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:
Feb. 12, 2008
Filed:
Jan. 25, 2005
William L. King, Warren, RI (US);
Glenn Schmierer, Golden, CO (US);
William L. King, Warren, RI (US);
Glenn Schmierer, Golden, CO (US);
Samsonite Corporation, Mansfield, MA (US);
Abstract
Disclosed is a method and system for compressing and automatically expanding an expandable luggage casecomprising a ratchet mechanismand a bungee cord, that is used to bias a locking mechanism, in the form of detentsthat mate with teeth, in a locked position, and to bias a jack mechanismfor automatic expansion. The bungee cordbiases the ratchet compressor systemin an expanded state. Thus, automatic expansion is achieved, in a very easy to use manner. In addition to being operated while the luggage caseis open, the ratchet compressoris also operable from the outside of the luggage caseonce the luggage casehas been packed and closed. A user may then compress the luggage casesimply by applying pressure to the lid. The ratchet compressor systemtherefore provides a zipper-less, automated method of expanding a luggage caseas well as compressing the luggage caseonce the luggage casehas been closed.