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:
May. 07, 2013
Filed:
Apr. 28, 2005
Erik Sijmons, Oudenaarde, BE;
Willy Van Hoye, Zwijnaarde, BE;
Rudi Boudry, Ghent, BE;
Tobias Ackerman, Wuppertal, DE;
Erik Sijmons, Oudenaarde, BE;
Willy Van Hoye, Zwijnaarde, BE;
Rudi Boudry, Ghent, BE;
Tobias Ackerman, Wuppertal, DE;
Samsonite IP Holdings S.a.r.l., Luxembourg, LU;
Abstract
Disclosed is a method and system for providing several stages of closure of a luggage case (), including an open stage, a pre-close stage in which one or more latching mechanisms are engaged, and a secure stage in which a drawing action pulls both shells of the luggage case () further together. Also disclosed is a method and system for automatically ensuring proper latching of the multiple latching mechanisms around the perimeter of a luggage case (). The latching mechanisms may be aligned by use of a single operative mechanism (). The present invention comprises a low-friction, durable system. The present invention ensures security of a user's belongings by providing the extra measurement of closure. The user enjoys a single operative mechanism (), and needs to exert only a minimal amount of pressure to latch the case (), thanks to a clever design of the single operative mechanism (). The user needs not worry about their suitcase () popping open due to a failed latching mechanism.