Patent Abstract:
Luggage cases of the soft-side construction are perceived to be lighter than hard-side cases. However, many rigidifying elements in soft-side cases tend to add to the weight of a soft-side luggage case. This reduces its weight advantage over molded shell luggage cases. Using a textile body in the luggage case to form both the grip of a carry handle and a portion of the outer surface of the luggage helps reduce the weight of the luggage. The textile body may be attached to a thin resilient wire hoop to resist distortion of the luggage case when is it lifted by the handle. This construction saves weight in comparison to conventional luggage case constructions.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. provisional application number 61/253,242, entitled “Lightweight Top and Side Panel Carry Handle Construction for Soft-Side Type Luggage Cases” and filed on Oct. 20, 2009, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The field of invention generally relates to luggage. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Luggage cases or the like may include two or more wheels mounted on or next to the bottom panel of such luggage cases to facilitate transportation of the luggage cases by dragging or pushing the luggage cases. Even when such luggage cases include this convenient wheeling system, it may be necessary to lift or carry the case by hand. For example, placing the luggage case in the trunk or passenger compartment of a vehicle or transferring the luggage to or from a luggage carousel in an airport or the like may require the luggage case to be lifted or carried. Any handles or grips for such purposes should be quite strong since each handle must support the weight of the luggage case when it is filled with a traveler&#39;s belongings. Also, for a structured soft-side luggage case, the panel to which the carry handle is attached must be sturdy enough to not significantly distort the shape of the case when the filled luggage is carried by the handle. 
         [0004]    Another challenge for making such luggage cases is that the purchaser often lifts luggage cases when shopping for luggage to determine the sturdiness and weight of the luggage case. Of course these luggage cases on display in the luggage shop are empty. Also one measure used by luggage retailers and manufacturers to sell luggage is the empty weight of the luggage case expressed in kilograms or pounds. Thus, a criteria for buying a luggage case is the weight of the luggage case, even though the empty weight of the luggage case usually amounts to a small percentage of the weight of the case when packed for travel. 
         [0005]    Also, when lifting the empty luggage case to judge its weight, the prospective luggage purchaser must decide whether the luggage construction is sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of travel. It is this conflict or dichotomy, the lightness of an empty luggage case and perceived robustness or durability of the case, that luggage manufacturers have grappled with for decades. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    One embodiment of a luggage case may include a panel with a carry handle integrated therewith. The panel may include a generally flat sheet of flexible laminar body material that constitutes the bulk of the outside surface of the soft-side luggage case, The luggage case may further include a resilient hoop positioned around the perimeter of the panel. A resilient hoop may be firmly attached to the flexible laminar body material. In some embodiments, this body material is firmly attached to at least a majority of the hoop. Two side portions of the flat sheet may be reduced in dimension to form a handle grip located generally in the center of the sheet. Beneath this grip may be a second sheet of a flexible laminar material, preferably also of body material, affixed at its edges to the remaining portions of the perimeter wire hoop exposed by the narrowed portion of laminar body material that defines the handle grip. 
         [0007]    Another embodiment of a luggage case may include a first panel. The first panel may include a perimeter edge. The first panel may define at least a portion of an outer surface of the luggage. The first panel may include a first textile body. The first textile body may define at least a portion of an outer surface of the first panel. The first textile body may further define at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the first panel. The first textile body may include a grip portion defining a grip for a carry handle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an upright luggage case showing top and side panels, each incorporating a carry-handle formed from the material defining the outer surfaces of the panels. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the luggage case shown in  FIG. 1 , showing the top panel with the carrying handle and a telescopic wheel handle. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3A  shows an elevation view of the luggage case shown in  FIG. 1 , showing one possible way to form a first textile body for the side panel. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3B  shows an elevation view of the luggage case shown in  FIG. 1 , showing another possible way to form a first textile body for the side panel. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  shows, through the open main packing door, interior surfaces of the luggage case shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a schematic exploded view of the structural components of the side panel for the luggage case shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view of the luggage case of  FIG. 1 , showing the wheels mounted on the lower end of the luggage case. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is another partial perspective view of the luggage case of  FIG. 1 , showing the telescopic wheel handle in an extended position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of the luggage case of  FIG. 1 , showing an interior view of the bottom panel to which is mounted the wheels shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  shows the upper telescopic wheel handle mounting housing as seen from the inside of the luggage case. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  shows a top view of a panel for a luggage case, showing another version of incorporating a handle into the panel. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  shows a top view a luggage case similar to the luggage case shown in  FIG. 1 , showing a top panel that has both an integrated carry handle and rivets. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  shows a side view a luggage case similar to the luggage case shown in  FIG. 1 , showing a side panel that has both an integrated carry handle and rivets. 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  shows a schematic, partial cross-section view of one embodiment of a carry handle, viewed along line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  shows a schematic, partial cross-section view of another embodiment of a carry handle, viewed along line  14 - 14  in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  shows a picture of a luggage case that is cut apart to show some of the materials or components that may be positioned between first and third textile bodies defining a carry handle. 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  shows another picture of the luggage case shown in  FIG. 15 , which is cut apart to show some of the materials or components that may be positioned between the first and third textile bodies defining the carry handle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    Described herein are methods for making structured but essentially soft-sided luggage cases, and products created using such methods. These cases are usually formed from textile panels, leather panels or simulated leather panels. These cases may include other components, such as frames, boards, and so on, that are intended to hold the otherwise flimsy panels in a generally flat rectangular shape to form a luggage case with an overall parallelepiped shape. More particularly, described herein is a particularly lightweight construction for those panels that also serves to mount a carry handle for manually carrying or towing the luggage case during travel, etc. The construction methods include making rectangular, or other shaped, panels with integrated carrying handled for luggage cases, such as upright or spinner type cases, or the like (e.g., duffel bags, backpacks, and so on) where one mode for transporting the luggage case is to drag or push the luggage case on two or more wheels mounted on or next to the bottom panel of such luggage case. In constructing such panels, minimal or no rigid stiffening structures may be used to reduce to weight of the style luggage case. Such a light construction may contribute to the overall light weight of the empty case, while demonstrating that the case is robust and dimensionally stable. 
         [0026]    In describing the components of the luggage and alternative versions, or embodiments, of some of these components, the same reference number may be used for elements that are the same as, or similar to, elements described in other versions or embodiments. 
         [0027]    Turning to  FIGS. 1-4 , a luggage case  100  may include one or more sides  105 . In some embodiments, the luggage case may include six sides  105   a - c  (e.g., top, bottom, left, right, front and back sides). Other embodiments of the luggage case  100  may include more or less than six sides. The sides  105  of the luggage case  100  may define a main packing compartment. Each side  105  may have a generally rectangular shape to form a generally parallelepiped luggage case  100 . In some embodiments, the sides  105  may have other shapes to define a luggage case  100  with a desired shape other than generally parallelepiped. The luggage case  100  may further includes wheels  110 , glides, edge piping  115  to help protect the outer surface of the luggage from scuffs and abrasions, and a main door  120  with a perimeter zipper  125  for access to at least the main packing compartment. 
         [0028]    Each side  105  of the luggage case  100  may be formed using one or more panels  130 . In some embodiments, each side  105  of the luggage case  100  may be formed using a single panel  130 . In other embodiments, two or more panels  130  may be used to form a side  105  of the luggage case  100 . At least some of the panels  130  forming the sides  105  of the luggage case  100  may define at least a portion of the outer surface  135  of the luggage case  100 . For example, with reference to  FIG. 1 , the side and top panels  130   a,b  define a portion of the outer surface  135  of the luggage case  100 . At least some of the panels  130  may be joined to an adjacent panel  130  proximate a perimeter edge  140  of the panel  130 . For example, with reference to  FIG. 1 , a first panel  130   a  (e.g., a side panel) may be joined a second panel  130   b  (e.g., a top panel) proximate a perimeter edge  140  of the first panel  130   a  (e.g., the upper edge of the side panel). 
         [0029]    The luggage case  100  may further include carry handles  145  integrally joined with the one or more panels  130  that define the sides  105  of the luggage case  100 . With reference to  FIG. 1 , the side panel  105   a  and the top panel  105   b  of the luggage case may each include a carry handle  145   a,b  integrally joined with its respective panel  130   a,b . While the carry handles  145  are shown as integrally joined with the top and side panels  130 , a carry handle  145  may be integrally joined with any panel  130  defining a side  105  of the luggage case  100 . 
         [0030]    The following description of forming the carry handle  145  on a panel  130  will be described with respect to the side panel  130   a.  However, this description should be understood as applicable for the top panel  130   b,  or any other panel  130 , that incorporates an integral handle. With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  3 A and  5 , the side panel  130   a  may include perimeter edge  140  to which one or more other panels  130  may be attached. While the other panels  130  are typically attached to the side panel  130   a  by sewing, any suitable connection method may be used to join the panels  130  together. A reinforcement assemblage may be positioned proximate the perimeter edge  140  of the side panel. The reinforcement assemblage may include an edge beading  150  and a generally rectangular frame or hoop  155  of a resilient, tough steel wire or similar material. The hoop  155  may be resilient, flexible and resistant to compression but may also be bendable and flexible, especially along its longer straight sides unless constrained. The hoop  155  may be positioned within a substantially enclosed space defined by the edge beading. 
         [0031]    The side panel  130   a  may include the perimeter edge  140 , an outer surface  160  and an inner surface  165 . The perimeter edge  140  may define a rectangular shape, or any other desired shape. The outer surface  160  may be constructed using a first textile body  170  and a second textile body  175 . The first and second textile bodies  170 ,  175  may be formed from a robust woven textile, such as nylon, polyester, Ramie or the like. 
         [0032]    The first textile body  170  may be generally rectangular in shape, or any other shape that generally matches at least a portion of the shape defined by the perimeter  140  edge of the side panel  130   a.  A central or grip portion  180  of the first textile body  170  may define a relatively narrow band of material between first and second portions  185 ,  190  of the first textile body  170 . The relatively narrow band of material defines the grip for the carry handle  145   a.  The first and second portions  185 ,  190  may be formed at end or outer portions of the first textile body  170 . The central or grip portion  180  may be smoothly and integrally joined to the first and second portions  185 ,  190  of the first textile body  170  by way of curved edges. Each first and second portion  185 ,  190  of the first textile body  170  may widen from a relative narrow dimension proximate the central or grip portion  180  to the full width dimension of the generally rectangular side panel  130   a.    
         [0033]    In some embodiments, the central or grip portion  180  of the first textile body  170  defines a handle grip with a longitudinal axis that is relatively transverse to an edge defining the width of the first and second portions and/or the panel. Such a configuration is shown, for example, in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 A and  3 B. In other embodiments, the handle grip may have a longitudinal axis that is positioned at an angle relative to the edge defining the width of the first and second portions and/or the panel. Such as configuration is shown, for example, in  FIG. 10 . The foregoing examples are merely illustrative of how the handle may be positioned relative to the first and second portions  185 ,  190  of the first textile body  170  and/or the side panel  130   a.  Other configurations of the handle relative to the first and second portions  130   a,b  of the first textile body and/or the panel may be defined in the central or grip portion  180  of the first textile body  170  so long as the handle is formed from a first textile body  170  that defines at least a portion of the outer surface  135  of the side panel  130   a.    
         [0034]    As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the first textile body  170  in some embodiments may be made from a single piece of textile material. In such embodiments, the central or grip portion  180  may be formed by cutting material within the central or grip portion  180  of the single piece of textile material to define the narrow band of material. The cut edges created in the central or grip portion  180  may be finished either by folding the edges or by applying an edge beading or trim. In other such embodiments, the first, second and central (or grip) portions  180 ,  185 ,  190  could be defined when creating the piece of textile material used for the first textile body  170 . 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, the first textile body  170  may formed using two or more pieces of textile material. For example, with reference to  FIG. 3A , two pieces of textile material joined by a seam  195  positioned proximate a centerline of the central or grip portion  180  may be utilized to form the first textile body  170 . Such a construction for the first textile body  170  may result in an overall saving in textile material compared to forming the first textile body  170  from a single piece of textile material. As another example, with reference to  FIG. 3B , three pieces of textile material may be joined by seams  195  to form the first textile body  170 . One piece may be used to form the central or grip portion  180  of the first textile body, and the other two pieces may be used to form the first and second portions  185 ,  190  of the first textile body  170 . Such a construction may result in further material savings compared to using a single piece of material and also would permit the use of a contrasting color or texture choice for the central or grip portion  180  of the first textile body  170 . Such a contrasting material choice may have aesthetic and functional advantages. 
         [0036]    The foregoing examples are merely illustrative of some ways that the first textile body  170  may be formed, and are not intended to limit how the first textile body  170  may be formed. Further, while described as being formed using one, two or three pieces of textile material, any number of pieces of textile material may be use to created the first textile body  170 . 
         [0037]    The first and second portions  185 ,  190  of the first textile body  170  may be joined to the edge beading  150 . The first and second portions  185 ,  190  may be joined to the edge beading  150  by stitching the first and second portions  185 , 190  along at least a portion of their edges to the edge beading  150 , or by using any other suitable connection method, including, but not limited to, adhering or bonding the first and second portions  185 ,  190  to the edge beading  150 . This joining of the first and second portions  185 , 190  of the first textile body  170  to the edge beading  150  functions to operatively connect the first textile body  170  with the hoop  155 . 
         [0038]    The second textile body  175  may be generally square or rectangular in shape. The second textile body  175  may be positioned underneath the central or grip portion  180  of the first textile body  170 . The second textile body  175  may include two edges, which may be referred to as first and second edges  200 ,  205 , that each span the width of the first and second portions  185 ,  190  of the first textile body  170 , and two other edges, which may be referred to as third and fourth edges  210 ,  215 , that span at least the length of the central or grip portion  180  of the first textile body  170 . In some embodiments, the third and fourth edges  210 ,  215  may end proximate the perimeter edge  140  of the side panel  130   a.  The first and second edges  200 ,  205  may be joined to the first textile body  170  by a suitable connection method, such as stitching or bonding. The third and fourth edges  210 ,  215  may be joined to the perimeter edge  140  of the panel  130   a  by a suitable connection method, such as stitching or bonding. Together, the first and second textile bodies  170 ,  175  may define substantially the entire outer surface  135  of the side panel  130   a.  Portions of the edges of the first and second textile bodies  170 ,  175  may also collectively define the perimeter edge  140  of the side panel  130   a.    
         [0039]    The inner surface  165  of the panel may be formed using a lining material  220 . This lining material  220  may be a textile material that is fairly light and smooth to give a pleasing interior texture and finished look to the luggage case  100 . The lining material  220  is not necessary from a structural standpoint. Thus, the lining material  220  may be omitted, if desired. In such embodiments, the first and second textile bodies  170 ,  175  may define the inner surface  165  of the side panel  130   a.    
         [0040]    Once constructed, the lifting force from the handle grip (i.e., the central or grip portion  180  of the first textile body  170 ) may transferred by way of the first and second portions  185 ,  190  of the first textile body  170  to the perimeter edge  140  of the side panel  130   a.  In particular, the lifting force may result in horizontal and vertical forces being imposed on the perimeter edge  140  of the side panel  130   a.  The horizontal forces may generally result in compressive forces applied along the longitudinal axes of the hoop  155 . The vertical forces may generally result in the rest of the luggage case and its contents hanging from the hoop  155 . Thus, the hoop  155  helps to minimize the distortion of the side panel  130   a  with the integrated carry handle  145   a . This, in turn, helps to maintain the overall shape of the luggage case  100  when carried by the carry handle  145   a.  Both the horizontal and vertical forces applied to the hoop  155  may be relatively uniform, which may further help to minimize the distortion of the side panel  130   a  with the integrated carry handle  145   a.    
         [0041]    Because of the lack of further rigid structures under it, the panels  130  that incorporate the integrated carry handle  145  are relatively light. As a result of this construction, the prospective purchaser may perceive the luggage case  100  to be strong enough to withstand the rigors of travel, while also appreciating it as being lighter than conventional luggage constructions. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, a relatively rigid material, such as a polypropylene or polyethylene board, may be positioned under the first and second textile bodies  170 ,  175  to help maintain the shape of the panel  130 . In such embodiments, the first textile body  170  may be joined to the relatively rigid material to transfer at least some of the forces imposed upon the carry handle  145  to the relatively rigid material. With reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , when the panel  130  includes a relatively rigid material positioned under the first textile body  170 , the first textile body  170  may be joined by mechanical fasteners  225 , such as rivets, screws, staples, and so on, or by any other suitable joining method, including, but not limited to, by bonding or gluing. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 13 and 14  show schematic partial cross-section views of additional examples of possible ways to form the carry handle  145 . While these views only show one edge  300  of the carry handle  145 , the edge of the carry handle  145  that is distal this edge  300  may be formed in a similar manner. Thus, the following description is applicable to edge of the carry handle  145  distal the edge  300  shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
         [0044]    With reference to  FIG. 13 , the carry handle  145  may be formed using the first textile body  170  and a third textile body  305 . The first textile body  170  may define a first outer surface  310 , such as the upper surface, of the grip for the carry handle  145 , and the third textile body  305  may define a second outer surface  315 , such as the lower surface, of the grip for the carry handle  145 . As described above in more detail, the first textile body  170  may further include first and second end portions  185 ,  190  that define at least portions of the perimeter edge  140  of the panel  130 . Further, as described in more detail above, the panel  130  associated with the first textile body  170  may include the second textile body  175 . The second textile body  175  in conjunction with the first textile body  170  may collectively define the outer surface  160  of the panel  130 . 
         [0045]    The third textile body  305  may include a grip portion  320  to define, in conjunction with the first textile body  170 , the grip of the carry handle  145 . The grip portion  320  for the third textile body  305  may correspond to, or otherwise match in shape, the grip portion  180  of the first textile body  170 . The third textile body  305 , like the first textile body  170 , may further include first and second portions (not shown) with the grip portion  320  positioned between the first and second portions. The first and second portions of the third textile body  305 , when present, may generally correspond to, other otherwise match, the shape of the first and second portions of the first textile body  170 . In some embodiments, however, the first and second portions of the third textile body  305  may extend only under a portion of the respective first and second portions  185 ,  190  of the first textile body  170 . In such embodiments, one or more edges of the first and second portions of the third textile body  305  may not extend to the perimeter edge  140  of the panel  130 . 
         [0046]    With continued reference to  FIG. 13 , an edge fabric  325  may be positioned along each edge  330 ,  335  of at least the grip portions  180 ,  320  of the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305 . The edge fabric  325  could also be positioned along at least portion of the edges of the first and second portions of either, or both, of the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305 . The edge fabric  325  may be configured to define a substantially enclosed space for receiving a stiffening element  340  (which may also be considered as a rigid or semi-rigid element), such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, a steel or carbon fiber wire, and so on. The stiffening element  340  may help to maintain the shape of the grip of the carry handle  145  defined by the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305 . 
         [0047]    With continued reference to  FIG. 13 , the edge fabric  325  may be folded into a C- or U-shape to define the enclosed space for the stiffening element  340 . The ends  345  of the edge fabric  325  may be positioned between the inner facing surfaces  350 ,  355  of the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305 . A portion of the edge fabric  325  may extend beyond the edges  330 ,  335  of the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305 . This portion may include the enclosed space that receives the optional stiffening element  340 . The end portions of the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305 , proximate the edge fabric  325 , may be folded into a C- or U-shape to define the curved edges  330 ,  335  for the first and second textile bodies  170 ,  305 . With these end portions of the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305  folded, the stiffening element  340  (if any) positioned within the enclosed space, and the ends  345  of the folded edge fabric  325  positioned between the inner facing surfaces  350 ,  355  of the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305 , the edge fabric  325 , the first textile body  170 , and the third textile body  305  may be sewn together, or otherwise suitably joined. Like the first and second textile bodies  170 ,  175 , the third textile body  305  and the edge fabric  325  may be formed from a robust woven textile, such as nylon, polyester, Ramie or the like. 
         [0048]      FIG. 14  shows a handle construction similar to the construction shown in  FIG. 13 . Like the construction in  FIG. 13 , the carry handle  145  shown in  FIG. 14  includes the first textile body  170 , the third textile body  305 , and an edge fabric  325 . The primary difference between these two carry handles  145  arises from how the edge fabric  325  is joined to the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305 . In the embodiment shown schematically in  FIG. 14 , the edge fabric  325  is folded into a C- or U-shape, similar to the edge fabric  325  in  FIG. 13 . The ends  345  of the edge fabric  325 , however, are positioned over the outer facing surfaces  360 ,  365  of the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305 . Thus, the edges  330 ,  335  of the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305  are positioned between an inner facing surface  370  of the edge fabric  325 . Further, unlike the construction shown in  FIG. 13 , the end portions of the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305  are not folded (i.e., they remain straight). Once the edges  330 ,  335  of the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305  are positioned as shown in  FIG. 14 , the edge fabric  325 , the first textile body  170 , and third textile body  305  may be sewn together, or otherwise suitably joined. While no stiffening element  340  is shown in  FIG. 14 , a stiffening element  340  could be positioned within the curved portion of the edge fabric  325 , if desired. 
         [0049]    While the foregoing examples demonstrate some potential ways to construct the carry handle  145  using textile fabrics, these examples are intended only to be illustrative and not limiting. As such, other techniques or constructions may be used to create the carry handle  145  when formed using at least the first textile body fabric. 
         [0050]    Additional materials or components may be placed between the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305 , if desired. These additional materials or components may be used to help maintain the shape of the carry handle  145 , to provide additional structural support for the handle, or to enhance the comfort for a user.  FIGS. 15 and 16  show pictures of a luggage case that is cut apart to show some of the materiasl or components that may be positioned between the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305 . For example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam  400  may joined to the inner facing surfaces of either, or both, of the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305 . The EVA foam  400  may create a more comfortable grip for a user. The EVA foam  400  may be joined to the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305  by adhering the EVA foam  400  to the textile bodies  170 ,  305  or by any other suitable connection method. In some embodiment that include EVA or other foam, the foam may be positioned between the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305  without joining the foam to the textile bodies  170 ,  305 . 
         [0051]    As another example, a rigid or semi-rigid board  405 , such as a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) board, may be positioned between the first and third textile materials  170 ,  305 . The board  405  may extend from one end of the grip to the opposite end of the grip. Within the grip, the board may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the grip portions  180 ,  320  for the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305 . The board  405  may help to maintain the shape for the handle and/or may provide structural support for the handle. If desired, the board  405  may be mechanically fastened with fasteners (such as screws, rivets, and so on), or otherwise joined, to other underlying materials to maintain the relative position of the board to the first and third textile bodies  170 ,  305 . 
         [0052]    As yet another example, a rigid or semi-rigid plate  410 , such as a steel plate, may be positioned between the first and third textile materials  170 ,  305 . Like the board  405 , the plate  410  may extend from one end of the grip to the opposite end of the grip. Also like the board  405 , the plate  410  may help to maintain the shape for the handle and/or may provide structural support for the handle. 
         [0053]    The foregoing examples are merely illustrative of some components or materials that may be positioned between the first and third textile bodies. Some or all of these materials may or may not be positioned between the first and third textile bodies. Further, other materials or components may or may not be positioned between the first and third textile bodies, such as cardboards, foams other than EVA foams, other fabrics, and so on. Further, in some embodiments, there may be no additional components or materials positioned between the first textile bodies. 
         [0054]    Reducing the weight of the luggage may be further enhanced with other modifications to the luggage case  100 . More particularly, the luggage case  100  may constructed of materials that further enhance its lightweight impression. For example, in contrast with conventional luggage cases, the down tubes  230  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) that hold the telescoping rods  235  for the telescopic handle  240  may be made aluminum instead of the typical steel, which saves a certain amount of weight. Also the bottom board  245  may be a single honeycomb polymer board. This polymer board may be attached to a monolithic wheel bracket and kick plate  250 . With reference to  FIG. 9 , the housing  255  used to hold the grip portion of the telescopic handle  240  may be a punctured wheel housing type. Such a housing  255  may result in a light luggage case since it may weigh less than the typical, more complex attachment mechanisms used in conventional luggage cases. 
         [0055]    Lastly, a higher quality steel may be used to form the thin perimeter wire hoops  155  around the carry handle-bearing panels and around the other panels  130  of the luggage case  100 . This permits the diameter of that wire to be reduced, resulting it in a further incremental weight saving. Other materials and constructions may also be used to make the hoop  155 , such as an extruded polymer bent into the hoop shape during extrusion or in a post-forming step. The hoop  155  may also be made of one piece, such as by injection molding or stamping from a preformed sheet so long as the sheet panel is sufficiently stiff to resist collapse when subjected to the pulling forces from the first textile body attached to the perimeter of the stiff panel. Alternately, the perimeter hoop could be made of different separate pieces (e.g., injection molded corners with straight pultruded sides). 
         [0056]    The above-described constructions may reduce the weight of the upright luggage case compared to conventionally constructed luggage cases. In particular, all things being equal, it is believe that the incorporating a handle into a textile body that forms at least a portion of the outer surface of a panel (e.g., a side panel and/or a top panel) may contribute to a substantial weight saving over an equivalently sized but conventionally constructed case with rigidifying perimeter or corrugated or honeycomb frame members. 
         [0057]    All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only 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 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. 
         [0058]    In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends” 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” 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 may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8