The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 08, 2006
Filed:
Sep. 25, 2003
Robert Smith, Louisville, CO (US);
Doug Golenz, Louisville, CO (US);
Andy Burgess, St. Louis, MO (US);
Aaron Gorga, St. Louis, MO (US);
Jeff Mullins, St. Louis, MO (US);
Daniel Kim, Appleton, WI (US);
Robert Smith, Louisville, CO (US);
Doug Golenz, Louisville, CO (US);
Andy Burgess, St. Louis, MO (US);
Aaron Gorga, St. Louis, MO (US);
Jeff Mullins, St. Louis, MO (US);
Daniel Kim, Appleton, WI (US);
TRG Group, L.L.C., St. Louis, MO (US);
Abstract
An expansion mechanism for use with a piece of luggage, the expansion mechanism being designed to resiliently support, but not rigidly lock, a piece of expandable luggage in an extended position. The expansion mechanism allows for float at intermediate positions between a collapsed and extended position further preventing damage to the mechanism by allowing it to internally shift to compensate for shocks, and to allow the mechanism to continue to function even if it is bent or damaged. The expansion mechanism also allows for moveable parts of the mechanism and pinch points to be protected from interaction with the contents of the luggage.