Apparatus to Reinforce the Frame of Luggage

This invention pertains to carrying cases, and more particularly, to attache cases, briefcases or suitcases in which large vertical loads are placed on the upper top wall structure of the case by the handle when the case is heavily loaded. In addition, the invention pertains to the technique by which the locking mechanism is connected to the case.

A problem with conventional carrying cases is that the beam strength of the top walls of the carrying case when the halves are closed and locked together can be exceeded by heavy loads in the case. This will deform the top walls, making the halves of the case not close smoothly together. This is normally solved by fattening the frame to provide needed top wall strength. The current technology forces this frame fattening to go all around the case, adding weight but over-strengthening the side walls (where there is little stress) and bottom walls (which are usually reinforced with wood).

A second problem with conventional carrying cases is that the locking mechanism generally protrudes into the interior of the carrying case so that it forms an obstruction to the contents being carried in the case. The locking mechanism also passes through an opening cut into the top frame of the case, weakening the frame.

It is an object of this invention to provide a frame for the top walls of a carrying case which gives considerable increased beam strength to the upper walls only for supporting heavier loads within the case, without adding unnecessary weight to the side and bottom walls.

It is another object of this invention to provide a support frame for the top wall of a carrying case in which the locking mechanism is housed completely outside of the case so that it is not exposed to the interior of the case nor requires the frame have a large opening to receive the locking mechanism.

Basically, the first objective is achieved by connecting a doubler channel to the support frame of the top wall of the fixed half of the case. The doubler channel has a substantial, vertical cross section to increase the beam strength of the support frame near the handle, where the carrying loads are applied. The doubler channel is preferably snapped into mating recesses in the support frame for ease of assembly. Preferably, the ends of the doubler channel are concealed and held by the cover closures or latch mechanism on the top wall. The increased cross section near the handle advantageously allows the remainder of the top support frame to be made lighter, if desired.

The doubler channel may be used with a lock, such as a combination or key lock, although simpler closures, such as latches without a lock, may also be used. The interengaging latch members of the top wall of the movable case half will interengage with the lock of the latch mechanism on the top wall of the fixed case half.

If a lock is used, the lock is outside of the support frame so that the lock does not protrude into the interior of the case or require that a large hole be cut in the support frame.

FIG. 1 is an isometric of a typical carrying case embodying the principles of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary isometric of the top portion of the carrying case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary transverse section taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 1.

The carrying case 10 is provided with a fixed case half 12 and a movable case half or cover 14. Both case halves have side walls 15, end walls 16, and bottom walls 17. The fixed case half is provided with a top wall 18. The movable case half is provided with a top wall 19. A carrying handle 20 is pivotally secured to the top wall 18.

The fixed case half 12 is provided with a closure frame, or support frame, 22 having an inner recess 24 formed by protruding ledges 25. The support frame has an outer recess 26 formed by protruding ledges 28 and a central web 62. The support frame has a groove 30 formed from bendable legs 32. These legs have hooks 33. During assembly, the legs 32 are bent by rolling them into the position shown in FIG. 3, with the hooks digging into and permanently securing the top wall 18 to the closure frame. The opposite side of the closure frame has a groove 34. This groove is smooth and receives a tongue 36 that is crimped and permanently secured to the top wall 19 of the movable case half 14.

A unique doubler channel 50 is provided with a substantial vertical cross section terminating downwardly at a pair of legs 52 having hooks 53. The legs 52 can elastically deform slightly so that the doubler channel can be pressed into the recess 26 in the closure frame, thus snapping and locking into place. The substantial vertical cross section gives beam strength to the top wall of the carrying case.

The support frame is provided with closures or latch mechanisms 72 and 74. The latch mechanisms each have a flat plate 40 that spans between and is integral with opposite end frames 42 that are integrally joined to an upper latch or closure frame 43. Screws 41 secure the flat plate and thus the latch mechanism to the support frame 22.

The latch mechanisms overlap the ends of the doubler channel 50 and thus help to anchor the channel against end and upward movement. The latch mechanisms also conceal the ends of the doubler channel as best shown in FIG. 2. The latch mechanisms may have locks, if desired. The locks can be a key, or preferably a combination tumbler 66 as shown. The locks are well known in the art, the details of which need not be described for an understanding of the invention. It is important, however, that the latch mechanism and the locks are housed completely outside of the support frame 22. The recess 26 allows the lock to be surface-mounted without a large penetration of the frame. This allows the area within the case to be unobstructed for holding larger objects. As is thus shown in FIG. 3, the locking combination tumblers 66 of the lock do not protrude into the interior of the case. Furthermore, since neither the latch mechanism nor the lock passes through the support frame, the structural integrity of the support frame is not weakened. (The screws that hold the latch mechanism are an insubstantial penetration of the support frame).

The doubler channel is preferably covered by a plastic filler 80 for appearance. The filler is heat-staked to the channel in a conventional manner. As best shown in FIG. 2, the latch mechanisms 72 and 74 are each provided with a slider 75 fitted into the support frame 22. The slider has movement for unlatching the latch mechanism, with the movement preferably limited to a lengthwise extent which is less than the overlap of the ends of the doubler channel so that the doubler channel is not exposed even when the slider is shifted.

While one latch mechanism with a lock is illustrated for purposes of description, it should be understood that conventional non-locking latch mechanisms may be provided.

As is readily apparent, no screws or bolts are used in the connection of the support frame 22 or the doubler channel to the carrying case. This greatly facilitates the speed and ease of assembly, thus reducing manufacturing costs. The doubler channel greatly increases the beam strength of the top walls of the carrying case. The doubler channel uniquely houses the latch mechanism outside of the interior of the carrying case.

While the detailed embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it should be apparent that variations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited to the specific illustration shown in the drawing.