Luggage case frame

Abstract

A frame corner member (110) for a frame assembly of a luggage case panel is provided. The frame corner member includes a first connection portion (112) and a second connection portion (113), each of the first connection portion and the second connection portion including an opening (116, 117) configured to receive an end of a support bar. At least one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion further includes an aperture (118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, 119A, 119B, 119C, 119D) configured to allow access to at least a portion of a respective support bar when the respective support bar is received in the opening of a respective connection portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a luggage case frame. The present disclosure also relates to luggage cases, luggage case panels, frame assemblies for luggage case panels, methods of making the same, and kits and components thereof. Background Art

[0002] In an increasingly connected and globalized world, travel is increasing and with it the need to transport both business and leisure items. On a personal level, this transportation relies on luggage, which is typically a rectangular bag with handles.

[0003] Luggage cases also typically include wheels to enable them to roll along the ground. Rather than lifting the suitcase each time it is necessary to move it, the user can leave the weight of the suitcase on the ground and only have to overcome rolling friction to move the suitcase, which typically accounts for only a small fraction of the weight of the suitcase. Such suitcases typically include a telescoping handle assembly that allows the handle of the suitcase to be raised to facilitate the user's hand grip while the suitcase remains on the ground and rolls on its wheels.

[0004] Despite the advantages provided by wheels, heavy luggage still sometimes needs to be lifted off the ground during travel, and this can still be tiring and inconvenient for travelers. In addition, air travel has become increasingly popular. Most airlines have weight restrictions for suitcases, and many charge extra for transporting suitcases over a certain weight. Therefore, it is desirable for suitcases to be as light as possible, while also being strong and durable enough to withstand the rough handling they are often subjected to.

[0005] In addition to this, greater connectivity and globalization have opened up new manufacturing possibilities and increased competition. The ability to exploit new manufacturing possibilities will help overcome the cost pressures that this connectivity and globalization have placed on the manufacturing of luggage, as well as other goods. Any advances in luggage design must be considered in conjunction with the need to minimize cost increases and achieve simple manufacturing.

[0006] One way to reduce the weight of luggage is to use so-called "soft-sided" luggage, which is assembled from fabric panels with wire sewn inside sections of fabric to support the shape of the panels. The manufacturing process for these fabric panels often requires the incorporation of panels or other support structures to provide shape to the luggage. These panels and support structures add considerable weight and significantly reduce the initial advantages of using soft-sided luggage. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure provides a frame corner component for a frame assembly of a luggage case panel. The frame corner component includes: a first connection portion, the first connection portion including an opening for receiving an end of a support rod; and a second connection portion, the second connection portion including an opening for receiving an end of a support rod. At least one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion also includes an aperture, the aperture being configured to allow access to at least a portion of the corresponding support rod when the corresponding support rod is received in the opening of the corresponding connection portion.

[0008] The present disclosure also provides a frame assembly for a luggage panel (such as a front panel of a soft-sided luggage case) that is lightweight and does not require additional plates and / or additional support structures to shape the panel, while being simple and easy to manufacture. The frame assembly includes: four support rods, each of which includes fiberglass; and four frame corner components. Each frame corner component includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, each connecting portion includes an opening configured to receive an end of a corresponding support rod, and each frame corner component is configured to connect two corresponding support rods to form a quadrilateral frame. At least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion of at least one frame corner component also includes an orifice, which is configured to allow access to at least a portion of the corresponding support rod when the corresponding support rod is received in the opening of the corresponding connecting portion.

[0009] The present disclosure also provides a luggage panel comprising a cover and a frame assembly as described herein.

[0010] The present disclosure also provides a luggage case comprising the luggage case panel as described herein.

[0011] The present disclosure also provides a kit comprising parts for constructing a frame assembly as described herein.

[0012] The present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a frame assembly for a luggage compartment panel. The method includes providing four support rods and four frame corner components, and connecting each of the four frame corner components to two corresponding support rods. Each support rod includes fiberglass, and each frame corner component includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. Each connecting portion includes an opening configured to receive an end of a corresponding support rod, and each frame corner component is configured to connect two corresponding support rods to form a quadrilateral frame. At least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion of at least one frame corner component also includes an orifice, which is configured to allow access to at least a portion of the corresponding support rod when the corresponding support rod is received in the opening of the corresponding connecting portion. The step of connecting each frame corner component to two corresponding support rods includes inserting the end of one of the two corresponding support rods into the opening of the first connecting portion, and inserting the end of the other of the two corresponding support rods into the opening of the second connecting portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic front perspective view of a luggage case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic front elevation view of a frame assembly of a luggage compartment panel of the luggage compartment is shown;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a schematic perspective view of a frame corner component of the frame assembly shown;

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic front view of a frame corner component is shown;

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic side view of a frame corner component is shown;

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 The frame corner components are shown along Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA is shown;

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 a schematic detailed side view of a connection portion of a frame corner component as shown; and

[0021] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a connection portion of a frame corner component is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In this specification and in the claims that follow, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "up," "down," "above," and "below" may be used relative to the normal orientation of the luggage case. For example, if the luggage case has wheels, the normal orientation is with its wheels on the ground. In any case, these terms are not intended to be limiting or absolute.

[0023] Throughout this specification and the claims that follow, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprising" and "containing" will be understood to mean the inclusion of the following integers, steps, groups of integers or groups of steps but not the exclusion of other integers, steps, groups of integers or groups of steps.

[0024] A frame assembly for a luggage case panel may be a structure composed of rigid or substantially rigid components that supports a panel of the luggage case. The frame assembly may shape the luggage case panel. The frame assembly may include all components required to provide the luggage case panel with structural integrity. The luggage case panel including the frame assembly, together with other luggage case panels, may define a volume for storing items inside the luggage case.

[0025] The frame assembly may be constructed of components that are secured together so that no component falls from the frame assembly, and the frame assembly does not fall apart, regardless of the orientation in which the frame assembly is held. This may be true even if the frame assembly is not sewn into the cover. Alternatively, some frame assemblies may require that they be sewn into at least a portion of the cover to prevent them from falling apart and to prevent one or more components from falling from the frame assembly.

[0026] The frame assembly may not require a cover to be held together. That is, the frame assembly may have structural integrity without the need for a cover. In other words, the frame assembly may be securely assembled independent of the cover. As will be explained in more detail below, in some embodiments, components of the frame assembly may include features such as internal protrusions or adhesives or other fastening members to allow the components of the frame assembly to be held together in place.

[0027] The luggage compartment panel cover may be made of a flexible material. The luggage compartment panel cover may be made entirely of a flexible material except for some fastening members that may be attached to the luggage compartment panel cover. The luggage compartment panel cover may surround the entire frame assembly when secured together.

[0028] Trunk and luggage compartment panels

[0029] Figure 1A front perspective view of a luggage case 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The luggage case 1 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The luggage case 1 includes a front panel 10, a first side panel 20, a top panel 30, a second side panel (not shown) opposite to the first side panel 20, a rear panel (not shown) opposite to the front panel 10, a bottom panel (not shown) opposite to the top panel 30, a handle 40, and wheels 50. The front panel 10 may correspond to the lid of the luggage case 1, and the lid may include one or more fastening members 11, 12, which may be provided in the form of a zipper to allow the lid to be at least partially detachably connected to the remaining panels of the luggage case 1.

[0030] Each of the front panel 10, the first side panel 20, the top panel 30, the second side panel, the back panel and the bottom panel of the luggage case 1, in particular the front panel 10, may include a frame assembly (not shown) and a cover 15 extending above the frame assembly. In this embodiment, the cover 15 is fixed to the frame assembly. The cover 15 may include a single piece of material or multiple pieces of flexible materials (such as an outer layer and an inner lining) fixed together (such as by sewing together). In some embodiments, the cover 15 may be described as a "single piece". That is, although it is made of multiple pieces of flexible materials fixed together, it is a combination of frame assemblies that can be fixed thereto. The cover 15 may be sized so that it is kept taut by the frame assembly when the frame assembly is attached to the cover 15. When the frame assembly is fixed to the cover 15, the cover 15 may extend over the entire frame assembly and surround the frame assembly. Moreover, in some embodiments, the cover 15 may be made entirely of flexible materials. Generally speaking, fabric materials are used, and in particular lightweight, durable and flexible polyester, nylon, cotton, leather, vinyl and other fabrics.

[0031] The handle 40 may be directly connected to the structure of the rear panel of the luggage case 1. For example, in some embodiments, the handle 40 may be part of an integrated handle assembly (not shown) that is connected to the frame assembly of the rear panel. Each wheel 50 is positioned at a corresponding corner of the bottom panel of the luggage case 1 and is able to rotate freely about an axis perpendicular to the bottom panel to enable the luggage case 1 to be easily turned during use.

[0032] although Figure 1 The luggage case 1 in the embodiment is understood to have four wheels (three of which are explicitly shown), but the luggage case of the present disclosure need not have any wheels, and having a different number of wheels is also possible. In particular, the luggage case of the present disclosure may have two wheels and optionally at least one support member. Moreover, although the luggage case 1 is shown as having a handle, the luggage case of the present disclosure need not have a handle at all.

[0033] Framework components

[0034] Figure 2 A front view of a frame assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The frame assembly 100 is a quadrilateral frame, which includes a first frame corner component 110A, a second frame corner component 110B, a third frame corner component 110C, a fourth frame corner component 110D, a first support rod 120A, a second support rod 120B, a third support rod 120C, and a fourth support rod 120D. Each frame corner component 110A-D is configured to connect two corresponding support rods to form a quadrilateral frame. The frame corner components 110A-D and the contact between each frame corner component and the two corresponding support rods will be provided in more detail in the "frame corner component" section. In some parts of the present disclosure, each of the first to fourth frame corner components may be collectively referred to as a "frame corner component 110", and each of the first to fourth support rods 120A-D may be collectively referred to as a "support rod 120".

[0035] Each of the first, second, third and fourth support rods 120A-D may include glass fiber. In some embodiments, each of the first to fourth support rods 120A-D may be a glass fiber pultruded rod. If desired, other materials may be used to replace glass fiber or to be used in combination with glass fiber. Each support rod 120A-D has a first end and a second end. By connecting the first end and the second end to the corresponding frame corner member, the frame assembly 100 is formed.

[0036] In more detail, when the frame assembly 100 is fully formed, the first support bar 120A connects the first frame corner component 110A and the second frame corner component 110B, the second support bar 120B connects the second frame corner component 110B and the third frame corner component 110C, the third support bar 120C connects the third frame corner component 110C and the fourth frame corner component 110D, and the fourth support bar 120D connects the fourth corner component 110D and the first frame corner component 110A. Specifically, each end of each support bar 120A-D is connected to the corresponding frame corner component at the frame corner component by a corresponding connecting portion. In addition, when the frame assembly 100 is fully formed, each end of each support bar 120A-D is received in the corresponding connecting portion. A fastening device such as an adhesive can be used to keep the end in a proper position in the corresponding connecting portion, as will be explained in further detail below.

[0037] The frame assembly 100 is a fully formed frame assembly in that it includes the support cover (e.g. Figure 1 The cover 15) and the luggage compartment panel (eg Figure 1 All rigid or substantially rigid components required for forming the front panel 10).

[0038] When Figure 2 When the frame assembly 100 is assembled as shown, the frame assembly 100 has structural integrity. That is, the components of the frame assembly 100 are sufficiently secured together so that no components can fall out of the frame assembly 100 regardless of the orientation in which the frame assembly 100 is held. Figure 1 The same is true for the cover member 15 shown. The frame assembly 100 may include all components necessary to provide the corresponding luggage case panel with structural integrity and maintain its shape. In some embodiments, features such as internal protrusions on the interior surface of the connecting portion of the frame corner components may be used to hold the ends of the support rods in place within the corresponding connecting portion so that the structural integrity of the frame assembly 100 can be maintained or improved.

[0039] As described above, a cover, such as cover 15, may extend over frame assembly 100 to form a luggage panel, such as front panel 10. In more detail, frame assembly 100 may be secured to one or more sections of the inside of cover 15. For a cover that includes at least an outer layer (such as a strong and durable fabric made of nylon) and an inner lining, the inner side may correspond to the inner lining, meaning that frame assembly 100 may be secured to the inner lining by sewing to the inside or below one or more sections of the inner lining. For example, frame assembly 100 may be sewn between the inner lining fabric and the outer layer fabric. By securing frame assembly 100 to the inside of cover 15 rather than the outside, frame assembly 100 is better protected from high impact forces or heavy loads.

[0040] Frame corner parts

[0041] As mentioned above and as Figure 2 As shown, the frame assembly 100 includes four frame corner components 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D. These frame corner components 110A-D are lightweight while still strong and durable enough to withstand rough handling. In some embodiments, each frame corner component 110 may include fiberglass. Each frame corner component 110 can be formed by, for example, injection molding, or 3D printing molding, or by alternative manufacturing techniques (if desired).

[0042] like Figures 3 to 6 As best shown, each frame corner component 110 in the present embodiment includes a body 111 connecting a first connection portion 112 and a second connection portion 113. In addition, in the present embodiment, each frame corner component 110 includes a first end 114 and a second end 115, wherein the first connection portion 112 corresponds to the first end 114, and the second connection portion 113 corresponds to the second end 115.

[0043] As described above, each support rod 120 in the frame assembly 100 includes a first end and a second end, and when the frame assembly 100 is fully formed, the first end and the second end of each support rod 120 are received in the opening of the corresponding connecting portion of the frame corner component 110, thereby constructing the frame assembly 100. Each opening can be in the form of a blind hole, specifically a blind hole along the axis of the connecting portion. This is Figure 3 , where the first connection portion 112 is shown to include an opening 116 configured to receive the end of a corresponding support rod, and the second connection portion 113 is shown to include an opening 117 configured to receive the end of a corresponding support rod (not shown). Figure 2 The first frame corner component 110A shown is an example, the opening 116 of the first connection portion 112 of the first frame corner component 110A can be configured to receive the end of the first support rod 120A, and the opening 117 of the second connection portion 113 of the frame corner component 110A can be configured to receive the end of the fourth support rod 120D. The opposite arrangement is also possible, wherein the opening 116 of the first connection portion 112 can be configured to receive the end of the fourth support rod 120D, and the opening 117 of the second connection portion 113 can be configured to receive the end of the first support rod 120A.

[0044] exist Figures 3 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first connection portion 112 and the second connection portion 113 includes four apertures. More specifically, the first connection portion 112 includes a first pair of apertures 118A, 118B and a second pair of apertures 118C, 118D, and the second connection portion 113 includes a third pair of apertures 119A, 119B and a fourth pair of apertures 119C, 119D. The relative positions of the first pair of apertures 118A, 118B and the second pair of apertures 118C, 118D of the first connection portion 112 are Figure 5 The relative positions of the third pair of apertures and the fourth pair of apertures at the second connecting portion 113 are shown in FIG. Figure 8 is best shown in .

[0045] like Figure 5As shown, a first pair of apertures 118A, 118B is arranged on a first side of the first connecting portion 112, and a second pair of apertures 118C, 118D is arranged on a second side of the first connecting portion 112, the second side being opposite to the first side. The first pair of apertures includes a first distal aperture 118A and a first proximal aperture 118B. The second pair of apertures includes a second distal aperture 118C and a second proximal aperture 118D. The positions of the first distal aperture 118A and the second distal aperture 118C are symmetrical about the central transverse axis of the first connecting portion 112, and the positions of the first proximal aperture 118B and the second proximal aperture 118D are symmetrical about the central transverse axis of the first connecting portion 112. This positional symmetry makes the frame corner component easy to manufacture and thereby reduces the associated manufacturing costs. However, alternative arrangements are also possible.

[0046] Similarly, if Figure 8 As shown, the second connection portion 113 includes a third pair of orifices 119A, 119B and a fourth pair of orifices 119C, 119D. The third pair of orifices includes a third distal orifice 119A and a third proximal orifice 119B, and the fourth pair of orifices includes a fourth distal orifice 119C and a fourth proximal orifice 119D. The third pair of orifices 119A, 119B is arranged on a first side of the second connection portion 113, and the fourth pair of orifices 119C, 119D is arranged on a second side of the second connection portion 113, the second side being opposite to the first side. The positions of the third distal orifice 119A and the fourth distal orifice 119C are symmetrical about the central transverse axis of the second connection portion 113, and the positions of the third proximal orifice 119B and the fourth proximal orifice 119D are symmetrical about the central transverse axis of the first connection portion 113.

[0047] Each of the apertures 118A-D, 119A-D is configured to allow access to at least a portion of the support rod when the corresponding support rod is received in the opening of the corresponding connecting portion. Figure 6 , which shows that the support rod 120 rests in the opening 116 of the first connecting portion 112. In this example, the second pair of orifices 118C, 118D of the first connecting portion 112 can allow access to at least a portion of the support rod 120, so that the adhesive 140 can be applied to one or more contact areas between the first connecting portion 112 and the support rod 120 through the orifices 118C, 118D, in particular the contact areas adjacent to the orifices 118C, 118D. The adhesive 140 can be, for example, a liquid adhesive. This also applies to the first pair of orifices 118A, 118D and also to the orifices positioned at the second connecting portion 113.

[0048] The orifices may be specifically sized to allow adhesive 140 to be applied to the contact area between the support rod received in the corresponding opening and the interior surface of the corresponding opening. For example, each orifice may be sized to have a diameter proportional to the size of the nozzle of a typical liquid adhesive bottle. In some embodiments, each orifice may have a diameter in any one of the following ranges: 1 mm to 10 mm, optionally 2 mm to 5 mm, and further optionally 3 mm to 4 mm. Therefore, in some embodiments, at least one of the first portion 112 and the second portion 113 of the frame corner component 110 may include adhesive 140 applied at one or more contact areas adjacent to the orifice, the one or more contact areas being located between the interior surface of the corresponding opening and the support rod 120 received in the corresponding opening. Using adhesive instead of other fastening devices such as screws, rivets and bolts can help further reduce the weight of the frame assembly, and thus reduce the weight of the luggage panel including the frame assembly, and can also improve the ease of manufacturing of the frame.

[0049] By providing two apertures on each side and arranging the two pairs of apertures on opposite sides of the connecting portion, a plurality of different access points are provided, which increases the ease of applying or injecting the adhesive into the apertures, thereby speeding up the process of manufacturing or constructing the frame assembly, which in turn facilitates the process of manufacturing the corresponding luggage panel. In addition, providing more than one aperture on each side along the connecting portion allows the adhesive to be injected or applied at different contact areas between the corresponding support rod and the inner surface of the opening of the corresponding connecting portion, thereby improving the bond strength between the connecting portion and the support rod.

[0050] In some embodiments, the opening of the connecting portion may include an internal protrusion configured to engage an outer surface of the corresponding support rod when the corresponding support rod is received in the opening to hold the end of the corresponding support rod in place. Figure 6 As best shown, the opening 116 of the first connecting portion 112 includes a first internal protrusion 130 formed on an interior surface of the opening 116 . Figure 6 In particular, the end of the support rod 120 is shown to be received in the opening 116 of the first connecting portion 112 of the frame corner component 110. In this case, the first internal protrusion 130, which may be formed at a position between the first distal aperture 118A / second distal aperture 118C and the first proximal aperture 118B / second proximal aperture 118D, may engage the outer surface of the support rod 120 to hold the end of the support rod 120 in place. Similarly, as Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the opening 117 of the second connecting portion 113 also includes a second inner protrusion 131, which can be formed at a position between the third distal aperture 119A / fourth distal aperture 119C and the third proximal aperture 119B / fourth proximal aperture 119D. When the end of the support rod 120 is received in the opening 117. The second inner protrusion 131 can engage the outer surface of the support rod 120 to hold the end of the support rod 120 in an appropriate position.

[0051] In the present embodiment, each of the first inner protrusion 130 and the second inner protrusion 131 is configured to have a ridge shape. Figure 7 , which shows the second internal protrusion 131 as a ridge formed along a portion of the inner circumference of the opening 117 of the second connecting portion 113. More specifically, in this embodiment, the internal protrusion is formed along at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% of the inner circumference of the opening of the connecting portion, and this arrangement provides an increased contact surface area between the internal protrusion 131 and the outer surface of the corresponding support rod received in the opening, thereby improving the grip of the internal protrusion (and the opening) on ​​the support rod. However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, one or more internal protrusions having other shapes, forms and sizes may be provided, and if desired, they may be arranged at different positions along the inner surface of the corresponding opening.

[0052] In addition, the first inner protrusion 130 and the second inner protrusion 131 can be integrally formed on the inner surface of the corresponding opening, for example, by a molding process (e.g., an injection molding process). The first inner protrusion 130 and the second inner protrusion 131 can be formed using a process that does not involve hammering, denting, or applying force to the outer surface of any part or component of the frame corner component 110.

[0053] By providing one or more internal protrusions at the connection portion, the respective ends of the support rod can be at least temporarily held in place when a fastening device such as an adhesive is applied. For example, the first internal protrusion 130 and the second internal protrusion 131 can hold the respective ends of the support rod in place when the adhesive 140 is applied or injected (via the orifice) to the contact area between the support rod and the inner surface of the opening of the respective connection portion. This arrangement helps prevent the adhesive from losing its effectiveness or adhesive properties due to unwanted or unexpected movement of the support rod relative to the connection portion before drying and bonding the contact area between the outer surface of the support rod and the inner surface of the opening.

[0054] Although not shown in the figures, in some embodiments, at least one end of each support rod 120 may include a groove on the outer surface having a position corresponding to the internal protrusion of the connecting portion 110 configured to receive the corresponding support rod 120. In addition, the groove may have a shape complementary to the internal protrusion of the connecting portion 110. In these embodiments, when the support rod 120 is received in the opening of the corresponding connecting portion, the internal protrusions 130, 131 engage the grooves at the ends of the support rod 120 to hold the support rod 120 in place.

[0055] although Figures 3 to 8 The illustrated embodiment shows that each connection portion of the frame corner component 110 includes four apertures for allowing access to the support rod 120 received in the opening of the corresponding connection portion, but it should be understood that in other embodiments, a single aperture or other number of apertures are possible at the connection portion. For example, in alternative embodiments, each connection portion may include only a single aperture. It should also be understood that in other embodiments, the apertures of some or all of the connection portions may be omitted entirely.

[0056] although Figures 6 to 8 The illustrated embodiment shows that the opening of each connecting portion includes an internal protrusion, but it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the internal protrusion can be completely omitted. It should also be understood that in alternative embodiments, if desired, the internal protrusion can be positioned at different locations of the opening of the connecting portion. In addition, in some embodiments, more than one internal protrusion can be provided in the opening of one or more connecting portions to strengthen the connection between the connecting portion 110 and the corresponding support rod 120. In other embodiments, the protrusion can be provided on one or more support rods alternatively, and in this embodiment, a groove can be optionally provided on the inner surface of one or more corresponding connecting portions.

[0057] Although the frame corner component 110 is shown in the present embodiment to include a main body 111 (e.g., Figure 3 ), but in alternative embodiments, the frame corner component 110 may not include a body. In these embodiments, the first connection portion 112 may be directly connected to the second connection portion 113 at the frame corner component 110. As shown, the body 111 may take the form of a smooth continuous curve between the first connection portion 112 and the second connection portion 113, but other configurations are possible.

[0058] Manufacturing method

[0059] The present disclosure also relates to a method of making a frame assembly, such as frame assembly 100 , for a luggage compartment panel.

[0060] Made as above reference Figure 2 The method of the frame assembly 100 includes providing four support rods (such as reference Figure 2 The support rods 120A-D) and four frame corner members (such as those shown in reference Figures 3 to 8 The frame corner component 110) is described, and each of the four frame corner components is connected to two corresponding support rods by inserting the end of one of the two support rods into the opening of the first connecting part and inserting the end of the other of the two corresponding support rods into the opening of the second connecting part.

[0061] As described above, in some embodiments, the openings 116, 117 of at least one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion may include internal protrusions (such as, first internal protrusions 130 and second internal protrusions 131), which are configured to engage the outer surface of the corresponding support rod when the corresponding support rod is received in the opening. In these embodiments, inserting the end of the corresponding support rod into the opening of the connection portion including the internal protrusion may include inserting the end of the corresponding support rod so that the internal protrusion engages the outer surface of the corresponding support rod. This ensures that the end of the corresponding support rod remains in place, which is particularly useful for subsequent application of fastening devices (e.g., applying adhesives). In addition, in these embodiments, the internal protrusions may be integrally formed on the inner surface of the corresponding opening, for example, by a molding process.

[0062] In some embodiments, the method may further include: applying adhesive through one or more corresponding apertures of at least one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion of the corresponding frame corner component after connecting the frame corner component to the two corresponding support rods. In embodiments where at least one internal protrusion is provided at the corresponding connection portion, the step of applying adhesive through the aperture may be performed after the step of inserting the end of the corresponding support rod, so that the internal protrusion engages the outer surface of the corresponding support rod while applying the adhesive.

[0063] The present disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a luggage panel such as Figure 1 The method comprises providing a frame assembly according to the method for manufacturing a frame assembly as described above, providing a cover (e.g., cover 15), and sewing at least a portion of the frame assembly to the inside of one or more sections of the inside of the cover.

[0064] The present disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a luggage case (such as Figure 1A method for manufacturing a luggage case of the present invention is provided. The method comprises: providing a plurality of luggage case panels, the plurality of luggage case panels comprising at least one of the following: a front panel, a rear panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a top panel, and a bottom panel; and assembling the plurality of luggage case panels. In this method, providing at least one luggage case panel of the plurality of luggage case panels is according to the method for manufacturing a luggage case panel as described above.

[0065] Kit of parts

[0066] The present disclosure also relates to a kit of parts for constructing a frame assembly, such as frame assembly 100. The kit of parts for constructing a frame assembly may include all components or frame assemblies required to construct a structurally integral frame assembly for a luggage panel or a frame assembly such that no components fall out of the frame assembly and the frame assembly does not fall apart regardless of the orientation in which the frame assembly is held. The kit of parts may optionally include fastening means (e.g., adhesive) for securing the connection between the frame corner components and the corresponding support rods in the frame assembly.

[0067] The kit of parts for constructing the frame assembly 100 may include: four support rods 120A-D, each support rod 120 including fiberglass; and four frame corner components 110A-D. Each frame corner component 110 includes a first connection portion 112 and a second connection portion 113. Each connection portion 112, 113 includes an opening 116, 117 configured to receive an end of a corresponding support rod 120. Each frame corner component 110 is configured to connect two corresponding support rods 110 to form a quadrilateral frame, and at least one of the first connection portion 112 and the second connection portion 113 of at least one frame corner component 110 also includes an aperture 118, 119, which is configured to allow access to at least a portion of the corresponding support rod 120 when the corresponding support rod 120 is received in the opening of the corresponding connection portion 112, 113.

[0068] Additionally, the present disclosure is directed to a kit of parts for constructing a luggage panel, such as the front panel 10. The kit of parts for constructing a luggage panel may include all of the components needed to construct a structural one-piece luggage panel or a luggage panel in which no components fall off the luggage panel and the luggage panel does not fall apart, regardless of the orientation in which the luggage panel is secured.

[0069] A kit of parts for constructing the luggage compartment panel 10 may include all of the components necessary to construct the frame assembly as described above, as well as the cover 15 .

[0070] suitcase

[0071] The present disclosure also relates to a luggage case, the luggage case comprising one or more luggage panels, and at least one of the one or more luggage panels comprises a frame assembly 100 as described above. For example, the luggage case may include a front panel, the front panel comprising the frame assembly 100. At least one of the one or more luggage panels may also include a cover (e.g., cover 15), and at least a portion of the frame assembly 100 is sewn inside one or more sections of the inside of the cover. In one embodiment, each luggage panel of the luggage case may include a frame assembly 100.

[0072] General Notes

[0073] Although the foregoing description contains many details, these details should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but merely as exemplifications of embodiments of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will envision other possible variations within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0074] Glossary of reference symbols used in the accompanying drawings

[0075] 1: Suitcase

[0076] 10: Front panel

[0077] 20: First side panel

[0078] 30: Top panel

[0079] 40: Handle

[0080] 50: Wheels

[0081] 100: Framework components

[0082] 110: Frame corner parts

[0083] 110A: First frame corner component

[0084] 110B: Second frame corner member

[0085] 110C: Third frame corner part

[0086] 110D: Fourth frame corner part

[0087] 111: Main body of frame corner component

[0088] 112: First connection part

[0089] 113: Second connection part

[0090] 114: First end of the frame corner member

[0091] 115: Second end of the frame corner member

[0092] 116: Opening of the first connecting portion

[0093] 117: Opening of the second connecting portion

[0094] 118: Orifice of the first connecting part

[0095] 118A: First distal orifice

[0096] 118B: First proximal orifice

[0097] 118C: Second distal orifice

[0098] 118D: Second proximal orifice

[0099] 119: Orifice of the second connecting part

[0100] 119A: Third distal orifice

[0101] 119B: Third proximal orifice

[0102] 119C: Fourth distal orifice

[0103] 119D: Fourth proximal orifice

[0104] 120: Support rod

[0105] 120A: First support rod

[0106] 120B: Second support rod

[0107] 120C: Third support rod

[0108] 120D: Fourth support rod

[0109] 130: First internal protrusion

[0110] 131: Second internal protrusion

[0111] 140: Adhesive

Claims

1. A frame corner component for a frame assembly of a luggage compartment panel, the frame corner component comprising: a first connecting portion including an opening for receiving an end of a support rod; as well as a second connecting portion, the second connecting portion comprising an opening for receiving an end of the support rod, Wherein at least one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion further comprises an aperture configured to allow access to at least a portion of the corresponding support rod when the corresponding support rod is received in the opening of the corresponding connection portion.

2. The frame corner component of claim 1 , wherein the opening of at least one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion includes an internal protrusion configured to engage an outer surface of the corresponding support rod when the corresponding support rod is received in the opening so as to hold the end of the corresponding support rod in an appropriate position.

3. The frame corner component according to claim 2, wherein the inner protrusion is integrally formed on the inner surface of the corresponding opening, optionally wherein the inner protrusion is formed by a molding process.

4. A frame corner component according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the inner protrusion is in the shape of a ridge.

5. The frame corner component according to claim 4, wherein the ridge is formed along at least a section of the inner circumference of the opening of the connecting portion, optionally wherein the ridge is formed along at least 80% of the inner circumference of the opening of the connecting portion.

6. A frame assembly for a luggage compartment panel, comprising: four support rods, wherein each support rod comprises fiberglass; as well as four frame corner parts, wherein at least one of the four frame corner parts is a frame corner part according to any one of the preceding claims, Each frame corner member is configured to connect two corresponding support rods to form a quadrilateral frame.

7. A frame assembly according to claim 6, wherein for at least one of the four frame corner components, at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion further includes an adhesive applied at one or more contact areas adjacent to the orifice, the one or more contact areas being located between an interior surface of the corresponding opening and the support rod received within the corresponding opening.

8. A frame assembly according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein at least one end of each support rod includes a groove on the outer surface, the groove having a shape complementary to and a corresponding position to the internal protrusion, and wherein when the corresponding support rod is received in the opening of the connecting portion provided with the internal protrusion, the internal protrusion engages the groove at the end of the support rod to hold the support rod in an appropriate position.

9. A kit comprising: Parts for constructing a frame assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. A luggage compartment panel, comprising: A frame assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8; as well as Covering, At least a portion of the frame assembly is sewn inside one or more sections of the inner side of the cover.

11. The luggage panel of claim 10, wherein the cover member includes a liner and at least a portion of the frame assembly is stitched inside or underneath one or more sections of the liner of the cover member.

12. A luggage panel as claimed in claim 10 or 11 wherein the covering is a fabric covering.

13. A kit comprising parts for constructing a luggage panel according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. A luggage case comprising a luggage case panel according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

15. A method of manufacturing a frame assembly for a luggage compartment panel, the method comprising: providing four support rods and four frame corner components, wherein each support rod comprises fiberglass, and wherein each frame corner component comprises a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, each connecting portion comprising an opening configured to receive an end of a corresponding support rod, and wherein each frame corner component is configured to connect two corresponding support rods to form a quadrilateral frame, and further wherein at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion of at least one frame corner component further comprises an aperture configured to allow access to at least a portion of the corresponding support rod when the corresponding support rod is received in the opening of the corresponding connecting portion; as well as connecting each of the four frame corner members to two corresponding support rods, The connecting of each frame corner member to two corresponding support rods comprises: Inserting an end of one of the two support rods into the opening of the first connecting portion; as well as Insert an end of the other of the two support rods into the opening of the second connecting portion.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion of each frame corner component includes an aperture configured to allow access to at least a portion of the corresponding support rod when the corresponding support rod is received in the opening of the corresponding connecting portion.

17. The method of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein for at least one frame corner component, the opening of at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion includes an internal protrusion configured to engage an outer surface of the corresponding support rod when the corresponding support rod is received in the opening, wherein inserting the end of the corresponding support rod into the opening of the connecting portion including the internal protrusion comprises: The end of the respective support rod is inserted such that the inner protrusion engages the outer surface of the respective support rod.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein for each frame corner component, the opening of at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion includes an internal protrusion configured to engage an outer surface of the corresponding support rod when the corresponding support rod is received in the opening.

19. A method according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the internal protrusion is integrally formed on the internal surface of the opening, optionally wherein the internal protrusion is formed by a molding process.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising: After connecting the frame corner part with two respective support bars, adhesive is applied through the aperture of the at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

21. A method of manufacturing a luggage compartment panel, comprising: or: Providing a frame assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8; or Manufacturing a frame assembly for a luggage compartment panel according to any one of claims 15 to 20; Provide coverings; as well as At least a portion of the frame assembly is sewn inside one or more sections of the inside of the cover.

22. A method of manufacturing a luggage case, the method comprising: A luggage compartment panel is manufactured according to the method of claim 21.

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