FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10; rule 13)
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Hard Encased Soft Luggage with Zippered Upright Case
APPLICANTS
VIP INDUSTRIES LTD
an Indian company
having its registered office at
78 A , MIDC Estate, Satpur ,
Nashik 422007,Maharashtra, India
Mr. Hemant Shankar Jere
An Indian national
of VIP INDUSTRIES LTD an Indian company
having its registered office at
78 A , MIDC Satpur,
Nashik 422007, Maharashtra, India
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a luggage case and more particularly to a Semi-hard case with or without reinforcing frame.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a luggage case, generally there are 2 breeds of luggage - Hard luggage and soft luggage.
Generally the top half shell (1) and the bottom half shell (2) of a hard luggage case is made up of plastic raw material viz. HDPE, polypropylene (PP), Reinforced polypropylene (PP), ABS or PC . The outer casing of soft luggage is made of synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, or combination of the same.
Hard luggage cases are more resistant to wear and tear, more secure, more resistant to atmospheric conditions, water resistant and protect the inside material better.
Soft luggages are better looking because of the various colour combinations, the aesthetical appeal of the fabric weave pattern and stitch pattern, but they are less secure, less water resistant, and provide less protection to inside material.
Many constructions of suitcases for use by travelers are known. These known constructions are of varied form and not infrequently include at least a pair of wheels / rolls (7) for facilitating the movement of the case by a user.
In addition, it is also known to provide suitcases incorporating a towing handle (11) structure which is usually moveable between a user case towing position and a retracted stowage position.
The above mentioned hard skinned cases are regarded as being hard skinned in the sense that the walls -formed as to provide a substantially rigid or hard skin in the sense that the walls, top (1) and bottom (2) are formed by material that is

sufficiently rigid in that it retains its shape and form in use. A material commonly used for forming hard skinned cases is a Opaque polypropylene / ABS or PC.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The objective of this invention is to provide a hard transparent or translucent [see through] (1) (2) encased soft luggage (15)(16), which will have the security, water resistance, wear & tear resistance, resistance to atmospheric conditions of a hard luggage. It will also provide protection to inside material like hard luggage. In addition to this the said hard encased soft luggage, will have aesthetical appeal of fabric weave pattern (15) (16), color combinations like soft luggage & stitch patterns. In essence the said Hard Encased Soft luggage [henceforth called HESL], will combine the advantages of both hard luggage and soft luggage.
Another objective of the invention is to provide protection and long life to the aesthetically beautiful fabric patterns by encasing in transparent or translucent polycarbonate or any other such suitable hard material, so as the beauty of the product remains intact for many years of regular usage in travel and otherwise.
Another objective of the invention is to provide the variety of fabric design patterns, colour combinations and fabric materials like polyester, nylon, cotton, canvas, denim, wool, rayon, or any other fabric to suit various tastes and moods of the customer.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The soft luggage top (15) & bottom (16) shells are made up of fabric + Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) combination and constructed in suitable shape and design, which are exactly matching or similar shape matching to the inside of the hard shells (1) (2).
The hard shells (1) (2) are made of transparent using a suitable material like ABS / Polycarbonate or PP / HDPE or any other transparent or translucent material which

is stitchable and are constructed in suitable shape and design, which are exactly matching or similar shape matching to the outside of the soft shells (15)(16).
Any suitable fabric material viz. polyester, nylon, cotton, denim, jute etc. can be used with a combination of stitching patterns
Fabric and EVA combination (15) (16) are formed using a pasting and pressure forming or vacuum forming method.
The hard shells (1) (2) can be made up by a combination of sheet extrusion and vacuum forming process or pressure forming or by injection molding process, but they are transparent or translucent in nature.
The soft shells (15)(16) are encased inside the transparent or translucent hard shells (1)(2), in such a way that the soft top (15) is suitably matching the inner profile of the hard top(l) and soft bottom (16) is matching the inner profile of the bottom(2). A luggage is constructed using suitable top and bottom joining methods like beading (3), zip (4) and thread (14) stitching construction, or fitting the edges of the shells (1) (2) in a suitable metal or plastic frame.
The luggage is fitted with suitable 2 wheels (7) on the bottom shell or 2 wheels (7) each on top and bottom shell for easy movement.
The luggage is fitted with a towing arrangement (11) for easy carrying in case of loaded.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure-01 shows the isometric view of HESL luggage case which is volume wise non expandable in closed condition with the enlarged scale view of the lock fixing arrangement;

Figure-02 shows the exploded isometric view of the luggage case of Figure-01 , top shell construction with the cross sectional view of a detail of the luggage case as per Figure-01 to an enlarged scale;.
Figure -03 shows the isometric view of a second embodiment HESL luggage case which is volume wise expandable with the enlarged scale view of the lock fixing arrangement the figure illustrating the luggage case when unexpanded.
Figure -04 shows the isometric view of luggage case of of a second embodiment when the luggage case is expanded.
Figure -05 shows the isometric view of hand bag which is volume wise expandable.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
Hard Encased Soft luggage Zippered Upright case comprising
a hard transparent or translucent shells (1) (2) encased soft luggage having the soft luggage top (15) and bottom (16) shells;
plurality of wheels (7) provided on the bottom shell or each of top and bottom shell for easy movement said case;
a towing arrangement (11) for easy carrying of a loaded case;
plurality of sets of floor engaging support members (8) wherein a set is being provided to each of two traverse surfaces of the suitcase such that one such set are provided upon the bottom portion (2) and at least one other set is located on the lid portion (1) to facilitate a stable support for the case when not being towed;
at least one case carrying handle (10) and at least one retractable towing means (11) provided on side of the base portion that is opposite to the wheels/rolls;
at least one carrying handle (12) is provided on the side of the bottom portion that is opposite to the side with said support members (8);
at least one tow part Zip fastener arrangement of which a first Zip part (4) is associated with the closing of the case and of which a second Zip part (17) is associated with the expandability of the case interposed between the lid section of

the case and the portion of the zip fastener arrangement (4) associated with the closure of the case wherein the second Zip part (17) includes a first section attached to the case and additionally along the peripheral edge of a strip of flexible material (20) circumscribing the mouth of the lid portion and attached thereto, and a second section that is attached to the peripheral edge of the strip of material (20) that is remote from the case lid portion.
Hard Encased Soft Zippered hand bag/case comprising
a body constituted of a hard transparent or translucent formed outer sheet (101) encased with soft inner sheet (105) wherein opposite two open ends of said outer sheet (101) are configured to be closed by fastening arrangements (404) and other ends are associated with the expandability (707) interposed between said other ends;
said outer sheet (101) is configured with an arrangement for holding said inner sheet (105) removably/replacably;
said inner sheet are tailor made with different fabric colour as provided by the end users;
wherein said inner sheet is configured for changing as per the choice and taste of the person using;
at least one carrying means (10) is provided on said two open ends of said outer sheet (101) and/or on expandability means provided between said other ends.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
This invention relates to the construction of luggage such as suitcases for use by travelers.
It is an object of the present invention to provide, inter alia, a "Hard encased soft" suitcase construction that avoids at least some of the problems arising from the use of the known construction soft cases.

For the purpose of the present Application a "Semi-hard" case is regarded as being such by reason of the fact that the top (1) bottom (2) side and end walls cannot readily be pierced by a blade or needle as is the case with known soft case construction.
Broadly according to a first aspect of the invention there is a method of creating a soft luggage type shape using different fabrics as per the customer's choice. The shells can be created by 2 methods. The selected fabric pasted on EVA sheet and by using a wooden / aluminium or any suitable material pattern, the fabric and EVA combination are formed into semisoft shells as per the required design. In the second method the fabric + EVA sheet combination will be cut and stitched into required pattern, suitably called as constructed EVA (15)(16).
A further aspect of the invention provides a method of encasing this semi soft fabric EVA combination (15) (16) shells into transparent or translucent hard polycarbonate or ABS shells (1) (2).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
This invention relates to the construction of luggage such as suitcases for use by travelers.
It is an object of the present invention to provide, inter alia, a "Hard encased soft" suitcase construction that avoids at least some of the problems arising from the use of the known construction soft cases.
For the purpose of the present Application a "Semi-hard" case is regarded as being such by reason of the fact that the top (1) bottom (2) side and end walls cannot readily be pierced by a blade or needle as is the case with known soft case construction.
Broadly according to a first aspect of the invention there is a method of creating a soft luggage type shape using different fabrics as per the customer's choice. The

shells can be created by 2 methods. The selected fabric pasted on EVA sheet and by using a wooden / aluminium or any suitable material pattern, the fabric and EVA combination are formed into semisoft shells as per the required design. In the second method the fabric + EVA sheet combination will be cut and stitched into required pattern, suitably called as constructed EVA (15) (16).
A further aspect of the invention provides a method of encasing this semi soft fabric EVA combination (15) (16) shells into transparent or translucent hard polycarbonate or ABS shells (1) (2).
Transparent polycarbonate or ABS sheets are extruded. A pattern in wood, aluminium, steel or any other suitable material is constructed, in such a way that the shape, and size exactly encompass the fabric EVA combination shells (15) (16). The transparent or translucent sheets are formed in the required shape using the above made patterns, by using a vacuum forming process into transparent or translucent hard shells (1)(2). In another method the transparent or translucent shells can be directly formed by injection molding process, by using natural raw materials like Polycarbonate / ABS/ polypropylene (1)(2).
The fabric EVA combinations shells (15) (16) are placed inside the hard transparent or translucent shells(l)(2). The top portion (1) thus becomes the semi soft top fabric EVA combination shell (15) encased in hard transparent or translucent polycarbonate or ABS shell. In the same manner the bottom portion (2) thus becomes the semi soft top fabric EVA combination shell (16) encased in hard transparent or translucent polycarbonate or ABS shell.
The above mentioned top (1)&(15) and bottom shell (2) & (16) are joined together by a method of extruded beading (3) and zip fasteners (4) of a suitable size from a material of such characteristic that the portions retain their formed shape and attaching to each of side portions the respective zipped portions of a zip fasteners arrangement (4) by a stitching operation involving a securing thread(14) , the zip fastener arrangement (4) being such as to enable the suitcase (Fig 1) to be retained

in a closed condition , and incorporating means for enabling increase in the storage volume of the closed suitcase (Fig3) . Fastening arrangement for enabling the top (1)&(15) and bottom shell (2) & (16) to be retained in a luggage case closed condition wherein said zipped sections of a zip fastener (4) (17) arrangement by a stitching operation involving a securing thread (14) and enabling increase in the storage volume of the closed suitcase;
Preferably a suitcase is provided with four sets of floor engaging support members (8), there being a set being provided one to each of two traverse surfaces of the suitcase whereby the case can be stood on a support surface on one or the other of two orientations.
In a preferred construction two of the elements of one such set are provided upon the bottom portion (2) and incorporate wheels/rolls (7) whereby the case is rendered towable, and in which at least one other element of this set is located on the lid portion (1), the arrangement being such as to provided a stable support for the case when not being towed.
In a preferred construction that side of the base portion that is opposite to the wheels/rolls is provided with a case carrying handle (10) and a retractable towing means (11).
Preferably, two elements of the second such set are provided upon a longer side wall of the base portion (2) and two further elements of this set are provided upon a corresponding wall of the lid portion (1), the arrangement being such that the case when resting on the elements (8) of this set is stable and wherein a carrying handle (12) is provided on the side of the bottom portion that is opposite to the side with said elements.
In a further preferred construction the case incorporates means whereby the volume of the case is expandable.

Conveniently, the expandability is achieved by providing a tow part Zip fastener arrangement of which a first Zip part (4) is associated with the closing of the case and of which a second Zip part (17) is associated with the expandability of the case. Preferably, the second Zip part (17) is interposed between the lid section of the case and the portion of the zip fastener arrangement (4) associated with the closure of the case.
Conveniently, the second Zip part (17) includes a first section attached to the case and additionally along the peripheral edge of a strip of flexible material (20) circumscribing the mouth of the lid portion and attached thereto, and a second section that is attached to the peripheral edge of the strip of material (20) that is remote from the case lid portion.
In this way a Transparent or Translucent polycarbonate or any other suitable material encased soft luggage is created.
Summary Of The New HESL Invention:
HESL combines the advantages of both hard luggage and soft luggage, and reduces the disadvantages associated with soft luggage & hard luggage.
The Technology behind HESL
HESL is basically a unique luggage construction method combination, where different methods of soft luggage construction like EVA forming (15) (16), fabric pasting, stitching and different methods of hard luggage construction like polymer sheet extrusion, polymer sheet forming into the desired shape.
In another embodiment a Hard Encased Soft Zippered hand bag having a body constituted of a hard transparent or translucent formed outer sheet (101) encased with soft inner sheet (105) wherein opposite two open ends of said outer sheet (101) are configured to be closed by fastening arrangements (404) and other ends are associated with the expandability (707) interposed between said other ends. The

outer sheet (101) is configured with an arrangement for removably/replacably and holding said inner sheet (105). The inner sheets are tailor made with different fabric colour as provided by the end users as per their choice and taste. The inner sheet is configured for changing as per the choice and taste of the person using or the end user. The said hand bag is provided with carrying means like handle or belts (10) on said two open ends of said outer sheet (101) and/or on expandability means provided between said other ends.
The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is described for purpose of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof.

WE CLAIM
1. Hard Encased Soft luggage Zippered Upright case comprising:
a hard transparent or translucent shells (1) (2) encased soft luggage having the soft luggage top (15) and bottom (16) shells;
plurality of wheels (7) provided on the bottom shell or each of top and bottom shell for easy movement said case;
a towing arrangement (11) for easy carrying of a loaded case;
at least one fastening arrangement for enabling the top (1)&(15) and bottom shell (2) & (16) to be retained in a luggage case closed condition wherein said zipped sections of a zip fastener (4) arrangement by a stitching operation involving a securing thread (14) and enabling increase in the storage volume of the closed suitcase;
plurality of sets of floor engaging support members (8) wherein a set is being provided to each of two traverse surfaces of the suitcase such that one such set are provided upon the bottom portion (2) and at least one other set is located on the lid portion (1) to facilitate a stable support for the case when not being towed; at least one case carrying handle (10) and at least one retractable towing means (11) provided on side of the base portion that is opposite to the wheels/rolls;
at least one carrying handle (12) is provided on the side of the bottom portion that is opposite to the side with said support members (8).
2. Hard Encased Soft luggage Zippered Upright case comprising:
a hard transparent or translucent shells (1) (2) encased soft luggage having
the soft luggage top (15) and bottom (16) shells;
plurality of wheels (7) provided on the bottom shell or each of top and
bottom shell for easy movement said case;
a towing arrangement (11) for easy carrying of a loaded case;
plurality of sets of floor engaging support members (8) wherein a set is being
provided to each of two traverse surfaces of the suitcase such that one such set are

provided upon the bottom portion (2) and at least one other set is located on the lid portion (1) to facilitate a stable support for the case when not being towed;
at least one case carrying handle (10) and at least one retractable towing means (11) provided on side of the base portion that is opposite to the wheels/rolls; at least one carrying handle (12) is provided on the side of the bottom portion that is opposite to the side with said support members (8);
at least one tow part Zip fastener arrangement of which a first Zip part (4) is associated with the closing of the case and of which a second Zip part (17) is associated with the expandability of the case interposed between the lid section of the case and the portion of the zip fastener arrangement (4) associated with the closure of the case wherein the second Zip part (17) includes a first section attached to the case and additionally along the peripheral edge of a strip of flexible material (20) circumscribing the mouth of the lid portion and attached thereto, and a second section that is attached to the peripheral edge of the strip of material (20) that is remote from the case lid portion.
3. Hard Encased Soft Zippered hand bag/case comprising:
a body constituted of a hard transparent or translucent formed outer sheet (101) encased with soft inner sheet (105) wherein Opposite two open ends of said outer sheet (101) are configured to be closed by fastening arrangements (404) and other ends are associated with the expandability (707) interposed between said other ends;
said outer sheet (101) is configured with an arrangement for holding said inner sheet (105) removably/replacably;
said inner sheet are tailor made with different fabric colour as provided by the end users;
wherein said inner sheet is configured for changing as per the choice and taste of the person using;
at least one carrying means (10) is provided on said two open ends of said outer sheet (101) and/or on expandability means provided between said other ends.

4. The case as claimed in preceding claims wherein said hard transparent or translucent shells (1) (2) and outer sheet (101) are configured to have the security, water resistance, wear & tear resistance, resistance to atmospheric conditions of a hard luggage in addition to aesthetical appeal of fabric weave pattern with or without embroidery (15) (16) (105), color combinations like soft luggage & stitch patterns to provide the advantages of both hard luggage and soft luggage.
5. The case as claimed in preceding claims wherein said case is constructed using top and bottom joining methods like beading (3), zip fasteners (4) and thread (14) stitching construction, or fitting the edges of the shells (1) (2) or outer sheet (101) in a suitable metal or plastic frame.
6. The case as claimed in preceding claims wherein said case is configured for providing variety of fabric design patterns, colour combinations and fabric materials like polyester, nylon, cotton, canvas, jute, denim, wool, rayon, or any other suitable fabric as per customer's choice.
7. The case as claimed in preceding claims wherein said soft luggage top (15) and bottom (16) shells or said inner sheet (105) are prepared from fabric and Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) combination and constructed in suitable shape and design to match to the inner profile of the hard shells (1) (2) or Outer sheet (101) respectively.
8. The case as claimed in preceding claims wherein said hard shells (1) (2) and said outer sheet (101) are made of transparent materials using a suitable material like ABS / Polycarbonate or PP / HDPE or any other transparent or translucent material which is stitchable.
9. The case as claimed in preceding claims wherein said fabric and EVA combination (15) (16) and said inner sheet (105) are formed using a pasting and pressure forming or vacuum forming method.

10. The case as claimed in preceding claims wherein said hard shells (1) (2) and
said outer sheet (101) can be made up by a combination of sheet extrusion and
vacuum forming process or pressure forming or by injection molding process.
11. The case as claimed in preceding claims wherein said top (1), bottom (2) side,
outer sheet (101) and end walls cannot be readily pierced by a blade or needle.