and a retaining surface, the retaining surface being disposed between the pair of spaced-apart parallel passages; (b) an expansion body, the expansion body comprising: an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper end and a lower end; a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members axially disposed on the expansion body, each of the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members being individually slidably engaged with a corresponding spaced-apart parallel passage of the base portion, the inner surface of the expansion body being disposed opposite to the rear surface of the base portion; and a flexible portion, the flexible portion being disposed between the pair of spaced-apart parallel passages. (a) a pair of biasing members, each biasing member being individually disposed within a corresponding passage and its corresponding catheter member, and each biasing member individually urging the deploying body away from the base portion to a deployed configuration; and (d) a sliding switch, the sliding switch being disposed opposite to the release protrusion and being movable across the release protrusion, the sliding switch including a push protrusion, the push protrusion being configured to fully contact the release protrusion to shift the protrusion from the retaining surface to a second position when the sliding switch is moved to a release position, whereby the base portion and the deploying portion assume the deployed configuration.

[0007] In one practice, the present disclosure is directed to an article of luggage including: a main luggage body having a bottom surface and a cavity formed to receive an article for packaging;

[0008] an unfolding portion having a perimeter defining a cavity; a foldable gusset connecting the luggage body to the unfolding portion; and at least one compression and unfolding device disposed on a wall of the luggage item, the compression and unfolding device comprising: a base portion secured to one of the main luggage body or the unfolding portion and an unfolding body secured to the other of the main luggage body or the unfolding portion, the base portion and the unfolding body being slidably disposed relative to each other and engaging at least one biasing member that is engaged when the luggage body is slidably disposed relative to the main luggage body. The invention relates to a method for urging the base portion and the expansion body to move away from each other in the expanded configuration, wherein: (i) the base portion includes a flexible portion, the flexible portion includes a protrusion facing the expansion body, the expansion body includes a retaining surface complementary to the protrusion, and the protrusion rests on the retaining surface in a first position, in which the base portion and the expansion body are in a compressed configuration; and a sliding switch, the sliding switch is arranged relative to the protrusion and can move across the protrusion, the sliding switch includes a push protrusion, and the push protrusion is configured to: (i) when the sliding switch is moved to the locked position, contacting the flexible portion to cause the protrusion to rest on the retaining surface in the first position, whereby the base portion and the deploying body are in the compressed configuration, and (ii) when the slide switch is moved to the release position, sufficiently disengaging the flexible portion to displace the protrusion from the retaining surface to a second position, whereby the base portion and the deploying body assume the deployed configuration; or (III) the deploying body includes a flexible portion, the flexible portion including a protrusion and a release protrusion, both of which face the base portion, the release protrusion being axially spaced from the protrusion and the A release protrusion extends outwardly beyond the protrusion, the base portion includes a retaining surface complementary to the protrusion, the protrusion rests on the retaining surface at a first position, in which the base portion and the expansion body are in a compressed configuration; and a sliding switch arranged opposite to the release protrusion and capable of moving across the release protrusion, the sliding switch including a push protrusion, the push protrusion being configured to fully contact the release protrusion when the sliding switch is moved to the release position to shift the protrusion from the retaining surface to a second position, whereby the base portion and the expansion portion present the expanded configuration.

[0009] In another practice, the present disclosure is directed to an article of luggage including a first embodiment of a compression and expansion device.

[0010] In another practice, the present disclosure is directed to an article of luggage including a second embodiment of a compression and expansion device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a plan view of the slide switch access side of the first embodiment of the compression and expansion device of the present disclosure in the expanded configuration.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A plan view of the embodiment shown in a compressed configuration.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A plan view of another side of an embodiment of the invention in an expanded configuration.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A plan view of the embodiment shown in a compressed configuration.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown.

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown.

[0017] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a development of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a base portion of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a slide switch according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B is shown when the compression deployment device is locked in the compressed configuration ( Fig. 10A ) and released in the expanded configuration ( Fig. 10B ) is a partial schematic side view of a first embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating the operation of the flexible portion and the slide switch in a case.

[0021] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B They are Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B perspective view.

[0022] Fig.12 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the compression and expansion device of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The compression deployment device is shown in a locked configuration ( Fig.13A ) and expanded configuration ( Fig. 13B) is a partial perspective view of a second embodiment of the present disclosure showing the flexible portion and the operation of the slide switch in a case.

[0024] Fig.14A , Fig. 14B , Fig. 14C , Fig.14D is a perspective view of an interior area of ​​an embodiment of a luggage article of the present disclosure employing the compression-deployment locking device of the present disclosure, wherein two devices are internally placed on opposing interior walls of the luggage and a sliding switch is accessible from the exterior of the luggage ( Fig.14A , Fig. 14B ), and two of the devices are placed externally on opposite outer walls ( Fig. 14C , Fig.14D ).

[0025] Fig.15A is a cross-sectional view (partial) of a luggage item including a compression-deployment device in a compressed configuration. Fig. 15B yes Fig.15A A cross-sectional view from the opposite side of the unfolded configuration.

[0026] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16N are perspective views of additional non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure with different actuation members with the compression-expansion device in a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, including wherein the actuation member is a dial member (16A, 16B), a torsion member (16C, 16D), a lever member (16E, 16F), a lift member (16G, 16H), a compressible member (16I, 16J), an automobile door-like member ( Figure 16K , 16L ) and pull-out member ( Figure 16M , 16N ). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The detailed description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. This is only for convenience and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] Ⅰ. First embodiment

[0029] refer to Figure 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10A, 10B, 11A and 11B, which depict a first embodiment of a compression and expansion device 100 of the present disclosure, the compression and expansion device 100 comprising a base portion 110, the base portion 100 comprising a front surface 120, a rear surface 130, a top end 140 and a bottom end 150. As shown, the base can be generally rectangular in shape, but other shapes are also contemplated. The base portion includes a pair of spaced-apart parallel passages 160, 161, which are axially disposed on the base portion (along an axis generally in a direction from the top end 140 to the bottom end 150) and can extend along all or part of the base portion. A flexible portion 170 is interposed between the pair of spaced-apart parallel passages 160, 161. The flexible portion can be integral with the base portion 110 or separately attached to the base portion 110. In this regard, flexibility means sufficient elasticity to bend (flex) so as to perform the locking and releasing functions described herein and return to its original shape. In the depicted embodiment, the flexible portion 170 is configured as a leaf spring. In this embodiment, the leaf spring configuration constituting the flexible portion 170 is an area defined by a pair of slits 300, 301 and between the pair of slits 300, 301, which extend from the top end 140 toward the bottom end 150 and pass through the front surface 120 and the rear surface 130. The flexible portion 170 includes a ridge 180 extending outward from the rear surface 130. It should be understood that the ridge 180 can be of any shape or size, as long as it is sufficient to achieve the functions described herein, and the ridge 180 can include one or more sections, each of which can be individually the same or different. In the non-limiting practice shown, the ridge 180 is in the shape of a ridge extending outward from the rear surface 130.

[0030] In the first illustrated embodiment, the expansion body 190 includes an inner surface 200, an outer surface 210, an upper end 220, and a lower end 230. As shown, the expansion body includes a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members 240, 241 that are axially disposed on the expansion body 190 (along an axis generally in a direction from the upper end 210 to the lower end 220) and can extend along all or a portion of the expansion body 190. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 200 of the expansion body 190 is disposed opposite the rear surface 130 of the base portion 110. The expansion body 190 includes a retaining surface 250 interposed between a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members 240, 241 on the inner surface 200 of the expansion body 190. In one practice, the protuberance 180 rests on the retaining surface 250 at a first position (P1), where the base portion 110 and the expansion body 190 are in a compressed configuration (see, for example, Figure 2 ).

[0031] It should be understood that the retaining surface 250 can be of any shape or size sufficient to achieve the functions described herein, for example, it can include bosses, recesses, etc.; and it can include one or more segments, and the size and / or shape of each segment can be the same or different individually. In the non-limiting practice shown, the retaining surface 250 is in the shape of a boss. In the practice shown, the ridge (protuberance 180) is in the compressed configuration (see Fig. 10B , 11B ) rests on the boss (retaining surface 250). In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of biasing members 260, 261 are each individually disposed within a respective passage 160, 161 and its respective conduit member 240, 241. Biasing members known in the art may be used; in the illustrated practice, the biasing members are each a separate coil spring. In one practice, each biasing member (e.g., coil spring) is configured to urge the expansion body 190 away from the base portion 110 to the expanded configuration (see Fig. 10A , 11A ).

[0032] In one practice, the flexible portion 170 includes at least one intermediate protrusion extending outward from the front surface 120. The intermediate protrusion is configured to contact the push protrusion, instead of the practice in which the push protrusion directly contacts the surface of the flexible portion (for example, contacts the portion of the flexible portion 170 corresponding to the front surface 120 of the base portion containing the flexible portion 170). The number of intermediate protrusions can (but does not have to) match the number of push protrusions. In the illustrated embodiment, two push protrusions 280, 281 are shown, and two intermediate protrusions 310, 311 extend outward from the front surface 120 of the base portion 110, and each intermediate protrusion is configured to fully contact its corresponding push protrusion 280, 281 when the sliding switch 270 is moved to the first position, and to fully disengage its corresponding push protrusion 280, 281 when the sliding switch 27 is moved to the second position. In an optional practice (see Fig. 9 ), one or more of the push protrusions 280, 281 include outwardly directed protrusions 282, 283, and at least one of the corresponding intermediate protrusions 310, 311 includes a complementary recess 312, 313 to sufficiently secure the push protrusion to the flexible portion to reduce or prevent slippage between the two components when in the locked position. In an optional practice (see Fig. 9), the sliding switch 270 may include a downwardly extending generally triangular member 285 having a cam surface 284 as a side thereof. Functionally, when a corresponding intermediate protrusion (e.g., 310) strikes the sliding switch 270, the cam surface 284 assists in moving the sliding switch 270 to the unlocked position. If the sliding switch 270 accidentally slides into the locked position when the luggage is in the expanded configuration, the slope of the cam surface 284 assists in moving the sliding switch 270 back to the unlocked position; when the user pushes the luggage to close to the compressed configuration, the sliding switch moves back to the unlocked position, so that when the luggage is closed to the compressed configuration, the user can move the sliding switch back to the locked position.

[0033] In one embodiment, the slide switch 270 is housed in a cover plate 320 fixed to the upper end 220 of the extension body 190, and the cover plate 320 includes an opening 330 through which a user can reach or access the slide switch 270 to move the slide switch 270 to the locked position and / or the released position. Optionally, the slide switch 270 may include a gripping member 340 that extends through the opening 330 and that a user may use to move the slide switch to the locked position or the released position, such as using a finger or thumb.

[0034] In operation: Fig. 10A , 10B , 11A and 11B illustrate aspects of the device of the first embodiment locked in a compressed configuration. In operation, the base portion 110 (only the flexible portion 170 thereof is shown) and / or the expansion body 190 (partially shown) moves (compresses) in the directions indicated by arrows C1 and C2. The slide switch 270 having the push protrusions 280, 281 moves in the direction of arrow L, whereby the push protrusions 280, 281 fully contact the intermediate protrusions 310, 311 to bend (flex) the flexible portion leaf spring 170 in the direction of arrow F, whereby the ridge 180 is forced against the boss 250 of the expansion body 190. In one practice, the slide switch 270 is held in place by a pressure fit (e.g., by being fixed in a housing 320 (not shown)), which prevents movement once the slide switch is locked in a compressed configuration, and the pressure of the flexible portion in the opposite direction of arrow F holds the flexible portion in place. Fig. 10B and 11B The release configuration and the deployment configuration of this embodiment are shown. Here, the slide switch 270 moves in the direction of arrow R1, which causes the flexible portion (e.g., leaf spring 170) to return to its unbent position in the direction of arrow R2, thereby fully disengaging the push protrusions 280, 281 from the intermediate protrusions 310, 311 to displace the ridge 180 from the boss 250, thereby moving the base portion 110 and / or the deployment body 190 in the directions of arrows E1, E2.

[0035] In an optional practice, a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members 240, 241 axially disposed on the expansion body each individually include grooves 242, 243 disposed along all or part of the length of the corresponding passage, each groove having a first closed end 360, 361 proximate the top end 220 of the expansion body 190; a pair of spaced-apart parallel passages 160, 161 axially disposed on the base portion each individually include stop protrusions 370, 371, which are configured to fully extend through the corresponding grooves 242, 243 to contact the first closed ends 360, 361, respectively, to stop the movement of the expansion body 190 away from the base portion 110 at a designated stop point, or to prevent the base portion 110 from being removed from the expansion body 190. In one practice, a pair of spaced-apart parallel passages 160, 161 each individually have a generally cylindrical shape, but may also take other shapes suitable for sliding engagement, and partially extend outward from the rear surface 130 of the base portion 110; and the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members 240, 241 each individually have a generally cylindrical shape, but may also take other shapes suitable for sliding engagement, and partially extend outward from the outer surface 210 of the expansion body 190. In an optional practice, a pair of stabilizer post protrusions 380, 381 each individually extend from the upper end 220 of the expansion body 190 into a corresponding conduit member of the spaced-apart parallel conduit members 240, 241, and each post 380, 381 is configured to axially fit within a corresponding coil spring 260, 261.

[0036] The expansion body and base portion and components thereof of the compression expansion device used in the embodiments and practices described herein may include any suitable structural material or combination of these 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.

[0037] ⅠⅠ. Second Embodiment

[0038] Additional references Fig.12 , 13A , 13B, which depicts a second embodiment of the compression and expansion device 100 of the present disclosure. Elements common to the first embodiment described above are further described herein and incorporated herein by reference, including references to Figure 1-1 1 discussion. Go to Fig.12 , 13A, 13B, the second embodiment shown includes a base portion 510, which includes a front surface 520, a rear surface 530, a top end 531 and a bottom end 550. A pair of spaced parallel passages 560, 561 are axially arranged on the base portion, and a retaining surface 580 is arranged between the pair of spaced parallel passages 560, 566. In the non-limiting practice shown, the retaining surface 580 is the underside of the arch 571, which can fully or partially span the passages 560, 561. In the practice shown, the area 581 is open; in another practice (not shown), the area 581 is filled and the retaining surface 580 can include the underside of the boss. As shown, the expansion body 590 includes an inner surface 600, an outer surface 610, an upper end 520 and a lower end 530. A pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members 540, 541 are axially arranged on the expansion body, and each of the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members is individually slidably engaged with the corresponding spaced-apart parallel passages 560, 561 of the base portion 510; as shown in the figure, the inner surface 600 of the expansion body 590 is arranged opposite to the rear surface 530 of the base portion 510.

[0039] The expansion body 590 includes a flexible portion 570 disposed between a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members 540, 541. The flexible portion 570 includes at least one protuberance 574 extending outwardly from the inner surface 600 and at least one release protuberance 575 extending outwardly from the inner surface 600 of the expansion body 590. In the depicted practice, the protuberance 574 is shown as a ridge; protuberances of other shapes and sizes may be used, and single or multiple protuberances may be used. In one practice, the release protuberance 575 is axially spaced from the protuberance 574 (along an axis generally in the direction from the upper end 520 to the lower end 530, including along the same axis), and in another practice, the release protuberance 575 extends outwardly beyond the protuberance 574. In one practice, as shown, the release protuberance is located near the upper end 520 of the expansion body 590 and is located on the same vertical axis as the protuberance 574, which is located below the release protuberance 575 away from the upper end 520. In the illustrated practice, the release projection 575 has a generally triangular cross-section when viewed from the upper end 520; other shapes and sizes of release projections may be employed, and a single or multiple such release projections may be used. In the illustrated practice, a pair of biasing members 562, 563 (illustrated as coil springs) are each individually disposed within a respective passageway and its respective conduit member, and each individually urges the deployment body 590 away from the base portion 510 to the deployed configuration. A sliding switch 591 is disposed opposite the release projection 575 and can be moved across the release projection 575, the sliding switch 591 including a push projection 592 configured to sufficiently contact the release projection 575 to displace the protuberance 574 from the retaining surface 580 to a second position when the sliding switch 591 is moved to the release position, whereby the base portion 510 and the deployment body 590 assume the deployed configuration.

[0040] like Fig.13A and 13B As shown in the non-restrictive practice: Fig.13A The base portion 510 (only the arch 571 is depicted) and the expanded body 590 (only the flexible portion is depicted) are depicted in a compressed configuration, wherein the protuberance 574 rests on the retaining surface 580 (the retaining surface 580 is the underside of the arch 571); the push protrusion 592 is shown to be on one side of the release protrusion 575 (it can be on the other side, not shown, because the slide switch 591 is configured to traverse the release protrusion 575. Fig. 13BThe release operation is described: as shown in the figure, the slide switch 591 moves in the direction of arrow R3, so that the push protrusion 592 fully contacts the release protrusion 575, so that the flexible portion 570 is bent (or flexed) in the direction of arrow F1, whereby the protrusion 574 is fully disengaged from the retaining surface 580, so that the base portion and the deploying body assume the deployed configuration by moving the base portion (only the arch 571 is depicted) in the direction of arrow E3 and / or moving the deploying body (only the flexible portion 570) in the direction of arrow E4, as shown in FIG. Fig. 13B shown.

[0041] As with the first embodiment, the flexible portion 570 may be configured as a leaf spring. Figure 12-1 3, the leaf spring configuration constituting the flexible portion 170 is defined by a pair of slits 5721, 572 and an area between the pair of slits 5721, 572, the pair of slits 5721, 572 extending from the vicinity of the upper end 520 toward the lower end 530 and passing through the inner surface 600 and the outer surface 610 of the extension 590. In one practice, the slide switch 591 is housed in a cover plate (such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 is shown as 320, but Figure 12-1 3), the cover is attached to the upper end of the unfolded body, the cover having an opening through which a user can access the sliding switch to move the sliding switch to a locked position or a released position.

[0042] In one practice, the slide switch 591 is housed in a cover plate (eg, Figure 1 , 5 is shown as 320, but Figure 12-1 3), the cover plate 320 includes an opening (such as Figure 2 , 5 is shown as 330, but Figure 12-1 3), the user can access the sliding switch 591 through the opening to move the sliding switch 591 to the locking position and / or the releasing position. Optionally, the sliding switch 591 may include a gripping member (such as Figure 1 , 5 is shown as 340, but Figure 12-1 3), the gripping member extends through the opening, and the user can use the gripping member to move the sliding switch to the locked position or the released position, for example using a finger or thumb.

[0043] In one practice, a pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members 540, 541 disposed on the expansion body portion 590 each individually include grooves 542, 543 disposed along all or part of the length of the corresponding passage, each groove having a first closed end 544, 545 proximate to the upper end 520, and a pair of spaced-apart parallel passages 560, 561 axially disposed on the base portion 510 each individually include stop protrusions 546, 547, which are configured to fully extend through the corresponding grooves 542, 543 to contact the first closed ends 544, 454 and prevent the expansion body 590 from moving away from the base portion 510 at a designated stop point, or prevent the base portion 510 from being removed from the expansion body 590. In one practice, the pair of spaced-apart parallel passages 560, 561 each individually have a generally cylindrical shape, but may also adopt other shapes suitable for sliding engagement, and partially extend outward from the rear surface 530 of the base portion 510; and the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members 540, 541 each individually have a generally cylindrical shape, but may also adopt other shapes suitable for sliding engagement, and partially extend outward from the outer surface 610 of the expansion body 590. In an optional practice, a pair of stabilizer column protrusions ( Figure 2 380 and 381 are shown in FIG. Figure 12-1 3), each stabilizer post protrusion extends individually from the upper end 520 of the expansion body 590 to a corresponding conduit member in the spaced-apart parallel conduit members 540, 541, each such post being configured to be axially mounted within a corresponding coil spring to stabilize the spring during use.

[0044] refer to Fig.14A , 14B , 14C and 14D, depict embodiments of luggage articles contemplated by the present disclosure that embody the compression locking device of the present disclosure, such as Figure 1-1 1 and Figure 12-13. In non-limiting practice, the luggage item 1400 includes a main luggage body 1440 having a bottom surface 1441 forming a cavity to receive items for packing. The luggage item also includes an unfolded portion 1420 having a perimeter defining the cavity. A foldable gusset 1430 connects the main luggage body 1440 to the unfolded portion 1420. The foldable gusset 1430 allows the unfolded portion 1420 to move away from the luggage body 1400 so as to unfold the volume formed by the cavity of the luggage body 1440 and the cavity of the unfolded portion 1420. The gusset 1430 may be foldable or compressible and may include cloth or other suitable materials. The cover 1410 is attached to the unfolded portion 1420 and may be sealed and opened by, for example, a zipper or the like. The luggage item 1400 may be soft-sided or hard-sided or a combination of both and may include construction materials including cloth, metal, and plastic. The luggage item 1400 may include wheels as known in the art, such as swivel 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 the main luggage body 1440 of the unfolded portion 1420. In various embodiments, at least one compression unfolding device 100 as described herein may be disposed at an interior inner wall of the luggage item or on an exterior outer wall of the luggage. A plurality of such devices (e.g., two devices) may be installed, each located at an opposing inner wall or opposing outer wall. In one practice, a sliding switch that activates unfolding and locks the luggage in a compressed configuration is accessible from the outer wall, such as the sliding switch and gripping member (if any) are accessible to a user without opening the luggage, such as the user can move the sliding switch from a locked position (compressed) to an unlocked position (unfolded), or vice versa, because the sliding switch is located on or accessible from the outer wall surface of the exterior of the luggage when the remaining components are inside the luggage.

[0045] like Fig.14A In the practice shown, two compression and expansion devices 100 are arranged internally at respective opposite inner walls of the luggage item 1400; in the practice shown, the base portion 110 is fixed to the main luggage body 1440, and the expansion body 190 is fixed to the expansion portion 1420 of the luggage 1400; these fixations can be reversed for both devices 100 or only one of the two devices 100. In other practices, one or more than two compression and expansion devices and such devices of the different embodiments described herein can be used. For example, as described herein, Fig.14AAs shown, the compression deployment device 100 may include a base portion 110 and a deployment body 190, each of which is fixed to one of the luggage body or the deployment body. As described herein, the base portion 110 and the deployment body 190 are arranged in a sliding manner relative to each other and are engaged with at least one biasing member (e.g., two coil springs) that urges the base portion 110 and the deployment body 190 away from each other to be in a deployed configuration.

[0046] In a first embodiment, as described above and incorporated herein, the base portion includes a flexible portion, the flexible portion includes a protrusion facing the deploying body, the deploying body includes a retaining surface complementary to the protrusion, the protrusion rests on the retaining surface in a first position, in which the base portion and the deploying body are in a compressed configuration; and a sliding switch 320, the sliding switch is disposed opposite the protrusion and is movable across the protrusion, the sliding switch 320 includes a push protrusion, the push protrusion is configured to (i) when the sliding switch is moved to the locked position, sufficiently contact the flexible portion to cause the protrusion to rest on the retaining surface in the first position, thereby placing the base portion and the deploying body in the compressed configuration, and (ii) when the sliding switch is moved to the released position, sufficiently disengage the flexible portion to displace the protrusion from the retaining surface to a second position, thereby placing the base portion and the deploying portion in the deployed configuration. The sliding switch 320 and the gripping member 340 are accessible from the outer wall of the main luggage body or the deploying portion, so that the user does not have to open the luggage to deploy or compress the luggage.

[0047] In a second embodiment, as described above and incorporated herein, the deployment body of the device includes a flexible portion including a protrusion and a release protrusion, both facing the base portion, the release protrusion being axially spaced from the protrusion and extending outwardly beyond the protrusion, the base portion including a retaining surface complementary to the protrusion, and the protrusion resting on the retaining surface in a first position, in which the base portion and the deployment body are in a compressed configuration; and a sliding switch 32 is disposed opposite the release protrusion and is movable across the release protrusion, the sliding switch including a push protrusion configured to fully contact the release protrusion when the sliding switch is moved to the release position to displace the protrusion from the retaining surface to a second position, whereby the base portion and the deployment body assume the deployed configuration. Fig.14A As shown, the slide switch 320 is accessible from an outer wall of the main luggage body or the unfolded portion so that a user does not have to open the luggage to unfold or compress it.

[0048] Fig.14A A practice is depicted in which two compression deployment devices 100 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 that is upright, i.e., with the wheels 1490 on the ground), and the second device 100 is secured to the inside of the opposite wall (the top wall when the luggage item 1400 is upright). Fig. 14BAnother practice is depicted in which two compression deployment devices 100 are employed, one of which is secured to the inside of a wall perpendicular to the wall where wheels 1490 are located (the vertical side of the luggage item when the luggage item is upright), and a second device 100 is secured to the inside of the opposing vertical wall. Fig. 14C Yet another practice is depicted in which two compression deployment devices 100 are employed, one secured to the outside of the wall where wheels 1490 are located (the bottom wall of an upright luggage item), and a second device 100 secured to the outside of the opposite wall (the top wall when luggage item 1400 is upright). Fig.14D Still another practice is depicted in which two compression deployment devices 100 are employed, 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 the luggage item is upright), and the second device 100 is secured to the outside of the opposite vertical wall. When the compression deployment device 100 is located on the exterior outer wall, a cover may be employed to protect the device.

[0049] Fig.15A A partial cross-section of a luggage article including a compression deployment device 100 is depicted, wherein the base portion 110 is secured to the inner wall 1422 of the main luggage body 1440 and the deployment body 190 is secured to the corresponding inner wall 1442 of the deployment portion 1420. The compression deployment device is in the compressed configuration of FIG. 15 , wherein the gusset 1430 is in an undeployed state. As shown, the sliding switch with the cover plate 320 (in the locked position, in Fig.15A and 15B The gripping member 340 on the luggage body 1440 (obscured from view) is accessible from the outer wall 1421 of the main luggage body 1440. Fig. 15B Depicted is the slide switch (obscured in the illustration) after being moved to the release position by the grip member 340. Fig.15A 1430 is in the unfolded state, thereby increasing the volume of the luggage item.

[0050] refer to Figures 16A to 16N :exist Fig.16A and 16B In the embodiment of the present invention, there is an embodiment of an actuation member including a dial member 800 in the form of, for example, a knob. When the device 100 is in a compressed configuration ( Fig.16A ), the knob 800 is rotated in the direction of arrow X1, which causes the base portion 110 and the extension body 190 to present Fig. 16B The expanded position shown by the arrow EXP. Fig. 16C and 16D An embodiment of an actuation member comprising a torsion member 801 including outwardly extending wings 802, 803 ( Fig. 16C). Twist the wings 802 and 803 in the direction of arrows X6 and X7 to make the base portion 110 and the unfolded body 190 present Fig.16D The expanded position shown by the arrow EXP. Fig.16E and 16F Depicted is an embodiment of an actuation member including a lever member 804 when the device 100 is in a compressed configuration ( Fig.16E ). Move the lever 804 in the direction of arrow X5 to make the base portion 110 and the extension body 190 present Fig.16F The expanded position shown by the arrow EXP. Figure 16G and 16H Depicted is an embodiment of an actuation member including a lifting member 805 when the device 100 is in a compressed configuration ( Figure 16G ). Move the lifting member 805 in the direction of arrow X4 so that the base portion 110 and the unfolded body 190 are in the Fig.16H The expanded position shown by the arrow EXP. Fig.16I and 16J An embodiment of an actuation member comprising a compressible member composed of portions 806 and 807 is depicted when the device 100 is in a compressed configuration ( Fig.16I ). Move (extrude) parts 806 and 807 in the directions of arrows X2 and X3 respectively, so that the base part 110 and the unfolded body 190 are Fig.16J The expanded position shown by the arrow EXP. Figure 16K and 16L Depicted is an embodiment of an actuating member including an automobile door-like member 808 when the device 100 is in a compressed configuration ( Figure 16K ). Move the automobile door-like member 808 in the direction of arrow X8, for example, pull 808 upward as when opening the automobile door handle, so that the base portion 110 and the unfolded body 190 are in the form of Figure 16L The expanded position shown by the arrow EXP. Figure 16M and 16N Depicted is an embodiment of an actuation member including a pull-out member 809, which may include a strap or a rigid material ( Figure 16M ). Move the pull-out member 809 in the direction of arrow X9, for example, pull 809 in a direction perpendicular to the plate 320, so that the base portion 110 and the unfolded body 190 are in a Fig.16N The expanded position shown by the arrow EXP.

Claims

1. A compression and expansion device for luggage items, comprising: a base portion and an expansion body, the base portion and the expansion body being arranged in a sliding manner relative to each other and engaging at least one biasing member, the biasing member urging the base portion and the expansion body away from each other in the expanded configuration, wherein: (i) the base portion includes a flexible portion, the flexible portion includes a protuberance facing the expansion body, the expansion body includes a retaining surface complementary to the protuberance, and the protuberance rests on the retaining surface in a first position, in which the base portion and the expansion body are in a compressed configuration; and an actuating member, the actuating member being opposite to the protuberance and being movable across the protuberance, the actuating member comprising a pushing protrusion, the pushing protrusion being configured as: (i) when the actuation member is moved to the locked position, it contacts the flexible portion sufficiently to cause the protuberance to rest on the retaining surface at the first position, whereby the base portion and the expansion body are in the compressed configuration, and (ii) when the actuation member is moved to a release position, sufficiently disengages the flexible portion to displace the protuberance from the retaining surface to a second position, whereby the base portion and the deploying body assume the deployed configuration; or (II) the deploying body comprises a flexible portion, the flexible portion comprising a protuberance and a release protrusion, the protuberance and the release protrusion both facing the base portion, the release protrusion being axially spaced from the protuberance and the release protrusion extending outwardly beyond the protuberance, the base portion comprising a retaining surface complementary to the protuberance, and the protuberance resting on the retaining surface in a first position, in which the base portion and the deploying body are in a compressed configuration; and An actuating member slide switch is arranged opposite to the release protrusion and can move across the release protrusion, and the actuating member includes a push protrusion, which is configured to fully contact the release protrusion when the actuating member moves to the release position to shift the protrusion from the retaining surface to a second position, whereby the base part and the deployment body present the deployed configuration.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuation member comprises a slide switch.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the actuation member comprises any one of the following: Dial members, twisting members, lever members, lifting members, squeezable members, automotive door-like members and pull-out members. The device of claim 1 , wherein the flexible portion is configured as a leaf spring.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the at least one biasing member is a pair of parallel coil springs, and the leaf spring is disposed between the pair of coil springs.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the protrusion is configured as a ridge, the retaining surface is configured as a boss or a recess, and the release protrusion comprises a generally triangular cross-section.

7. A compression and expansion device for luggage items, comprising: (a) a base portion, the base portion comprising: front surface, back surface, top and bottom, a pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways disposed axially on the base portion, and a flexible portion interposed between the pair of spaced apart parallel passageways and comprising a protuberance extending outwardly from the rear surface; (b) an expanded body, the expanded body comprising: Inner surface, outer surface, upper end and lower end, 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 a corresponding spaced-apart parallel passageway of the base portion, the inner surface of the deployment body being disposed opposite the rear surface of the base portion, and a retaining surface interposed between the pair of spaced apart parallel conduit members on the inner surface of the expansion body and on which the protuberance rests in a first position in which the base portion and the expansion body are in a compressed configuration; (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 a deployed configuration; and (d) a sliding switch, the sliding switch being disposed opposite to the protrusion and being movable across the protrusion, the sliding switch comprising at least one pushing protrusion, the pushing protrusion being configured as: (i) when the slide switch is moved to the locked position, the flexible portion is contacted sufficiently to cause the protuberance to rest on the retaining surface at the first position, whereby the base portion and the extension body are in the compressed configuration, and (ii) when the slide switch is moved to a release position, the flexible portion is sufficiently disengaged to displace the protuberance from the retaining surface to a second position, whereby the base portion and the deployed portion assume the deployed configuration. The device of claim 7 , wherein the flexible portion is configured as a leaf spring.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein the flexible portion comprises at least one intermediate protrusion extending outward from the front surface, each intermediate protrusion being configured to substantially contact a corresponding push protrusion when the slide switch moves to the first position, and to substantially disengage from the corresponding push protrusion when the slide switch moves to the second position.

10. The device of claim 7, wherein the slide switch 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 slide switch to move the slide switch to the locked position or the released position.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the slide switch includes a grip member extending through the opening and wherein the user can move the slide switch to the locked position or the released position via the grip member.

12. The device of claim 7, wherein the slide switch is configured to movably slide in a direction transverse to the top end of the base portion.

13. A device according to claim 7, wherein (i) the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members axially disposed on the expansion body each individually includes a groove disposed along all or part of the length of the corresponding conduit member, each groove having a first closed end proximate the top end of the base portion; and (ii) the pair of spaced-apart parallel passages axially disposed on the base portion each individually include a stop protrusion, the stop protrusion being configured to extend sufficiently through the corresponding groove to contact the first closed end and prevent the expansion body from moving away from the base portion.

14. A device according to claim 7, wherein the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members each individually have a generally cylindrical shape 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 generally tubular channel and extend outward from the outer surface of the expansion body.

15. The device of claim 7, wherein each biasing member is individually a coil spring.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the top end of the base portion includes a pair of stabilizer post projections, each stabilizer post projection individually extending to a respective one of the spaced apart parallel conduit members and configured to be axially mounted within a respective coil spring.

17. The device of claim 9, wherein at least one intermediate protrusion comprises a recess or projection that is complementary to a corresponding projection or recess on a corresponding push protrusion.

18. A compression and expansion device for an item of luggage, comprising: (a) a base portion, the base portion comprising: front surface, back surface, top and bottom, a pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways disposed axially on the base portion, and a retaining surface disposed between the pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways; (b) an expanded body, the expanded body comprising: Inner surface, outer surface, upper end and lower end, 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 a corresponding spaced-apart parallel passageway 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 ridge and a release protrusion, both of which extend outwardly from the inner surface of the expansion body, the release protrusion being axially spaced from the ridge and extending outwardly beyond the ridge, the ridge being configured to rest against the retaining surface in a first position when the base portion and the expansion body are in a compressed configuration, the release protrusion being axially spaced from the ridge and extending outwardly beyond the ridge, (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 a deployed configuration; and (d) a slide switch disposed opposite to the release protrusion and movable across the release protrusion, the slide switch including a push protrusion configured to substantially contact the release protrusion to displace the protrusion from the retaining surface to a second position when the slide switch is moved to a release position, whereby the base portion and the deployment portion assume the deployed configuration. The device of claim 18 , wherein the flexible portion is configured as a leaf spring.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein the retaining surface comprises a boss, the protrusion comprises a ridge, and the release projection comprises an axially substantially triangular cross-section.

21. The device of claim 18, wherein the slide switch 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 slide switch to move the slide switch to the locked position or the released position.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the slide switch includes a grip member extending through the opening and by which a user can move the slide switch to the locked position or the released position.

23. The device of claim 18, wherein the slide switch is configured to movably slide in a direction transverse to the top end of the base portion.

24. A device according to claim 18, 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) the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members axially disposed on the expander each individually includes a stop protrusion, the stop protrusion being configured to extend sufficiently through the corresponding groove to contact the first closed end and prevent the expander from moving away from the base portion.

25. A device according to claim 18, wherein the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members each individually have a generally cylindrical shape 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 generally tubular channel and extend outward from the outer surface of the expansion body.

26. The device of claim 18, wherein each biasing member is individually a coil spring.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the top end of the base portion includes a pair of stabilizer post projections, each stabilizer post projection individually extending to a respective one of the spaced apart parallel conduit members and configured to be axially mounted within a respective coil spring.

28. An item of luggage, comprising: a main luggage body having a bottom surface and a cavity formed to receive an item for packaging; an expanded portion having a perimeter defining a cavity; a foldable gusset connecting the luggage body to the unfolded portion; and at least one compression and expansion device, the compression and expansion device being arranged on a wall of the luggage item, the compression and expansion device comprising: a base portion secured to one of the main luggage body or the deploying portion and a deploying body secured to the other of the main luggage body or the deploying portion, the base portion and the deploying body being slidably disposed relative to one another and engaged with at least one biasing member that urges the base portion and the deploying body away from one another in the deployed configuration, wherein: (I) the base portion includes a flexible portion, the flexible portion includes a protuberance facing the expansion body, the expansion body includes a retaining surface complementary to the protuberance, and the protuberance rests on the retaining surface in a first position, in which the base portion and the expansion body are in a compressed configuration; and A sliding switch, the sliding switch is arranged opposite to the protrusion and can move across the protrusion, the sliding switch includes a pushing protrusion, and the pushing protrusion is configured as: (i) when the slide switch is moved to the locked position, the flexible portion is contacted sufficiently to cause the protuberance to rest on the retaining surface in the first position, whereby the base portion and the extension body are in the compressed configuration, and (ii) when the slide switch is moved to a release position, sufficiently disengages the flexible portion to displace the protuberance from the retaining surface to a second position, whereby the base portion and the deploying body assume the deployed configuration; or (II) the deploying body comprises a flexible portion, the flexible portion comprising a protuberance and a release protrusion, the protuberance and the release protrusion both facing the base portion, the release protrusion being axially spaced from the protuberance and the release protrusion extending outwardly beyond the protuberance, the base portion comprising a retaining surface complementary to the protuberance, the protuberance resting on the retaining surface in a first position, in which the base portion and the deploying body are in a compressed configuration; and a slide switch disposed opposite to and movable across the release protrusion, the slide switch including a push protrusion configured to substantially contact the release protrusion when the slide switch is moved to a release position to displace the protrusion from the retaining surface to a second position, whereby the base portion and the deployment body assume the deployed configuration.

29. The luggage article of claim 28, wherein the flexible portion is configured as a leaf spring integral with the base portion.

30. The luggage article of claim 28, wherein the at least one biasing member is a pair of parallel coil springs, and the leaf spring is disposed between the pair of parallel coil springs.

31. The luggage article of claim 28, wherein the protrusion is configured as a ridge, the retaining surface is configured as a boss or a recess, and the release projection comprises a generally triangular cross-section.

32. The luggage article of claim 28, wherein a pair of compression and expansion devices are each disposed on an opposing inner wall of the luggage article or on an opposing outer wall of the luggage article, respectively.

33. The luggage item of claim 28, wherein the slide switch is externally accessible from an exterior wall of the luggage.

34. An item of luggage, comprising: a main luggage body having a bottom surface and a cavity formed to receive an item for packaging; an expanded portion having a perimeter defining a cavity; a foldable gusset connecting the luggage body to the unfolded portion; and at least one compression and expansion device, the compression and expansion device being arranged on a wall of the luggage item, the compression and expansion device comprising: (a) a base portion secured to one of the main luggage body or the deployment portion, the base portion comprising: front surface, back surface, top and bottom, a pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways disposed axially on the base portion, and a flexible portion interposed between the pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways and including a protuberance extending outwardly from the rear surface; (b) an expansion body secured to the other of the main luggage body or the expansion portion, the expansion body comprising: Inner surface, outer surface, upper end and lower end, 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 a corresponding spaced-apart parallel passageway of the base portion, the inner surface of the deployment body being disposed opposite the rear surface of the base portion, and a retaining surface interposed between the pair of spaced apart parallel conduit members on the inner surface of the expansion body and on which the protuberance rests in a first position in which the base portion and the expansion body are in a compressed configuration; (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 a deployed configuration; and (d) a sliding switch, the sliding switch being disposed opposite to the protrusion and being movable across the protrusion, the sliding switch comprising at least one pushing protrusion, the pushing protrusion being configured as: (i) when the slide switch is moved to the locked position, the flexible portion is contacted sufficiently to cause the protuberance to rest on the retaining surface at the first position, whereby the base portion and the extension body are in the compressed configuration, and (ii) when the slide switch is moved to a release position, the flexible portion is sufficiently disengaged to displace the protuberance from the retaining surface to a second position, whereby the base portion and the deployed portion assume the deployed configuration.

35. The luggage article of claim 34, wherein the flexible portion is configured as a leaf spring.

36. The luggage item of claim 34, wherein the flexible portion includes at least one intermediate protrusion extending outwardly from the front surface, each intermediate protrusion being configured to substantially contact a corresponding push protrusion when the sliding switch moves to the first position and to substantially disengage from the corresponding push protrusion when the sliding switch moves to the second position.

37. The luggage item of claim 34, wherein the sliding switch 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 sliding switch to move the sliding switch to the locked position or the released position.

38. The luggage article of claim 37, wherein the slide switch includes a gripping member extending through the opening and by which a user can move the slide switch to the locked position or the released position.

39. The luggage article of claim 34, wherein the slide switch is configured to movably slide in a direction transverse to the top end of the base portion.

40. A luggage article according to claim 34, wherein (i) the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members axially disposed on the deploying body each individually includes a groove disposed along all or part of the length of the corresponding conduit member, each groove having a first closed end proximate the top end of the base portion; and (ii) the pair of spaced-apart parallel passages axially disposed on the base portion each individually includes 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 deploying body away from the base portion.

41. A luggage item according to claim 34, wherein the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members each individually have a generally cylindrical shape 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 generally tubular channel and extend outward from the outer surface of the expanded body.

42. The luggage article of claim 34, wherein each biasing member is individually a coil spring.

43. The luggage article of claim 42, 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.

44. The luggage article of claim 36, wherein at least one of the intermediate protrusions includes a recess or projection that is complementary to a corresponding projection or recess on a corresponding push protrusion.

45. The luggage article of claim 34, wherein the protrusion is configured as a ridge, the retaining surface is configured as a boss or a recess, and the release projection comprises a generally triangular cross-section.

46. ​​The luggage article of claim 34, wherein a pair of the compression and expansion devices are each disposed on an opposing inner wall of the luggage article, or on an opposing outer wall of the luggage article, respectively.

47. The luggage item of claim 34, wherein the slide switch is externally accessible from an exterior wall of the luggage.

48. An item of luggage, comprising: a main luggage body having a bottom surface and a cavity formed to receive an item for packaging; an expanded portion having a perimeter defining a cavity; a foldable gusset connecting the luggage body to the unfolded portion; and at least one compression and expansion device, the compression and expansion device being arranged on a wall of the luggage item, the compression and expansion device comprising: (a) a base portion secured to one of the main luggage body or the deployment portion, the base portion comprising: front surface, back surface, top and bottom, a pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways disposed axially on the base portion, and a retaining surface disposed between the pair of spaced-apart parallel passageways; (b) an expansion body secured to the other of the main luggage body or the expansion portion, the expansion body comprising: Inner surface, outer surface, upper end and lower end, 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 a corresponding spaced-apart parallel passageway 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 protuberance and a release projection, the protuberance and the release projection both extending outwardly from the inner surface of the expansion body, the release projection being axially spaced from the protuberance and the release projection extending outwardly beyond the protuberance, the protuberance being configured to rest against the retaining surface in a first position when the base portion and the expansion body are in a compressed configuration, the release projection being axially spaced from the protuberance and the release projection extending outwardly beyond the protuberance; (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 a deployed configuration; and (d) a slide switch disposed opposite to the release protrusion and movable across the release protrusion, the slide switch including a push protrusion configured to substantially contact the release protrusion to displace the protrusion from the retaining surface to a second position when the slide switch is moved to a release position, whereby the base portion and the deployment portion assume the deployed configuration.

49. The luggage article of claim 48, wherein the flexible portion is configured as a leaf spring.

50. The luggage article of claim 48, wherein the retaining surface comprises a boss, the protrusion comprises a ridge, and the release projection comprises an axially generally triangular cross-section.

51. The luggage item of claim 48, wherein the sliding switch 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 sliding switch to move the sliding switch to the locked position or the released position.

52. The luggage article of claim 51, wherein the slide switch includes a gripping member extending through the opening and by which a user can move the slide switch to the locked position or the released position.

53. The luggage article of claim 48, wherein the slide switch is configured to movably slide in a direction transverse to the top end of the base portion.

54. A luggage article according to claim 48, 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) the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members axially disposed on the deploying body each individually includes 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 deploying body away from the base portion.

55. A luggage item according to claim 48, wherein the pair of spaced-apart parallel conduit members each individually have a generally cylindrical shape 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 generally tubular channel and extend outward from the outer surface of the expanded body.

56. The luggage article of claim 48, wherein each biasing member is individually a coil spring.

57. The luggage article of claim 56, wherein the top end of the base portion includes a pair of stabilizer post projections, each stabilizer post projection extending individually to a corresponding one of the spaced-apart parallel conduit members and configured to be axially mounted within a corresponding coil spring.

58. The luggage article of claim 48, wherein the protrusion is configured as a ridge, the retaining surface is configured as a boss or a recess, and the release projection comprises a generally triangular cross-section.

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

60. The luggage item of claim 48, wherein the slide switch is externally accessible from an exterior wall of the luggage.

Images