Patent Description:
The technological field generally relates to luggage.

Zippers are often provided on luggage to access luggage compartments. Each zipper typically includes a zipper track, a zipper slider, and a zip pull tab. For zippers positioned on the exterior of the luggage, the zipper track is typically positioned approximately flush with an outer surface of the luggage. Such a configuration makes the zipper track susceptible to being damaged from contact with other objects. Further, in such a configuration, the zipper slider usually projects outwardly from the outer surface of the luggage. This outward projection also makes the zipper slider vulnerable to being damaged. <CIT> discloses a carrying bag having a relatively rigid bag body formed in two halves, a zipper for zippering the two halves together, and a reinforcing steel rod running around the ends of the bag halves. The reinforcing rods are contained within an extruded member. <CIT> discloses briefcases and chests.

The present invention relates to a luggage piece as defined by the appended claims.

Described herein are luggage pieces that incorporate at least one recessed zipper. Such a luggage piece includes a front side, a rear side, a top side, a bottom side, a right side and a left side that define an enclosed space. The enclosed space may be divided into one or more compartments. The luggage piece further includes at least one zipper to access the enclosed space. The at least one zipper includes a zipper track, at least one zipper slider, and at least one zipper tab. At least a portion of the zipper track may be positioned within one or more recessed areas defined by at least some of the sides of the luggage or may be otherwise configured relative to other components of the luggage piece to be at least partially recessed relative to an outer surface of the luggage piece. In some embodiments, the zipper track may be recessed relative to an outer surface of the luggage piece along substantially the entire length of the zipper track.

<FIG> shows a front perspective view of one example of a luggage piece <NUM> that utilizes a recessed zipper, and <FIG> shows a rear perspective view of the luggage piece <NUM> shown in <FIG>. With reference to <FIG>, the luggage piece <NUM> includes a front side <NUM>, a rear side <NUM>, a top side <NUM>, a bottom side <NUM>, a right side <NUM> and a left side <NUM> that define an enclosed space (not shown). The enclosed space may be divided into one or more compartments. The luggage piece <NUM> may further include one or more wheels <NUM> joined to the bottom side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>. The wheels <NUM> may be spinner wheels, as shown in <FIG>, or fixed direction wheels. While four spinner wheels <NUM> are shown in the figures, the luggage piece <NUM> may have more or less than four wheels. In embodiments that use two wheels, one or more foots or other supports may be joined to the bottom side of the luggage piece to facilitate positioning and maintaining the luggage piece in an upright position, similar to the upright position for the luggage piece <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The luggage piece <NUM> may further including one or more handles. At least one of the handles may be a telescoping handle <NUM> that may be selectively positioned between a retracted position and one or more extended positions. In an extended position, the telescoping handle <NUM> may be used to facilitate using the wheels <NUM> to push or pull the luggage piece <NUM> along a support surface. One or more of the handles may be carry handles <NUM>. In <FIG>, two carry handles <NUM> are shown: one joined to top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>, and the other to the right side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>. The carry handles <NUM> may be used to lift or carrying the luggage piece <NUM>. Of course, more or less than two carry handles <NUM> could be joined to the luggage piece <NUM>.

The luggage piece <NUM> includes further a first zipper <NUM> that provides access to the enclosed space. More particularly, the front side <NUM> and portions of the right, left, top, and bottom sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> may be joined to define a first luggage portion <NUM>, or first shell portion, of the luggage piece <NUM> that can move in unison. Similarly, the rear side <NUM> and remaining portions of the right, left, top, and bottom sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> may define a second luggage portion <NUM>, or second shell portion, of the luggage piece <NUM> that move in unison. The first luggage portion <NUM> may also be referred to as a lid or base, and the second luggage portion <NUM> may be referred to as a base (when the first luggage portion <NUM> is considered to be lid) or lid (when the first luggage portion <NUM> is considered to be a base). The first and second luggage portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be joined by a hinge <NUM> that allows them to be selectively pivoted relative to each other to different configurations while remaining joined via the hinge <NUM>. In the configuration shown in <FIG>, the first and second luggage portions <NUM>, <NUM> collectively define the enclosed spaced.

When pivoted to other positions where the abutting edges of first and second luggage portions <NUM>, <NUM> are separated, the enclosed space may be accessed.

The first zipper <NUM> may be positioned along the abutting edges of the first and second luggage portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The first zipper <NUM> may include a zipper track <NUM>, two zipper sliders <NUM>, and two zipper tabs <NUM>. Each zipper tab <NUM> may be joined to a respective zipper slider <NUM> to facilitate selectively moving its respective zipper slider <NUM> along the zipper track <NUM>. The zipper track <NUM> may be positioned along the abutting edges of the first and second luggage portions <NUM>, <NUM> from at least one end portion of the hinge <NUM> to the distal end portion of the hinge <NUM>. For example, the zipper track <NUM> may extend from at least an upper end portion <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> to the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>, along the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> to the right side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>, along the right side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> to the bottom side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>, along the bottom side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> to the left side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>, and along the left side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> to at least a lower end portion <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the zipper track <NUM> may include a first set of teeth <NUM> joined to a first zipper tape <NUM> and a second set of teeth <NUM> joined to a second zipper tape <NUM>. The first set of teeth <NUM> may be joined to the edge <NUM> of the first luggage portion <NUM> that abuts the second luggage portion <NUM>, and the second set of teeth <NUM> may be joined to the edge <NUM> of the second luggage portion <NUM> that abuts the first luggage portion <NUM>. The first and second sets of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> may be joined to the first and second luggage portions <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, by any suitable connection method, including, but not limited to, by sewing, bonding, adhering, welding, and so on.

The teeth of first set of teeth <NUM> may be configured to selectively engage corresponding teeth on the second set of teeth <NUM>. Selectively moving the zipper sliders <NUM> along the zipper track <NUM> causes the teeth of the first and second sets of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> to be selectively engaged and disengaged. When one or both of the zipper sliders <NUM> are moved away from each other, at least some of the teeth in the first and second sets of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> are disengaged, thus creating an opening in the zipper track <NUM>. When a sufficient number of teeth in the first and second sets of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> are disengaged, the opening is sufficiently large to allow access to the enclosed space defined by the first and second luggage portions <NUM>, <NUM>. When the teeth of the first and second sets of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> along substantially the entire length of the zipper track <NUM> are disengaged, the first luggage portion <NUM> may be selectively pivoted relative to the second luggage portion <NUM>, or vice versa. Similarly, when a substantial majority of the teeth of the first and second sets of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> are engaged, the first and second luggage portions <NUM>, <NUM> cannot be selectively pivoted relative to each other.

While two zipper sliders <NUM> are shown in the various figures to open and close the luggage piece <NUM>, the first zipper <NUM> may only include one zipper slider <NUM>. When the first zipper <NUM> includes a single zipper slider <NUM>, moving the zipper slider <NUM> in one direction engages the teeth of the first and second sets of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> and moving the zipper slider <NUM> in the opposite direction disengages the teeth. Thus, when the single zipper slider <NUM> is positioned at one end of the zipper track <NUM>, substantially all of the teeth in the first and second sets of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> are disengaged, and when the single zipper slider <NUM> is positioned at the other end of the zipper track <NUM>, substantially all of the teeth for the first and second sets of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> are engaged. In other respects, the first zipper <NUM> with a single zipper slider <NUM> operates in a similar manner as a first zipper <NUM> with two zipper sliders <NUM>. Specifically, when all teeth of the first and second sets of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> are engaged, access to the enclosed space is prevented. When a sufficient number of teeth of the first and second sets of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> are disengaged, the enclosed space may be accessed. When substantially all of the teeth of the first and second sets of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> are disengaged, the first and second luggage portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be selectively pivoted relative to each other.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, at least a portion of the zipper track <NUM> may be recessed relative to the outer surfaces of the first and second luggage portions <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the zipper track <NUM> may be recessed along one or more portions or segments of the zipper track's length. In other embodiments, the zipper track <NUM> may be recessed along the entire length of the zipper track <NUM>.

<FIG> show various embodiments of the luggage piece <NUM> in which the zipper track <NUM> is recessed along only portions or segments of the zipper track's length. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the zipper track <NUM> may be recessed along the right and left sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> by positioning the zipper track <NUM> within recessed areas defined by the right and left sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, as the zipper track <NUM> transitions from the right side <NUM> to the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>, the recessed area defined by the outer facing surface of the luggage piece <NUM> tapers. This tapering continues until at top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>, the outer facing surface of the luggage piece <NUM> ceases to define a recessed area. Near this location, the zipper track <NUM> may be positioned at or near the outermost surface <NUM> of the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>. The zipper track <NUM> may be maintained at this position relative to the outermost surface <NUM> of the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> until the zipper track <NUM> nears the left side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>. As the zipper track <NUM> approaches the left side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>, outer facing surface of the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> begins to taper inward to define a recessed area relative to the outermost surface <NUM> of the top side <NUM>. This tapering continues until the full depth of the recessed area is defined along the left side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>. A similar tapering of the recessed area occurs proximate the transition from the right and left sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> to the bottom side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>. Further, as with the positioning of the zipper track <NUM> on the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>, at least a portion or segment of the zipper track <NUM> on the bottom side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> may positioned at or near the outermost surface of the bottom side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>.

For embodiments where only portions or segments of the zipper track <NUM> are recessed relative to the outermost surfaces of the sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>, the location of the change from the recessed to the non-recessed portions, or segments, may depend, at least in part, on how the luggage piece <NUM> is constructed. For example, the luggage piece <NUM> shown in <FIG> depicts a hybrid construction that includes components of a relatively rigid, semi-rigid, hard, or semi-hard material (collectively "harder material") and a relatively soft or non-rigid material (collectively "softer material"). Specifically, the right and left sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> along with portions of the front, rear, top, and bottom sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> adjacent the right and left sides <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed using a harder material, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene ("ABS") plastic, polycarbonate plastic, an ABS/polycarbonate plastic blend, and so on. The harder areas may define four corner columns or supports for the luggage piece <NUM>. The remaining or central portions of the front, rear, top, and bottom sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed using a softer material, such as fabric or the like. In these softer regions, one or more support members, such as curved polypropylene ("PP") or polyethylene ("PE") sheets, may be provided at the top and bottom sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> to help to maintain the shape of the luggage piece <NUM> in these regions.

While the harder areas are shown as vertical columns, these areas could be formed as horizontal columns positioned at the top and bottom sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>.

In such a configuration, the harder areas would generally include the top and bottom sides <NUM><NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> along with portions of the front rear, right, and left sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>. Like the vertical column embodiment, the remaining portions of the front, rear, right, and left sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed using a relatively soft or pliable material, with support material also provided, as needed.

The harder and softer materials forming the sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> may be joined by any suitable method, including, but not limited to, by stitching, bonding, welding or adhering the materials at their abutting edges. Proximate, or at the location, of the transition from the harder region to the softer region, the recess relative to the outermost surfaces of the sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may end so that at, or near, this transition, the zipper track <NUM> ceases to be recessed relative to the outermost surfaces of the sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the zipper track <NUM> may be recessed along the right side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> by defining a recessed area within the right side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>. Specifically, the right side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> is formed to define a pair of recessed area sidewalls 230a-b that extend from the outermost surfaces 235a-b of the right side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> toward the enclosed space defined by the first and second luggage portions <NUM>, <NUM>. For reference purposes, the end portion of the recessed area sidewalls 230a-b proximate respective outermost surfaces 235a-b of the right side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> may be referred to herein as the outer recessed area sidewall end portion, and the end portion of the sidewall distal this outer sidewall end portion may be referred to herein as the inner recessed area sidewall end portion.

One of the recessed area sidewalls 230a may be positioned on the first luggage portion <NUM>, and the other recessed area sidewall 230b may be positioned on the second luggage portion <NUM>. Each recessed area sidewall 230a-b may extend transversely, or approximately transversely, from its respective outermost surfaces 235a-b on the first and second luggage portions <NUM>, <NUM>. If desired, either of the recessed area sidewalls 230a-b may extend away from its respective outermost surface 235a-b at an angle. Each recessed area sidewall 230a-b may be spaced apart from the other recessed sidewall 230a-b at least a sufficient distance along the lengths of the recessed area sidewalls 230a-b to accommodate the width of the zipper track <NUM>. Further, the outer facing surface of each recessed area sidewall 230a-b may be generally parallel to the outer facing surface of the other recessed area sidewall 230a-b along the lengths of the recessed area sidewalls 230a-b.

A recessed area flange 240a-b extends from each recessed area sidewall 230a-b proximate the inner recessed area sidewall end portion of its respective recessed area sidewall 230a-b. Each recessed area flange 240a-b extends generally transversely from its respective recessed area sidewall 230a-b towards the other recessed area sidewall 230a-b. Further, each recessed area flange 240a-b ends proximate the recessed area flange 240a-b extending from the other recessed area sidewall 230a-b such that the free ends of the recessed area flanges 240a-b abut each other.

The zipper track <NUM> is joined to the recessed area flanges 240a-b. In particular, the first set of the teeth <NUM> for the zipper track <NUM> may be joined to one of the recessed area flanges 240a, and the second set of teeth <NUM> for the zipper track <NUM> may be joined to the other recessed area flange 240b. The first and second sets of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> for the zipper track <NUM> may be joined by any suitable connection method, including, but not limited to, by stitching, bonding, fastening, welding, or adhering the first and second sets of zipper teeth <NUM>, <NUM> to their respective flanges 240a-b. When joined to the recessed area flanges 240a-b, the location of the recessed area flanges 240a-b relative to the outermost surface <NUM> of the right side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> defines the depth that the zipper track <NUM> is recessed relative to the outermost surface <NUM> of the right side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>. Further, this depth may be selected such that no portion of the zipper sliders <NUM> extend beyond the outermost surface <NUM> of the right side <NUM>. In some embodiments, however, the depth may be designed such that at least a portion, usually an upper portion, of the zipper sliders <NUM> extend beyond the outermost surface <NUM> of the right side <NUM>.

While the recessing of the zipper track <NUM> is described above with reference to the right side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>, a similar configuration could be used to recess the zipper track <NUM> on the top, bottom, and left sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, the depth of the recessed area may be varied along the top, bottom, right or left sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or in the area where the luggage piece <NUM> transitions from the right and left sides <NUM>, <NUM> to the top and bottom sides <NUM>, <NUM>. In one embodiment, the depth is varied by tapering the recessed area until the recessed area ceases to exist. Such a tapering may be linear or non-linear. Various means could be used to accomplish this tapering. In one embodiment, this tapering may be implemented by reducing the distance from the outer recessed area sidewall end portion to the inner recessed area sidewall end portion along the length of the recessed area sidewalls 230a-b. By reducing this distance, the distance of the recessed area flanges 240a-b from the outermost surface of a respective side <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is reduced, thus reducing the depth of the recessed area.

In other embodiments, the tapering of the recessed area may be accomplished by increasing the thickness of the recessed area flanges 240a-b along the lengths of their respective recessed area sidewalls 230a-b such the outer facing surface of the recessed area flanges 240a-b are positioned closer to the outermost surface of a respective side <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> along the lengths of their respective recessed area sidewalls 230a-b. Since the outer facing surface of the recessed area flanges 240a-b defines the effective depth of the recessed area, positioning their outer facing surfaces closer to the outermost surface of a respective side <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> along the lengths of their respective recessed area sidewalls 230a-b decreases the depth of the recessed area. A similar result could be achieved by maintaining the thickness of the recessed area flanges 240a-b while gradually changing the location of the recessed area flanges 240a-b from the inner recessed area sidewall end portion to the outer recessed area sidewall end portion of their respective recessed area sidewalls 230a-b along the lengths of the recessed area sidewalls 230a-b.

For non-recessed portions of the zipper track <NUM>, the zipper track <NUM> may be joined to the luggage piece <NUM> proximate the outermost surface of the side <NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of luggage piece <NUM> where the non-recessed portion of the zipper track <NUM> is located. For example, with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the zipper track <NUM> on the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> may be joined to an outer member <NUM>, formed by a fabric or other suitable soft material, that defines the outermost surface <NUM> of the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece. To provide additional support for the first zipper <NUM> at these types of connections, a first support member <NUM>, such as a sheet formed from polypropylene ("PP"), polyethylene ("PE"), or another suitable material, may be positioned under the outer member <NUM>. Yet further, additional support may be provided by positioning a second support member <NUM>, such as a wire or the like, under the first support member <NUM>. To maintain the relative positions of the zipper track <NUM>, the outer member <NUM>, the first support member <NUM>, and the second support member <NUM>, these components may be joined together by stitching or any other suitable connection method. To facilitate stitching or otherwise joining the second support member <NUM> to the zipper track <NUM>, the outer member <NUM>, and the first support member <NUM>, the second support member <NUM> may be wrapped in a cover <NUM> formed from a fabric material, a rubber material, a plastic material, or any other suitable material. The foregoing is merely one example of how the zipper track <NUM> in non-recessed portions or segment may be joined to an outermost surface of a side <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>. In other embodiments, the non-recessed portion of the zipper track <NUM> may be joined to a hard material, such as ABS plastic or the like. In such embodiments, the zipper track <NUM> may be joined directly to the either the outer facing surface or the inner facing surface of such materials by any suitable connection method, including, but not limited to, by stitching, bonding, adhering, and welding.

As described above, the second support member <NUM>, such as a wire or the like, may be positioned under other components of the luggage piece <NUM> that support non-recessed portions or segments of the zipper track <NUM>. The second support member <NUM> may also be positioned under components of the luggage piece <NUM> that are joined to the zipper track in recessed portions or segments of the zipper track <NUM>. For example, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second support member <NUM> may be positioned under the recessed area flanges 240a-b of the luggage piece <NUM> that are joined to the zipper track <NUM>. As another example, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second support member <NUM> may be positioned proximate the recessed area sidewalls 230a-b of the harder material that define the recessed areas. The second support member <NUM> may be stitched, or otherwise suitably joined, to the harder material and the recessed zipper track <NUM> to maintain the relative position of these components to each other. To facilitate stitching or otherwise joining the second support member <NUM> to the harder material, the second support member <NUM> may be wrapped in the cover <NUM>.

With reference <FIG> and <FIG>, a lining <NUM> and a binding <NUM>, each formed from a suitable fabric or other material, may also be joined to the zipper track <NUM>, the outer member <NUM>, the first support member <NUM>, and the second support member <NUM>. Similarly, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lining <NUM> and the binding <NUM> may also be joined to the zipper track <NUM> and the harder material. The lining <NUM> and the binding <NUM> may be used to enhance the feel and/or the visual look of the luggage piece.

The hinge <NUM> may be a fabric hinge, or any other suitable structure, that the joins the lid and the base in a hinged manner. The hinge <NUM> may be joined to the lid and the base by any suitable connection method, including, but not limited to, by stitching, adhering, bonding, or welding. In some embodiments, the hinge <NUM>, like the first zipper <NUM>, may be recessed relative to the outermost surface of the luggage piece.

The corner supports <NUM> for the luggage piece <NUM> may formed by a molding process. With reference to <FIG>, the corner supports <NUM> may be formed in a press mold <NUM> that generally defines the shape for two adjacent corner supports <NUM> using a male and female mold sections. When the material used to form the corner supports <NUM> is removed from the press mold <NUM>, the two adjacent corner supports <NUM> are joined together as shown in Fig. 12C. To separate them, the molded material may be cut along the centerline of the recessed area, as shown in Fig. 12D. When split, two of the four corner supports <NUM> are created for the luggage piece <NUM>. The other two corner supports <NUM> may be formed using the same process. While the corner supports <NUM> are shown as being formed using a press mold <NUM>, other types of molding, such as vacuum form molding may be used to form them.

<FIG> show another embodiment of a luggage piece <NUM> with a recessed zipper, with like reference numbers used for elements of the second embodiment of the luggage piece <NUM> that are similar to elements of the first embodiment of the luggage piece <NUM>. The luggage piece <NUM> is generally similar to the luggage piece shown in <FIG> except the zipper track <NUM> is recessed relative to the outermost surfaces of the sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> along the length of the zipper track <NUM>. Additionally, the luggage piece also differs from the luggage piece shown in <FIG> in that the lid <NUM>, which may also be referred to as the first luggage portion, and the base <NUM>, which may also be referred to as the second luggage portion, are each formed of harder material joined by a piano-type hinge <NUM>. Like the harder corner supports in the first luggage, the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM> may be formed to define a recessed area where the first zipper <NUM> is joined to these components. As described above, the first zipper <NUM> may be sewn, or joined by any other suitable connection method, to the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM>.

While the luggage piece <NUM> is described as being formed from a hard material, the luggage piece <NUM> could be formed using a hybrid construction (e.g., using harder materials, such as plastic, for a portion of the outer surface and softer materials, such as fabric, for the remaining outer surface) or a soft material construction. For the hybrid or soft constructions, the recessed areas for receiving the first zipper <NUM> may be formed by appropriately modifying support materials, such as the polypropylene or polyethylene sheets, to define the recessed areas. In other embodiments for hybrid or soft constructions, the first zipper <NUM> may be joined to the materials forming the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> in such a manner that at least a portion of the first zipper <NUM> is recessed relative to the outermost surface of the sides of the luggage piece <NUM>. Similarly, the luggage piece <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG> could have exterior surfaces formed using either substantially all harder materials, such as plastic, or all softer materials, such as fabric. For luggage pieces <NUM> with exteriors constructed of harder materials, the harder materials could be molded or otherwise formed to define recessed and non-recessed areas for joining the first zipper <NUM> to the luggage piece <NUM>, or the first zipper <NUM> may be joined to the components forming the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> in such a manner that at least a portion of the first zipper <NUM> is recessed. Similarly, for softer material constructions, the support elements for the softer material and/or the softer material could be formed to define recessed and non-recessed areas, or the first zipper <NUM> may be joined to the components forming the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> in such a manner that at least a portion of the first zipper <NUM> is recessed.

<FIG> show a luggage piece <NUM> with a recessed zipper, with like reference numbers used for elements of the second embodiment of the luggage piece <NUM> that are similar to elements of the first and second embodiments of the luggage piece <NUM>, <NUM>. This luggage piece <NUM> does not fall within the scope of the present invention. The luggage piece <NUM> is similar to the first and second embodiments in that at least a portion of the first zipper <NUM> is recessed relative to respective outermost surfaces of the sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> along at least a portion of the zipper track <NUM>. The third embodiment of the luggage piece <NUM> differs from the first and second embodiments in that the first zipper <NUM> is recessed based on how it is positioned relative to the other components that define the lid <NUM>, which may also be referred to as the first luggage portion, and base <NUM>, which may also be referred to as the second luggage portion, of the luggage piece <NUM> rather than recessed by positioning the first zipper <NUM> within a recessed area defined by the hard material. Further, unlike the first embodiment, at least a portion of the first zipper <NUM> is recessed within an area of the luggage piece <NUM> formed by the softer material.

In particular, with reference to <FIG>, the upper and lower portions of the luggage piece <NUM> (i.e., the top and bottom sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> along with portions of the front, rear, right, and left sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> adjacent the top and bottom sides <NUM>, <NUM>) may be formed using a harder material, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene ("ABS") plastic, polycarbonate plastic, an ABS/polycarbonate plastic blend, and so on. The remaining or central portions of the front, rear, right, and left sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> ,<NUM> may be formed using a relatively soft or pliable material, such as fabric or the like. In these "softer" regions, first support members <NUM>, such as ABS plastic sheets or strips, may be provided at the right and left sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece proximate the first zipper <NUM> to help to maintain the shape of the luggage piece <NUM> in these regions and to also facilitate recessing at least a portion of the first zipper <NUM> relative to the outermost surfaces of the rights and left sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, the harder materials defining the top and bottom portions of the luggage piece <NUM>, which may also be referred to as upper and lower shells, may define the outer surface of the luggage piece <NUM> at these portions. In some embodiments, a softer material, such as an outer fabric or the like, may be joined to the outer facing surface of the upper and/or lower shells to enhance the look or the feel of the luggage piece <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, in contrast to the harder material in the first embodiment of the luggage piece <NUM>, the upper shells <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> do not include a sidewall and a flange proximate the first zipper <NUM>. Instead, a binding <NUM> may be joined by stitching or another suitable connection method to each upper shell <NUM> at a free end of the upper shell <NUM> where the zipper tape <NUM>, <NUM> of the first zipper <NUM> are joined to the upper shells <NUM>. Each zipper tape <NUM>, <NUM> may then joined to an inner facing surface of one of the upper shells <NUM> by stitching or another suitable connection method. Because the zipper tape is joined to the inner facing surfaces of the upper shells <NUM>, the first and second sets of zipper teeth <NUM>, <NUM> of the first zipper <NUM> are positioned at approximately the same elevation as the inner surfaces of the upper shells <NUM>. Thus, the zipper track <NUM> of the first zipper <NUM> is recessed relative to the outermost surface <NUM> of the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>, resulting in at least a portion of the first zipper <NUM> being recessed relative to the outermost surface <NUM> of the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>.

The portion of the first zipper <NUM> recessed relative to the outermost surface <NUM> of the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> is a function of the thickness of the upper shells <NUM> and the thickness of the bindings <NUM>. As the combined thickness of the upper shells <NUM> and the bindings <NUM> increases, the portion of the first zipper <NUM> that is recessed relative to the outermost surface <NUM> of the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> increases. In some embodiments, the combined thickness of the upper shells <NUM> and bindings <NUM> is sufficiently large that the entire first zipper <NUM> is recessed relative to the outermost surface <NUM> of the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>. In other embodiments, the combined thickness of the upper shells <NUM> and bindings <NUM> may be selected so that a portion of the first zipper <NUM>, usually an upper portion of the zipper slider <NUM>, extends beyond the outermost surface <NUM> of the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the bindings <NUM> may be omitted. In such embodiments, the amount of recess of the first zipper <NUM> relative to the outermost surface <NUM> of the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> would be a function solely of the thicknesses of the upper shells <NUM>. In these embodiments, the entire first zipper <NUM>, or a portion of the first zipper <NUM>, may be recessed relative to the outermost surface <NUM> of the top side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, like the first embodiment of the luggage piece, the luggage piece <NUM> may include second support members <NUM>, such as wires or the like, to provide additional structural support to the upper shells <NUM> proximate the first zipper <NUM>. As in the first embodiment of the luggage piece <NUM>, each second support member <NUM> for the luggage piece <NUM> may be placed in a cover <NUM> formed from a fabric, rubber or other suitable material to facilitate stitching or otherwise joining the second support member <NUM> to the first zipper <NUM> and a respective upper shell <NUM>.

The luggage piece <NUM> may further include interior zippers <NUM> that are positioned adjacent to the first zipper <NUM>. Each interior zipper <NUM> may be joined to one of the second support member <NUM>, the first zipper <NUM> and one of the upper shells <NUM> by stitching or another suitable connection method. Each interior zipper <NUM> may be used to selectively join and disconnect a lining <NUM> to one of the upper shells <NUM>. In some embodiments, the interior zippers <NUM> may be omitted, and the lining <NUM> may be relatively permanently joined to a respective first zipper <NUM>, second support member <NUM>, and upper shell <NUM> by stitching or another suitable connection method.

Still referring to <FIG>, each upper shell <NUM> may include a recessed area that is defined by a sidewall <NUM> and a flange <NUM> formed near a free end of the upper shell <NUM> that is the distal the free end that is joined to the first zipper <NUM>. The outer member <NUM>, which may formed from a fabric or other softer material, used in the softer areas of the luggage piece <NUM> may be joined by a suitable connection method (e.g., stitching) to an upper shell <NUM> proximate this recessed free end. By recessing the free end where the outer member <NUM> is joined to the upper shell <NUM>, the outer surfaces of the outer member <NUM> and the upper shell <NUM> can be positioned within approximately the same plane at the location of transition between the outer surfaces of the upper shell <NUM> and the outer member <NUM>. Such recessing of the upper shells <NUM> also allows the respective outer members <NUM> to be folded upon themselves where they are joined to the upper shell <NUM> without it being visible from the outside of the luggage piece <NUM> that the outer members <NUM> thicker in these regions than in other regions.

While the connection of the first zipper <NUM> and outer members <NUM> have been shown and described with reference to the upper shells <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>, the first zipper <NUM> and outer member <NUM> may be joined to the lower shells of the luggage piece <NUM> in a similar manner. Further, the joining of the linings <NUM>, interior zippers <NUM>, and second support members <NUM>, if any, to the lower shells may be done in a similar manner as described above and shown in <FIG> for the upper shells <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the first zipper <NUM> may also be recessed within the softer regions of the luggage piece <NUM>. In these softer regions, the technique to recess the first zipper <NUM> is similar to the technique used in the harder regions except the upper and lower shells are replaced with the outer members <NUM>, which define the outer surface of the luggage piece <NUM> in the softer regions, and first support members <NUM> that are positioned between the zipper tapes <NUM>, <NUM> of the first zipper <NUM> and the inner surfaces of the outer members <NUM>. Thus, in these softer regions, the recess of the first zipper <NUM> relative to the outermost surface <NUM> of left side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> is a function of the thickness of the bindings <NUM>, the outer members <NUM>, and the first support members <NUM>. As the combined thickness of the bindings <NUM>, the outer members <NUM>, and the first support members <NUM> increases, the portion of the first zipper <NUM> that is recessed relative to the outermost surface <NUM> of the left side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> increases. In some embodiments, the combined thickness of the bindings <NUM>, the outer members <NUM>, and the first support members <NUM> is sufficiently large that the entire first zipper <NUM> is recessed relative to the outermost surface <NUM> of the left side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>. In other embodiments, the combined thickness of the bindings <NUM>, the outer members <NUM>, and the first support members <NUM> may be selected so that a portion of the first zipper <NUM>, usually an upper portion of the zipper slider <NUM>, extends beyond the outermost surface <NUM> of the left side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the bindings <NUM> and/or the first support members <NUM> may be omitted. In embodiments where only the bindings <NUM> are omitted, the amount of recess of the first zipper <NUM> would be a function of the thicknesses of the outer members <NUM> and the first support members <NUM>. In embodiments where only the first support members <NUM> are omitted, the amount of recess of the first zipper <NUM> would be a function of the thickness of the outer members <NUM> and the bindings <NUM>. In embodiments where both the bindings <NUM> and the first support members <NUM> are omitted, the amount of recess of the first zipper <NUM> would be a function of solely the thicknesses of the outer members <NUM>. In any of these embodiments, the entire first zipper <NUM>, or a portion of the first zipper <NUM>, may be recessed relative to the outermost surface <NUM> of the left side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>.

The first support members <NUM> may take the form of ABS sheets, strips, or the like. Each first support member <NUM> may be an elongated strap or the like with the length of the strap running substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the zipper track <NUM>. Further, each first support member <NUM> may run from an upper shell <NUM> to a lower shell. Each first support member <NUM> may have a generally rectangular cross-section along the length of the first support member <NUM>. The rectangular cross-section advantageously creates relatively planar surfaces that abut the binding <NUM> and inner surface of the outer member <NUM>. While the cross-section along the length of the first support member <NUM> is described and shown as being rectangular, any other desired cross-sectional shape, including trapezoidal or circular, may be used for the first support member <NUM>.

Similar to the components used in the harder regions, one or more the following components may be joined to the outer members <NUM> and the first zipper <NUM> in the softer regions: second support members <NUM> to provide additional structural support, covers <NUM> to facilitate joining the second support members <NUM> to the other components, interior zippers <NUM> to selectively connect and disconnect linings <NUM> to the other components, and linings <NUM>. As described above in connection with the harder region, these other components may be joined by any suitable method to the outer members <NUM> and the first zipper <NUM>. Further, when present, the interior zippers <NUM> may be positioned next the first zipper <NUM>, the first zipper <NUM> may be positioned next to the bindings <NUM>, the bindings <NUM> may cover the free ends of the outer members <NUM> that are proximate the first zipper <NUM>, and the first support members <NUM> may be positioned between the first zipper <NUM> and the inner surface of the outer members <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the first zipper <NUM> may also be recessed in the softer region on the right side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>. The first zipper <NUM> may be recessed in a manner similar to the method used in the softer region on the left side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>. More particularly, the first zipper <NUM> may be joined on the inner surfaces of the outer members <NUM> with bindings <NUM> and first support members <NUM> positioned between the first zipper <NUM> and the outer members <NUM>. Further, the amount of recess of the first zipper <NUM> relative to the outermost surface <NUM> of right side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> may be a function of the thicknesses of the outer members <NUM> and one or more of the thicknesses of the bindings <NUM> and the first support members <NUM>. Additionally, to hinge together the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>, one or more hinge members 435a-b may be joined to the outer members <NUM> that define the outer surfaces of the base <NUM> and the lid <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> in the softer region. When one or more hinge members 435a-b are used, the amount of recess of the first zipper <NUM> may further be a function of the thicknesses of the hinge members <NUM> a-b. As with the left side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> in the softer regions, the bindings <NUM> or the first support members <NUM> may be omitted.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, proximate the middle portion of the luggage piece <NUM> on the right side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>, a first hinge member 435a may be used to join the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, closer to the harder regions of the luggage piece <NUM>, first and second hinge members 435a-b may be used to join the lid <NUM> to the base <NUM>, with the second or outer hinge member 435b covering the first or inner hinge member 435a. The hinge members 435a-b allow the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> to be selectively pivoted relative to each other while keeping the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM> joined together when the first zipper <NUM> is moved to a position where a substantial portion of the teeth of the first and second sets of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> are disengaged. The hinge members 435a-b made be formed from a flexible fabric or any other suitable material. Further, the hinge members 435a-b may be sewn or to the outer members <NUM> or joined by any other suitable connection method.

Similar to left side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM> in the softer regions, one or more the following components may be joined to the outer members <NUM> and the first zipper <NUM> in the softer regions on the right side <NUM> of the luggage piece <NUM>: second support members <NUM> to provide additional structural support, covers <NUM> to facilitate joining the second support members <NUM> to the other components, interior zippers <NUM> to selectively connect and disconnect linings <NUM> to the other components, and linings <NUM>. As described above in connection with the harder region, these other components may be joined by any suitable method to the outer members <NUM> and the first zipper <NUM>. Further, when present, the interior zippers <NUM> may be positioned next the first zipper <NUM>, the first zipper <NUM> may be positioned next to the bindings <NUM>, the bindings <NUM> may cover the free ends of the outer members <NUM> that are proximate the first zipper <NUM>, and the first support members <NUM> may be positioned between the first zipper <NUM> and the inner surface of the outer members <NUM>.

Returning back to <FIG>, a carry handle <NUM> may be joined to the luggage piece <NUM> on the hinged side of the luggage piece <NUM> in the softer region. Further, the carry handle <NUM> may be positioned so it is located above the first zipper <NUM> and so that the length of the carry handle <NUM> runs parallel to the zipper track <NUM>. Such positioning of the carry handle <NUM> over the first zipper <NUM> allows for the carry handle <NUM> to be positioned at approximately the center of the luggage piece <NUM> on the hinged side of the luggage piece <NUM> when the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM> are approximately the same size. Thus, a longitudinal axis of the carry handle <NUM> may be aligned with a centerline of the luggage piece <NUM>. In some embodiments, the centerline of the luggage piece <NUM> may be a width centerline of the luggage piece <NUM>. This may be beneficial in that it allows the carry handle <NUM> to be approximately aligned with the center or mass of the luggage piece <NUM> when the luggage piece <NUM> is moved using the carry handle <NUM>.

Now turning back to <FIG>, the carry handle <NUM> may be positioned above the first hinge member 435a and below the second hinge member 435b. Thus, within the middle portion of the luggage piece <NUM> on the hinged side, the carry handle <NUM> may be exposed for grasping by the user, while closer to the harder regions of the luggage piece <NUM>, the carry handle <NUM> may be covered by the second hinge members 435b. The carry handle <NUM> may include an outer handle member <NUM>. The outer handle member <NUM> may be formed using a webbed fabric or other suitable material that is durable, elastic and/or flexible. The outer handle member <NUM> may be configured to define a tubular shape. The carry handle <NUM> may further include an inner handle member <NUM> that is positioned within the tubular cavity defined by the outer handle member <NUM>. The inner handle member <NUM> may be a foam (e.g., EVA foam), a gel or another resilient and soft material and may be formed using two or more pieces of the material. The inner handle member <NUM> generally provides the user with more comfortable grip when carrying the luggage piece <NUM> using the carry handle <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the carry handle <NUM> may also include a biasing member <NUM> that is positioned with the tubular cavity defined by the outer handle member <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> may be configured to bias the carry handle <NUM> towards the outer surface of the luggage piece <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> may be one or more metal plates (e.g., steel plates) or other suitable structures that bias the carry handle <NUM> towards the outer surface of the luggage piece <NUM>. Biasing the carry handle <NUM> towards the outer surface of the luggage piece <NUM> helps to reduce the dimensions of the luggage piece <NUM> when the carry handle <NUM> is not being used while allowing for the carry handle <NUM> to move away from the outer surface of the luggage piece <NUM> when grasped by a user in order to provide more space between the outer surface of the luggage piece <NUM> and the carry handle for the user's hands. The biasing member <NUM> may be positioned to be at least partially, up to fully, surrounded by the inner handle member <NUM>. Such positioning of the biasing member <NUM> relative to the inner handle member <NUM> may reduce the ability of the user to feel the biasing member <NUM> within the outer handle member <NUM> and/or protect the user's hand from the biasing member <NUM>.

To facilitate movement of the carry handle <NUM> away from the outer surface of luggage piece, excess material that forms the outer handle member <NUM> may be placed within a cavity defined by the first and second hinge members 435a-b. The excess material allows for the total length of the carry handle <NUM> that is exposed outside of the second hinge members 435b to be selectively increased and decreased. When increased, the amount of space between the outer surface of the luggage piece <NUM> and the inward facing surface of the carry handle <NUM> increases, thus providing more room for a user's hand. When decreased, the distance between the outer surface of the luggage piece <NUM> and the inward surface of the carry handle <NUM> decreases, thus bringing the carry handle <NUM> closer to the outer surface of the luggage piece <NUM>. Further, because of the bias provided by the biasing member <NUM>, when the carry handle <NUM> is released by the user, the biasing member <NUM> moves the carry handle <NUM> back towards the outer surface of the luggage piece <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, a rigid or semi-rigid handle support member <NUM> may be positioned within the cavity defined by the first and second hinge members 435a-b. The handle support member <NUM> may be positioned between the carry handle <NUM> and the second hinge member 435b. The handle support member <NUM> may be used to provide structural strength at the ends of the carry handle <NUM>. The handle support member <NUM> may be made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, or any other suitable material.

The carry handle <NUM> may be joined to the first and second hinge members 435a-b and the outer members <NUM> by stitching or any other suitable connection method. In particular, the end portions of the outer handle member <NUM> may be stitched or otherwise joined to the first and second hinge members 435a-b and the outer members <NUM>.

<FIG> show a schematic partial top view of a fourth embodiment of a luggage piece <NUM> that incorporates a recessed zipper. The fourth embodiment of the luggage piece <NUM> is similar to the first embodiment of the luggage piece <NUM> except a second zipper <NUM> is positioned adjacent to the first zipper <NUM>. The second zipper <NUM> may be used to selectively expand the size of the luggage piece <NUM>. In particular, when the second zipper <NUM> is configured to an open position as shown in <FIG>, the front side <NUM> (or lid) of the luggage piece <NUM> may be moved away, in a transverse direction relative to the length of the second zipper <NUM>, from the rear side <NUM> (or base) of the luggage piece. As the lid <NUM> moves away from the base <NUM>, a gusset material <NUM> is exposed between the first and set sets of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> of the second zipper <NUM>. This gusset material <NUM> allows the lid <NUM> to be selectively moved away from the base <NUM> up to a predetermined distance. This capability to selectively move the lid <NUM> away from the base <NUM> allows for the area enclosed by the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM> to be selectively expanded. To return the luggage piece <NUM> to its unexpanded configuration, as shown in <FIG>, the second zipper <NUM> may be configured into its closed position.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the first set of teeth <NUM> for the first zipper <NUM> may be joined to the lid <NUM> via the first tape, and the other set of teeth <NUM> for the first zipper <NUM> may be joined to a first set of teeth <NUM> for the second zipper <NUM> via zippers tapes associated with each set of teeth <NUM>, <NUM>. The second set of teeth <NUM> for the second zipper <NUM> may be joined to the base <NUM> via a zipper tape associated with the second set of teeth <NUM>. If desired, the positions of the first and second zippers <NUM>, <NUM> could be reversed. More particularly, the first zipper <NUM> could be positioned proximate the base <NUM>, and the second zipper <NUM> could be positioned proximate the lid <NUM>.

According to the invention, the first and second zippers <NUM>, <NUM> may be recessed in a similar manner as described above with respect to the first zipper <NUM> for the first or second embodiments of the luggage piece <NUM>, <NUM>.

Further, the first and second zippers <NUM>, <NUM> may be recessed along portions or segments of their respective lengths, or may recessed along their entire lengths. The first and second zippers <NUM>, <NUM> may also be recessed in a similar manner as described above with respect to the luggage piece <NUM>, this configuration, however, does not fall under the scope of the present invention.

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'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.

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 scope of the present invention, as long as such modifications fall within the scope of invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A luggage piece (<NUM>) comprising:
a base (<NUM>);
a lid (<NUM>) pivotally joined to the base to pivot between at least a first position where the base and the lid define a substantially enclosed space and a second position to allow access to the substantially enclosed space;
the lid and the base together defining an area recessed relative to outermost surfaces of the lid and the base when the lid and base are configured in the first position; and
a zipper (<NUM>) for maintaining the lid and the base in the first position, the zipper joined to the lid and the base at least within the recessed area such that the zipper is recessed relative to the outermost surfaces of the lid and the base within the recessed area;
wherein:
the zipper includes a zipper track (<NUM>), a zipper slider (<NUM>), and a zipper tab (<NUM>);
the luggage piece (<NUM>) further comprises a front side (<NUM>), a rear side (<NUM>), a left side (<NUM>), a right side (<NUM>), a top side (<NUM>) and a bottom side (<NUM>), the lid being defined by the front side and portions of the right, left, top and bottom sides, the base being defined by the rear side and remaining portions of the right, left, top and bottom sides, and the right side being formed to define a pair of recessed area sidewalls (230a, 230b) that extend from the outermost surfaces of the right side toward the enclosed space;
a recessed area flange (240a, 240b) extends from each of the recessed area sidewalls proximate an inner recessed area sidewall end portion of its respective recessed area sidewall generally transversely from its respective recessed area sidewall towards the other recessed area sidewall, wherein each recessed area flange (240a, 240b) ends proximate the recessed area flange extending from the other recessed area sidewall (230a, 230b) such that the free ends of the recessed area flanges abut each other; and
the zipper track is joined to the recessed area flanges.