Abstract:
Accordingly an aspect of the present invention provides a frame structure for a soft sided luggage case comprising a frame that can be thermoformed from a single piece of thermoplastic material and folded into a final form to provide structure for a soft sided luggage case. Conveniently, combinations of a base and at least one side portions of the bag can hingeably connected with living hinges to provide easy and fast assembly while permitting more efficient stacking for packing and shipping. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a frame for a soft sided luggage case. The frame includes a base portion having a perimeter.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This disclosure relates generally to soft sided luggage, and particularly to frames that can be formed from generally flat, unitary materials and folded to quickly and easily define an interior volume and provide a stable structure for soft sided luggage. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Hard sided luggage cases have existed for many years, but they tend to be heavy, and can dent or crack if dealt a hard blow. As a result, soft sided luggage cases have become more popular over recent years because they offer good durability, reasonable protection, and often have expandable packing chambers. They typically come with wheels and pull straps and because of their reduced weight relative to hard luggage cases, they usually glide successfully through airports and on hotel carpets. 
         [0003]    While soft sided luggage has numerous advantages compared to hard sided luggage, in order for the contents of the luggage to be protected, and to ensure that the luggage does not excessively deform when lifted or transported, it is advantageous to incorporate a frame inside the soft sided luggage. The frame acts to support the sides of the luggage in both a loaded and unloaded state. 
         [0004]    Various approaches have been taken to constructing frames, but they involve relatively complex designs incorporating numerous components. This increases manufacturing complexity and costs for materials (design, manufacture and handling) and the labor required to assemble and install the frame. Alternate designs that employ rigid box structures as a frame are inflexible, necessitate strict production tolerances on fabric shells, and are expensive to store and ship due to their fixed volume. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0005]    Accordingly an aspect of the present disclosure provides a frame structure for a soft sided luggage case comprising a frame that can be thermoformed from a single piece of thermoplastic material and folded into a final form to provide structure for a soft sided luggage case. 
         [0006]    Conveniently, combinations of a base and at least one side portions of the bag can hingeably connected with living hinges to provide easy and fast assemble while permitting more efficient stacking for packing and shipping. 
         [0007]    In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a frame for a soft sided luggage case. The frame includes a base portion having a perimeter. The frame further includes a side portion connected to the perimeter of the base portion. The base portion and the side portion are formed from a single piece of material. The side portion is movable from a first position to a second position supporting a wall of the luggage case. 
         [0008]    The side portion may be connected to the base portion with a hinge. 
         [0009]    The hinge may be a living hinge. 
         [0010]    The single piece of material may be a thermoplastic. 
         [0011]    The single piece of material may include apertures for weight reduction of the luggage case. 
         [0012]    The frame may further include bracing disposed at least one of the base portion or the side portion. The bracing may be for providing additional support. 
         [0013]    The bracing may be formed from the single piece of material. 
         [0014]    The side portion may include a flare for stretching the fabric. 
         [0015]    The frame may further include a second side portion connected to the perimeter of the base portion. The second side portion may be movable from a first position to a second position. 
         [0016]    The first side portion may be configured to support the wall of the luggage case. The second side portion may also be configured to support a second wall of the luggage case. 
         [0017]    The first side portion may include a first L-shaped edge and the second side portion may include a second L-shaped edge. The first L-shaped edge may be configured to cooperate with the second L-shaped edge when the first side portion is in the second position and the second side portion is in the second position. 
         [0018]    In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a frame for a soft sided luggage case. The frame includes a base portion having a perimeter. The frame further includes a side portion connected to the perimeter of the base portion. The base portion and the side portion are integrally formed. 
         [0019]    The base portion and the side portion may be formed using a thermoforming process. 
         [0020]    The side portion may be connected to the base portion with a hinge. 
         [0021]    The hinge may be a living hinge. 
         [0022]    The frame may further include bracing disposed at least one of the base portion or the side portion. The bracing may be for providing additional support. 
         [0023]    The bracing may be formed from the single piece of material. 
         [0024]    The single piece of material may include apertures for weight reduction of the luggage case. 
         [0025]    The side portion may include a flare for stretching the fabric. 
         [0026]    The frame may further include a second side portion connected to the perimeter of the base portion. The second side portion may be movable from a first position to a second position. 
         [0027]    The first side portion may be configured to support the wall of the luggage case and the second side portion may be configured to support a second wall of the luggage case. 
         [0028]    The first side portion may include a first L-shaped edge and the second side portion may include a second L-shaped edge. The first L-shaped edge may be configured to cooperate with the second L-shaped edge when the first side portion is in the second position and the second side portion is in the second position. 
         [0029]    In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a luggage case. The luggage case includes a base. The luggage case further includes a frame connected to the base. The frame has a base portion and a side portion connected to the base portion. The base portion and the side portion are formed using a thermoforming process. The luggage case also includes a soft covering disposed over the frame. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    Luggage and luggage frames are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings, which are meant to be illustrative and not limiting, and in which like references are intended to refer to like or corresponding parts, and in which: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an illustrative frame showing a base portion and three side portions in an unfolded state. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  in an unfolded state. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  in an unfolded state. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  a side elevation view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  in an unfolded state. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  showing one side portion in a folded state. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  showing two side portions in a folded state. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a front elevation view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  in a folded state. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a side elevation view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  in a folded state. 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  in a folded state. 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  showing a base portion and three side portions in a folded state. 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  showing a base portion and three side portions in a folded state. 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  showing a base portion and three side portions in a folded state, a base, and a plurality of wheel assemblies. 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  showing a base portion and three side portions in a folded state, a base, and a plurality of wheel assemblies. 
           [0044]      FIG. 14  is a front elevation view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  showing a base portion and three side portions in a folded state, a base, and a plurality of wheel assemblies. 
           [0045]      FIG. 15  is a side elevation view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  showing a base portion and three side portions in a folded state, a base, and a plurality of wheel assemblies. 
           [0046]      FIG. 16  is a plan view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  showing a base portion and three side portions in a folded state, a base, and a plurality of wheel assemblies. 
           [0047]      FIG. 17  is a partial perspective view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  showing a base portion, one side portion in a folded state, a base, and a plurality of wheel assemblies. 
           [0048]      FIG. 18  is a partial plan view of a living hinge of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 19  is a partial perspective view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  showing a base portion and two side portions in a folded state, and an L-beam flange connecting one side portion with the second side portion. 
           [0050]      FIG. 20  is a front perspective view of the illustrative frame shown in  FIG. 1  showing a base portion and three side portions in a folded state, a base, and a plurality of wheel assemblies, and a partial view of a soft cover connected to the frame. 
           [0051]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of another illustrative frame showing a base portion and three side portions in an unfolded state. 
           [0052]      FIG. 22  is a right side view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 23  is a front view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 24  is a left side view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 25  is a rear view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 26  is a top view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 27  is a bottom view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of another illustrative frame showing a base portion and three side portions in an unfolded state. 
           [0059]      FIG. 29  is a right side view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0060]      FIG. 30  is a front view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0061]      FIG. 31  is a left side view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 32  is a rear view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0063]      FIG. 33  is a top view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0064]      FIG. 34  is a bottom view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0065]      FIG. 35  is a perspective view of another illustrative frame showing a base portion and three side portions in an unfolded state. 
           [0066]      FIG. 36  is a right side view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 35 . 
           [0067]      FIG. 37  is a front view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 35 . 
           [0068]      FIG. 38  is a left side view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 35 . 
           [0069]      FIG. 39  is a rear view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 35 . 
           [0070]      FIG. 40  is a top view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 35 . 
           [0071]      FIG. 41  is a bottom view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 35 . 
           [0072]      FIG. 42  is a perspective view of another illustrative frame showing a base portion and three side portions in an unfolded state. 
           [0073]      FIG. 43  is a right side view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 42 . 
           [0074]      FIG. 44  is a front view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 42 . 
           [0075]      FIG. 45  is a left side view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 42 . 
           [0076]      FIG. 46  is a rear view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 42 . 
           [0077]      FIG. 47  is a top view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 42 . 
           [0078]      FIG. 48  is a bottom view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 42 . 
           [0079]      FIG. 49  is a perspective view of another illustrative frame showing a base portion and three side portions in an unfolded state. 
           [0080]      FIG. 50  is a right side view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 49 . 
           [0081]      FIG. 51  is a front view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 49 . 
           [0082]      FIG. 52  is a left side view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 49 . 
           [0083]      FIG. 53  is a rear view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 49 . 
           [0084]      FIG. 54  is a top view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 49 . 
           [0085]      FIG. 55  is a bottom view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 49 . 
           [0086]      FIG. 56  is a perspective view of another illustrative frame showing a base portion and three side portions in an unfolded state. 
           [0087]      FIG. 57  is a right side view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0088]      FIG. 58  is a front view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0089]      FIG. 59  is a left side view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0090]      FIG. 60  is a rear view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0091]      FIG. 61  is a top view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0092]      FIG. 62  is a bottom view of the frame in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 56 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0093]    In describing the components of the frame and alternative versions, or embodiments, of some of these components, the same reference number can be used for elements that are the same as, or similar to, elements described in other versions or embodiments. 
         [0094]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , a non-limiting example of a frame according to the present disclosure is illustrated generally at  10 . The frame  10  comprises a first portion  12  (also referred to as a base portion), at least one second portion (also referred to as a side portion). In the illustrated embodiment, three second portions (also referred to as flap portions)  14   a - c  are shown. (Collectively, side portion  14 , and generically, side portion  14 . This nomenclature is used elsewhere herein.) In some embodiments, the luggage case can include more or less than three side portions  14 . In the illustrative embodiment, the base portion  12  is illustrated as what can be described conventionally as the “back” of the luggage case, but it will be understood that the orientation of the base portion  12  in this manner is to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and not intended to be a limitation. Accordingly, the base portion  12  can be oriented towards one or more of any facet of the luggage case, including those conventionally described as “top”, “bottom” or “side”. It will also be appreciated that the shapes of the base portion  12  and side portions  14  can be chosen to accommodate the desired design of the luggage case. 
         [0095]    The base portion  12  or side portions  14  can be solid or they can contain apertures  30  that can be incorporated to reduce material and weight of the frame  10  without significantly reducing or sacrificing structural integrity. The base portion  12  and side portions  14  can also be formed to include additional structural features such as tube mounts  40  configured to accept typical down tubes for extendable handles, tube protectors  42 , an extendable handle mount receptacle  44 , fixed handle mounts  46 , or various forms of bracing  48  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 4 . It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that the additional structural features are optional and that in other embodiments, the frame  10  can be modified to include various combinations of the additional features or omit these additional features. The base portion  12  and side portions  14  can be substantially planar, as illustrated by the side portions  14   a  and  14   b  in  FIG. 1 , or can be curved or contoured to achieve the desired shape as illustrated by the side portion  14   c  in the same figure. 
         [0096]    The base portion  12  has a perimeter  20  to which the at least one side portion  14  is hingeably affixed. The manner by which the base portion  12  and the at least one side portion  14  are hingeably affixed is not particularly limited. For example, the hinge construction can involve using a living hinge. As another example, the hinge construction can also include a barrel hinge. 
         [0097]    Furthermore, although the present embodiment includes a unitary frame, variations are contemplated. For example, in other embodiments, the frame can be modified to be formed from separate base and side portions. It is to be appreciated that when the side portions are separate pieces, the side portions  14  can be connected fixedly or hingeably to the base portion  12  upon assembly of the luggage case. It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that fixedly attaching the side portion  14  to the base portion  12  provides further rigidity for the luggage case. Alternatively, hingeably affixing the side portion  14  to the base portion  12  can provide greater flexibility for both the assembled case and the assembly process. 
         [0098]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , there are three side portions  14   a - c  connected to the perimeter  20  of the base portion  12 . In the present embodiment, the at least one side portion  14  is hingeably affixed to the base portion  12 , by living hinges  22 , but those skilled in the art will recognize that the side portions  14  can be rearranged, attached or connected by other mounting methods. 
         [0099]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , there is shown the frame  10  in varying states of assembly, showing one and then a second of the illustrated three side portions  14  moved about their hinged attachment to the perimeter  20  of the base portion  12  (ie. the living hinges  22 ).  FIG. 5  illustrates one side portion  14   a  in a first position with respect to the base portion  12 , and a side portion  14   b  in a second position with respect to the base portion  12 .  FIG. 6  illustrates two side portions  14   a  and  14   b  in a second position with respect to the base portion  12 . 
         [0100]    It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that forming the frame  10  as a generally flat article, as shown in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , allows easier stacking and shipping. This reduces expense because the luggage structure and its volume is created during final assembly by the rotation of the at least one side portion  14  of the frame  10 . When the frame  10  is assembled, it forms a stable structure to support a soft sided luggage case. 
         [0101]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7 to 11  there is illustrated a frame  10  in accordance with the present disclosure in which the three illustrated side portions  14   a - c  are in a second position. When the three side portions  14  are so oriented, they engage with each other to form a secure structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the side portion  14   c  is hingeably affixed to the base portion  12 , and is rotated to engage with the side portions  14   a  and  14   b . Referring to  FIG. 10 , when the base portion  12  and side portions  14  are oriented in this manner, a volume is defined, which can be utilized as the cargo compartment of the luggage case. 
         [0102]      FIGS. 12 to 16  illustrate a frame  10  in accordance with the present disclosure in association with other components of a typical wheeled soft sided luggage case. In particular, there is shown a base  50  including a plurality of wheel assemblies  60 , and an extendable handle mount  70  that mates with the extendable handle mount receptacle  44 . It is to be re-emphasized that the base  50  is not particularly limited and can include a wide variety of other bases or can be omitted altogether in some embodiments. For example, the frame  10  can be modified to have a fourth side portion such that the base  50  would no longer be necessary. In addition, the features of the base  50  such as the wheel assemblies  60  and the extendible handle mount  70  can be modified or omitted in some embodiments. 
         [0103]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , there shown a detail of the connection between the base  50  and the frame  10 . In one illustrative embodiment of the disclosure, the frame  10  is formed with tabs  80  for fixably engaging with the base  50 . In the illustrative embodiment, these tabs  80  are arranged on the perimeters of the base portion  12 , and two of the side portions  14  to mateably engage with the base  50 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are many methods for creating a secure engagement between these elements, including but not limited to glue, fasteners, clips or pins. In another embodiment, the base  50  can be formed as an integral portion of the frame  10  and connected to the base portion  12  along a portion of its perimeter  20  similar to the side portions  14 . 
         [0104]    Referring to  FIG. 18  there is illustrated a detail of a living hinge  22 . It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that a living hinge can provide a simple and flexible hinge mechanism. Furthermore, a deep living hinge can be used to allow for small alterations in the relative positions of the base portion  12  and side portions  14  to accommodate larger tolerances in the manufacturing of the soft components of the soft sided luggage while maintaining a fixed connection between the elements but without compromising the structural integrity of the frame when in its assembled form. This style of hinge also allows for a small amount of flexibility so that the luggage case can resiliently withstand shocks and accommodate the contents of case. 
         [0105]      FIG. 19  illustrates another structure for the interface between the side portions  14 , in this case  14   d  and  14   e , which can include structural elements to enhance the engagement between these elements to increase the structural integrity of the frame and thereby transmit any “top loads” experienced by the soft sided luggage case to the ground in a stable and efficient manner. It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that the side portions  14   d  and  14   e  are similar to the side portions  14   a  and  14   c , respectively, as described above. However, in this illustrative embodiment, the side portion  14   d  includes an L-shaped side edge  90  along at least a portion of the perimeter of the side portion  14   d , and the side portion  14   e  includes a corresponding L-shaped top edge  95  designed to cooperate with the L-shaped side edge  90  when the frame  10  is assembled to form a structure and define a volume. One will appreciate that there are other alternative mating structures and attachment means that will secure the side portions  14 . 
         [0106]      FIG. 20  partially illustrates a portion of a soft covering  98  covering the frame  10 . The soft covering  98  can comprise denier or other material typical of those used in the construction of soft sided luggage. In the present embodiment, the soft covering  98  include fabric tabs  99  to engage with the frame  10 . Apertures  30  can be specifically included in the frame  10  to permit convenient attachment points for the fabric tabs  99 . 
         [0107]    In the present embodiment, the frame  10  is molded from a single sheet of thermoplastic material. Thermoplastic, also known as a thermosoftening plastic is a polymer that turns to a liquid when heated and freezes to a rigid state when cooled sufficiently. Most thermoplastics are generally high-molecular-weight polymers whose chains associate through weak Van der Waals forces, stronger dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonding, or even stacking of aromatic rings. Many thermoplastic materials are addition polymers, for example, vinyl chain-growth polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene, or they can be productions of condensation or other forms of polyaddition polymerisation, such as the polyamides or polyester. 
         [0108]    In the present embodiment, the frame  10  is molded using a thermoforming process. Thermoforming is a manufacturing process where typically a sheet of plastic is heated close to its melt point so that it is rendered flaccid and pliable, and while in a flaccid state it is molded to assume a desired shape. The stock thermoplastic sheet is typically a planar sheet of material, perhaps extruded, with marginal portions surrounding a central portion. The central portion of the sheet is the bulk or majority portion of the sheet that is molded to form the main part of the frame  10 . Thermoplastics typically used in the thermoforming process can include polymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene (PE, high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE), polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). 
         [0109]    The thermoplastic sheet formed in this process is then introduced to a forming die, where vacuum pressure draws the soft material against the detail on the form tool. The excess material is them trimmed away to reveal the finished part. This trimming can be accomplished by any of several conventionally understood means such as computer controlled or die cut trimming. Thermoforming is a method of forming the frame  10 , but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that several equivalent manufacturing processes can be used to produce the same result. By forming the frame  10  from a single sheet of thermoplastic sheet stock, the resulting frame is less complex and costly to design, manufacture and faster to assemble, while remaining lightweight. 
         [0110]    It is to be re-emphasized that the embodiments described above are non-limiting embodiments. Notwithstanding the specific examples, it is to be understood that the frame  10  is not particularly limited to any size, shape or method of manufacture. For example, the frame can be modified to include additional features such as compartment walls, or customized recesses for holding specific articles. Similarly, the frame  10  can be modified to remove or omit features such as the apertures  30 , the tube mounts  42 , the extendible handle mount receptacle  44 , the fixed handle mounts  46 , or the various forms of bracing  48 . 
         [0111]    In general terms, the frame  10  is configured to provide a stable structure to support a soft sided luggage case. It is to be re-emphasized that the structures shown in  FIGS. 1 to 20  are non-limiting representations. Notwithstanding these specific examples, it is to be understood that other mechanically equivalent structures can be devised to perform a similar function as the frame  10 . 
         [0112]    Referring to  FIGS. 21 to 27 , another embodiment of a frame  100  is shown. The frame  100  includes a base portion  112  and a plurality of side portions  114   a ,  114   b , and  114   c . Each of the plurality of side portions  114   a ,  114   b , and  114   c  is connected to the base portion with a hinge mechanism  122  and moveable between a first position and a second position. In the present embodiment, the frame  100  is configured to form a frame about 21 inches tall. The width of the base portion  112  is about 13.9 inches. However, it is to be understood that in other embodiments, the frame  100  can be modified to have dimensions greater or less than in the present non-limiting example dependent on a desired dimension of the assembled luggage case. 
         [0113]    In the present embodiment, the base portion  112  and the plurality of side portions  114   a ,  114   b , and  114   c  can collectively or independently define a portion  130  for an aperture to reduce material and weight of the frame  100  or to allow for openings in the luggage case. Similar to the frame  10 , the base portion  112  and the plurality of side portions  114   a ,  114   b , and  114   c  can also be formed to include additional structural features such as tube protectors  142 , an extendable handle mount receptacle  144 , fixed handle mounts  146 , or various forms of bracing  148 . 
         [0114]    Each of the side portions  114   a  and  114   b  includes an L-shaped side edge  190  along at least a portion of the perimeter of the side portions  114   a  and  114   b . In addition, the side portion  114   c  includes a corresponding L-shaped top edge  195  designed to cooperate with the L-shaped side edge  190  when the frame  100  is assembled to form a structure and define a volume. In the present embodiment, the L-shaped side edge  190  further includes a flare  194 . The flare  194  stretches the soft covering  98  placed over the frame  10  to reduce any sagging or wrinkling of the soft covering  98 . It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that the tightening of the fabric by the flare  194  further adds to the rigidity of the luggage case. 
         [0115]    The frame  100  is formed with a connection mechanism  180  for fixably engaging with a base  150 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are many methods for creating a secure engagement between the frame  100  and the base  150  and that the connection mechanism  180  can be modified. For example, other connection mechanism can include but not limited to glue, fasteners, clips or pins. In another embodiment, the base  150  can be formed as an integral portion of the frame  100  and connected to the base portion  112  along a portion of its perimeter  120  similar to the plurality of side portions  114   a ,  114   b , and  114   c . Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the frame  10  is formed with round corners  192  as shown in  FIGS. 21 to 31 . It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of the specification, that the use of the rounded corners  192  helps to transfer vertical forces to horizontal forces and vice versa. 
         [0116]    In the present embodiment, the bracing  148  includes vertical and horizontal ribs. In the present embodiment, the ribs are formed during the thermoforming process at the same time as the other structural features. It is to be appreciated that the exact configuration of the bracing  148  is not particularly limited and that several variations are contemplated. For example, other embodiments can use diagonally oriented bracing  148 . In further embodiment, the bracing  148  can also be modified to be curved instead of linear. 
         [0117]    The manner by which the bracing  148  is disposed on the frame  100  is not particularly limited. For example, instead of forming the bracing from thermoforming process, the bracing  148  can be modified to be additional material attached to the frame after the thermoforming process. It is to be appreciated that the additional material is not limited and can include another type of material, such as metal, or a similar plastic to the plastic from which the frame  100  is formed. In another embodiment, the bracing  148  can be modified to be a pattern disposed onto the sheet of plastic prior to the thermoforming process. In another embodiment, the bracing  148  can be an inherently rigid portion of the frame  100  resulting from the structural property of the original plastic sheet (not shown), for example, caused by either a chemical reaction or another type of treatment process capable of locally modifying the properties of the frame  100  to create the bracing  148 . 
         [0118]    It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that by using vertical and horizontal ribs, the bracing  148  provides additional support in the horizontal and vertical directions of the luggage case. Therefore, the structural rigidity of the luggage case would be increased since most force applied to the luggage case during use would generally be in the horizontal or vertical directions as load is placed on top of the luggage case. However, it is to be appreciated that in other applications or situations where the luggage case is exposed to various load forces, the bracing  148  can be modified accordingly. 
         [0119]    All directional references (e.g., vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, above, below, and side) are used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless explicitly set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and can include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. 
         [0120]    It will be understood that the specification is illustrative of the present invention and that other embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference. While the foregoing provides certain non-limiting example embodiments, it should be understood that combinations, subsets, and variations of the foregoing are contemplated. The monopoly sought is defined by the claims. 
         [0121]    An example of a variation can include modifying the frame  100  by cutting openings and trimming various portions of the frame to reduce the weight of the frame. In addition, it is to be appreciated that by trimming the connection mechanism  180  of the frame  100 , the connection mechanism can be modified to connect to various bases. Referring to  FIGS. 28 to 34 , one such modification to the frame  100  is shown as frame  100   a . It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that the manner by which the frame  100  is modified to arrive at the frame  100   a  is not particularly limited. For example, the frame  100  can be manually cut or trimmed using a stamping press. 
         [0122]    Referring to  FIGS. 35 to 41 , another embodiment of a frame  200  is shown. The frame  200  includes a base portion  212  and a plurality of side portions  214   a ,  214   b , and  214   c . Each of the plurality of side portions  214   a ,  214   b , and  214   c  is connected to the base portion with a hinge mechanism  222  and moveable between a first position and a second position. In the present embodiment, the frame  200  is configured to form a frame about 25 inches tall. The width of the base portion  212  is about 16.8 inches. However, it is to be understood that in other embodiments, the frame  200  can be modified to have dimensions greater or less than in the present non-limiting example dependent on a desired dimension of the assembled luggage case. 
         [0123]    Furthermore, like components of the frame  200  bear like reference to their counterparts in the frame  100 , except incremented by 100. The frame  200  includes a portion  230  for an aperture, tube protectors  242 , an extendable handle mount receptacle  244 , fixed handle mounts  246 , bracing  248 , a connection mechanism  280 , L-shaped side edge  290 , round corners  292 , a flare  294 , and a L-shaped top edge  295 . 
         [0124]    The frame  200  can also be modified by cutting openings and trimming various portions of the frame to reduce the weight of the frame. In addition, it is to be appreciated that by trimming the connection mechanism  280  of the frame  200 , the connection mechanism can be modified to connect to various bases. Referring to  FIGS. 42 to 48 , this modification to the frame  200  is shown as frame  200   a . It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that the manner by which the frame  200  is modified to arrive at the frame  200   a  is not particularly limited. For example, the frame  200  can be manually cut or trimmed using a stamping press. 
         [0125]    Referring to  FIGS. 49 to 55 , another embodiment of a frame  300  is shown. The frame  300  includes a base portion  312  and a plurality of side portions  314   a ,  314   b , and  314   c . Each of the plurality of side portions  314   a ,  314   b , and  314   c  is connected to the base portion with a hinge mechanism  322  and moveable between a first position and a second position. In the present embodiment, the frame  300  is configured to form a frame about 29 inches tall. The width of the base portion  312  is about 19.3 inches. However, it is to be understood that in other embodiments, the frame  300  can be modified to have dimensions greater or less than in the present non-limiting example dependent on a desired dimension of the assembled luggage case. 
         [0126]    Furthermore, like components of the frame  300  bear like reference to their counterparts in the frame  100 , except incremented by 100. The frame  300  includes a portion  330  for an aperture, tube protectors  342 , an extendable handle mount receptacle  344 , fixed handle mounts  346 , bracing  348 , a connection mechanism  380 , L-shaped side edge  390 , round corners  392 , a flare  394 , and a L-shaped top edge  395 . 
         [0127]    The frame  300  can also be modified by cutting openings and trimming various portions of the frame to reduce the weight of the frame. In addition, it is to be appreciated that by trimming the connection mechanism  380  of the frame  300 , the connection mechanism can be modified to connect to various bases. Referring to  FIGS. 56 to 62 , this modification to the frame  300  is shown as frame  300   a . It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that the manner by which the frame  300  is modified to arrive at the frame  300   a  is not particularly limited. For example, the frame  300  can be manually cut or trimmed using a stamping press. 
         [0128]    In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends” or “edges” having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end” or “edge” should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, part, member or the like. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations can be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.