US4919240A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Expandable valise
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1989-05-25
•
Granted: 1990-04-24
•
Expires: 2009-05-25
Abstract
Abstract An expandable and collapsible valise is described as rigidized and supported against distortion by at least two vertical encircling adjustable straps and one horizontal encircling adjustable strap, the vertical straps being retained in situ by means of a topmost movable batten having strap retention keepers thereon. Additional vertical strap retention keepers are at the bottom of the valise. The vertical straps overlay a horizontally disposed retention strap, adjustably supported adjacent the bottom of the valise being likewise secured against displacement. The bottom of the valise is characterized by convolute portions which, being an extension of the front and rear panels of the valise are extensible and contractible, depending upon the content volume of the valise.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles S. Tobias
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 17:59
CPC Classifications
A; A45; A45F; A45F3/00; A45F3/02; A45C; A45C7/00; A45C7/0059; A45C7/0063
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
207 words
A collapsible-expandable valise, comprising: (a) enclosable top, front, rear, and side panels, and an extensible-contractible bottom panel, including flexible convolutions extending between said side panels; (b) a rigid batten, centered adjustably upon said top panel, said rigid batten supporting top vertical strap keepers adjacent opposed ends of the batten, and two shoulder strap anchors at the ends of said batten; (c) plural vertical straps, vertically encircling the valise, said vertical straps being adjustably secured to said batten bys aid top keepers affixed to said batten, and adjustably secured to said bottom panel by bottom keepers affixed to said bottom panel, and nadjustablys ecurd to said front and rear panels by front and rear strap guides affied respectively tos aid front and said rear panels; (d) a horizontal encircling valise strap positioennd adjacent said bottom panela nd adjustablys ecured tos aid side panels by side keepers, said horizontals trap containing adjusting apertures wherebys aid horizontal strap is adjustable in length, relative to the overall exterior circumference of the said side panels and said front and rear panels, as defined bys aid flexible convolutions; and (e) adjusting studs protruding from at least one of said panels, so as to complementally engage and secure said encircling valise strap adjusting apertures.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
207 words
A collapsible-expandable valise, comprising: (a) enclosable top, front, rear, and side panels, and an extensible-contractible bottom panel, including flexible convolutions extending between said side panels; (b) a rigid batten, centered adjustably upon said top panel, said rigid batten supporting top vertical strap keepers adjacent opposed ends of the batten, and two shoulder strap anchors at the ends of said batten; (c) plural vertical straps, vertically encircling the valise, said vertical straps being adjustably secured to said batten bys aid top keepers affixed to said batten, and adjustably secured to said bottom panel by bottom keepers affixed to said bottom panel, and nadjustablys ecurd to said front and rear panels by front and rear strap guides affied respectively tos aid front and said rear panels; (d) a horizontal encircling valise strap positioennd adjacent said bottom panela nd adjustablys ecured tos aid side panels by side keepers, said horizontals trap containing adjusting apertures wherebys aid horizontal strap is adjustable in length, relative to the overall exterior circumference of the said side panels and said front and rear panels, as defined bys aid flexible convolutions; and (e) adjusting studs protruding from at least one of said panels, so as to complementally engage and secure said encircling valise strap adjusting apertures.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A collapsible-expandable valise as ain claim 1, said adjusting n struds extending laterally from said front panel in the path of said horizontal strap.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A collapsible-expandable valise as in claim 1, including a carrying handle medially positioned upon said rigid batten.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A collapsible-expandable valise asa in claim 1 with a shoulder strap removably fixed at either end of said batten by said shoulder strap anchors so as ato extend above said valise during carrying.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-04-23 | 1993-10-23 | 1994-04-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-04-23 | 1997-10-23 | 1998-04-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-04-23 | 2001-10-23 | 2002-04-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |