Expandable zipper arrangement for luggage

Abstract

A luggage case ( 102 ) including a first shell ( 116, 118 ) and a second shell ( 116, 118 ) and an opening zip assembly ( 128 ) selectively joining the first and second shell ( 116, 118 ). A first expansion zip ( 130 ) is attached to a first shell ( 116 ) and a first side of the opening zip assembly ( 128 ). A second expansion zip ( 132 ) is attached to a second shell ( 118 ) and a second side of the opening zip assembly ( 128 ). A first reinforcing structure ( 190 ) is attached to and between the first expansion zip ( 130 ) and the first side of the opening zip assembly ( 128 ). A second reinforcing structure ( 190 ) is attached to and between the second expansion zip assembly ( 132 ) and the second side of the opening zip assembly ( 128 ).

1 . A luggage case comprising:
 a first shell having a first peripheral edge defining a first opening, and a second shell having a second peripheral edge defining a second opening;   an opening zip assembly selectively joining the first and second peripheral edges of the first and second shells;   a first expansion zip attached to the first peripheral edge and a first side of the opening zip assembly;   a second expansion zip attached to the first peripheral edge and a second side of the opening zip assembly;   a first reinforcing structure attached to and between the first expansion zip and the first side of the opening zip; and   a second reinforcing structure attached to and between the second expansion zip and the first side of the opening zip.   
     
     
         2 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the first shell and the second shell are made of hard sided material. 
     
     
         3 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 2 , wherein:
 the first and second reinforcing structures are first and second piping structures, each first and second piping structure including an elongated member.   
     
     
         4 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 3 , wherein either or both the elongated members is made of wire, extruded plastic, or fiberglass. 
     
     
         5 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 3 , wherein the piping structure includes a cover layer forming a channel to receive the elongated member. 
     
     
         6 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 3 , wherein each of the first and second reinforcing structures extends along the respective first and second peripheral edge. 
     
     
         7 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 3 , wherein each of the first and second reinforcing structures extends along the respective first and second shell opening. 
     
     
         8 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 3 , wherein each of the first and second reinforcing structures extends along the respective first and second expansion zip. 
     
     
         9 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 3 , wherein the elongated member is a single piece formed in a loop. 
     
     
         10 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 3 , wherein the elongated member is a plurality of separate pieces attached together. 
     
     
         11 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 10 , wherein adjacent ends of each separate piece is secured together by a connector piece. 
     
     
         12 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 1 , wherein:
 each expansion zip assembly defines an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, the expanded configuration having an expanded width defined by a gusset member;   wherein in the expanded configuration each of the expansion zip assemblies has a greater width than the unexpanded configuration and spaces the connected first and second shells further apart.   
     
     
         13 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 12 , wherein the expanded width of the respective gusset member of the first and second expansion zip assemblies are the same. 
     
     
         14 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 12 , wherein the expanded width of the respective gusset member of the first and second expansion zip assemblies are different. 
     
     
         15 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 1 , wherein:
 each expansion zip has a first and second opposing and engageable zip tapes and zip teeth, and   wherein the respective gusset member is attached between the first and second zip tapes.   
     
     
         16 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 15 , wherein at least one gusset is attached below the first and second opposing zip tapes. 
     
     
         17 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 15 , wherein:
 each of the respective gusset members is attached along one edge to the reinforcement structure.   
     
     
         18 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 17 , wherein:
 each of the respective gusset members is attached along one edge to the opening zip assembly.   
     
     
         19 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 18 , wherein:
 an opposite edge of each of the respective gusset members is coupled to the respective expansion zip assembly or to the rim of the luggage case.   
     
     
         20 . The luggage case as defined in  claim 1 , wherein:
 at least one hinge connects the first shell to the second shell to allow the shells to pivot along an opening edge with respect to each other when the opening zip assembly is open.   
     
     
         21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . (canceled)