Samsonite Corporation

Donna A Suiter

David E Workman

James S Gregg

James P Sullivan

Joseph A Woodburn

Charles J Scott

A first preformed case section with front and bottom panels and top, bottom and side flanges is joined by a hinge with a second case section constructed of two unitarily related preformed parts defining a top, back and end panels. A pair of individual latching mechanisms interconnect the end panels of the two case sections to one another. A locking-latch apparatus is provided on the top panel adjacent the handle, e.g., combination or key lock. With the second case section back wall resting on a horizontal support surface, the first case section on opening extends at 90.degree. to the first case section, with the bottom panel stably resting on the same support surface. Platelike retainers are located on the inner lower panel surface adjacent each end and serve to prevent long garments arranged therein from being clamped between the case section edges during closing. Long garments hang from an assembly secured to the inner surface of the front panel and are held close to the inner panel surfaces by a strap secured to both retainers and passing over the garments. Optionally, a rod-like member having an end pivotally connected to one retainer for extending across the long garments is used instead of the strap.

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Denver, CO, United States of America

Donna A Suiter