Title: Differential pressure formed luggage with molded integrated frame
Application Number: 96190854 Application Date: 1996.06.05
Publication Number: 1167429 Publication Date: 1997.12.10
Approval Pub. Date: Granted Pub. Date:
International Classifi-cation: A45C13/04;B29C51/04;B29C51/10
Applicant(s) Name: Samsonite Corp. Address:
Inventor(s) Name: E. Younessian;J. Kapushion;R. Bromley
Attorney & Agent: CUI YOUPING
Abstract:
    The invention relates to hard sided luggage shells (40, 80) and other containers manufactured using vacuum forming or pressure forming of thermoplastics. A process for making shells (40, 80) and containers with integrally molded frames (42, 44, 82, 84) is disclosed, and products made by the method. A method of manufacturing differential pressure formed containers with framed openings, but without the need to attach a separate frame element to the molded shell (40, 80). A process also is disclosed for reducing the undesirable stretching of shell material (216) that occurs during differential pressure forming, particularly the thinning of corner portions of the shell (40, 80) or container. The process of the invention more efficiently utilizes the thermoplastic material (216) by moving material from otherwise offal portions (222) into the molded product. An improved method for severing the offal material (222) from the final product is disclosed.
Time: 17