EXPANSION MECHANISM

Abstract

The techniques described herein relate to an expansion mechanism for an article of luggage. The article of luggage may include a rear housing portion defining a rear storage area that can be increased when the expansion mechanism is in an expanded state. A gusset may couple portions of the rear housing portion together and can be slack or taut. A first and second piece of the expansion mechanism may be mounted to the portions of the rear housing portion, respectively. When the pieces of the expansion mechanism separate in an expanded state, the gusset may also expand to a taut state. The rear storage area can be increased when the expansion mechanism is in an expanded state. The expansion mechanism may freely slide from a closed state to an open or expanded state.

Claims

1. An article of luggage, comprising: a rear shell housing portion defining a rear storage area and comprising a first portion and a second portion; a gusset coupling the first portion and the second portion; a front housing portion connected to the rear shell housing portion; and an expansion mechanism, the expansion mechanism comprising: a first piece mounted to the first portion, the first piece comprising a top surface; and a second piece mounted to the second portion, the second piece configured to engage the first piece and comprising a bottom surface, wherein: the top surface and the bottom surface are smooth, and in an expanded state, in which the first portion and the second portion are separated from each other while coupled by the gusset and the size of the rear storage area is increased, the first piece is configured to have the top surface contact the bottom surface such that the expansion mechanism provides support to the first portion and the second portion.

2. The article of luggage of claim 1, wherein the second piece is configured to receive the first piece.

3. The article of luggage of claim 1, wherein the second piece is configured to engage the first piece in a direction parallel to the top surface and the bottom surface.

4. The article of luggage of claim 1, wherein the first piece is mounted to the first portion via first fasteners and the second piece is mounted to the second portion via second fasteners.

5. The article of luggage of claim 1, further comprising a zipper subsystem, wherein in an expanded state, the zipper subsystem is unzipped, and in a closed state, the zipper subsystem is zipped.

6. The article of luggage of claim 5, wherein the gusset is disposed on an interior side of the zipper subsystem.

7. The article of luggage of claim 1, further comprising a set of wheels mounted to the rear shell housing portion.

8. The article of luggage of claim 1, wherein the first piece is configured to remain in the expanded state when the gusset is taut.

9. The article of luggage of claim 8, wherein the first piece is configured to slide into an opening defined at least in part by the second piece when the gusset has slack.

10. The article of luggage of claim 2, wherein the second piece comprises a first side with a top surface of the second piece protruding therefrom and a second protruding surface protruding therefrom, and wherein when the second piece receives the first piece, a side of the first piece is surrounded by the first side, the top surface of the second piece, and the second protruding surface.

11. A method of operating a luggage system, wherein the luggage system comprises an expansion mechanism and a rear shell housing portion defining a rear storage area and comprising a first portion and a second portion, the method comprising: unzipping a zipper disposed on an outer perimeter of the rear shell housing portion between the first portion and the second portion; and pulling apart the first portion and the second portion such that a gusset coupling the first portion and the second portion expands at least in part and a first smooth surface of a first piece and a second smooth surface of a second piece of the expansion mechanism slide relative to each other while in contact.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the contact between the first surface and the second surface is partial contact.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the first smooth surface and the second smooth surface are substantially smooth.

14. A method of manufacturing an article of luggage, comprising: manufacturing a rear shell housing portion defining a rear storage area and comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a gusset coupling the first portion and the second portion; manufacturing a front housing portion connected to the rear shell housing portion; and mounting an expansion mechanism, comprising: mounting a first piece of the expansion mechanism to the first portion, the first piece comprising a top surface; and mounting a second piece of the expansion mechanism to the second portion, the second piece configured to engage the first piece and comprising a bottom surface, wherein: the top surface and the bottom surface are smooth, and in an expanded state, in which the first portion and the second portion are separated from each other while coupled by the gusset and the size of the rear storage area is increased, the first piece is configured to have the top surface contact the bottom surface such that the expansion mechanism provides support to the first portion and the second portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Various objectives, features, and advantages of the disclosed subject matter can be more fully appreciated with reference to the following detailed description of the disclosed subject matter when considered in connection with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an image of a front view of an exemplary article of luggage, according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an image of a side view of an exemplary article of luggage, according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 3A shows a diagram of the article of luggage shown in FIG. 2.

[0015] FIG. 3B shows another diagram of the article of luggage shown in FIG. 2 in which a gusset thereof is in an open or expanded state.

[0016] FIG. 4A is an image of a secondary zipper mechanism of an article of luggage, according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 4B is an image of a bottom side of the article of luggage of FIG. 4A.

[0018] FIG. 4C is an image of a gusset of the article of luggage of FIG. 4A.

[0019] FIG. 4D is an image of an expansion mechanism of the article of luggage of FIG. 4A.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a diagram of the expansion mechanism coupled to bottom pans for an article of luggage, according to some embodiments.

[0021] FIGS. 6A-6C are diagrams of the expansion mechanism of FIG. 5 in a closed state, an open state, and an exploded view, respectively.

[0022] FIGS. 7A-7E are diagrams of the expansion mechanism showing exemplary dimensions, according to some embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 8A is an image of the expansion mechanism in the closed state shown in the diagram of FIG. 6A.

[0024] FIG. 8B is an image of the expansion mechanism in an open state, according to some embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 9 is an image of the expansion mechanism in an open state, according to other embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 10A is a diagram of an expansion mechanism according to another embodiment in which the expansion mechanism is oriented in a different position than the expansion mechanism shown in FIG. 5.

[0027] FIG. 10B is a diagram of the expansion mechanism of FIG. 10A in which the expansion mechanism is in an open state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Described herein are articles of luggage that can expand the internal volume thereof using an expansion mechanism. The inventors have recognized and appreciated that it can be desirable for a user to have the ability to expand the interior volume of an article of luggage for increased versatility. As an example, a user can bring an article of luggage on a first trip with restrictions on the size of the luggage and configure the luggage in an unexpanded and/or partially-expanded configuration accordingly. The user can bring that same article of luggage on a second trip without such restrictions and configure the luggage in a more fully-expanded and/or fully-expanded configuration with additional contents stored therein. As a further example, based on the amount of contents the user desires to store in the article of luggage, the article of luggage can be configured so that a user can easily adapt the configuration (e.g., not expanded, partially expanded, and/or fully expanded) of the article of luggage so that it will hold the desired amount of contents.

[0029] The articles of luggage described herein may provide for expansion of the luggage in a user-friendly and stable manner. The inventors have recognized that adding a gusset of a particular width around a perimeter of an article of luggage can allow a user to increase (or decrease) the interior volume, as desired. The inventors have appreciated, however, that such a gusset may tip when in use. The inventors have also appreciated that the article of luggage itself can be susceptible to tipping. For example, when the gusset is in an expanded configuration, it can create soft or unsupported areas around the perimeter of the luggage that can weaken the overall structure of the luggage, making it susceptible to tipping and/or bending. The inventors have developed techniques to prevent such tipping to support both the expansion features and the luggage. The techniques can, for example, provide rigid support to the base of the luggage when in a partially or fully expanded configuration. Such techniques, as described herein, may provide other benefits including ease of use.

[0030] According to some embodiments, an article of luggage may be provided. The article of luggage may be a suitcase, as an example. FIG. 1 is an image of a front view of an exemplary article of luggage 100, according to some embodiments.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the article of luggage may include a rear shell housing portion 102 and a front housing portion 106. The front housing portion 106 may be connected to the rear housing portion. The front housing portion may be hingedly attached, in some examples. The front housing portion may include an integrated zipper system (e.g., as described in relation to FIG. 2). The article of luggage is shown in an open configuration in which the front housing portion is un-zipped. The rear shell housing portion 102 may define a rear storage area 104, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1.

[0032] The article of luggage 100 may include handles for different purposes. As an example, the article of luggage may include a trolley handle 108 for a user to pull (i.e., trolley) along the article of luggage. The article of luggage may also include handle 112 for carrying the article of luggage. Additional or fewer handles may be included in other examples.

[0033] To facilitate motion of the article of luggage, wheel assemblies 114 may be included. The wheels may include a set of four double-spinner wheels. The wheel assembly may include wheel-wells. The set of wheels may be mounted to the rear shell housing portion.

[0034] FIG. 2 is an image of a side view of an exemplary article of luggage (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1), according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2, the rear shell housing portion may comprise a first portion 104a and a second portion 104b. As shown in FIG. 2, a zipper subsystem 314 for the front housing portion may be included. The zipper subsystem may include a zipper and fabric lining.

[0035] According to some embodiments, to expand the internal volume of the luggage, a gusset may be included between the first and second portion of the rear shell housing portion. FIG. 3A shows a diagram of the article of luggage shown in FIG. 2 in which such a gusset is in an unexpanded state. The gusset of the article of luggage in FIG. 3A is not visible in the unexpanded state. The gusset may couple the first and second portions together. The gusset may wrap around the entirety of the article of luggage.

[0036] The gusset may be disposed on an interior side of a zipper subsystem 310. The zipper subsystem 310 may be a secondary zipper subsystem. The zipper subsystem 310 may include a zipper and fabric lining. In a closed state as shown in FIG. 3A, the zipper subsystem may be zipped. In an expanded state, the zipper may be unzipped. Once the zipper subsystem 310 is unzipped, the gusset may be exposed.

[0037] FIG. 3B shows another diagram of the article of luggage shown in FIG. 3A in which the gusset 302 is exposed. The gusset may include Nylon. The gusset may include fabric of a particular width with a length corresponding to a perimeter of the article of luggage. The width may be 45 mm, or any value between 40 mm and 100 mm. The fabric may be incorporated into the article of luggage by sewing or stitching techniques. As shown in FIG. 3B, the gusset may expand in a middle portion of the article of luggage. The expansion may occur near a midline of the luggage, though the gusset location is not so limited.

[0038] FIG. 4A is an enlarged image of a zipper mechanism 308 for the gusset of an article of luggage, according to some embodiments. FIG. 4B is an image of a bottom side of the article of luggage of FIG. 4A and shows an enlarged view of the liner fabric of the zipper subsystem 310. FIG. 4C is an image of the gusset 302 of the article of luggage of FIG. 4A. As shown in FIG. 4C, the gusset may have a thickness t1. The thickness t1 may be between 40 mm and 100 mm. The gusset may not be fully expanded, in some examples.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the inventors have appreciated that the gusset may tip when in use and/or bow or dip inward. The inventors have developed techniques to prevent such tipping and to support the expansion features that involve using an expansion mechanism. FIG. 4D shows an enlarged image of an expansion mechanism 304 of the article of luggage of FIG. 4A. The expansion mechanism may function as a bottom support and/or as an anti-tip mechanism, as discussed further herein. Optionally, the components shown in FIG. 4D may be color-matched. Optionally, the expansion mechanism may function as a top support and/or a side support.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a diagram of the expansion mechanism coupled to bottom pans of an article of luggage, according to some embodiments. The expansion mechanism may correspond to a space 510 configured for the gusset (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3B). The bottom pans may be included in the bottom of an article of luggage as shown herein (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1). As an example, the front bottom pan 508 may be disposed in the first portion 104a of the rear housing portion, and the rear bottom pan 506 may be disposed in the second portion 104b of the rear housing portion.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, the expansion mechanism may include a first piece 402 and a second piece 404. The first piece 402 may be mounted to the bottom pan in the first portion 104a via fasteners. The first piece may include a top surface 502.

[0042] The second piece may be mounted to the bottom pan in the second portion 104b via fasteners. The second piece 404 may be configured to engage the first piece. The second piece may include a bottom surface (not shown in FIG. 5) to engage the first piece.

[0043] The pieces of the expansion mechanism may be attached using attachment features. The first and second pieces may be mounted using fasteners, as an example. The fasteners may include screws, nuts and bolts, or other appropriate fasteners. The fasteners may include metal pieces in some embodiments. In other embodiments, no internal metal reinforcements are required.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the attachment features may include openings for fasteners (e.g., the fasteners shown in FIG. 8A). The attachment features (e.g., openings) may be disposed within an outer perimeter of the expansion mechanism pieces (e.g., as with the first piece 402 or attachment feature 412 of the second piece 404). In some examples, the attachment features may be disposed on an outer perimeter or may extend from the outer perimeter (e.g., attachment feature 410 of the second piece 404). In some embodiments, the fasteners may enable ease of replacement and/or repair. As an example, the fasteners may be disposed on a surface (e.g., an outer surface) accessible to a user.

[0045] The bottom pans may include corresponding attachment features, such as holes or openings. In some embodiments, the expansion mechanism may stabilize the bottom pans. Moreover, the expansion mechanism may keep the bottom pans in alignment. In alternative embodiments in which an expansion mechanism is not included with the gusset, the bottom pans may not remain aligned and may contribute to tipping of the gusset in such embodiments. By stabilizing the base, without wishing to be bound by theory, the expansion mechanism may also reduce tipping of the luggage itself.

[0046] The expansion mechanism pieces may be made of plastic. In some embodiments, the expansion mechanism pieces are made of recycled plastic. The expansion mechanism pieces may be molded.

[0047] While the example configuration in FIG. 5 shows a single expansion mechanism 304, the embodiments are not so limited. In some embodiments, one or more expansion mechanisms may be included. In an example of two expansion mechanisms, each expansion mechanism may be equally spaced from a respective side of the bottom pans (e.g., front bottom pan 508 and rear bottom pan 506). The expansion mechanisms may be formed as discussed herein.

[0048] Optionally, while the example configuration in FIG. 5 discusses bottom pans, the expansion mechanism may be mounted to top pans. In some examples, one or more expansion mechanisms may be mounted to the top pans and/or one or more expansion mechanisms may be mounted to bottom pans. Therefore, a luggage system may include one or more expansion mechanisms provided at a top and/or bottom of the luggage (e.g., on opposing sides).

[0049] FIG. 6A is a diagram of the expansion mechanism 304 of FIG. 5 in a closed state. The pieces may be configured as male and female pieces. As an example, the second piece 404 may be configured to receive the first piece 402. Optionally, the second piece 404 may be configured to engage the first piece 402 in a direction parallel to the top surface of first piece 402 and the bottom surface of second piece 404.

[0050] The inventors have appreciated that the expansion mechanism may be configured to prevent tipping without requiring unnecessary user action. The inventors recognized that an expansion mechanism with pieces that connect by telescoping in and out freely can provide case of use. As shown in FIG. 6A, the top surface of the first piece 402 and the bottom surface of the second piece 404 are smooth or substantially smooth (e.g., may be smooth except for a decal or logo placement). When the surfaces are smooth, an interface therebetween may be a smooth interface. The first and second pieces may engage and disengage freely. The first piece may be configured such that the top surface contacts the bottom surface so that the expansion mechanism can provide support to the first and second portion of the rear housing portion.

[0051] FIG. 6B is a diagram of the expansion mechanism of FIG. 5 in an open state. As shown in the open state, there may be additional attachment features that were not visible in the closed state. There may be fewer attachment features or more attachment features than those depicted, as the techniques are not so limited.

[0052] FIG. 6C is a diagram of the expansion mechanism of FIG. 5 in an exploded view. FIG. 6C shows a portion of the bottom surface 406 of second piece 404. FIG. 6C also shows an opening 416 defined by at least four sides of second piece 404 into which first piece 402 may slide. The first piece may slide into the opening defined at least in part by the second piece such as when the gusset of the article of luggage has slack.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6C, the shape of the first piece may be rectangular with rounded edges on a first half and rectangular with concave edges or with curved edges on a second half. The curved edges may enable a close fit with the second piece 404 when engaged (e.g., as described in relation to FIG. 7B). In some embodiments, the sides of the first piece may be sloped, as shown in FIG. 6C. In some cases, this can facilitate smooth coupling with the second piece.

[0054] FIG. 7A is a diagram of the expansion mechanism showing exemplary dimensions, when in a closed state, according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 7A, the distance from a first fastener (e.g., at a midpoint of the fastener) to a second fastener (e.g., at a midpoint of the fastener) of the first piece 402 may be 80.75 mm. In some embodiments, this distance may be another value between 75 and 85 mm. The distance from a first fastener to a second fastener of the second piece 404 may be 110.00 mm, or another value between 100 and 120 mm. The distance from a third fastener to a fourth fastener of the second piece 404 may be 88.12 mm, or another value between 80 and 90 mm. The distance from an edge of the first piece to an edge of the second piece may be 111.25 mm, or another value between 100 and 120 mm such as 119.00 mm. The distance from an edge of the first piece to another edge of the first piece may be 112.00 mm, or another value between 100 and 120 mm. The distance from an edge of the second piece to another edge of the second piece may be 104.82 mm, or another value between 100 and 110 mm such as 105.00 mm. In another direction, the distance from an edge of the second piece to another edge of the second piece may be 103.00 mm, or another value between 100 and 110 mm. The distance from a fastener of the first piece to a fastener of the second piece 404 may be 94.21 mm, or another value between 90 and 100 mm.

[0055] FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the diagram of the expansion mechanism showing exemplary dimensions, when in the closed state. As shown in FIG. 7B, the distance from an edge of the first piece 402 to a fastener of the first piece may be 8.61 mm, or another value between 5 and 10 mm. The distance from a fastener to a fastener of the same piece (i.e., the first or second piece) may be 26.56 mm or 22.90 mm, as shown in FIG. 7B. In some embodiments, this distance may be between 20 and 30 mm.

[0056] As described herein, the first and second pieces may be shaped to achieve a close fit. In some embodiments, the corners of the first piece that are received within the second piece are shaped so as to engage with the fastener structure of the second piece. As shown in FIG. 7B, the first piece 402 may include curved edges, or corners, 420. The curved edges may be shaped to at least partially surround a fastener of the second piece 404. In some embodiments, such a shape allows for a close fit.

[0057] Optionally, the second piece may include a portion that at least partially wraps around the first piece when in a closed state. As shown in FIG. 7B, the second piece 404 may include a first side 424 with the top surface of the second piece protruding therefrom in a first direction and a protruding surface 422 protruding therefrom in the first direction. The top surface, side, and protruding surface may be an integrated structure or may be separate pieces coupled together to at least partially surround the first piece. When the second piece 404 receives the first piece 402, as shown in FIG. 7B, a side 426 of the first piece is surrounded by the first side 424, the top surface, and the second protruding surface.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 7C-7E, FIG. 7C is a diagram of the expansion mechanism showing exemplary dimensions from a side view. FIG. 7D is a diagram of the expansion mechanism showing exemplary dimensions from a bottom edge view. FIG. 7E is a diagram of the expansion mechanism showing exemplary dimensions from a side view. As shown in FIG. 7C, the distance from an edge of the first piece to a fastener of the second piece may be 102.86 mm, or another value between 100 and 110 mm. The height of the first piece may be 9.00 mm, as shown in FIG. 7C. In some embodiments, the height may be between 5 and 10 mm. As shown in FIG. 7D, a distance between the first side of the first piece and the opposite side of the first piece may be 97.97 mm, or another value between 90 and 100 mm such as 98.00 mm. As shown in FIG. 7E, the distance between a front edge of the second piece to a back edge of the second piece may be 87.89 mm, or another value between 80 and 90 mm or between 80 and 110 mm such as 103.00 mm. Also as shown in FIG. 7E, the height of the second piece may be 12.00 mm or another value between 10 and 15 mm.

[0059] As described herein, when integrated with an article of luggage, the expansion mechanism can provide benefits in relation to expanding the interior volume of the article of luggage such that the rear storage area is increased. FIG. 8A is an image of the expansion mechanism integrated with an exemplary article of luggage in the closed state (e.g., shown in the diagram of FIG. 6A). The expansion mechanism may be integrated with screws 802, as shown in FIG. 8A.

[0060] FIG. 8B is an image of the expansion mechanism in an open state, according to some embodiments. The expansion mechanism may be coupled to bottom pans (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5) that are covered by fabric in the example of FIG. 8B. When in the open state, a width of the gusset may correspond to a full width of the gusset or a partial width, such as thickness t2 shown in FIG. 8B. The partial width, such as thickness t2, may include portions of the fabric of the gusset and may correspond to a space (e.g., a space 510 shown in FIG. 5) configured for the gusset. Thickness t2 may be a value between 20 mm and 80 mm, in some examples. In FIG. 8B, the surfaces of the expansion mechanism pieces may be in partial contact since they are undergoing separation. The partially expanded gusset may correspond to an intermediate step of the expansion mechanism entering an open state, in which the gusset is taut.

[0061] In some embodiments, the exemplary article of luggage can achieve an increased interior volume by an extension of the length corresponding to a length of the gusset and an increased width corresponding to the width of the gusset (e.g., full width when taut or partial width when slack). The increased length and width multiplied by the height of the article of luggage (and gusset) can provide for the increase in volume.

[0062] FIG. 9 shows another image of the expansion mechanism in an open state, according to other embodiments. As shown in FIG. 9, a thickness t3 of the gusset may correspond to a partial width in which some fabric of the example gusset is not fully taut but in which more gusset has expanded than in FIG. 8B. The partial width, such as thickness t3, may include portions of the fabric of the gusset and may correspond to a space configured for the gusset. Thickness t3 may be a value between 30 mm and 90 mm, in some examples.

[0063] When the gusset is taut (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3B), the first piece 402 of the expansion mechanism may remain in the expanded state. In some examples, the article of luggage may be fully packed, and the expansion mechanism may remain fully expanded with the gusset taut. In other embodiments, the article of luggage may be slightly packed, and the expansion mechanism may remain slightly expanded. In either of the aforementioned instances, when the zipper is unzipped, the expansion mechanism may slide freely such that a user does not need to directly touch the expansion mechanism. When the zipper is zipped, the expansion mechanism may be locked such that the pieces do not move or substantially separate.

[0064] In some examples, the user can impart a force on the expansion mechanism by moving the first portion or second portion of the rear shell housing portion without contacting the pieces of the expansion mechanism. As an example, when an article of luggage is being packed by a user, the user can pull up on a portion of the article of luggage to move the expansion mechanism. In turn, the expansion mechanism can freely slide such as to an open state. Once in the open state, the expansion mechanism may remain there, such as by frictional forces. In some examples, the expansion mechanism may move into a closed state once acted upon by a user removing items from a fully packed article of luggage or a user zipping the zipper for the expansion mechanism.

[0065] FIG. 10A is a diagram of an expansion mechanism according to another embodiment in which the expansion mechanism is oriented in a different position than the example expansion mechanism shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 10A, the piece 904 that receives the other piece 902 is mounted to the front bottom pan instead of the rear bottom pan. Likewise, the received piece is mounted to the rear bottom pan instead of the front bottom pan. As illustrated by this example configuration, the mounting arrangement according to the present techniques is not limited to a particular bottom pan.

[0066] FIG. 10B is a diagram of the expansion mechanism of FIG. 10A in which the expansion mechanism is in an open state. As shown by arrow 906, the expansion mechanism may expand such that the pieces 902 and 904 separate.

[0067] In some embodiments, there is provided a method of operating a luggage system, in which the luggage system includes an expansion mechanism (e.g., expansion mechanism 304) and a rear shell housing portion (e.g., rear shell housing portion 102) defining a rear storage area (e.g., rear storage area 104) and comprising a first portion (e.g., first portion 104a) and a second portion (e.g., second portion 104b). The method may include unzipping a zipper disposed on an outer perimeter of the rear shell housing portion between the first portion and the second portion. The method may subsequently include pulling apart the first portion and the second portion such that a gusset (e.g., gusset 302) coupling the first portion and the second portion expands at least in part and a first smooth surface of a first piece and a second smooth surface of a second piece of the expansion mechanism slide relative to each other while in contact. The method of operation may be performed according to the techniques described herein and may achieve some of the benefits described herein.

[0068] In some embodiments, there is provided a method of manufacturing an article of luggage. The method may include manufacturing a rear shell housing portion (e.g., rear shell housing portion 102) defining a rear storage area (e.g., rear storage area 104) and having a first portion, a second portion, and a gusset (e.g., gusset 302) coupling the first portion and the second portion. The method may include manufacturing a front housing portion connected to the rear shell housing portion. The method may also include mounting an expansion mechanism (e.g., expansion mechanism 304). Mounting the expansion mechanism may include mounting a first piece of the expansion mechanism to the first portion, and the first piece may have a top surface. The mounting act may also include mounting a second piece of the expansion mechanism to the second portion in which the second piece is configured to engage the first piece and has a bottom surface.

[0069] The method of manufacturing may be performed according to the techniques described herein and may achieve some of the benefits described herein. In some embodiments, the top surface and the bottom surface may be smooth. In some examples, in an expanded state, in which the first portion and the second portion are separated from each other while coupled by the gusset and the size of the rear storage area is increased, the first piece is configured to have the top surface contact the bottom surface such that the expansion mechanism provides support to the first portion and the second portion.

[0070] It is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed subject matter is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0071] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the disclosed subject matter. It is important, therefore, that the description provided herein be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter.

[0072] Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of including, comprising, having, containing, involving, and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0073] The word exemplary is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment, implementation, process, feature, etc. described herein as exemplary should therefore be understood to be an illustrative example and should not be understood to be a preferred or advantageous example unless otherwise indicated.

[0074] Although the disclosed subject matter has been described and illustrated in the foregoing exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of implementation of the disclosed subject matter may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter.