GB2062455A - Case - Google Patents

Abstract

A case, comprises a box portion 1 and a hinged cover 2, which have respective frame members 4, 3 located in the region of their mating edges, covering and lining materials 5 are secured on an inner portion of said frame members such that the frame members are visibly exposed to the exterior of the case. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Case The invention relates to a suitcase, consisting of a suitcase box or body and a suitcase cover which are joined with each other in a hinge-like manner, whereby the box, as well as the cover exhibit frame parts in the area of the joint line, to which the finishing material and the lining material from the box and cover are attached but on the inside only.

In a known suitcase frame parts are worked into (combined with) the covering or finishing material for strengthening the suitcase parts, that is, the suitcase cover or the suitcase box in the area ofthe joint line. These frame parts consist mainly of wood, metal, especially aluminium, synthetic material and the like and their purpose is to give the suitcase the necessary stability. The finishing parts, such as lining parts, which form the actual suitcase parts, are attached to these frame parts; preferably soft materials, such as textile fabrics, leather, synthetic material or strong mouldings from synthetic material are used.The frame parts are attached to this finishing (covering) and lining material in such a manner that the exterior materials of the suitcase parts embrace the frame parts and are made to fit the rigid shape of the frame parts with more or less handicraft skill with a great sacrifice of time, and then firmly connected by means of stitches, glue, rivets and the like.

Especially laying the finishing material around the rigid frame parts, particularly in the corner areas of the rectangular frame parts, adjusting the exterior materials in an exact manner to the frame parts, and placing in the so-called dust edge or groove causes a lot of trouble and requires a great sacrifice of time.

After laying the materials of the suitcase parts around the frame parts, and after firmly joining both elements, the lining parts are attached on the inside to the four edge parts and to the back wall of the suitcase box parts by means of stitches, glue, brads, and the like. An additional substantial disadvantage of the known suitcase is in that often the covering material, especially the edges or base surfaces of the suitcase, are easily damaged especially in the instance when the suitcase is handled by a conveyor belt at an airport.

The invention has the aim to improve the suitcase by a considerable simplification in the manufacture and by which the danger of damage is reduced.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a case, comprising a case box portion and a hinged cover therefor, both of which have respective frame members, located in the region of the mating edges of the box portion and cover for supporting covering and lining materials of the box portion and cover, wherein said covering and lining materials are secured on inner portions of said grame members such that the frame members are visibly exposed to the exterior of the case.

In addition, it is advantageous that a squeeze fold (reentrant fold) is made in the nearly 1shape cross section of the frame parts together with reinforcing seams to which finishing and lining material is attached, thereby obtaining an exceptionally great stability.

Typically an advantageous style is that the frame parts consist of an anodized light metal, so that in addition to an especially stylish appearance, damages through scratches, grinding and similar can be removed by simple polishing.

It is also advantageous that an outside metal sheet provided for the frame parts is covered with a layer of synthetic material preferably applied by the foil welding process. This results in an additional advantage in that the exterior surfaces of the frame parts, that is, the surfaces which may come in contact with the ground when the suitcase is unattended, are mar-proof and shockproof. The sheet metal allows all curvatures and folds to be undertaken. Still another advantage is in that the most varied fashion effects can be achieved.

The invention presents another advantage in that the exterior or finishing materials of the suitcase parts are attached to the inside of the frame parts and, consequently, are protected thereby. Hereby, a substantial additional advantage follows in that the manufacture of suitcases is considerably simplified inasmuch as the covering over or around the frame parts is eliminated. In addition, there is an advantage in that a savings in finishing material results, which is especially noteworthy in the case of expensive materials. An additional substantial advantage is in that the areas of the suitcase which are especially susceptible to damages are eliminated and there the material, which is subject to premature wear and tear, is replaced by solid frames.Consequently, there is a possibility of using especially light exterior materials which up until now have been proved to be too delicate, so that all together the weight of the suitcase can be reduced. On the other hand, the utilization of high quality materials is possible so the intrinsic value of the suitcase can be increased if desired. Also a fashionable effect results from making the frame parts visible in their entire length and width, and the outside appearance of such a suitcase can be similar to a handbag. In case of broken frame parts, these can be exchanged without exceptional loss of time and without damages to the exterior materials. Not only the lining material but also the finishing material can be pre-fabricated as readymade bags, which then can be inserted, for example, by means of a splicing tape, which represents a considerable simplification.

The invention is more thoroughly explained in the following description of one of a preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a suitcase in conformity with the invention; Fig. 2 is a cross section through frame parts showing the arrangement of the finishing and lining materials; and Fig. 3 is a cross section through one such frame part.

The suitcase, which is illustrated in Fig. 1, includes a case or box 1 and a cover or lid 2, so constructed that the frame parts 3 or 4 at the joint line can be seen on the outside, that is, they are not covered or concealed by the finishing material 5. In a familiar manner, the suitcase has a handle 6 as well as a lock The completion of the suitcase in accordance with the invention provides exceptionally solid frame parts 3, 4, including reinforcing seams 8 and reentrant folds 9.

The frame part 4, which is related to the suitcase box 1, is formed in the shape of an "L" on its front edge, that is, in the area of the dist edge 10 and it receives a corresponding nose 11 of frame part 3 of cover 2. As can clearly be seen from Fig. 2, the finishing material 5 is attached on the inside offrame parts 3,4 to the fold 9, whereby a seam or joint is symbolized at 12, which can also be accomplished by means of gluing. The lining material 13 is applied to the inside of the finishing material 5 and in the most simple way can be attached to the frame parts 3,4 by means of gluing.

The structure of frame parts 3,4, which is illustrated in Fig. 3, includes a metal sheet 14 and an externally introduced layer of synthetic material 15.

In the case of metal sheet 14, the most varied metals and metal alloys can be used, but preferably aluminum is employed. For the layer of synthetic material preferably polyvinyl chloride is used; however, synthetic material can be used of polyurethane base. The application of the layer of the synthetic material 15 may be accomplished according to the foil welding process. The thickness of this layer is approximately 0.1 to 0.2 mm.

Claims (6)

1. A case, comprising a box portion and a hinged covertherefor, both of which have respective frame members located in the region of the mating edges of the box portion and cover for supporting covering and lining materials of the box portion and cover, wherein said covering and lining materials are secured on an inner portion of said frame members such that the frame members are visibly exposed to the exterior of the case.

2. A case as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a reentrant fold and a reinforcing seam formed in each frame member, the covering and lining materials being secured to the reentrant folds.

3. A case, as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame members are made of anodized light metal.

4. A case as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein each frame member comprises a metal sheet whose outer surface is covered with a layer of synthetic material.

5. A case, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the layer of synthetic material is applied to the metal sheet by foil welding.

6. A case substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.