Bags and articles with damage-resistant rims

Abstract

To provide a luggage article including a burst resistant rim against bursting in handle regions where forces tending to cause bursting are typically concentrated.SOLUTION: One of shells may have a peripheral rim 210 with a recess 220. The other shell 110 may have a peripheral rim 250 with a projecting flange 260 that is engageable within the recess 220 when the case is closed. At least one of the shells may have a second peripheral projecting flange 230 that is arranged to project beyond and be engaged behind a peripheral rim 210- of the opposing shell. The second peripheral projecting flange 230 may be limited to extending from a small portion of the peripheral rim 210 or along discrete selected sections of the peripheral rim 210.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an article of luggage, and more particularly to an article of luggage that includes a break-resistant rim.

Background Art

[0002] Traditional luggage cases include a separable structure with first and second shells or halves defined by a seam line defined along a facet of the case. For example, the configuration of a traditional luggage case is such that the seam is defined along the upper facet, bottom facet, left facet, and right facet of the case. Along the position of this seam, each case half has an interface surface for engaging with the opposing case half. The traditional interface surface between the case halves is insufficient in preventing breakage, particularly with respect to breakage in the handle region where forces that tend to cause breakage typically concentrate.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved luggage case that addresses one or all of the above problems and / or, more generally, provides an improvement to or an alternative to existing structures.

[0004] Documents that may be relevant to this disclosure include European Patent Application Publication No. 2826394, Chinese Patent No. 103410820(B), International Publication No. 2010029580(A1) Brochure, European Patent No. 1867246(B1), U.S. Patent No. 7540364(B2), European Patent Application Publication No. 1799063, U.S. Patent No. 6367603(B1), International Publication No. 1999044807(A1) Brochure, U.S. Patent No. 5755311(A), and U.S. Patent No. 5924533(A). This includes U.S. Patent No. 5,894914(A), U.S. Patent No. 5,458718(A), U.S. Patent No. 5,407038(A), U.S. Patent No. 5,111920(A), UK Patent No. 1,236991(A), China Utility Model No. 203943205(U), Taiwan Patent Application Publication No. 201311177(A), U.S. Patent No. 8,960391(B2), International Publication No. 2011093984(A1), and U.S. Patent No. 7,451872(B1). [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This disclosure provides a bag article comprising two opposing shells hinged together along one edge, having peripheral rims that touch each other in a closed configuration, the closed configuration resisting the tendency of the bag article to break. One of the shells may have a peripheral rim with a recess. The other shell may have a peripheral rim with a protruding flange that can engage in the recess when the case is closed, such that the peripheral rims generally abut or engage with each other. At least one of the shells may have a second peripheral protruding flange configured to protrude beyond the peripheral rim of the opposing shell and engage behind it (i.e., closer to the inside of the bag article). The second peripheral protruding flange may be limited to extending from a small portion of the peripheral rim or along a particular selected area of ​​the peripheral rim.

[0006] In one example, the bag case includes a first shell connected to a second shell by a hinge, and the first and second shells may each have a first and second peripheral rims that abut each other in a closed configuration. The first peripheral rim may include a slotted recess, and the second peripheral rim may include a first protruding flange that engages within the slotted recess when the first and second shells are in the closed configuration. At least one of the first and second shells may include a second protruding flange configured to protrude beyond the peripheral rim of the opposing shell and engage inside it.

[0007] Additionally or separately, the second protruding flange may be located on the first shell.

[0008] Additionally or separately, the first protruding flange may extend along more than half of the second peripheral rim.

[0009] Additionally or separately, the first protruding flange may define a generally constant height.

[0010] Additionally or separately, the second protruding flange may protrude along a portion of the peripheral rim, and / or along a portion of the area at the midpoint of the long side of the peripheral rim, and / or along a portion of the area at the midpoint of the short side of the peripheral rim, and / or along a portion of the peripheral rim near the carry handle of the bag case.

[0011] In another example, the second protruding flange is positioned and protrudes further inward relative to the case than the first protruding flange, either additionally or separately.

[0012] In another example, additionally or separately, the second protruding flange may include an outward-facing surface near and facing a lateral side flange extending laterally inward from the second peripheral rim of the shell. Additionally or separately, the second protruding flange may include an outward-facing surface near and abutting the peripheral rim of the opposing shell.

[0013] In another example, the first peripheral rim and the second peripheral rim may each include a lateral surface from which the protruding flange generally protrudes vertically.

[0014] Additionally or separately, the first peripheral rim may include a lateral surface on which the recess is formed, the lateral surface generally facing the lateral surface formed on the second peripheral rim in the closed configuration.

[0015] In another example, the first peripheral rim may include a sealant positioned at the bottom of the recess and configured to abut against the end of the first protruding flange when the configuration is closed.

[0016] In another example, the first or second peripheral rim may include individual projections extending therefrom, which define a region of at least one of the locking mechanism or handle in the other shell and engage with a recess corresponding to the individual projection. Additionally, the individual projections may extend from the surface of the peripheral rim as part of the second protruding flange, distinguished from the second protruding flange by increased lateral thickness.

[0017] Additionally or separately, the first peripheral rim may include at least two generally parallel flanges, the flanges extending inward from the first peripheral rim, along the first peripheral rim, and opening inward toward the interior of the first shell.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the second peripheral rim may include at least two generally parallel flanges that extend along the second peripheral rim inwardly from the second peripheral rim and form a groove that opens toward the interior of the second shell.

[0019] Additional embodiments and features are presented, in part, in the following description, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of this specification, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and elements of the present disclosure may be advantageously utilized, either individually or in combination with other aspects and features of the present disclosure, in some examples.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] An isometric rear view of a bag article according to some examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] An isometric view of the rear shell of the bag article of FIG. 1, showing a retractable handle in a retracted position. [Figure 3] An isometric view of the rear shell of the bag article of FIG. 1, showing a retractable handle in an extended position. [Figure 4A] An isometric sectional view of the bag article taken along section 4A-4A of FIG. 1. [Figure 4B] An isometric detailed view showing only the rear shell of the bag article shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] An isometric sectional view of the bag article taken along section 4C-4C of FIG. 1. [Figure 5A] A sectional view of the bag article taken along section 5A-5A of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5B] A sectional view of the bag article taken along section 5B-5B of FIG. 4A.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] According to the present disclosure, a bag article has two opposing shells connected by a hinge along one edge, and these shells have peripheral rims that abut against each other in a closed configuration, and this closed configuration shows resistance to the tendency of the bag article to break. One of the shells may have a peripheral rim provided with a recess. The other shell may have a peripheral rim provided with a protruding flange that can be engaged within the recess such that the peripheral rims generally abut or engage with each other when the case is closed. At least one of the shells may have a second peripheral protruding flange that protrudes beyond the peripheral rim of the opposing shell and is arranged to engage behind it (i.e., closer to the inside of the bag article). The second peripheral protruding flange may be defined to extend from a small portion of the peripheral rim or along an individually selected area of the peripheral rim.

[0022] Figures 1 to 5B show an exemplary bag article 100 according to various examples, embodiments, and aspects of the present disclosure. The bag article 100 includes a housing 102 formed from a plurality of walls or panels (hereinafter, for convenience without intention of limitation, referred to as "panels") that define an internal storage space 104 for containing the user's belongings. In one example, the housing 102 may be formed from a first and a second shell portion 120 , 110 which may be right and left shell portions or halves respectively, may have similar dimensions to each other, or may be sized such that one shell portion includes the storage space 104. As shown, the first shell portion 120 and the second shell portion 110 (hereinafter, may sometimes be referred to as the first shell or the second shell respectively) may each be defined by one or more panels of the bag article 100. For example, 2nd the shell portion 110 may be defined by the front main panel 111 of the housing 102 and at least a part 112, 113, 114, 115 of each of the front panel, rear panel, upper panel, and bottom panel. In such an example, 1The shell portion 120 may be defined by the rear main panel 121 of the housing 102, and the remaining portions 122, 123, 124, and 125 of the front panel, rear panel, top panel, and bottom panel.

[0023] Each shell may include peripheral rims 210, 250 at the seam 200. The peripheral rims 210, 250 may abut each other when the bag item 100 is closed. In some examples, each shell part 120 or 110 Each of these has its first peripheral rim 210, Second peripheral rim It may include border pieces 200a and 200b that define 250. The border pieces 200a and 200b may give the bag article 100 desired aesthetic and / or functional properties. For example, the border pieces as described below 200a, 200b This may also facilitate closing the bag item 100. In embodiments where the edging piece is not continuous with the wall of the housing 102, it hides seams and / or any defects, resulting in a clean appearance and / or the first shell portion. 120 and the second shell part 110 To provide a clean contact surface between them, the edges around the walls of the housing 102 may be decorated with edging pieces 200a and 200b.

[0024] The dimensions and shape of the panel may be such that the height of the bag item 100 is greater than the width and the width is greater than the depth, as shown in Figure 1 at least. The housing 102 may have other dimensions and shapes, and the examples shown and described are for illustrative purposes only. The bag item 100 is shown as a bag case with rigid sides, but it may be formed from a number of combinations of rigid and flexible side materials. For example, the housing 102 may be molded from rigid side material, or it may be formed from a combination of rigid and flexible side materials (known as a “hybrid” structure). In some examples, the housing 102 may be entirely made of flexible side material supported by a frame structure appropriately configured to realize the seam 200 described herein. The rigid side material may be a thermoplastic (self-reinforced or fiber-reinforced) material, ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, PTFE, or biaxially oriented polypropylene, etc. The soft side material may be nylon, canvas, polyester, leather, PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene, and / or PTFE.

[0025] Continuing to refer to Figures 1-4, the bag item 100 may include multiple handles, such as one or more upper carry handles 140a, side carry handles 140b, and / or retractable pull handles 130. For example, the bag item 100 may include one or more upper carry handles 140a connected to at least a portion of the upper part (e.g., 114 or 124) of the housing 102. The upper carry handles 140a may be located at at least one corner of the upper part of the housing 102, or at least two corners of the upper part of the housing 102. Similarly, the bag item 100 may include one or more side carry handles 140b connected to each side panel of the housing 102. ofThey may be located on at least one side. As will be explained in more detail below, the upper carry handle 140a and the side carry handle 140b may be positioned to make it easier for the user to operate when carrying the bag item 100. For example, the upper carry handle 140a and the side carry handle 140b may be positioned to make it easier to carry the bag item 100 while avoiding obstacles such as going up stairs.

[0026] When the user's items are packed into the bag item 100, the weight of the luggage compartment is transmitted from the handle to the side wall closest to the handle. The downward tensile force acting on the luggage compartment and the upward tensile force acting on the handle tend to pull the side wall of the bag item 100 away from the interior of the bag item 100 and toward the handle. In this specification, this tensile force acting on the side wall of the bag item 100 is referred to as the breakage tendency. In traditional bag items, this breakage tendency causes a tensile force to act on adjacent walls of the luggage compartment, separating the walls and causing a loss of engagement between these walls. According to various embodiments, the bag item 100 includes an engageable rim system 205 configured to resist the breakage tendency in the seam 200.

[0027] According to various embodiments, the engageable rim system 205 includes opposing peripheral rims (e.g., 210 and 250) defining the edging pieces 200a and 200b, respectively. In various examples, one of the rims includes a recess and the other rim includes a protruding flange. Additionally or alternatively, one of the rims 210 or 250 may include a second peripheral protruding flange 230. The second peripheral protruding flange 230 may be positioned to protrude beyond the peripheral rim of the opposing shell and engage behind it (i.e., closer to the inside of the bag item 100). According to one example, as shown in Figures 1-4C, First Shell 120 is First Including peripheral rim 210. Opposite Second Shell 110 is Second Includes peripheral rim 250. First The peripheral rim 210 may include a recess 220. Second The peripheral rim is 250 First Includes a protruding flange 260. Recess 220 and First The protruding flanges 260 are positioned relative to each other so as to engage with each other when the case is closed. Recesses 220 and First The protruding flanges 260 are configured to separate from each other when the bag items 100 are opened.

[0028] Referring at least to Figures 5A and 5B, First The protruding flange 260 is First It may be defined by appropriate projections configured to engage with corresponding elements on opposing rims, such as the peripheral rim 210. First The protruding flange 260 may be a projection that tightly engages with a corresponding recess, for example, recess 220. In one example, First The protruding flange 260 is a cantilever projection extending from the lateral wall portion 263. First The protruding flange 260 has substantially the same wall thickness throughout. Second periphery It may be a continuous portion of the rim 250. In various embodiments, First The protruding flange is at least three times the wall thickness in length. In some embodiments, First The protruding flange is at least five times the thickness of its wall. First The length of the protruding flange 260 is, Second It may vary along the periphery of the peripheral rim 250. For example, First The protruding flange 260 may be shorter near the latch mechanism (see Figure 5A) and longer in areas without the latch mechanism (see Figure 5B). However, in other examples, First The protruding flange is the starting point from which it extends. Second The length may be substantially the same along the peripheral rim 250 portion.

[0029] Various First The protruding flange 260 extends from the lateral support 263. The lateral support 263 may form a surface 266 facing the joint 200. In some embodiments, this surface 266 is Second The peripheral rim 250 is generally parallel to the plane it defines. Second In embodiments where the peripheral rim 250 does not clearly define a plane, the surface 266 is major It may be generally parallel to surface 111 or 121. Surface 266 is opposite First The lateral support 263 may contact or face an opposing surface 237 or opposing element on the peripheral rim 210. Additionally or alternatively, the lateral support 263 may be defined by a flange or lateral rib that generally extends toward the interior 104 of the bag article. In such embodiments, the lateral support 263 is defined on one side by a rim surface 266 and on the opposite side by an inner surface 264. The rim surface 266 terminates at an inner edge 267.

[0030] In various embodiments, First The protruding flange 260 extends from the lateral support 263 along the central portion of the lateral support 263, First Rim surfaces 266 and 255 are defined on both sides of the protruding flange 260. The lateral support 263 is Second It may extend inward from the outer wall 203 on the peripheral rim 250. The rim surface 255 may be positioned to face or receive the opposing flanges of the opposing rim. In one example, the rim surface 255 is First Peripheral rim 210 It is approximately the same thickness as the outer wall 224. With this configuration, the rim surface 255 receives the outer wall 224, First From the outer wall 224 of the peripheral rim 210 Second To form a substantially smooth contour extending from the peripheral rim 250 to the outer wall 203, Second Shell 110 and First shell 120 can be closed.

[0031] As shown above, Second The contour of the peripheral rim 250 is Second The shell 110 may vary along its periphery. For example, the rim surface 255 may be a protruding wall as shown in Figure 5A. 268 By defining the area, a catch 158 for receiving the buckle 150 is defined, SecondThe outer wall 203 of the peripheral rim 250 may be varied to define a substantially continuous surface shape as shown in Figure 5B. Second The peripheral rim 250 can define a variety of engaging elements for connecting one shell to the other shell.

[0032] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, Second The peripheral rim 250 has a lateral support 263 defining an inwardly facing flange, as described above, but may also have a second parallel flange 268 extending inward from the peripheral rim 250 toward the interior 104 of the bag item 100. The first and second inwardly extending lateral support 263 and flange 268 may define a C-shaped channel opening toward the inside of the shell 110. This inwardly facing C-shaped channel provides better reinforcement of the rim edge compared to conventional configurations. Furthermore, the C-shaped channel and lateral support 263 make the abutting rim surface 266 larger and stronger. The larger and stronger abutting rim surface 266 ensures flexibility of the elements and structures that depend on it. For example, First The protruding flange 260 may protrude from this surface. In another embodiment, the recess 220 may extend from the surface of the groove near the joint. In yet another embodiment, the second protrusion The flange may extend from the end of the support 263. In some embodiments, the C-groove extends along only a portion of the peripheral rim. For example, the C-groove extends from recess 152a to recess 152b (see Figure 3). In other embodiments, the C-groove extends substantially along the entire peripheral rim 250. The C-groove may include ribs that extend across the groove and support the lateral support 263 and the flange 268.

[0033] Referring at least to Figures 5A and 5B, the recess 220 may be defined by a groove suitable for receiving the protruding flange 260. The recess 220 is FirstIt may also be a groove that tightly receives the protruding flange 260. In one example, the recess 220 is a slot that extends generally perpendicularly from the rim surface 237. The recess 220 is First It may be a portion continuous with the peripheral rim 210. The recess 220 has a width First The thickness of the protruding flange 260 may be made slightly larger to allow for a tight fit between these two structural elements. In various embodiments, the width of the recess 220 is First The thickness of the protruding flange 260 is less than three times. In some embodiments, the width of the recess 220 is less than twice the thickness of the protruding flange 260. The depth or width of the recess 220 is First To accommodate different contours, thicknesses, or structures of the protruding flange 260 First The peripheral rim 210 may vary along its periphery.

[0034] In various embodiments, the recess 220 extends from the lateral support 232, which defines the rim surface 237. The rim surface 237 may face the joint 200. In some embodiments, this rim surface 237 is generally First The peripheral rim 210 is parallel to the plane it defines. First In embodiments where the peripheral rim 210 does not clearly define a plane, the rim surface 237 is major It may be generally parallel to surface 111 or 121. The rim surface 237 is opposite Second The lateral support 232 may contact or face an opposing rim surface 266 or opposing element on the peripheral rim 250. Additionally or alternatively, the lateral support 232 may be defined by a wall, lateral rib, projection, or flange that generally extends toward the interior 104 of the bag article. In one embodiment, the lateral support 232 is a second protrusion The flange 230 may be terminated. In another embodiment, the lateral support 232 may be terminated at its inner edge.

[0035] As explained above, FirstThe peripheral rim 210 may have an outer wall 224. The recess 220 may be defined by a wall 236 extending inward from the outer wall 224. In such an embodiment, the wall 236 can define the bottom of the recess 220. This wall further extends toward the joint, defining an inner wall 234 of the recess. This inner wall 234 of the recess is Second The thickness may be increased to support the protruding flange, or intersecting internal ribs may be provided to increase the support capacity. The recessed inner wall 234 may further change direction inward to define the lateral support 232. As described above, in some embodiments, the second protrusion The flange 230 may extend from the lateral support 232. The outer wall 224 may include an end 225 suitable for facing or engaging with the opposing rim surface 255. The end 225 is opposite rim A portion of the wall 224 with increased thickness may be formed to engage with the surface 255. As described above, with this configuration, the rim surface 255 receives the outer wall 224, First From the outer wall 224 of the peripheral rim 210 Second The peripheral rim 250 forms a substantially smooth contour towards the outer wall 203, Second Shell 110 and First 120 can be closed.

[0036] In some embodiments, First The peripheral rim 210 further includes a seal 290. In one example, a recess 220 may receive the seal 290 along its bottom 236. In this way the bag article 100 is closed and the recess 220 First When receiving the protruding flange 260, First The protruding flange 260 engages with the sealant 290. Second Shell 110 and First A sealed engagement is formed between the shell 120 and the recess 220. First The slot may be less than three times or less than twice the thickness of the protruding flange 260. Preferably, the width of the slot of the recess 220 is First In order to allow tolerances while easily accommodating the protruding flange 260, First It is slightly wider than the width of the protruding flange 260. The sealant 290 may be of any suitable dimensions. For example, the sealant is First The dimensions of the sealant may be the same as or greater than the thickness of the protruding flange 260, and the same as or less than the width of the slot of the recess 220. The sealant may be made of any suitable material. For example, the sealant may be silicone, rubber, polymer, or composite material.

[0037] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, First The peripheral rim 210 includes, in addition to the lateral support 232 that defines the inwardly facing flange as described above, First It may have a second parallel flange 222 extending from the peripheral rim 210 toward the interior 104 of the bag article 100. A lateral support 232 (first flange) and a second extending toward the interior Flange 222 teeth, First A groove opening toward the interior of the shell 110 may be defined. In some embodiments, the groove is First periphery rim 210 It extends along only a portion of it. For example, the groove extends from recess 154a to recess 154b (see Figure 2). In other embodiments, the groove is substantially First The groove extends along the entire peripheral rim 210. The groove may include ribs that extend across the groove and support the space between the lateral support 232 and the flange 222.

[0038] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the second protruding flange 230 may be defined by a suitable projection that engages with or otherwise is configured to engage with the inner portion of the opposing rim. For example, the opposing rim Second Peripheral rim 250 In that case, Second The protruding flange 230 is a lateral support. 263 They may extend beyond the inner end and be configured to engage with it. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the opposing rims SecondIn the case of a peripheral rim 250, the protruding flange 230 may extend beyond the inner end 267 of the rim surface 266 and be configured to engage with it. In this specification, Second It has been explained and understood that the protruding flange 230 may extend from a rim having a recess or from a rim having another flange, whereas in the following explanation, it will be described as extending from a rim having a recess. Second The protruding flange 230 is mentioned, but this is merely an example, and each example and embodiment is understood to be applicable to any configuration unless otherwise noted.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the second protruding flange 230 faces the opposing shell (shown in Figure 5B). Second The rim 250 and, specifically, the end portion 267 (as shown in the figure), define an outward-facing surface 231 that is near and abuts against it. Preferably, the second protruding flange 230 forms the innermost portion of either peripheral rim (relative to the bag article 100 and its interior 104). Specifically, the second protruding flange 230 may be cantilevered toward the interior 104 itself. For example, the second protruding flange 230 may be free from engaging with any other recess, slot, groove, or other structure. By positioning the second protruding flange 230 as the innermost flange, the second protruding flange 230 can be engaged with the entire structure of the opposing rim. This is beneficial in resisting the bag article's tendency to break, as the second protruding flange 230 can transmit the force that would cause breakage across the entire edge of the opposing rim, promoting the distribution of the force and reducing the tendency to break.

[0040] The second protruding flange 230 helps reduce the tendency of the bag item 100 to break, but the second protruding flange 230 may be limited to extending from a small portion of the peripheral rim or along a specific selected area of ​​the peripheral rim. For example, the second protruding flange 230 may extend from the peripheral rim surface or support flange (e.g., lateral support 232) near the area where the handle is located. In one example, the second protruding flange 230 extends from the lateral support 232 near the handles 140a and 140b, providing additional rigidity and support to these areas, preventing the two abutting shells 110, 120 from breaking and opening at the seam. The handle is under load at these locations, and therefore forces that cause breakage tend to concentrate in these areas. By positioning the second protruding flange 230 near these areas, these forces can be distributed, and the presence or influence of the additional flange on the function of closing and using the bag item can be minimized. A second protruding flange 230 may not be present on the peripheral rim at a position away from the handle. The second protruding flange 230 may be located on the peripheral rim associated with the shell having a lift handle (e.g., 140a, 140b). In this way, the force from the handle is applied to the flange that forms part of the same shell and peripheral rim. For example, as shown in Figure 2, First The shell 120 includes lift handles 140a, 140b and a second protruding flange 230. However, in other embodiments, it is understood that the second protruding flange 230 may be positioned along a portion of the rim other than the position close to the handle. For example, the second protruding flange 230 is First It may extend along the entire peripheral rim. In another example, the second protruding flange 230 may extend along the length of the top surface, bottom surface, and side surface. In various examples, the second protruding flange 230 is First They may be arranged along multiple individually selected areas of the peripheral rim.

[0041] In embodiments where the second protruding flange 230 is positioned on the second peripheral rim 250, the second protruding flange 230 protrudes generally perpendicularly from the lateral support 232. The second protruding flange 230 is designed to withstand outward forces that increase the tendency to break. First The lateral support 232 engages with, or otherwise interferes with, the inner portion of the peripheral rim 210. First periphery It may extend inward toward the rim 210.

[0042] The second protruding flange 230 First In embodiments positioned on the peripheral rim 210, the first and second protruding flanges 230, 260 extend generally perpendicularly from the lateral support 263. The second protruding flange 230 is designed to withstand outward forces that increase the tendency to break. Second The lateral support 263 engages with, or otherwise interferes with, the inner portion of the peripheral rim 250. Second It may extend inward toward the periphery rim 250.

[0043] In some embodiments, the second protruding flange 230 protrudes along a portion of the region midpoint of the long side of the peripheral rim. Additionally or alternatively, the second protruding flange 230 protrudes along a portion of the region midpoint of the short side of the peripheral rim. In some embodiments, these may be handle locations, but these are also locations where force-induced strain is greatest and can lead to breakage. Therefore, with or without handles, it is beneficial to provide additional support at these locations with the second protruding flange 230.

[0044] As shown in Figures 4A-4C, one or both of the peripheral rims may have one or more individual projections 240 extending therefrom. Additionally, opposing peripheral rims may include recesses 270 positioned such as to accommodate the individual projections 240. In some embodiments, the projections 240 are defined as separate areas of the second protruding flange 230. In other embodiments, the projections 240 may form a portion of the second protruding flange 230 (e.g., structurally thicker). In other embodiments, the projections 240 are separate and independent elements from the second protruding flange 230. The projections 240 may include a structure defining the thickness of the outer portion 241 to portion 242, which is thicker than the wall thickness of the first protruding flange 260 or the width of the recess 220. For example, the thickness of the projection 240 may range from 1 / 10 of the length of the projection 240 along the rim to the same thickness as the length of the projection 240 along the rim. However, it should be understood that in this specification, larger or smaller thicknesses are assumed. In another example, the thickness of projection 240 may be greater than the thickness of the second protruding flange 230.

[0045] The projection 240 may be configured to engage with a corresponding recess 270 on the other peripheral shell in a region of at least one of the locking mechanism or handle on each shell. Thus, the recess 270 may include a shape and dimensions that firmly receive the projection 240. In various embodiments, these projections may be located near the locking mechanism or handle. This structure further interlocks the shells in the region of the locking mechanism or handle when the shells are fitted together, improving impact resistance and breakage resistance.

[0046] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4C, the projection 240 may be continuous with and form part of a second protruding flange 230. In such embodiments, the projection 240 may engage with an opposing recess 270, and the second protruding flange 230 may remain inside the opposing peripheral rim. Such a structure may be suitable for a handle position that includes a latch in the same location, as shown. However, in other positions, such as those shown in Figures 4A and 4B, where there is a latch but no handle, the projection may exist without the second protruding flange 230.

[0047] The bag item 100 shown in Figure 1 is an upright, spinner hard case, but may be any type of bag item including a spinner soft case, container, or other suitable item having a seam 200 and opposing sides that can be closed, with an engaging rim along the seam 200 on the closed sides. The seam 200 is 2nd The shell part 110 and 1 It extends between the shell portion 120 and may extend across the top, bottom, front, and back surfaces of each shell of the bag item 100. In one example, the seam 200 is major It extends in a linear manner substantially parallel to panels 111 and 121. In other examples, the seam 200 may extend in any one or more ways in any way that is appropriate to close the opposing shells. In further examples, the seam 200 may be curved (once or more times), change direction abruptly, form a sawtooth shape, or extend at a certain angle to the surface of the bag article 100 through which the seam 200 does not pass.

[0048] Referring at least to Figures 1-3, the bag item 100 can be moved between a closed configuration (see Figures 1, 4A, and 4C) and an open configuration. In the closed configuration, Second shell portion 110 and 1The shell portions 120 may be arranged adjacent to each other to form a seam 200, in one example, the peripheral rims 210, 250 of the seam 200 engage to accommodate the user's belongings in the internal storage space 104 of the bag article 100. In one example, each peripheral rim 210, 250 may have a shape corresponding to the other along at least a portion of its periphery, and may fit together to form a corresponding overlapping or interlocking structure. The corresponding shape may extend along the entire length of the peripheral rims 210, 250, or along a portion of each rim 210, 250, or may vary in shape, dimensions, or other features along multiple portions of the rims 210, 250.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2, the hinge 160 is attached to the first shell portion 120 and the second shell part 110 Between, for example, the first and second shell parts 120、110 of front panel 122、112 It may be defined at the top, or at least along a portion of the seam 200. The hinge 160 may include a variety of configurations designed to allow for optional placement, for example in one example, the first shell portion 120 to the second shell part 110 This is achieved by rotating the hinge 160 around its axis from a fully closed position to a fully open position. For example, the hinge 160 may be defined by the opposing edges of the rear sides 113, 123 along their respective lengths or along a portion of their respective lengths. The hinge 160 is the first shell portion 120 of First The other hinge 160 may be connected to the peripheral rim 210, and the other hinge 160 is connected to the second shell portion. 110 The hinge 160 may be connected to the peripheral rim 250. The hinge 160 may be connected to each peripheral rim 210, 250 directly or indirectly via one or more intermediate elements. In some examples, depending on the particular application, the hinge 160 may be any number or any combination of fabric pieces, rubber pieces, piano hinges, integral hinges, spaced-out individual hinges, fastener structures, articulating joints of elastomer material, or the first shell portion120 and the second shell part 110 It may include other suitable structures that enable relative motion between the two. Such relative motion may include simple rotation around a fixed pivot axis, or it may include rotation around the pivot axis in combination with translational motion or other relative motion.

[0050] Referring to Figures 1-4, the bag item 100 may include one or more support members 170 that support the bag item 100 against a support surface (e.g., the ground). The support members 170 may be legs, fixed wheel assemblies, movable wheel assemblies, or any combination thereof, and may be associated with any suitable panel of the housing 102, for example, connected to the bottom sides 115, 125 in at least one example. As shown, the bag item 100 may include four support members 170. In such an example, the bag item 100 is a first shell portion 120 and the second shell portion 110 It may include support members 170 connected in pairs. When moving the bag item 100 on the support surface, the user may tilt it by applying weight to two of the support members 170.

[0051] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the pull handle 130 may be movable between a retracted position (Figure 2) and an extended position. As shown in Figure 2, in the retracted position, the handle of the pull handle 130 may be positioned near or adjacent to the housing 102, and may be at least partially retracted into or towards the housing 102. Retracting the pull handle 130 to the retracted position can reduce the overall external dimensions of the bag item 100. For example, moving the pull handle 130 to the retracted position reduces the overall dimensions of the bag item 100, making it easier to store and / or place the bag item 100 in a relatively small space. By extending the pull handle 130 to the extended position, the user can move the support surface of the bag item 100 as desired. For example, by operating the pull handle 130, the user can push, pull, rotate, tilt, or otherwise manipulate the bag item 100 on the support surface.

[0052] Referring to Figures 1-4C, the bag item 100 is the first shell part 120 and the second shell part 110 It may include a closing mechanism 150 that tightens by selection. The closing mechanism 150 is the first shell portion 120 , second shell part 110 The first shell portion engages with each of them, allowing the bag item 100 to be opened and closed by selection. 120 and the second shell part 110 The closing mechanism 150 may be located along or adjacent to the seam 200 between the two. The closing mechanism 150 may be individual mechanisms such as latches 150a or 150b, or it may be a continuous closing mechanism such as a fastener located along at least a portion of the length of the seam 200.

[0053] In the open configuration, the closing mechanism 150 is the first shell portion 120 and the second shell portion 110However, the engagement is released along the length of the seam 200 so that it can pivot relative to each other by any amount from partially open to fully open. In one example where the closing mechanism is a fastener, the closing mechanism disengages along the entire front side 112, 122, upper side 114, 124, and bottom side 115, 125. This disengages the first and second shell parts. 120 , 110 These are made able to move relative to each other around the hinge 160. In the closed configuration, the closing mechanism 150 engages along at least a portion of the length of the joint 200 and the first shell portion 120 and the second shell portion 110 It restricts the relative motion.

[0054] According to various examples, one or more latches 150a or 150b may be spaced apart along the joint 200. As shown in Figure 2, the closing mechanism 150 is First It may include a separate, standalone latch 150b located on the front side 122 of the shell 120. In this way, the closing mechanism 150 may be located on the large face opposite the hinge 160. Additionally or alternatively, in various examples, the closing mechanism 150 is: First The closing mechanism 150 may include a separate, standalone latch 150a located on the upper side 124 of the shell 120. In this way, the closing mechanism 150 may be additionally or alternatively located on a large surface other than the opposite side of the hinge 160.

[0055] In some examples, the closing mechanism 150 may be located in one or more recesses 152, 154 defined in the front side surfaces 112, 122 of the housing 102. More specifically, in the first and second shell portions 120 , 110 When they are joined, the recessed portions 152 and 154 merge to define a recess 156, and the recessed portion 152 is along the joint 200 of the first and second shell portions 120 , 110 It may be defined as both. When the bag item 100 is closed, Closure mechanism 150 is the first and second shell parts 120 , 110 The recessed part 154 ,152 It may be placed inside. When the bag item 100 is open, the closing mechanism 150 disengages, and at least partially the first and second shell parts 120 , 110 One of the recessed parts 154 , 152 It is placed inside. In such an example, when the bag item 100 is closed, the closing mechanism 150 is located inside the first and second shell parts. 120 , 110 The first and second shell parts are fastened together. 120 , 110 The other recessed part 154 , 152 It may extend into the first shell portion. In some examples, when the bag item 100 is open, the multiple parts of the closing mechanism 150 are separated, and at least one part of the closing mechanism 150 is the first shell portion. 120 The recessed part 154 Located within, Closure mechanism 150 at least one other part is the second shell part 110 The recessed part 152 It may be located inside. When the bag item 100 is closed, Closure mechanism 150 parts combine to form the first and second shell parts. 120 , 110 It may be locked. In some examples, the recess 156 is positioned when the bag article 100 is in a closed configuration. Closure mechanism 150 may be configured to be generally on the same plane as the outer surface of the housing 102, below it, or slightly above it. Closure mechanism The risk of the 150 getting caught or snagged on something during shipping is reduced. Closure mechanism The fastening portion 150 is connected to one of the shells, such as the shell 120 shown in the diagram. Closure mechanism The receiving portion 150 may be molded integrally with the other shell, such as the shell 110 shown in the illustration. Both the fastener and the receiving portion may be placed in the recess 156, with the receiving portion positioned in the recess 152.

[0056] The bag article 100 may be formed from a variety of materials and by various means. For example, the casing 102 may be formed from (self-reinforced or fiber-reinforced) thermoplastic material, ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, biaxially oriented polypropylene, and / or PTFE. In some examples, the pull handle 232 may be extruded from aluminum or other similar metals. Furthermore, the casing 102 may be formed from fiber-reinforced epoxy, resin, or other similar material. The bag article may be formed or molded by any suitable method such as plug molding, blow molding, injection molding, extrusion molding, or pouring. As described above, the bag article may be formed from soft side material and / or hard side material. Exemplary materials are shown above.

[0057] All relative and directional references (including up, down, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, side, above, below, front, middle, back, vertical, horizontal, etc.) are provided as examples to aid the reader's understanding of the specific examples described herein. These should not be understood as requirements or limitations, particularly regarding position, direction, or use, unless specifically stated in the claims. References to connections (e.g., attached, joined, connected, joined, etc.) should be interpreted broadly and include cases where there are intermediate members between connected elements or relative motion between elements. Therefore, references to connections do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship with one another unless specifically stated in the claims. Any suitable form of manufacturing method can be used to form the various structures described herein. For example, each of the peripheral rim structures, including flanges, slots, or other elements, can all be integrally molded (as part of a shell or frame). While injection-molded bags may be a preferred embodiment, it should be noted that other suitable methods for manufacturing, molding, and constructing bags may also be used. For example, the bag may be a press-molded case, a case with a frame that separates, a case with soft sides, and so on.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will understand that the examples disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Therefore, matters included in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted illustratively and not restrictively. The claims are intended to encompass all general and specific elements described herein, as well as all statements of scope of the Method and System. Note that, in terms of terminology, the terms Method and System may fall somewhere in between.

Claims

1. A bag case comprising a first shell connected to a second shell by a hinge, The first shell and the second shell have a first peripheral rim and a second peripheral rim, respectively, which abut each other in a closed configuration. The first peripheral rim includes a slot-shaped recess, The second peripheral rim includes a first protruding flange that engages within the recess when the first shell and the second shell are in the closed configuration. At least one of the first shell and the second shell is provided with a second protruding flange, the second protruding flange protruding beyond the peripheral rim of the other of the opposing first and second shells and configured to engage with the peripheral rim of the other of the opposing first and second shells on the inside of the bag case. A bag case in which the first shell comprises the second protruding flange, the second protruding flange extending beyond the lateral surface of the second peripheral rim of the second shell and engaging from the inside with the tip of the lateral surface, the lateral surface being a flange extending from the second peripheral rim of the second shell into the interior of the bag case.

2. The bag case according to claim 1, wherein the first protruding flange extends along more than half of the second peripheral rim.

3. The bag case according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second protruding flange protrudes along only a portion of the first peripheral rim.

4. The bag case according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second protruding flange protrudes along a portion of the region of the midpoint of the long side of the first peripheral rim.

5. The bag case according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second protruding flange protrudes along a portion of the first peripheral rim close to the carry handle of the bag case.

6. The bag case according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second protruding flange is positioned and protrudes further inward relative to the bag case than the first protruding flange.

7. The bag case according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second protruding flange is close to a lateral surface flange extending laterally inward from the second peripheral rim of the second shell and includes an outward-facing surface facing the lateral surface flange.

8. The bag case according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second protruding flange includes an outward-facing surface that is close to the second peripheral rim of the opposing second shell and abuts against the second peripheral rim of the second shell.

9. The bag case according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first peripheral rim and the second peripheral rim each include a lateral surface from which the first protruding flange and the second protruding flange generally protrude vertically.

10. The bag case according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first peripheral rim includes a lateral surface on which the recess is formed, and the lateral surface is generally parallel to and opposite the lateral surface formed on the second peripheral rim when the bag is closed.

11. The bag case according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first peripheral rim includes a sealant positioned at the bottom of the recess and configured to abut against the end of the first protruding flange when the bag is closed.

12. The bag case according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first peripheral rim or the second peripheral rim comprises individual projections extending from the first peripheral rim or the second peripheral rim, the individual projections being configured to engage with recesses defined in at least one region of a locking mechanism or handle in the first shell and the other of the second shell, the recesses corresponding to the individual projections.

13. The bag case according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second peripheral rim includes at least two generally parallel flanges, the flanges extending inward from the second peripheral rim, along the second peripheral rim, and opening inward toward the interior of the second shell.

14. The bag case according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first peripheral rim includes at least two generally parallel flanges, the flanges extending inward from the first peripheral rim, along the first peripheral rim, and opening toward the interior of the first shell.

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