US3137374A

US3137374A - Luggage

Info

Publication number: US3137374A
Application number: US72006A
Authority: US
Inventors: Samuel J Holtzman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1960-11-28
Filing date: 1960-11-28
Publication date: 1964-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 1981-06-16
Also published as: BE645343A

Description

June 16, 1964 s. J. HOLTZMAN 3,137,374

LUGGAGE Filed Nov. 28, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 IL IL l l Il L 1 IL I FIE.Z

INVENTOR' SAMLJEL J. HOLTZMAN AT'TORNEY s. J. HOLTZMAN 3,137,374

LUGGAGE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 16, 1964 Filed Nov. 28, 1960 INVENTOR SAMUEL J. HOL'T ZMAN ATTORNEY June 16, 1964 s. J; HOLTZMAN LUGGAGE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed NOV. 28, 1960 INVENTOR SAMUEL J- HLTZMAN United States Patent O 3,137,374 LUGGAGE k Samuel J. Holtzman, 8201 Symphony Drive, Baltimore 8, Md. Filed Nov. 28, 1960, Ser. No. 72,006 19 Claims. (Cl. 190--51) The invention relates to luggage, and is more partcularly directed to improvements in dividere or partitions for suit cases, Gladstone bags, hat boxes, or similar luggage cases or containers.

Conventional luggage case partitions are in the form of a supporting member of cardboard, or a length of metal wire bent into a snpporting edge, which is covered with a fabric. The partition is hinged to one of the case halves and is provided with a pair of spaced metal eyelets near its free edge to receive similarly spaced turnbutton elements mounted on the cooperating case half to tl1ereby permit retention of the packed goods. The partition may be provided with pockets sewn -to the fabric covering to permit the storage of small articles.

Not infrequently, luggage is unevenly packed and overloaded, whereupon the conventional partitions do not well retain their orginal peripheral outline and flat, planar condition. The partitions peripheral edge conforms less to the radii of the cases internal outline than it did when new. Moreover, it has been difficult to make a partition whch initially conforms closely to the often complex radii of the case with which it is assembled.

Also, Where the partitions of known structure are providecl with pockets to receive small objects, and in the event that something is spilled in a pocket which soils the fabric thereof, one cannot thoroughly clean the fabric, because the pocket cannot be separated from the partition.

In accordance with the invention, a luggage case partition is provided which is strong and durable. The partf tion conforms to the contents of the case which may be both overloaded and unevenly distributed. Nevertheless, thongh twisted and bent out of its normally flat, single planar condition by a nonuniformly distributed overload, the partition readily returns to its normal condition and conforms closely to the outline of the inner periphery of the case when the compressive and twisting stresses thereon are removed, thereby suitably accommodating another load of goods Which may be difierently distributed in the case. The partition of the invention is precisely dimensioned and constructed so that initially, and after extended and overloading use, it conforms to the complex radii of the inner periphery of the case with which it is cooperatvely related.

The partition of the inventionis of a unitary construction; it is made in a single operation, thereby eliminating the necessity to stock and assemble several parts. The partition possesses integrally formed hinge means, thereby eliminating the necessity of sewing or otherwise permanently connecting the partition to the case. Also, the partition possesses integrally formed means for cooperation with the turnbnttons, thereby eliminating the usual metal eyelets and the operation of attaching them to the partition, together with the cost of such components and the expense of the attaching operation.

Moreover, the partition of the invention is not readily soilable, and if soiled, it may be cleaned by simply Wiping with a cloth. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the partition is constructed to permit a fabric pocket or pockets to be separably connected thereto so that when the pocket materal is soiled it may be removed for a thorough cleaning, and then readily reassembled with the partition.

These, and other purposes and advantages of the IIVGII tion will be apparent from the following detailed deseription, taken in conjunction with the drawings illustrating a preferred embodiment of the inventon, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partly broken away and in section, showing a luggage case provided with a parttion made in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the partition, the specific embodiment herein llnstrated including means for removably supporting pockets, this view showing the pockets assembled with the partition;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken approximately in the plano of line 3 3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2, this view however, showing the partition with the pockets removed;

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the manner in which the case;

FIG. 6 shows the hinged connection between partition and case when viewing FIG. 5 from the right side thereof;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, sideelevationalview, partly in Vsection, showing the relationship of the partition with respect to a turnbutton; f.

FIG. 8 shows the relationship of turnbutton andpartiytion when viewing the right side of FIG. 7, this vi ew showing the turnbuttonin i=ts closed or holding position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view, partly broken away and in section, showing a pocket member suitable for assembly with the partition shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another form of pocket member suitable for assembly with the partition shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view takeri approximately in the plane of line 11-11 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 12 is an end view of the partitions hinge means .looking in the direction of the arrows 12-12 of FIG. 4.

A luggage partition made in accordance with the invention comprises a unitary grilleor lattice-like member of plastic material. The grille-like member preferably is made by molding a thermoplastic composition to provide a unit which is tough, tear-resistant, durable and flexible. Preferably, the partition is made of a polypropylene composition. Other suitable thermoplastic compositions which may be used are essentially polyethylene, polystyrenet polyvinyl chloride, eopolymers of vnyl chloride and vinyl acetate, or a polyamide (nylon). The untary, grille-like member, because it is molded, permits the product to be precisely dimensioned and contoured to closely match the configuration of the luggage case with which it is to be assembled, thereby coniplementing the radii defining the internal contours of the kzse. It is contemplated that the grille-like partiti0n also may be made by stamping a shet of plastic material of suitable thickness.

The grille-like member provides a network of spaced, integrally connected, intersecting, narrow strips, webs or rods of the plastic material. Preferably, the space strips lie in and inter'sect one another in substantially the same single plane, and the periphery of the network is circumscribed or defined by a continnous, narrow strip, also in the same plane, which furnishes the exact, desired peripheral outline of the network constituting the grillelike partition. The grille-like partition is formed to provide integral means for hingng the Partition to the luggage case. Also, the partition is formed with integral means for connection of the partition to the turnbuttons. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the parti tion also is made to provide, as an integral part thereof, supporting means for pocket members.

partition is hingedly connected to the In greater detail, reference s made to FIG. 1 whch illustrates a partition A made in accordance With the invention in assembled relationship With a luggage case B. In the llustrated embodirnent of the invention, the case is generally of rectangular shape. It WH be understood however, that it is within the scope of the invention to provide a case of circular or other desired contour, whereupon the coopera/ring partition is made to provide a matching or like peripheral outline. The case may be of the hard variety or molded of plastic material, or it may be of leather, or leather-like flexible Wall material.

The luggage case shown comprises a pair of case halves or sections and 22 hinged to one another by a pair of laterally spaced hinges 24 and 24'. The case section or lid 20 is provided along its free peripheral edge With a male valance mernber 26 adaped to be received, when the case is closed, in a channel or fernale valance member 28 secured to the peripheral edge of the case section 22. The case section 29 is provided Wth a pair for laeraly spaced hasps 30 and 3% for cooperation with locks (not shown) on the opposite case section 22. The case sectioz1 2-19 also has secured thereto a pair of laterally spaced

turnbutton assemblies

32 and 32 for cooperation With the partition A so that goods paeked in such case section may be retained therein by the separable conneetion of the partitico With the turnburtons. The partition s hinged to the case section 20. The grille-like partiton and the oooperating case seetion may be hinged to one another in any suiable manner. It is preferred however, hat they be hingedly connected in a manner (o be subsequently described in detai1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the plastic, grille-like partitico A. The partition is molded to provide a plurality or series of spaced, parallel strips 32 which extend across the Widh of the partition. Such series of spaeed strips are intersected by a plurality 'of integrally connected, spaced strips 34, Which preferaby 1ie substantially in the same plane and extend substantially at a right angle to the first-mentioned series of strips, and

'thereby provice openings 36 exending through te partition. 'h strps may inerseet one anoher at any suitabe ange, ami otber than at a right angle, as shown. The number of intersecting strips and ther spacng from one another depends upon the 1inear dirnensons of the pariton, which in turn is determined by the inear internal dimensions of the case half With which the parttion is O be associated. The openings 36 provided by the nework of spaced, intersecting, integrally connected strips may vary in size. The openings are made smal enough to prevent appare or lke goods from extenring an undue amount through the partition. On the other band, the openings are made of a size sufficiently large to aiord a substantial measure of flexibility, together With lght' Weight and economy of material. The distance between the spaced strips may be on the order of approximately two inches in one drection, whereupon the distance between the strips angularly disposed With respect -thereto may be on the order of approximately on inch. The extent of the spacing between the strips is a matter of choice, consonant With a suitable balance of the aforementioned factors. Preferably, a continuous or endle'ss strip 38 extends around the periphery of the network to furnish a smooth or unbroken edge which defines the exact, desired outline of the partitica.

In the particular embodiment of the partition illustrated in FIG. 4 (and FIG. 2), integrally connected strips 49 are located to extend intermediate and paralel to pairs of the spaced strips 32; aso, a number of integrally connected strips 42 are located intermediate and parallel to pairs of strips 34. As shown, che strips 40 are not necessarily in linear alignrnent Wh one another, and thestrips 42 also are not necessarily in linear alignment With one another. They may be arrangcd in linear alignment, or they may be laterally ofiset from one another, it only being necessary that the openngs 36 bounded by the spaced, intersecting strips be of sutable size. Bach of the

aforementioned strips

32 and 34 may also have portions of their lengths laerally ofiset from one anothcr, though the strips lie in substantially the same plane.

The integraly connected strips 32, 34, 40 and 42, and

the peripberal strip 33, are of relatvely narrow Wdth and thckness, or diameter. The strips of the network may be all of the same cross-section or they may possess different cross-sections. The strips may have a crosssection which is circular, ellpteal, substantally rectangular, square or of any other desired eross-section. In the preferred embodiment of the nvention, the intersecting strips 32 and 34, and the peripheral strip 38 are of identical cross-secton and, as shown in FIG. 11, are contoured 10 provide a short, laterally extending reinforcing rib portico 44. The

intermediate strips

40 and 42, Whch made for the support of a par of pocket members by means of integrally formed panels which furnish a measure of stfiness at the areas where they are located, the areas arljacent the panels may be provided With the intermediate strips 46 and 42 of reduced cross-sectonal dimensions to furnish a compensatng measure ci flexibility..

As previously indicated, the partiton of the inventon includes, as an integral part thereof, hnge means for connecting the parttion to the luggage case. For ths purpose, the peripheral strip 38 may be molded of cir cuar crossoereton throughout, or at selected. seeons thereof to provice laterally spaced hinge orpivo means 5%? and 56 along the esige of the partitico, as shown in FIG. 4. A5 also shown in FXG. 6, the longitudinal ends of ezrch pivot or pintle secton is confined by a pair of the laterally spaced strips 34 extending at a righi angle to che pivot seetion. It is preferred that the integrally forrned pivot portions 59 and 5% each be slightly offset to be in a plzme parallel to the plane of the nework of spaced, infersecting s'rrps for more convenient hinging of the partition to a partiion hinge means abouto be describec. The ofiset relationship of the integral hinge means With respeet to the adjoining portions of the partiton is bes illustrated in FIG. 12.

A preferred manner for hingedly connecting the partition to the luggage case is illustrated. in FGS. 5 and 6, showing one of the par of hinge arrangements. Eaeh case hnge 24 has appurtenarrt thereto a partition hinge fitting 52. The partitico hnge fitting is aligned With the case hinge 24 With its base portico 54 Iocated on the interior side of the case section 20. Fastenng means 56 is extended through the base portion 58 of the case hinge 24, an opening in the case wa1l and an opening in the base portiorr 54 of the partition hinge. A second fastening means in the form of a spaced headed rivet or nut, ar1d short bolt arrangement (net shown.) is used fico secure the case and partitico hnges 24 and 52 to the wall of the case to secure both hnge mernbers aganst rotation. The partitico hnge 52 is formed to furnish a springy, hocklike portion providing an opening 62 havng a height sgbtly less than the diameter of the partitions pntle portion 5%. The resliency afiorded by the hook-lke configuraton permits the pintle portion 50, or to be snapped beneeth the bent over portion 66 for connectiori of the partton to the case. The described arrangement perrns the partition to be separated from the case by the applcation of a forse in the opposite direction.

As previously ndx'cated, the partitico of the invention also is provided With integral means permitting the -sep arable coni1ection of the partition with the turnbuttons on the laterally spaced

turnbutton assemblies

32 and 32. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the partition is provided with a pair of laterally spaced openings 64 and 64' inward of the periphral edge strip 38 and along the side of the partition opposite the side having the spaced hnge means 50 and 50. The turnbutton openings 64 and 64' are each defined on one side thereof by the peripheral strip 38, on the opposite side by a strip of the network, in this instance, a strip 40, and on its other two opposing sides by short strips or webs, designated 66, 66' and 68, 68', respectively. The dimensions of each of the openings 64 and 64' is such that a turnbutton 70 may be passed therethrough with a slight amount of clearance, and upon rotation throtigh a 90 arc will extend across the adjoining

web material

66, 66', or 68, 68'. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the manner in-which the hinge partition is separably held to the lid section of the case to retain the goods therein.

While not essential to realize a nurnber of the stated purposes and advantages of the invention, it is preferred to constru'ct the partition so that it also funCtions to separably spport a pocket member. For this purpose, the network of spaced, intersecting, integrally conneeted strips constituting the grilleor lattice-'like structure may be provided with an integrally connected pocket-supporting panel or panels.

FIG. 4 shows a partition which is provided with a pair of pocket-supporting panels 72 and 74. As shown, the panel 72 has one edge thereof 76 integrally connected to a transversely extending strip 32 of the network. The panel, which lies inthe same plane as the spaced, integrally connected strips comprising the grille-like network, has its other three edges 78, 80 and 80' unconnected or free and spaced a small amount from the adjacent strips. Similarly, the second panel 74, is integrally connected along one edge thereof 82 to another of the strips 32, and has its other three

edges

83, 84 and 84' spaced from and free of adjoining strips of the network. This panel is also provided with a pair'- of laterally spaced

notches

86 and 86 at the corners where the panel is integrally joined to the partition for cooperation with the particular kind of pocket member to be shortly described. Intermediate the width of the panel 72, below the free edge 78, and between a pair of spaced parallel strips of the network, a tab 87 having an aperture 88 is provided to bridge a pair of the spaced strips. Similarly, a tab 90 having an aperture 92 -bridges and is connected to a pair of spaced, parallelstrips below the Central por- .tion of the panel 74. The tabs are integrally formed parts of the partition.

Por cooperation with and support by the panel 72, a pocket member P as shown in FIG. 9 is used. Such pocket member may comprise a pair of front

and'back walls

94 and 94 of equal linear dimensions which are joined to one another by an intermediate gusset 96 extending along the ends-and bottom of the front and back walls, thereby leaving the pocket member open at the top. The parts of the pocket member may be connected to one another by sewing. The gusset is a flexible material or fabric which is unreinforced, whereas the walls 94 and 94' may be of cardboard covered with a fabric material to furnish relatively stili sides. A loop 98 may be stitched to the front tace of the wall 94 and a loop 98' may be stitched to the exposed face of the wall 94'. The gusset 96 has secured thereto the mating parts of a snap fastener 190, the male and fernale parts being secured in spaced relationship at the cientral, bottom side of the gusset, with the coacting male and fernale elements extending from the gussets underside.

T0 'separably secure the pocket member P to the panel 72, the panel is bent out of the plztne of the partition about the hinge provided by the integral connection of the panel to the network at 76. The top open end of the pocket member is then slipped over the panel, and the 6 panel 72 is returned to its normal condition where it lies in the plane of the partition network. As shown in -FIGS. 2 and 3, the snap fastener elements are connected through the opening 88 in the tab 87; As a result, and as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of

compartments

102 and 102 are provided, one on each side of the partition panel 72. If desired, another tab (net shown) may be used tobridge the small opening between the lower edge 78 of the panel and the bottom wall provided by the connected gusset 96. A flexible strip of leather or leatherlike mteriall04 is passed thrugh an opening 36 at the upper central portion of the partition and around a strip 40 t provide a pair of strip portins 108 and 108', the strip portions being secured to one an0ther beneth the fold by a rivet 110 extended through an aperture 36 on the other side of the intervening strip. The

strip portions

108 and 108 are adapted to' have the ends thereof exteiided throughthe loops 98 and 98' and provide a -closure for each of the

compartments

102 and 102.

For the panel 74, a pocket member P as shown in FIG. 10 may be used; Here, the pocket member is in the ,form of a continuous, endless band, of flexible mteril 114, which may be formed by sewing the ends of a strip of textile fabric together at 115. One edge of the loop is connected, as by sewing, to an intermediate or bottoni strip 116 of,flexible fabric material. The opposite end 117 of the loop is left open. Ari elastic band 118 is sevvn along the top edge. of the loop, and an elastic band 120 is sirnilarly sewn or connected to the lower pocket member into the

notches

86 and 86. The spaced elements ofa snap fastener 124 secured to the flexible bottom wall 116 of the pocket member in the 1elationship previously described, are positioned on opposite sides of the tab 90, and snapped together through the tabs aperture 92; The panel 74 acts as a divider for the pocket member, and furnishes tWo

separate compartments

122 and 122, as shown in FIG. 3.

It will be apparent thatfwhen either of the pocket members P or P become soiled, one need only separate the snap fastener elements to enable the pocket members -to be removed from the partition. In the case of the pocket member P, it is, of course, strec'hed to disengage the edge thereof from the

notches

86, 86.

It is believed that the advantages of the invention wll illustratd embodirnent of a preferred forrn ofthe invention. Theplastic grille-like partition is made to desired, exact size and contour in a single operation. The desired degree.of flexibility may be provided at those areas of the partition where diterent measuresfof flexibility are desired. The partition may be twisted and bent in the normal use and abuse which a partition recei ves when the luiggage case is packed and overloaded with unevenly distribted goods. As soon as the stresses are removed, the partitionreturnsto its normally flat condition andperipheral outline conforming to the radii of the particular luggage case with which it is assembled. If for any reason the fullheight of the case is'desired without any intervening partition, the partition conveniently maybe remVed and storedun'til the use thereof is desired, the separable hinge connection of the partition with the case p'ermitting this purpose to be attained. The partition carries its own integrally forme d hinge means allowing the sepa'rable Connection of the partition to the luggage case. Additional components for this purpose and the -assembly operation of S11Ch components to the partition are unnecessary. The partition also includes integrally formed eyelet means for c0operation with the turnbutton assembiies. A pocket member or members may be quickly and easily assembled With the partition to attord a pair of compartments for each pocket. The pocket members may be easily removed and repiabed if they becorne soiled, and it is desired to c1ean thenr. The plastio materal of which the grille-iike parttion is made is not readiiy soilable, and if sometbing is spilled on it, the nature of the plastic material is snch that it will not stain and may be easiiy cleaned by simpiy wiping With a tissne or the iike.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be understood that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as sought to be defined in the foilowing claims.

I claim:

i. A flexible partition for luggage comprising a network of spaced, intersectng, integraiiy connected strips, said network being dimensioned and contoured to complement the internal contour of a luggage case, a panel integrally connected to a strip along a portion of its edge, the remaining edge portion of the panel being unconnected to the network, the strips and panel being formed of plastic material, and a pocket member supported by said panel with the panel received in said pocket member whereby two pockets are provided each having the panel as a Wall thereof.

2. A flexibie partition for iuggage comprising a network of spaced, intersecting, integraliy cdnnected strips,

a panei integrally connected to a strip along a portion of its edge, the remaining edge portion of the panel being unconnected to the network, the outline of the partition being defined by a continuous, peripheral strip integrally connected to the network, said peripheral strip being contonred to complement the internal contour of a luggage case, said strips and panel being molded of plastic material and normaliy disposed in a substantially cornrnon piane, and a pocket member supported by said panel with the panei recived in said pocket member whereby two pockets are provided each having the pane1 as a wall thereof.

3. A flexibie partition for luggage comprising a network ci spaced, intersecting, integraily connected strips, a panel integrally connected to a strip along one edge thereof, the remaining edges of the panel being unconnected to the network, the outline of the partition being defined by a continuous, peripheral strip integrally connected to the network, said peripheral strip being contonred to compiement the internal contour of a luggage case, said strips and panel being molded of piastic material and normally disposed in a substantially common piane, said peripheral strip providing pivot means for connecting the partition to a luggage case section, and a pocket member supported by said panel with the panel received in said pocket member whereby two pockets are provided each having the panei as a wall thereof.

4. A flexibie partition for luggage comprising a network of spaced, intersecting, integrally conrr'ected strips, a panei integrally connected to a strip along one edge thereof, the remaining edge portion of the panel being unconnected to the network, the outline of the partition being defined by a continuons, peripheral strip integrally conn'cted to the network, said peripheral strip being contoured to complement the internal contour of a luggage case, said strips and panei being molded of piastic materiai and normaily disposed in a substantially common piane, said peripherai strip providing pivot means for hinging the partition to a luggage case section, the network providing an opening adjacent said peripheral strip on the side of the partition opposite the side where said pivot means are located, said opening being adapted to receive a turnbutton, and a pocket mernber supported by said panel With the panel received in said pocket member Wher'eby two pockets are provided each having the panel as a wall thereof.

5. A partition tor higgage as set forth in claim 2,

wherein the strips of the network within the peripherai strip are of difierent cross-sectionai dimensions at selected areas to provide areas of selectively diierent fiexibility.

6. A partition tor lnggage as set forth in claim 2, wherein the partiton is substantiaily rectangular in outline; wherein the network comprises a series of spaced,

substantially parallel strips extending lengthwise of the parttion and a series of spaced, substantially paraliei strips extending at a right ang1e to the first-named series of strips,

7. A partition for luggage as set forth in claim 3,

wherein the pivot means compriseS a pin formed integrally With the peripheral strip oflset to 1ie in a piane parallel to the piane of the peripheral strip.

V8. A partition for luggage as set forthin ciaim 2,

Wherein the piastic material is selected from the gronp consisting of poiypropylene, polyethyiene, poiystyrene, poiyvinyi chloride, a copolymer of vny1 chioride and vinyl acetate, and a polyarnicie.

9. A luggage case comprising a 1id case section and a the interior of the hook-like mernber and a common fastening means extending through the case lid section wali securing the case hnge means and the partition hinge fitting to the wall.

10. A iuggage case comprising a pair of case sections, hinge means secured to one of said sections, a flexible partition comprising a network of spaced, nterseeting, integraliy connected strips, the outiine of the partition being defined by an integraliy connected peripheral strip conto'ured to complement theinternal contour of the iuggage case, said strips being molded of piastc material and disposed in a substantially common piane, said peripheral strip providing pivot means connecting the parttion to said hinge means.

11. A structure as set forth in ciaim 10, Wherein the hinge means is formed to allow the partition to be separably connected thereto.

12. A structure as set forth in claim 10, whereir'r the plastie materiai is polypropylene.

13. A luggage case comprising a pair of case sections, turnbntton means secured to one of said sections, a fiexible partition hinged to a case section, said partition comprising a network of spaced, intersecting, integrally connecteld strips, the ondine of the partition' being defined by an integrally connected peripheral strip contoured to complement the internal contour of the luggage case, said strips being rnoided of piastic material and disposed in a substantiaiiy comrnon piane, the network providing an opening adjacent the peripheral strip tor receiving said turnbutton means.

14. A luggage case comprising a pair of case sections,

hinge means and turnbutton means secured to opposite sides of a case section, a fiexible partition corhprising a network of spaced, intersecting, integraliy connected strips,

' the ondine of the partition being defined by an integrally connected peripheral strip contoured to complement the internal contour of the luggage case, seid strips being molded of plastic materi-al and disposed in a substantially common piane, said peripheral strip providingi pivot.

means connecting the partition to said hinge means, said network providing an opening adjacent said pe'ripheral strip on the side of the prtition opposite the side where said pivot means is located tor receiving said turnbutton means.

15. A structure as set forth in claim 14, wherein the hinge means is formed to a1low the partition to be separabiy connected tbereto.

16. A structure as set forth in clairn 14, wherein the strips'of the network witbin the peripheral strip are of different cross-sectional dimensions at selected arezm td provide areas of selectively dfferent flexibility.

17. A structure as set forthn claim 14, Wherein a panel is integrally connected to a strip along aportion of its edge, the remaining edge portion of the panel being unconnected to the network to provide a panel having free sides, and a pocket member supported by said panel With the panel received in said pocket member whereby two pockets are provided cach having the panel -as a Wall thereof.

18. A structure as set forth in claim 14, wherein the plastic material is polypropylene.

19. A structure as set forth in claim 14, wherein the pivot means comprises a pin formed integrally With the peripheral strip offset to lie in a plana parallel to the 15 plane of the peripheral strip.

UNITED STATES PATENTS Braunhold Aug. 8, 1871 Krick Iuly 24, 1877 Guyim Dee. 10, 1907 Rangnow Feb. 1, 1910 Sonin Feb. 3, 1925 Plotkin Aug. 9, 1938 Wemyss Jan. 4, 1949 ,Chesnut Jan, 11, 1955 Gellman Oct. 11, 1955 Heck Jan. 31, 1956 Crane Jan. 17, 1958 Guth l Mar. 8, 1960

Claims

1. A FLEXIBLE PARTITION FOR LUGGAGE COMPRISING A NETWORK OF SPACED, INTERSECTING, INTEGRALLY CONNECTED STRIPS, SAID NETWORK BEING DIMENSIONED AND CONTOURED TO COMPLEMENT THE INTERNAL CONTOUR OF A LUGGAGE CASE, A PANEL INTEGRALLY CONNECTED TO A STRIP ALONG A PORTION OF ITS EDGE, THE REMAINING EDGE PORTION OF THE PANEL BEING UNCONNECTED TO THE NETWORK, THE STRIPS AND PANEL BEING FORMED OF PLASTIC MATERIAL, AND A POCKET MEMBER SUPPORTED BY SAID PANEL WITH THE PANEL RECEIVED IN SAID POCKET MEMBER WHEREBY TWO POCKETS ARE PROVIDED EACH HAVING THE PANEL AS A WALL THEREOF.