'luggage panel with integrated carry handle for soft-side type luggage cases'

摘要

Luggage cases of the soft-side construction are perceived to be lighter than hard-side cases but the many rigidifying elements in soft-side cases tend to add to the weight of a soft-side luggage case, reducing its weight advantage over molded shell luggage cases. However, using the body textile in the luggage case to form both the grip portion of a carry handle, and bale portions which are integrally formed with a large panel of body fabric attached directly to a thin resilient wire hoop around the outer perimeter of that panel, results in a remarkably stiff construction that resists distortion when the luggage case is lifted by the thus integrally formed handle. This saves substantial weight in comparison to conventional luggage case constructions having a stiffening perimeter honeycomb frame construction.