Patent Publication Number: US-10779622-B2

Title: Luggage article frame structure

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. application Ser. No. 29/628,096 filed Dec. 1, 2017, and this application is also a continuation-in-part and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. application Ser. No. 29/628,103 filed Dec. 1, 2017, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to luggage articles, and more specifically to a luggage article frame structure. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Some luggage cases include a frame structure or arrangement to support a softside or hybrid luggage case housing. Many frame structures include rectangular wire loop frames for the lateral sides of luggage cases. Traditional frame configurations, however, often include relatively sharp corners or edges along the intersection between adjacent housing panels. These corners or edges may include piping or beading along a seam to help prevent wear and damage. Notwithstanding, such configurations are frequently prone to high levels of wear, and even failure, along the seams and edges through abrasion, seam, and/or corner damage. For example, a sharp edge at the intersection between adjacent housing panels may create an inherently weak point of construction that is prone to damage. 
     Additionally, luggage cases generally protect the belongings within the luggage case, and often the rear or back side of the luggage case is strengthened with additional structure, such as additional reinforcing boards, which detrimentally increase the weight of the luggage case. 
     It is therefore desirable to provide an improved luggage case, and more specifically an improved frame structure that addresses one or all of the above described problems and/or which more generally offers improvements or an alternative to existing arrangements. 
     Documents that may be related to the present disclosure include CA2760430, EP1251760, EP2139357, EP2512279, EP2537432, EP2592963, EP2729033, EP2787857, EP2982263, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,298,786, 4,055,239, 4,895,230, 5,833,039, 6,502,677, 6,883,654, 7,188,714, 7,278,539, 8,695,770, 9,375,062, US20110162931, and WO2011033218 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a luggage article, as described below and defined in the accompanying claims. The luggage article may be a softside luggage article including a frame structure. The frame structure may include a reinforcing board along a rear side of the luggage case. The reinforcing board may include one or more side portions extending from a central portion. The side portions may extend from the central portion over or along at least part of adjacent sides of the luggage case. The frame structure may include a closed loop frame supporting a side panel of the luggage case, the closed loop frame shaped to match and align with the side portions of the reinforcing board. The closed loop frame may be nonrectangular. For example, the closed loop frame may include an inwardly curved frame portion to match and align with curved distal edges of the side portions of the reinforcing board. The inwardly directed curved portion may be scallop-shaped. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a luggage article. The luggage article may include a housing, a reinforcing board, and a closed loop frame, which may support the housing. The housing may include opposing front and rear panels, opposing left and right side panels, and opposing top and bottom panels together defining front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom sides of the luggage article. The reinforcing board may include a central portion and first and second side portions on opposing lateral sides of the central portion. The central portion may extend over the rear side of the housing. The first and second side portions may extend over at least part of the opposing left and right sides of the housing. Each of the first and second side portions may include a distal edge. The closed loop frame may support one of the opposing left and right side panels. The closed loop frame may include a frame portion matching and aligned with the distal edge of the first side portion or the second side portion of the reinforcing board. In some examples, one of the first and second side portions supports one of the opposing left and right side panels. In another example, at least a portion of the side portion extends at least as far as a center line of the side panel. In another example, the closed loop frame includes a wire loop. In some examples the closed loop frame may include a top portion, wherein the top portion extends at least partially over the top side of the luggage article. The closed loop frame may be a wire loop in this example. 
     In some examples, the closed loop frame may include a front section, top and bottom sections extending from opposing ends of the front section, and a rear section extending from the top and bottom sections. The rear section may include a shape matching and aligned with the distal edge of the first side portion or the second side portion of the reinforcing board. The rear section may include a central section curved inwardly toward the front section to match and align with the distal edge of the first side portion or the second side portion of the reinforcing board. The front, top, and bottom sections of the closed loop frame may be substantially linear. The top and bottom sections may extend substantially perpendicularly from the front section. The rear section may connect the ends of the top and bottom sections together. In some examples, the side portion of the reinforcing board may be curved toward the front side of the luggage article to match and align with the rear section of the closed loop frame. In some examples, the distal edge of either or both of the side sections may have an arcuate shape. In some examples, the arcuate shape defines an apex, and the apex is positioned in a middle portion of the length of the front or rear sections. 
     In some examples, the closed loop frame may be coupled to the distal edge of the first side portion or the second side portion of the reinforcing board. In some examples, the rear section is curved toward the front section. In some examples, the rear section is a long side of the closed loop frame, and the curve has an arcuate shape. In some examples the curve defines an apex, which is positioned in a middle portion of the length of the left or right side. 
     In some examples, the luggage article may include a fabric seam aligned with the distal edges of the first and second side portions of the reinforcing board. 
     In some examples, the first and second side portions may be resiliently bent from the central portion to extend over at least part of the opposing left and right sides of the luggage article. 
     In some examples, the luggage article may include a first closed loop frame supporting the left side panel of the housing. The first closed loop may include a frame portion matching and aligned with the distal edge of the first side portion. The luggage article may include a second closed loop frame supporting the right side panel of the housing. The second closed loop frame may include a frame portion matching and aligned with the distal edge of the second side portion. 
     In some examples, the reinforcing board may include a top portion extending over at least part of the top side of the luggage article. The top portion may extend over a top front edge of the front side to form a top lip over a part of the top of the front panel. In some examples, the closed loop frame is a wire loop and includes an upper portion, and the upper portion may extend at least partially over the top side. Additionally, the top portion of the reinforcing board may define a curved side, and the upper portion of the closed loop frame mates with the curved side of the top portion of the reinforcing board. 
     The reinforcing board may include a bottom portion extending over at least part of the bottom side of the luggage article. The bottom portion may extend over a bottom front edge of the front side to form a bottom lip over a part of the bottom of the front panel. In some examples, a brace is coupled between the top portion of the reinforcing panel and a bottom portion of the reinforcing panel along left and right sides, and extends along a central portion between the front and back sides. The brace may be formed of two separate braces. 
     In some examples, the luggage article may include an outer fabric cover over at least part of the front, left, and right sides of the luggage article. 
     Some examples of the luggage article may include at least one wheel positioned on a bottom side of the luggage case. Other examples may include four wheels positioned on a bottom side of the luggage case. In another example of the luggage article, a door opening may be formed on the front side to selectively access the interior of the luggage case. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a luggage article. The luggage article may include a housing defining a rear edge between two adjacent sides, a reinforcing board including a first portion extending around the rear edge of the housing, and a closed loop frame including a frame portion matching and aligned with the first portion of the reinforcing board. In one further example, the first portion may define at least one curve, and the frame portion may define a mating curve to match and align with the curve defined by the first portion. 
     In some examples, the housing may include a rear panel, a left side panel, and a right side panel together defining rear, left, and right sides of the housing. The intersection between the rear side and the left side defining a left rear edge. The intersection between the rear side and right side defining a right rear edge. The first portion of the reinforcing board may curve around the left rear edge of the housing to extend at least partially over the left side of the housing. The reinforcing board may include a second portion extending around the right rear edge of the housing to extend at least partially over the right side of the housing. The closed loop frame may be a first closed loop frame supporting the left side panel of the housing. The luggage article may include a second closed loop frame supporting the right side panel of the housing. The second closed loop frame may include a frame portion matching and aligned with the second portion of the reinforcing board. The first and second portions of the reinforcing board may extend over only a rear portion of the left and right sides of the housing adjacent to the rear side. The closed loop frame may include a nonrectangular shape. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method of manufacturing a luggage article. The method may include providing a reinforcing board, the reinforcing board including a central portion and one or more side portions extending from the central portion. The method may include positioning the central portion of the reinforcing board over a first side of the luggage article. The method may include wrapping the one or more side portions of the reinforcing board over a second side of the luggage article adjacent to the first side. The method may include positioning a closed loop frame adjacent to the one or more side portions of the reinforcing board, the closed loop frame including a frame portion matching and aligned with the one or more side portions of the reinforcing board. 
     In some examples, the one or more side portions of the reinforcing board may include first and second side portions on opposing lateral sides of the central portion. The closed loop frame may be positioned adjacent to the first side portion of the reinforcing board. The method may include positioning a second closed loop frame adjacent to the second side portion of the reinforcing board. The second closed loop frame may include a frame portion matching and aligned with the second side portion of the reinforcing board. In some examples, the method may include extending a top portion or a bottom portion of the reinforcing board over a top side or a bottom side of the luggage article. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a luggage article. The luggage article may include a housing defined by opposing front and rear panels, opposing left and right side panels, and opposing top and bottom panels together defining front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom sides of the luggage article. At least one of the panels may wrap around an edge of the housing to extend over a plurality of sides of the luggage article. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a luggage article having opposing front and rear panels, opposing left and right side panels, and opposing top and bottom panels together defining front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom sides of the luggage article. The back panel may include a rigid or semi-rigid reinforcing board defining side portions each extending around to cover at least a portion of the opposing left and right sides, respectively. The side portions may form a curve to extend around to cover the left and right sides. 
     In some examples, the side portions of the reinforcing board may extend along the sides at least as far as the centerline of the sides. Alternatively, the side portions of the reinforcing board may extend along the sides not further than the centerline of the sides. 
     In some embodiments, the luggage article may have opposing front and rear panels, opposing left and right side panels, and opposing top and bottom panels together defining front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom sides of the luggage article, where one of the left or right side panels (or both) may be non-rectangular, and either one or both may include a middle portion of a side having a curved shape. In one example, one of the left or right side panels has opposing long sides, with one of the long sides curved inwardly toward the other long side. In another example, one of the left or right side panels defines opposing short sides, with one of the short sides curved outwardly away from the other short side. 
     Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may be learned by the 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 forms a part of this disclosure. One of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures in which components are not drawn to scale, which are presented as various examples of the present disclosure and should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the disclosure, characterized in that: 
         FIG. 1  is a front isometric view of a luggage article according to some examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear isometric view of the luggage article of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the luggage article of  FIG. 1  and showing an internal frame structure with an outer housing shown in dash for illustration purposes according to some examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the frame structure of  FIG. 3  without the outer housing; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the luggage article of  FIG. 1  and taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows a reinforcing board in an unfolded, flat configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear isometric view of an additional luggage article according to some other examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a frame structure of the luggage article of  FIG. 7  according to some examples of the present disclosure with certain features of the luggage article removed for illustration purposes; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the frame structure of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  shows a reinforcing board in an unfolded, flat configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure, such as the examples shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a fragmentary isometric view of an additional luggage article with a top pocket according to some examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  shows a reinforcing board in an unfolded, flat configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure, such as the example shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the reinforcing board of  FIG. 12  in a folded configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing a luggage article according to some examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a luggage article according to some examples of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an additional luggage article according to some examples of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     According to the present disclosure, a frame structure is provided that is configured to support an outer fabric housing of a luggage article. The frame structure includes a reinforcing board along a back panel of the luggage article and one or more closed loop frame assemblies supporting a side panel of the luggage article. The reinforcing board may include shaped side portions that wrap around and extend over or along at least a portion of one or more sides of the luggage article. The closed loop frame may include a nonrectangular shape. For instance, the closed loop frame may include an inwardly extending portion to match and align with the shaped side portions of the reinforcing board. The shaped side portions of the reinforcing board may have a scalloped shape. The inwardly extending portion of the closed loop frame may have a scalloped shape to match a corresponding side portion of the reinforcing board. The reinforcing board may also include a top portion folded over or along the top of the luggage article, and/or a bottom portion folded over or along the bottom of the luggage article. The bottom portion of the reinforcing board may be attached to a bottom pan assembly. 
       FIG. 1  is a front isometric view of a luggage article  100  according to some examples of the present disclosure.  FIG. 2  is a rear isometric view of the luggage article  100 . Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the luggage article  100  includes a housing  102  formed from a plurality of walls or panels (hereinafter “panels” for the sake of convenience without intent to limit) defining an internal storage volume in which to carry a user&#39;s belongings. In one example, the housing  102  may be formed from opposing front and rear panels  104 ,  106  and a plurality of side panels extending between the front and rear panels  104 ,  106 . For example, the luggage article  100  may include opposing top and bottom panels  108 ,  110  and opposing left and right side panels  112 ,  114  that collectively define the housing  102  in combination with the front and rear panels  104 ,  106 . The various panels may be formed from softside material, hardside material, or many combination thereof (such as for instance a hybrid luggage case). The various panels may be configured or arranged to provide a desired size and shape of the housing  102 . For example, the various panels may be sized and shaped such that the luggage article  100  is taller than it is wide, wider than it is deep, or the like. 
     The luggage article  100  may include a plurality of sides defining the geometric shape of the housing  102 . For instance, the luggage article  100  may include opposing front and rear sides  118 ,  120 , opposing top and bottom sides  122 ,  124 , and opposing left and right sides  126 ,  128 , that collectively define a cuboid shape of the luggage article  100 . The luggage article defines a length, which is generally along the long dimension of the left, right front and rear sides. Depending on the particular application, each side may be defined by or covered by a corresponding panel. For instance, the front side  118  may be defined by or covered by the front panel  104 , the rear side  120  may be defined by or covered by the rear panel  106 , the top side  122  may be defined by or covered by the top panel  108 , the bottom side  124  may be defined by or covered by the bottom panel  110 , the left side  126  may be defined by or covered by the left side panel  112 , and the right side  128  may be defined by or covered by the right side panel  114 . 
     In some examples, at least one side of the luggage article  100  may be defined or covered by a plurality of panels. For instance, the top side  118  of the luggage article  100  may be defined by or covered by the top panel  108  and at least one other panel of the housing  102  (such as at least one of the front panel  104 , the rear panel  106 , the left side panel  112 , and the right side panel  114 ). Similarly, the right side  128  of the luggage article  100  may be defined by or covered by the right side panel  114  and at least one other panel of the housing  102  (such as at least one of the front panel  104 , the rear panel  106 , the top panel  108 , and the bottom panel  110 ). In like manner, the left side  126  of the luggage article  100  may be defined by or covered by the left side panel  112  and at least one other panel of the housing  102  (such as at least one of the front panel  104 , the rear panel  106 , the top panel  108 , and the bottom panel  110 ). The front, rear, and bottom sides  118 ,  120 ,  124  of the luggage article  100  may be configured similarly. In this manner, any one panel may extend on two or more sides of the luggage article  100 . For instance, the rear panel  106  may extend on the rear side  120  and both the left and right sides  126 ,  128  of the luggage article  100 . In some examples, the right side panel  114  may extend on the right and top sides  128 ,  122  of the luggage article  100  (see  FIG. 7 ). Similarly, the left side panel  112  may extend on the left and top sides  126 ,  122  of the luggage article  100 . 
     Any two adjacent sides of the luggage article  100  may intersect to define an edge of the housing  102 . For example, the intersection of the front side  118  and the top side  122  may define a top front edge  130  of the housing  102 . The intersection of the front side  118  and the bottom side  124  may define a bottom front edge  132  of the housing  102 . Similarly, the intersections of the rear side  120  and the top, bottom, left, and right sides  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  may define a top rear edge  134 , a bottom rear edge  136 , a left rear edge  138 , and a right rear edge  140 , respectively, of the housing  102 . In like manner, the intersections between the top side  122  and the left and right sides  126 ,  128  may respectively define top left and right edges  142 ,  144  of the housing  102 , and the intersections between the bottom side  124  and the left and right sides  126 ,  128  may respectively define bottom left and right edges  146 ,  148  of the housing  102 . 
     In some examples, at least one of the panels may wrap around an edge of the housing  102  to extend over a plurality of sides of the luggage article  100 . For example, as explained more fully below, the rear panel  106  may wrap around at least one of the left rear edge  138  and a right rear edge  140  of the housing  102  to extend over the rear side  120  and at least one of the left and right sides  126 ,  128  of the luggage article  100 . Additionally or alternatively, the right side panel  114  may wrap around the top right edge  144  of the housing  102  to extend over the right and top sides  128 ,  122  of the luggage article  100 . Similarly, the left side panel  112  may wrap around the top left edge  142  of the housing  102  to extend over the left and top sides  126 ,  122  of the luggage article  100 , as detailed below. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the luggage article  100  may include a base  160  and a lid  162  defined by a line of separation  164 . The luggage article  100  may be transformable between different configurations, such as between a closed configuration and an open configuration. For example, the lid  162  may be hingedly coupled to the base  160  by a hinge structure  166  or similar mechanism to allow selective positioning of the lid  162  relative to the base  160 . In such examples, the lid  162  may be pivoted towards or away from the base  160  to close or open the luggage article  100 , respectively. The lid  162 , which may be referred to as a first luggage portion or section, may be defined by one or more panels. For example, the lid  162  may be defined by the front panel  104 , either entirely or in part. In some examples, the lid  162  may be defined by the front panel  104  and at least portions of the top, bottom, left side, and/or right side panels  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114  such that the lid  162  includes sidewall portions. In like manner, the base  160 , which may be referred to as a second luggage portion or section, may be defined by one or more panels. For instance, the base  160  may be defined by the rear panel  106 , either entirely or in part. Similar to the lid  162 , the base  160  may be defined by the rear panel  106  and at least portions of the top, bottom, left side, and right side panels  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114  such that the base  160  includes sidewall portions. In such examples, the sidewall portions of the base  160  may define the top, bottom, left side, and right side panels  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114  in combination with the sidewall portions of the lid  162 . In some examples, the base  160  may be defined by a portion of the front panel  104 . The hinge structure  166  may be a fabric strip, a piano hinge, a living hinge, spaced-apart discrete hinges, a zipper structure, an articulating joint made of elastomeric material, or other suitable structure arranged to allow selective positioning of the lid  162  relative to the base  160  from fully closed to fully open. 
     The luggage article  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is an upright spinner case, such as a softside luggage case, but may be any type of luggage article, such as a purse, a bag, a container, a backpack, etc. In like manner, the housing  102  of the luggage article  100  may be formed at least partially from softside material, entirely from softside material, or in a hybrid construction of softside material and hardside material. In some examples, the luggage article  100  may include one or more support members  180  to support the luggage article  100  against a support surface (e.g., against the ground). The support members  180 , which may be a foot, a fixed wheel assembly, a spinner wheel assembly, or any combination thereof, may be associated with any suitable panel, such as connected to at least the bottom panel  110 . In one example, the luggage article  100  may include a plurality of wheels, such as a plurality of spinner wheels, mounted on the bottom panel  110 . In some examples, the luggage article  100  may also include one or more handles. For example, the luggage article  100  may include a top carry handle  182  coupled to the top panel  108  and/or a side carry handle  184  coupled to one of the left and right side panels  112 ,  114  (e.g., to the right side panel  114 ). As shown, a retractable tow handle  186  may be extendable from the top panel  108  (such as from adjacent the top rear edge  134 ) of the luggage article  100 . 
     The luggage article  100  may include a closure mechanism  190  to selectively secure the lid  162  and the base  160  together. The closure mechanism  190  may be positioned along or adjacent the line of separation  164  between the lid  162  and the base  160  (such as along a periphery of the lid  162 ) to allow selective actuation for opening and closing of the luggage article  100 . In an open configuration, the closure mechanism  190  is disengaged along substantially the entire length of the line of separation  164 , thereby allowing the lid  162  and the base  160  to pivot relative to each other to any amount from partially open to fully open. In a closed configuration, the closure mechanism  190  is engaged along at least a portion of the length of the line of separation  164  to limit relative movement between the lid  162  and the base  160 . The closure mechanism  190  may be any suitable closure device or system. For instance, the closure mechanism  190  may be a zip closure or attachment, though other types of closure devices are contemplated, including one or more latches spaced along the line of separation  164 . 
     In one example, the closure mechanism  190  may extend along at least three edges of the lid  162 , the hinge structure  166  being positioned on a remaining edge of the lid  162 . In this manner, the lid  162  may be defined as a door panel  192 . As one example, the front panel  104  may at least partially define the door panel  192 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the door panel  192  may be hingedly coupled to one of the top panel  108 , the bottom panel  110 , the left side panel  112 , and the right side panel  114 . In such examples, the door panel  192  may be releasably connected to the other of the top panel  108 , the bottom panel  110 , the left side panel  112 , and the right side panel  114 . 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the luggage article  100  and showing an internal frame structure within an outer housing shown in dash for illustration purposes.  FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the frame structure of  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the luggage article  100  taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 6  is an elevation view of a reinforcing board in an unfolded, flat configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure.  FIG. 7  is a rear isometric view of an additional luggage article according to some examples of the present disclosure.  FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a frame structure of the luggage article of  FIG. 7  according to some examples of the present disclosure.  FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the frame structure of  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 10  is an elevation view of the reinforcing board  202  in an unfolded, flat configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure. Referring to  FIGS. 3-10 , the luggage article  100  includes a frame structure  200  supporting the housing  102  and providing shape to the luggage article  100 . For example, the frame structure  200  may be operable to maintain a degree of rigidity of one or more panels of the housing  102  to the extent needed for holding a shape of the housing  102  and supporting a load therein when in use. The frame structure  200 , which may be positioned at least partially internal to the housing  102 , may include various elements, either interconnected together, positioned separately from one another, or a combination of both. For example, the frame structure  200  may include one or more pan assemblies, one or more frame assemblies, one or more reinforcing panels or boards, or any combination thereof to define a skeletal framework of the luggage article  100 . 
     In one example, the frame structure  200  includes a reinforcing board  202  and at least one closed loop frame  204 . In some examples, the frame structure  200  may include a plurality of closed loop frames  204 , such as a first closed loop frame  206  and a second closed loop frame  208 . The frame structure  200  may also include a bottom pan assembly  210 . As described below, each closed loop frame  204  may support one of the side panels of the housing  102 . For example, the closed loop frame  204  may support one of the opposing left and right side panels  112 ,  114 . In examples with first and second closed loop frames  206 ,  208 , the first closed loop frame  206  may support the left side panel  112  of the housing  102 , and the second closed loop frame  208  may support the right side panel  114  of the housing  102 , as explained more fully below. Except as otherwise noted, the description of the closed loop frame  204  below is applicable to the first and second closed loop frames  206 ,  208 , either individually or collectively. 
     The reinforcing board  202  may be arranged to extend over or along a plurality of sides of the housing  102 . For example, the reinforcing board  202  may include a plurality of portions extending over or along respective sides of the housing  102 . Depending on the particular application, “over” means “above” or “covering” or simply along, whether on the outside or inside of the luggage article  100 , or as a layer or layers in a plurality of layers forming the cover of the luggage article  100 . In one example, the reinforcing board  202  may include a central portion  220  and at least one side portion  222  extending therefrom. As illustrated, the reinforcing board  202  may include first and second side portions  224 ,  226  extending from opposing lateral sides of the central portion  220 . The first and second side portions  224 ,  226  may be formed integrally with the central portion  220 . In some examples, the reinforcing board  202  may include a top portion  228  extending from a top of the central portion  220 . Additionally or alternatively, the reinforcing board  202  may include a bottom portion  230  extending from a bottom of the central portion  220 . In such examples, the central portion  220  may extend over or along the rear side  120  of the housing  102 . For example, the central portion  220  may extend over or along substantially all of the rear side  120  of the housing  102 . The first and second side portions  224 ,  226 , which may be referred to as wings, may extend from the central portion  220  over or along at least part of the opposing left and right sides  126 ,  128 , respectively, of the housing  102 . For instance, the first and second side portions  224 ,  226  of the reinforcing board  202  may be resiliently bent from the central portion  220  over or along at least part of the opposing left and right sides  224 ,  226 . Depending on the particular application, the first and second side portions  224 ,  226  may extend over or along only a rear portion of the left and right sides  126 ,  128  adjacent to the rear side  120 . The top portion  228  may be resiliently bent to extend from the central portion  220  over or along at least part of the top side  122 . Depending on the particular application, the top portion  228  may be bent to extend beyond the top front edge  130  of the housing  102  to form a top lip  240  extending over or along a part of the top of the front panel  104 . Similarly, the bottom portion  230  may be resiliently bent to extend from the central portion  220  over or along at least part of the bottom panel  110 . Like the top portion  228 , the bottom portion  230  may be bent to extend beyond the bottom front edge  132  of the housing  102  to form a bottom lip  242  extending over or along a part of the bottom of the front panel  104 . As shown, the bottom portion  230  may be positioned outwardly of the bottom pan assembly  210 . Alternatively, the bottom portion  230  may be positioned inwardly of the bottom pan assembly  210 . The top portion  228  and/or the bottom portion  230  may be formed integrally with the central portion  220 . The side portions of the reinforcing board may extend along the sides at least as far as the centerline  221  ( FIG. 5 ) of the sides. Alternatively, the side portions of the reinforcing board may extend along the sides not further than the centerline of the sides. 
     The reinforcing board  202  may include many shapes and configurations. For instance, the reinforcing board  202  may be substantially planar, linear, arcuate, or curved, among others, either collectively or in part. As shown, the first side portion  224  of the reinforcing board  202  may be bent in a curve around the left rear edge  138  of the housing  102  to at least partially extend over or along the left side  126 . When bent around the left rear edge  138  of the housing  102 , at least a portion of the first side portion  224  may extend in the plane of the left side panel  112 . In like manner, the second side portion  226  of the reinforcing board  202  may be bent in a curve around the right rear edge  140  of the housing  102  to at least partially extend over or along the right side  128 . Like the first side portion  224 , when bent around the right rear edge  140  of the housing  102 , at least a portion of the second side portion  226  may extend in the plane of the right side panel  114 . The curvature of the first and second side portions  224 ,  226  at their respective interface with the central portion  220  may be smooth and continuous to provide a rounded shape to the right and left rear edges  140 ,  138  of the housing  102 . In one non-limiting example, the radius of curvature of the reinforcing board  202  at the right and left rear edges  140 ,  138  may be between about 1.25 inches and about 2.25 inches, but may be larger or smaller. In other examples, the curvature of each of the side portions  224 ,  226  at the respective interface with the central portion  220  may be a series of straight sections angled relative to one another to form a curve when taken together. Additionally, the curve formed at the interface between the central portion  220  and either one or both of the side portions  224 ,  226  may have a continuous radius of curvature, or an increasing or decreasing radius of curvature. 
     The curved nature of the reinforcing board  202  around the edges of the housing  102  may limit undesired failure of the luggage article  100  when dropped or otherwise impacted on edge. For instance, by curving around the respective edges of the housing  102 , the reinforcing board  202  may distribute impact forces throughout the reinforcing board  202  and/or other portions of the frame structure  200  to limit failure of the housing  102  during operation. For instance, some traditional luggage case construction methods include straight edges at the intersections between adjacent panels. Though sometimes protected by piping or beading, these straight edges can be a weak point of construction and sometimes fail through abrasion and/or seam failure. This is especially true for the edges running along the back side of a luggage case. The present disclosure, however, reduces or eliminates hard edges along the edges of the luggage article  100  by creating a radius in the middle of the edge span. Because no point of an arch is weaker than any other, impacts to these areas are not focused on a sharp corner, and may result in less damage. The curved nature of the reinforcing board  202  may also create tension forces in the framing of the luggage article  100  that creates resiliency and allows the housing  102  to spring back into shape after impact. 
     The top and bottom portions  228 ,  230  of the reinforcing board  202  may be arranged similar to the first and second side portions  224 ,  226 . Specifically, the top portion  228  of the reinforcing board  202  may curve around the top rear edge  134  to at least partially extend over or along the top side  122  of the housing  102 . In such examples, at least part of the top portion  228  of the reinforcing board  202  may extend in the plane of the top panel  108 . In one example, the top portion  228  of the reinforcing board  202  may curve around both the top rear edge  134  and the top front edge  130  to at least partially extend over or along the front and top sides  118 ,  122  of the housing  102 . In such examples, at least part of the top portion  228  of the reinforcing board  202  may also extend in the plane of the front panel  104 . The bottom portion  230  may be positioned similarly. For instance, the bottom portion  230  of the reinforcing board  202  may curve around the bottom rear edge  136  to at least partially extend over or along the bottom side  124  of the housing  102 . In such examples, at least part of the bottom portion  230  of the reinforcing board  202  may extend in the plane of the bottom panel  110 . In some examples, the bottom portion  230  of the reinforcing board  202  may curve around both the bottom rear edge  136  and the bottom front edge  132  to at least partially extend over or along the front and bottom sides  118 ,  124  of the housing  102 . In such examples, at least part of the bottom portion  230  of the reinforcing board  202  may also extend in the plane of the front panel  104 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 3-10 , each of the first side portion  224 , the second side portion  226 , the top portion  228 , and the bottom portion  230  of the reinforcing board  202  may include a distal edge  250 . As shown, the distal edges  250  may be curved along their lengths. As one example, the distal edges  250  of the first and second side portions  224 ,  226  may be convexly curved. The distal edges  250  of the top and bottom portions  228 ,  230  may be shaped similarly or different. For instance, the distal edges  250  of the top and bottom portions  228 ,  230  may be concavely curved. As explained below, the distal edges  250  may be shaped for alignment with other portions of the luggage article  100 . For example, the distal edges  250  may be shaped to align with other portions of the frame structure  200  described below. Though shown and described as curved along their lengths, the distal edges  250  may be straight or substantially straight depending on the particular application. In such examples, each distal edge  250  may extend in the plane of a respective panel of the housing  102 . For instance, the distal edges  250  of the first and second side portions  224 ,  226  may extend generally in the planes of the left and right side panels  112 ,  114 , respectively. Additionally or alternatively, the distal edges  250  of the top and bottom portions  228 ,  230  may extend generally in the plane of the front panel  104 . 
     The reinforcing board  202  may take the form of a sheet of material which may form a panel structure. The reinforcing board may be rigid or semi-rigid, the rigid sheet of material being more difficult to bend than the semi-rigid material. In one example, the sheet of material may be resilient to bend and when released retake its original form, or may be semi-resilient so as to bend and when released to take a shape similar to but not the same as its original form. The sheet may be a single layer, or may be more than one layer, and/or additionally may be structural sheet, such as for example having a honeycomb, ribbed, corrugated, or other structure. The reinforcing board may be relatively thin, such as having a thickness dimension ranging approximately from 0.5 to 2.5 mm. The reinforcing board may be formed from many materials to provide a desired characteristic. As one example, the reinforcing board  202  may be formed from material allowing the reinforcing board  202  to resiliently deform. Such material selection may limit undesired failure of the luggage article  100  when dropped or otherwise impacted. For instance, when impacted by an impact force, the resilient nature of the reinforcing board  202  may allow the housing  102  to bend or flex during operation. As one example, the reinforcing board  202  may be formed from PE or PP material, or may be formed of a combination of materials, though many suitable materials are contemplated. 
     The closed loop frame  204  will now be discussed in more detail. As shown, the closed loop frame  204  may include a frame portion  260  matching and aligned with a corresponding distal edge  250  of the reinforcing board  202 . For example, the frame portion  260  of the first closed loop frame  206  may match and align with the distal edge  250  of the first side portion  224  of the reinforcing board  202 . In like manner, the frame portion  260  of the second closed loop frame  208  may match and align with the distal edge  250  of the second side portion  226  of the reinforcing board  202 . The closed loop frame  204  may include a front section  262  extending adjacent to the front panel  104  and a rear section  264  extending adjacent to the rear panel  106 . The closed loop frame  204  may include top and bottom sections  266 ,  268  extending between the front and rear sections  262 ,  264  and respectively adjacent to the top and bottom panels  108 ,  110 . Specifically, the top and bottom sections  266 ,  268  may extend from opposing ends of the front section  262 . In such examples, the rear section  264  may extend from the top and bottom sections  266 ,  268 . For instance, the rear section  264  may connect ends of the top and bottom sections  266 ,  268  together. 
     The closed loop frame  204  may include many shapes and configurations. For instance, the closed loop frame  204  may include a nonrectangular shape to match and align with the reinforcing board  202 . As one example, the rear section  264  of the closed loop frame  204  may include a shape matching and aligned with the distal edge  250  of first side portion  224  or the second side portion  226  of the reinforcing board  202 . Specifically, the rear section  264  may include a central section  280  extending, and preferably curved or scalloped, inwardly toward the front section  262  to match and align with the curved shape of the distal edge  250  of the first side portion  224  or the second side portion  226  of the reinforcing board  202 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the front, top, and bottom sections  262 ,  266 ,  268  of the closed loop frame  204  may be generally linear between the front and rear sections  262 ,  264 . The top and bottom sections  266 ,  268  may extend substantially perpendicularly from the front section  262 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the top and bottom sections  266 ,  268  of the closed loop frame  204  may include a shape generally matching and aligned with the top and bottom portions  228 ,  230  of the reinforcing board  202 . For instance, the top section  266  of the closed loop frame  204  may include a shape matching and aligned with a side edge  282  of the top portion  228  of the reinforcing board  202 . Similarly, the bottom section  268  of the closed loop frame  204  may include a shape matching and aligned with a side edge  284  of the bottom portion  230  of the reinforcing board  202 . The side edges  282  of the top portion  228  and/or the side edges  284  of the bottom portion  230  of the reinforcing board  202  may curve inwardly toward an opposing side of the housing  102 . In such examples, the top section  266  of the closed loop frame  204  may curve outwardly (e.g. away from a bottom section  268 ) of the closed loop frame  204 , to match and align with the inwardly curved side edge  282  of the top portion  228 . More particularly, the top section  266  of the closed loop frame  204  may be defined by a short edge, and may curve around the top left edge  142  or the top right edge  144  of the housing  102  to extend at least partially over or along the top side  122 . The bottom section  268  of the closed loop frame  204  may be configured similarly to match and align with inwardly extending side edges  284  of the bottom portion  230  of the reinforcing board  202 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3, 4, 8, and 9 , the closed loop frame  204  may be coupled or otherwise joined to the reinforcing board  202 . For example, the rear section  264  of the closed loop frame  204  may be connected to the distal edge  250  of the first side portion  224  or to the distal edge  250  of the second side portion  226  of the reinforcing board  202 , such as by stitching, a piping or bead structure, or otherwise. Similarly, the top section  266  of the closed loop frame  204  may be connected to the side edge  282  of the top portion  228  of the reinforcing board  202 . The bottom section  268  of the closed loop frame  204  may be connected to the side edge  284  of the bottom portion  230  of the reinforcing board  202 . In embodiments where the top portion  228  of the reinforcing board  202  extends around the top front edge  130  of the housing  102 , the front section  262  of the closed loop frame  204  may be connected to the side edge  282  of the top portion  228 . In embodiments where the bottom portion  230  of the reinforcing board  202  extends around the bottom front edge  132  of the housing  102 , the front section  262  of the closed loop frame  204  may be connected to the side edge  284  of the bottom portion  230 . 
     The closed loop frame  204  may include many levels of desired rigidity or flexibility. For instance, the closed loop frame  204  may be designed to be resiliently flexible to allow resilient deformation or deflection of the closed loop frame  204  during use. The resilient characteristic of the closed loop frame  204  may allow the closed loop frame  204  to absorb impacts to the luggage article  100  and/or allow the closed loop frame  204  to flex to accommodate packing of contents within the luggage article  100 . More specifically, as portions of the closed loop frame  204  are induced to deform or deflect, such as inwardly or outwardly, the closed loop frame  204  may provide an opposingly directed biasing force resisting such deformation or deflection. The resilient characteristic of the closed loop frame  204  may be provided by the material properties of the front section  262 , the rear section  264 , the top section  266 , and/or the bottom section  268 , by the shape of the respective frame sections, by the connection structure between the various frame sections, or a combination thereof. 
     The closed loop frame  204  may be formed in many configurations. For example, the closed loop frame  204  may be formed as a continuous wire loop. Additionally or alternatively, the closed loop frame  204  may include one or more elongate elements connected together at adjacent corners, and/or along the length of the elongate elements if desired. More particularly, the front, rear, top, and bottom sections  262 ,  264 ,  266 ,  268  of the closed loop frame  204  may be separate elements coupled together, such as elongate rods, wires, or pultrusions. As noted above, the front, rear, top, and bottom sections  262 ,  264 ,  266 ,  268  may extend in a straight or a substantially straight line, may be curved along their lengths, or may include a combination of straight and curved segments. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3, 4, 8, and 9 , the frame structure  200  of the luggage article  100  may include a panel frame  300  supporting the lid  162 . To allow selective positioning of the lid  162  relative to the base  160 , the panel frame  300  may be separate from any other element of the frame structure  200  to provide independent support of the lid  162 . For instance, the panel frame  300  may be associated with the lid  162  (e.g., the door panel  192 ) to support the lid  162  irrespective and independent of the support provided to other portions of the housing  102 . 
     The panel frame  300  may be defined in a closed loop. For example, the panel frame  300  may include one or more elongate elements connected together to define a closed loop frame structure. As shown, the panel frame  300  may form a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners, though the panel frame  300  may be formed in other suitable shapes, such as polygonal, elliptical, or circular, among others. The elongate elements may extend in a straight or a substantially straight line, may be curved along their lengths, or may include a combination of straight and curved segments. As shown, the distal edges  250  of the top and bottom portions  228 ,  230  of the reinforcing board  202  may be shaped to match and align with the panel frame  300 . For example, the distal edges  250  of the top and bottom portions  228 ,  230  of the reinforcing board  202  may be concavely curved to match and align with convexly curved sections of the panel frame  300 . 
     The panel frame  300  may be resiliently flexible in a manner similar to the closed loop frame  204 . In one example, the panel frame  300  may be arranged to tension the door panel  192 . For instance, the panel frame  300  may be outwardly biased against an inner periphery of the door panel  192  to suitably tension the door panel  192  for use. More specifically, the panel frame  300  may engage at least a portion of the inner periphery of the door panel  192  to create a tension force in the door panel  192 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the luggage article  100  may include other features for convenience. For example, depending on the particular application, the housing  102  may cover at least a portion of the frame structure  200 . More specifically, the luggage article  100  may include an outer fabric cover  310  over at least part of the opposing left and right sides  126 ,  128  and the front side  118 . In one example, the outer fabric cover  310  extends over all sides of the luggage article  100 . The outer fabric cover  310  may include or otherwise define a fabric seam  312  aligned with the distal edges  250  of the first and second side portions  224 ,  226  of the reinforcing board  202 . By positioning the fabric seam  312  along the distal edges  250  of the first and second side portions  224 ,  226  of the reinforcing board  202 , the fabric seam  312  may be spaced away from the left and right rear edges  138 ,  140  to limit seam failure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the frame structure  200  may include a brace  320  extending between opposing portions of the reinforcing board  202 . For instance, the brace  320  may extend between the top and bottom portions  228 ,  230  of the reinforcing board  202  to limit deformation of the housing  102 . For example, the brace  320  may limit inward deformation of the top and bottom portions  228 ,  230  towards each other. In some examples, the brace  320  may be coupled to the bottom pan assembly  210 , such as via mechanical fasteners or otherwise. As shown, the brace  320  may be generally C-shaped, with terminal ends  322  of the brace  320  connected to the bottom panel  110  of the housing  102 . The brace  320  may not extend continuously as one integral piece, but may instead be embodied in two portions. For example, one portion may be attached between the top portion and bottom portion (and/or bottom pan assembly) of the reinforcing board and extend along a left side of the luggage article, and/or a second portion may be attached between the top portion and the bottom portion (and/or the pan assembly) of the reinforcing board and extend along a right side of the luggage article. The brace or braces may be made of a strip of structured material, such as a honeycomb material, or other such material that may have sufficient structural properties to withstand the loads applied to a frame member of a luggage article. 
       FIG. 11  is a fragmentary isometric view of the luggage article  100 .  FIG. 12  is an elevation view of the reinforcing board  202  in an unfolded, flat configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure.  FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the reinforcing board  202  of  FIG. 12  in a folded configuration according to some examples of the present disclosure. Referring to  FIGS. 11-13 , the luggage article  100  may include a top pocket  330  defined in the top panel  108  of the housing  102 . In such examples, the reinforcing board  202  may be arranged to accommodate the top pocket  330 . For instance, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the top portion  228  of the reinforcing board  202  may include a cutout  332  defined therein. When the top portion  228  of the reinforcing board  202  is folded over or along the top side, the cutout  332  aligns with the top pocket  330  to allow selective positioning of contents therein. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the top pocket  330  may be selectively secured or covered by a flap  334 . For example, the flap  334  may be releasably secured to the top panel  108  of the housing  102  via a zipper closure  336 . 
       FIG. 14  is a flow chart illustrating a method  350  of manufacturing a luggage article, such as luggage article  100 . Referring to  FIG. 14 , the method  350  includes providing the reinforcing board  202  (Block  352 ). The reinforcing board  202  may include the central portion  220  and one or more side portions  222  extending from the central portion  220 . The one or more side portions  222  may include at least one of the first side portion  224 , the second side portion  226 , the top portion  228 , and the bottom portion  230  of the reinforcing board  202 . With continued reference to  FIG. 14 , the method  350  may include positioning the central portion  220  of the reinforcing board  202  over or along a first side of the luggage article  100  (Block  354 ), and wrapping the one or more side portions  222  of the reinforcing board  202  over or along a second side of the luggage article  100  adjacent to the first side (Block  356 ). For example, as described above, the central portion  220  may be positioned over or along the rear side of the housing  102 . In such examples, the one or more side portions  222  of the reinforcing board  202  may be wrapped over or along the left side, the right side, the top side, and/or the bottom side of the housing  102 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the method  350  may also include positioning the closed loop frame  204  adjacent to the one or more side portions  222  of the reinforcing board  202  (Block  358 ). As detailed above, the closed loop frame  204  may include a frame portion  260  matching and aligned with the one or more side portions  222  of the reinforcing board  202 . The closed loop frame  204  may be the first closed loop frame  206  positioned adjacent to the first side portion  224  of the reinforcing board  202 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 14 , the method  350  may include positioning the second closed loop frame  208  adjacent to the second side portion  226  of the reinforcing board  202  (Block  360 ). The second closed loop frame  208  may include a frame portion  260  matching and aligned with the second side portion  226  of the reinforcing board  202 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the method  350  may include extending the top portion  228  or the bottom portion  230  of the reinforcing board  202  over or along the top side or the bottom side of the luggage article  100  (Block  362 ). 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a luggage article  100  according to some examples of the present disclosure.  FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an additional luggage article  100  according to some examples of the present disclosure. Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the luggage article  100  may include a housing  102  defined by opposing front and rear panels  104 ,  106 , opposing left and right side panels  112 ,  114 , and opposing top and bottom panels  108 ,  110  together defining front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom sides  118 ,  120 ,  126 ,  128 ,  122 ,  124  of the luggage article  100 . Any two adjacent sides of the luggage article  100  may intersect to define an edge of the housing  102 . At least one of the panels may wrap around an edge of the housing  102  to extend over a plurality of sides of the luggage article  100 . In this manner, at least one side of the housing  102  may be defined or covered by a plurality of panels. 
     The luggage article  100  may be formed from a variety of materials and means. For example, portions of the frame structure  200  may be formed from a thermoplastic material (self-reinforced or fiber reinforced), ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, and/or PTFE, among others. In some examples, the closed loop frame  204  and the panel frame  300  may be extruded from aluminum or other similar metal. In addition, the closed loop frame  204  and the panel frame  300  may be formed from fiber reinforced epoxy, resin, or other similar material. The bottom panel  110  may include a honeycomb structure. For example, the bottom pan assembly  210  may include a honeycomb design. The frame structure  200  may be formed or molded in any suitable manner, such as by plug molding, blow molding, injection molding, extrusion, casting, or the like. As noted above, the luggage article  100  may be formed from softside material and/or hardside material. The softside material may be nylon, canvas, polyester, leather, PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene, and/or PTFE, among others. The hardside material may be a thermoplastic material (self-reinforced or fiber reinforced), ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, and/or PTFE, among others. 
     All relative and directional references (including: upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, side, above, below, front, middle, back, vertical, horizontal, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the particular examples described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the presently disclosed examples teach by way of example and not by limitation. Therefore, the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.