US20190298018A1 - Luggage item - Google Patents
Luggage item Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190298018A1 US20190298018A1 US16/361,290 US201916361290A US2019298018A1 US 20190298018 A1 US20190298018 A1 US 20190298018A1 US 201916361290 A US201916361290 A US 201916361290A US 2019298018 A1 US2019298018 A1 US 2019298018A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- luggage item
- closure element
- shell
- shells
- item according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 5
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- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 claims description 5
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920002803 thermoplastic polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000271 Kevlar® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/001—Accessories
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/10—Arrangement of fasteners
- A45C13/1023—Arrangement of fasteners with elongated profiles fastened by sliders
- A45C13/103—Arrangement of zip-fasteners
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
- A45C5/03—Suitcases
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
- A45C5/04—Trunks; Travelling baskets
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
- A45C5/04—Trunks; Travelling baskets
- A45C5/045—Travelling baskets
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
- A45C5/14—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage with built-in rolling means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
- A45C5/03—Suitcases
- A45C2005/032—Suitcases semi-rigid, i.e. resistant against deformation and resilient, e.g. with a resilient frame
Definitions
- the invention relates to a luggage item, in particular a suitcase, having two shells made of essentially solid material, which shells are connectable to each other via a closure element which runs around the majority of the circumference and can be opened out in a completely open state of the closure element.
- Luggage items in particular suitcases or trolleys, are usually manufactured in two different production variants, hard-shell or soft-shell, wherein the two shells are connectable to each other via a closure element, for example a zipper.
- the main compartment of the luggage item thus forms the region between the two shells.
- Hard-shell suitcases are characterized by higher strength and thus higher stability, whereby the luggage item and its contents are better protected against damage and external influences.
- access into the interior of the luggage item is only possible when both shells, by opening the closure element on at least three sides, are separated from each other and the two shells are unfolded from each other.
- the usually peripherally arranged closure element must therefore be opened almost completely to enable access to the main compartment of the luggage item. Quick access into the interior without completely opening the luggage item is disadvantageously not possible or only cumbersome in a hard-shell suitcase.
- a hard-shell suitcase is known from US 2014/0353104 A1, which has an additional opening at the front side to enable further access to the interior of the suitcase.
- This opening requires a further closure element or a zipper on the front side of the suitcase.
- an additional zipper must be integrated into a shell of the suitcase, thereby increasing production costs.
- the additional opening is accessible only by opening out a flap, thereby increasing the outer dimensions of the suitcase. This is particularly problematic in aircraft due to the limited space available, in particular when storing the suitcase in an overhead luggage compartment.
- the object of the present invention is to provide a luggage item, in particular a suitcase, which enables access into the interior of the luggage item even when the closure element is only partially opened. Furthermore, the possibility of the facilitated intrusion in a partially opened state of the luggage item does not essentially alter the dimensions of the luggage item and, moreover, does not result in deterioration of the stability or strength of the luggage item.
- the luggage item should be produced as simply and inexpensively as possible.
- the object of the invention is achieved by a luggage item mentioned above, in particular a suitcase, in which a region made of flexible material is arranged along at least a part of the circumference on at least one side of the closure element between the closure element and the shell made of essentially solid material, so that access into the interior of the luggage item is also possible with partially open state of the closure element. Due to the fact that the closure element does not directly adjoin the shell made of essentially solid material along a part of the circumference of at least one side, but rather a flexible region is arranged between the closure element and the shell, the flexible region can be displaced and access into the interior is enabled when the closure element is partially open.
- the closure element is opened on the side of the luggage item on which the flexible region is located, access into the interior of the luggage item is possible by pushing or bending up the flexible region outward or inward. A complete opening of the closure element or an unfolding of the two shells formed from essentially solid material is not required.
- the outer dimensions of the luggage item remain essentially unchanged with partially open closure element.
- the flexible region has a variable shape or size due to the elasticity of the flexible region.
- the luggage item according to the invention thus has the higher stability of a hard-shell suitcase and at the same time, on at least that side surface which has the flexible region, the higher flexibility of a soft-shell suitcase.
- the flexible region can be configured rectangular, oval, circular, etc.
- the flexible region is formed by a strip made of flexible material.
- the dimensions of the strip and on which side surface or on which side surfaces such strips are arranged, are variable. The larger the at least one strip, the easier it is to access the interior of the luggage item.
- a region made of flexible material is arranged along the part of the circumference on only one side of the closure element between the closure element and the shell made of essentially solid material.
- the flexible region is arranged along the part of the circumference at the upper side of the luggage item when the luggage item is located in its normal position (for example, standing upright).
- the stability or strength of the luggage item is only minimally influenced by the arrangement of the flexible region on only one side of the closure element.
- a region made of flexible material is arranged along the part of the circumference on both sides of the closure element between the closure element and each shell made of essentially solid material.
- the two-sided arrangement of the flexible region of the closure element further facilitates access into the interior of the luggage item with partially open closure element.
- the closure element has to be partially opened essentially only at that location having the flexible region, in order to provide access into the interior of the luggage item.
- the flexible region can also have special formations of the flexible material. For example, it can be advantageous to form the flexible region with fabric parts which are sewn together by corresponding cutting patterns so that an intrusion in the interior of the suitcase is additionally facilitated. This can be enabled, for example, by special folding structures or other known techniques from the textile industry.
- Each region made of flexible material is preferably at least 4 cm wide and at least 15 cm long. The greater the dimensions of the flexible region, the smoother the bending open of the flexible region will be, which enables quicker and more convenient access into the interior of the luggage item. In one embodiment, the flexible region extends essentially over the entire dimension of a side surface.
- the flexible region is formed from textile material.
- the softness of the textile material enables a pushing apart or bending open of the flexible region particularly easily with partially open closure element.
- the flexible region can be formed from elastic material.
- the elasticity of the elastic material makes a bending open of the flexible region particularly easy.
- An elastomer, a stretchable fabric, or a silicone rubber or the like is preferably provided as the elastic material.
- the closure element by which the two shells of the luggage item can be connected to each other, is formed in particular by a zipper.
- At least one compartment is arranged along the part of the circumference in the interior of the luggage item.
- the compartment in the interior of the luggage item ensures that items are not left uncontrolled or loose in the interior of the luggage item. If the closure element is partially opened along the flexible region, objects can simply be removed from the compartment or stowed in the compartment during an intrusion in the interior of the luggage item via the flexible opening.
- one of the two shells is configured deeper than the other shell.
- the different depth can go so far that a shell is designed essentially as a lid or flap.
- the flexible region is preferably arranged either on an edge region of the lid or flap and/or on a side surface adjacent to the lid or the flap.
- the two shells of the luggage item are usually configured the same depth or symmetrical and the closure element runs in the plane of symmetry of the two shells.
- the shells are preferably formed from solid material, in particular plastic or metal. As a result, the two shells are essentially dimensionally stable and have a low weight.
- the two shells can be formed from flexible material and reinforcing elements.
- the flexible region according to the invention is a region of a side surface which has no reinforcing elements.
- the reinforcing elements can, for example, be formed from foam.
- the material of the reinforcing elements preferably has a higher rigidity than the flexible material of the two shells of the luggage item.
- the reinforcing elements increase the stability and strength of the two shells.
- the reinforcing elements can be mounted in the exterior or interior of the flexible material. If they are mounted in the interior, the exterior of the suitcase can be designed simple and neutral and the flexible intrusion cannot be seen from the outside, by which a particularly restrained form is possible.
- Examples of advantageous combinations of solid and flexible material are, for example, a combination of material which is laminated on flexible foam and can be brought into a three-dimensional shape, combined with a reinforcing element made of hard plastic in the interior.
- a combination of poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide available under the brand Kevlar®— or carbon materials in soft thermoplastic matrix, such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is conceivable, which are reinforced in the interior by stiffer, back-injected regions of hard plastic.
- At least two wheels can be arranged on at least one shell.
- the wheels are usually arranged on the lower side of the luggage item.
- the flexible region is preferably arranged on the upper side of the luggage item.
- At least one per se known, preferably extendable, handle bar can be arranged on a shell.
- the luggage item on at least one shell has a holding element on the outside, to which a bag or the like can be attached.
- a holding element on the outside, to which a bag or the like can be attached.
- this is preferably arranged on the opposite shell or side surface of the holding element.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a variant of a luggage item according to the invention in the standing state having a flexible region on the upper side of the luggage item;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a luggage item
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a luggage item
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the luggage item according to FIG. 3 in the fully opened state
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment variant of a luggage item in the fully open state
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment variant of a luggage item in the fully open state
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment variant of a luggage item in the fully open state
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a luggage item in a fully opened state, wherein the shells are made of flexible material with reinforcing elements;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a further embodiment variant of a luggage item in the fully open state, wherein the shell and the lid are made of flexible material with reinforcing elements.
- FIG. 1 shows a luggage item 1 , in particular a suitcase, having two shells 2 , 3 of essentially solid material, wherein the shells 2 , 3 are connected to each other via a closure element 4 , for example a zipper, which runs around the majority of the circumference.
- a closure element 4 for example a zipper
- the two shells 2 , 3 can be opened out (see, for example, FIG. 4 ).
- a region 6 made of flexible material is arranged between the closure element 4 and at least one shell 2 , 3 (hatched drawn) on a side surface of the luggage item 1 , in the standing state of the upper side 5 a , along at least part of the circumference.
- the region 6 is preferably formed from elastic material.
- the elasticity of the material particularly makes it easily possible to push apart or bend open the flexible region 6 .
- the region 6 can be formed from textile material.
- the closure element 4 only has to be opened on that side surface on which the region 6 of flexible material is arranged (in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 the upper side 5 a ), in order to enable access into the interior of the luggage item 1 .
- the two shells 2 , 3 can thus continue to be connected to each other on at least three side surfaces 5 b , 5 c , 5 d via the closure element 4 , wherein access into the interior of the luggage item 1 is still enabled.
- the outer dimensions of the luggage item 1 do not change with access into the interior, as would be the case with a complete opening of the luggage item 1 , that is, an unfolding of the two shells 2 , 3 (see, for example, FIG. 4 ). Because the closure element 4 essentially only needs to be opened on one side, for example, the upper side 5 a , the position of the two shells 2 , 3 remains unchanged relative to each other or the opening angle of the two shells 2 , 3 is essentially zero degrees.
- the region 6 is formed in FIG. 1 by a strip 7 of flexible material, wherein the dimensions of the strip 7 can vary. The wider and longer the strip 7 , the easier the access into the interior of the luggage item 1 .
- the strip 7 of flexible material is preferably integrated directly into the essentially solid material of the shells 2 , 3 or produced in one piece with the shell(s) 2 , 3 during the production of the luggage item 1 . This integral embodiment enables the production of the luggage item 1 particularly easily and inexpensively.
- the strip 7 can also be attached to a region on the outer edge 8 of at least one shell 2 , 3 , which has a recess according to the dimensions of the strip 7 , with different attachment methods.
- An extendable handle bar 18 is arranged on a shell 2 in the illustrated embodiment variant of the luggage item 1 .
- wheels 19 can be arranged on the lower side 5 c of the luggage item 1 .
- Four wheels 19 are arranged on the lower side 5 c of the luggage item 1 in the illustrated embodiment.
- embodiment variants having only two wheels 19 are also possible (not shown).
- the shell 3 has, on the front side 5 e , a holding element 20 for a bag 21 (shown in FIG. 2 ) or the like.
- FIG. 2 shows an embodiment variant of a luggage item 1 , wherein a region 6 of flexible material in each case is arranged along the part of the circumference on both sides of the closure element 4 , that is, between the closure element 4 and each shell 2 , 3 .
- the flexible region 6 is accordingly arranged on both sides of the closure element 4 (here on the upper side 5 a of the standing luggage item 1 ).
- a bag 21 or the like is arranged on the holding element 20 .
- the bag 21 or the like is accordingly arranged on the front side 5 e of the luggage item 1 and not, as usual, on its upper side 5 a (usually bags, such as laptop bags, are placed on the upper side 5 a of the luggage item 1 and leaned against the handle bar 18 during transport).
- bags such as laptop bags
- the bag 21 or the like By arranging the bag 21 or the like on the front side 5 e of the luggage item 1 , access into the interior of the luggage item 1 via the flexible region 6 which is arranged on the upper side 5 a of the luggage item 1 is not blocked by the bag 21 .
- the use of a carrying handle 22 which is usually arranged on the upper side 5 a of the luggage item 1 , is possible by the attachment of the bag 21 or the like on the front 5 e of the luggage item 1 .
- the flexible region 6 is configured beyond the edge 9 of the upper side 5 a , so that the flexible region 6 extends partially into the adjacent side surfaces 5 b , 5 d .
- the thus wider flexible region 6 further facilitates access into the interior of the luggage item 1 .
- the flexible region 6 can also be extended over the entire side surface 5 a .
- these embodiment variants can weaken the stability of the luggage item 1 , but do so only to an extent which does not or scarcely perceptively limits the practical advantages of a hard-shell construction.
- FIG. 4 shows the luggage item 1 according to FIG. 3 in a completely open state, wherein the two shells 2 , 3 are essentially completely unfolded.
- a compartment 13 can be arranged in the interior of the luggage item 1 .
- the opening 14 of the compartment 13 is oriented within the luggage item 1 in the direction of the flexible region 6 .
- the closure element 4 is formed by a zipper 10 in the embodiment variants shown.
- the teeth of the zipper 10 are arranged along the edge 11 , 12 of the respective shell 2 , 3 .
- the zipper 10 runs here in the plane of symmetry of the two shells 2 , 3 of the luggage item 1 .
- the zipper 10 runs centrally through the flexible region 6 on the upper side 5 a.
- a shell 2 , 3 of the luggage item 1 can also be configured deeper than the other shell 2 , 3 .
- FIG. 5 shows such an embodiment in which a shell 3 is designed as a lid 15 .
- the flexible region 6 is arranged in this embodiment at that edge 16 of the lid 15 , which is arranged on the upper side 5 a of the luggage item 1 in the closed and upright standing state of the luggage item 1 .
- the shell 2 also has a flexible region 6 on the upper side 5 a of the luggage item 1 . If now the closure element 4 is opened at the upper side 5 a of the luggage item 1 , the flexible region 6 on the lid 15 and on the shell 2 can be pushed apart, thus enabling access into the interior.
- FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show alternative embodiments of the luggage item 1 , wherein in FIG. 6 only the lid 15 and in FIG. 7 only the shell 2 has a flexible region 6 .
- the shells 2 , 3 or the shell 2 and the lid 15 can be formed from flexible material and reinforcing elements 17 .
- the flexible region 6 has no reinforcing elements 17 in these embodiment variants ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ).
- the flexible region 6 of the shells 2 , 3 is dimensioned larger than in the variant according to FIG. 8 .
- the luggage items 1 according to FIGS. 1-7 also possible is the embodiment of the flexible region 6 in which the shells 2 , 3 are made of essentially solid material.
Landscapes
- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of European Application No. 18164474.1 filed Mar. 28, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
- The invention relates to a luggage item, in particular a suitcase, having two shells made of essentially solid material, which shells are connectable to each other via a closure element which runs around the majority of the circumference and can be opened out in a completely open state of the closure element.
- Luggage items, in particular suitcases or trolleys, are usually manufactured in two different production variants, hard-shell or soft-shell, wherein the two shells are connectable to each other via a closure element, for example a zipper. The main compartment of the luggage item thus forms the region between the two shells. Hard-shell suitcases are characterized by higher strength and thus higher stability, whereby the luggage item and its contents are better protected against damage and external influences. However, access into the interior of the luggage item is only possible when both shells, by opening the closure element on at least three sides, are separated from each other and the two shells are unfolded from each other. The usually peripherally arranged closure element must therefore be opened almost completely to enable access to the main compartment of the luggage item. Quick access into the interior without completely opening the luggage item is disadvantageously not possible or only cumbersome in a hard-shell suitcase.
- This possibility indeed discloses a soft-shell suitcase, in which the shells are manufactured, for example, from fabric having integrated stiffening elements, whereby the shells have a certain elasticity. If the closure element, which connects the two shells of the luggage item with each other, is partially opened, for example, on only one or two sides of the luggage item, the shells can be pushed apart from each other or bent up due to the elasticity of the item of the material. Access into the interior of the luggage item is thus possible without the need for complete opening. Soft-shell suitcases, however, offer less protection against mechanical influences due to the materials used. Thus, not only the luggage item but also its contents are less efficiently protected against damage. In addition, soft-shell suitcases usually have a higher weight than hard-shell suitcases and their production is usually more difficult and thus more expensive.
- For example, a hard-shell suitcase is known from US 2014/0353104 A1, which has an additional opening at the front side to enable further access to the interior of the suitcase. This opening requires a further closure element or a zipper on the front side of the suitcase. Thus, disadvantageously, an additional zipper must be integrated into a shell of the suitcase, thereby increasing production costs. In addition, the additional opening is accessible only by opening out a flap, thereby increasing the outer dimensions of the suitcase. This is particularly problematic in aircraft due to the limited space available, in particular when storing the suitcase in an overhead luggage compartment.
- Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a luggage item, in particular a suitcase, which enables access into the interior of the luggage item even when the closure element is only partially opened. Furthermore, the possibility of the facilitated intrusion in a partially opened state of the luggage item does not essentially alter the dimensions of the luggage item and, moreover, does not result in deterioration of the stability or strength of the luggage item. The luggage item should be produced as simply and inexpensively as possible.
- The object of the invention is achieved by a luggage item mentioned above, in particular a suitcase, in which a region made of flexible material is arranged along at least a part of the circumference on at least one side of the closure element between the closure element and the shell made of essentially solid material, so that access into the interior of the luggage item is also possible with partially open state of the closure element. Due to the fact that the closure element does not directly adjoin the shell made of essentially solid material along a part of the circumference of at least one side, but rather a flexible region is arranged between the closure element and the shell, the flexible region can be displaced and access into the interior is enabled when the closure element is partially open. In other words, if the closure element is opened on the side of the luggage item on which the flexible region is located, access into the interior of the luggage item is possible by pushing or bending up the flexible region outward or inward. A complete opening of the closure element or an unfolding of the two shells formed from essentially solid material is not required. The outer dimensions of the luggage item remain essentially unchanged with partially open closure element. The flexible region has a variable shape or size due to the elasticity of the flexible region. The luggage item according to the invention thus has the higher stability of a hard-shell suitcase and at the same time, on at least that side surface which has the flexible region, the higher flexibility of a soft-shell suitcase. The larger the dimensions of the flexible region, the easier and more convenient the access to the interior of the luggage item and the larger items can be inserted in the interior of the luggage item or removed via the opening arranged around the flexible region. The flexible region can be configured rectangular, oval, circular, etc.
- Preferably, the flexible region is formed by a strip made of flexible material. The dimensions of the strip and on which side surface or on which side surfaces such strips are arranged, are variable. The larger the at least one strip, the easier it is to access the interior of the luggage item.
- According to one embodiment variant, a region made of flexible material is arranged along the part of the circumference on only one side of the closure element between the closure element and the shell made of essentially solid material. Preferably, the flexible region is arranged along the part of the circumference at the upper side of the luggage item when the luggage item is located in its normal position (for example, standing upright). Advantageously, the stability or strength of the luggage item is only minimally influenced by the arrangement of the flexible region on only one side of the closure element.
- In order to provide particularly simple and quick access into the interior of the luggage item, in a particularly preferred embodiment, a region made of flexible material is arranged along the part of the circumference on both sides of the closure element between the closure element and each shell made of essentially solid material. The two-sided arrangement of the flexible region of the closure element further facilitates access into the interior of the luggage item with partially open closure element. The closure element has to be partially opened essentially only at that location having the flexible region, in order to provide access into the interior of the luggage item.
- The flexible region can also have special formations of the flexible material. For example, it can be advantageous to form the flexible region with fabric parts which are sewn together by corresponding cutting patterns so that an intrusion in the interior of the suitcase is additionally facilitated. This can be enabled, for example, by special folding structures or other known techniques from the textile industry.
- Each region made of flexible material is preferably at least 4 cm wide and at least 15 cm long. The greater the dimensions of the flexible region, the smoother the bending open of the flexible region will be, which enables quicker and more convenient access into the interior of the luggage item. In one embodiment, the flexible region extends essentially over the entire dimension of a side surface.
- According to one embodiment, the flexible region is formed from textile material. The softness of the textile material enables a pushing apart or bending open of the flexible region particularly easily with partially open closure element.
- Alternatively or additionally, the flexible region can be formed from elastic material. The elasticity of the elastic material makes a bending open of the flexible region particularly easy. An elastomer, a stretchable fabric, or a silicone rubber or the like is preferably provided as the elastic material.
- The closure element, by which the two shells of the luggage item can be connected to each other, is formed in particular by a zipper.
- Preferably, at least one compartment is arranged along the part of the circumference in the interior of the luggage item. The compartment in the interior of the luggage item ensures that items are not left uncontrolled or loose in the interior of the luggage item. If the closure element is partially opened along the flexible region, objects can simply be removed from the compartment or stowed in the compartment during an intrusion in the interior of the luggage item via the flexible opening.
- According to one embodiment variant, one of the two shells is configured deeper than the other shell. The different depth can go so far that a shell is designed essentially as a lid or flap. In this embodiment, the flexible region is preferably arranged either on an edge region of the lid or flap and/or on a side surface adjacent to the lid or the flap. In conventional hard-shell suitcases, the two shells of the luggage item are usually configured the same depth or symmetrical and the closure element runs in the plane of symmetry of the two shells.
- In order to ensure the required stability and strength of the luggage item, the shells are preferably formed from solid material, in particular plastic or metal. As a result, the two shells are essentially dimensionally stable and have a low weight.
- Alternatively, the two shells can be formed from flexible material and reinforcing elements. In this embodiment variant, the flexible region according to the invention is a region of a side surface which has no reinforcing elements. The reinforcing elements can, for example, be formed from foam. The material of the reinforcing elements preferably has a higher rigidity than the flexible material of the two shells of the luggage item. The reinforcing elements increase the stability and strength of the two shells. The reinforcing elements can be mounted in the exterior or interior of the flexible material. If they are mounted in the interior, the exterior of the suitcase can be designed simple and neutral and the flexible intrusion cannot be seen from the outside, by which a particularly restrained form is possible. Examples of advantageous combinations of solid and flexible material are, for example, a combination of material which is laminated on flexible foam and can be brought into a three-dimensional shape, combined with a reinforcing element made of hard plastic in the interior. Alternatively, the combination of poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide available under the brand Kevlar®— or carbon materials in soft thermoplastic matrix, such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is conceivable, which are reinforced in the interior by stiffer, back-injected regions of hard plastic.
- In order to enable a comfortable and easy transport of the luggage item, at least two wheels can be arranged on at least one shell. The wheels are usually arranged on the lower side of the luggage item. In this case, the flexible region is preferably arranged on the upper side of the luggage item.
- To further simplify the transport of the luggage item by the user, at least one per se known, preferably extendable, handle bar can be arranged on a shell.
- Preferably, the luggage item on at least one shell has a holding element on the outside, to which a bag or the like can be attached. In the arrangement of a handle bar, this is preferably arranged on the opposite shell or side surface of the holding element.
- Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.
- In the drawings,
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a variant of a luggage item according to the invention in the standing state having a flexible region on the upper side of the luggage item; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a luggage item; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a luggage item; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the luggage item according toFIG. 3 in the fully opened state; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment variant of a luggage item in the fully open state; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment variant of a luggage item in the fully open state; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment variant of a luggage item in the fully open state; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a luggage item in a fully opened state, wherein the shells are made of flexible material with reinforcing elements; and -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a further embodiment variant of a luggage item in the fully open state, wherein the shell and the lid are made of flexible material with reinforcing elements. -
FIG. 1 shows a luggage item 1, in particular a suitcase, having twoshells shells shells FIG. 4 ). Aregion 6 made of flexible material is arranged between the closure element 4 and at least oneshell 2, 3 (hatched drawn) on a side surface of the luggage item 1, in the standing state of theupper side 5 a, along at least part of the circumference. As a result, access into the interior of the luggage item 1 is possible in thisregion 6 even with partially open state of the closure element 4. - The
shells - The
region 6 is preferably formed from elastic material. The elasticity of the material particularly makes it easily possible to push apart or bend open theflexible region 6. Alternatively or additionally, theregion 6 can be formed from textile material. - The closure element 4 only has to be opened on that side surface on which the
region 6 of flexible material is arranged (in the exemplary embodiment according toFIG. 1 theupper side 5 a), in order to enable access into the interior of the luggage item 1. The twoshells side surfaces shells 2, 3 (see, for example,FIG. 4 ). Because the closure element 4 essentially only needs to be opened on one side, for example, theupper side 5 a, the position of the twoshells shells - The
region 6 is formed inFIG. 1 by astrip 7 of flexible material, wherein the dimensions of thestrip 7 can vary. The wider and longer thestrip 7, the easier the access into the interior of the luggage item 1. Thestrip 7 of flexible material is preferably integrated directly into the essentially solid material of theshells strip 7 can also be attached to a region on theouter edge 8 of at least oneshell strip 7, with different attachment methods. - An
extendable handle bar 18 is arranged on ashell 2 in the illustrated embodiment variant of the luggage item 1. In addition,wheels 19 can be arranged on thelower side 5 c of the luggage item 1. Fourwheels 19 are arranged on thelower side 5 c of the luggage item 1 in the illustrated embodiment. However, embodiment variants having only twowheels 19 are also possible (not shown). Theshell 3 has, on thefront side 5 e, a holdingelement 20 for a bag 21 (shown inFIG. 2 ) or the like. -
FIG. 2 shows an embodiment variant of a luggage item 1, wherein aregion 6 of flexible material in each case is arranged along the part of the circumference on both sides of the closure element 4, that is, between the closure element 4 and eachshell flexible region 6 is accordingly arranged on both sides of the closure element 4 (here on theupper side 5 a of the standing luggage item 1). - A
bag 21 or the like is arranged on the holdingelement 20. Thebag 21 or the like is accordingly arranged on thefront side 5 e of the luggage item 1 and not, as usual, on itsupper side 5 a (usually bags, such as laptop bags, are placed on theupper side 5 a of the luggage item 1 and leaned against thehandle bar 18 during transport). By arranging thebag 21 or the like on thefront side 5 e of the luggage item 1, access into the interior of the luggage item 1 via theflexible region 6 which is arranged on theupper side 5 a of the luggage item 1 is not blocked by thebag 21. Furthermore, the use of a carryinghandle 22, which is usually arranged on theupper side 5 a of the luggage item 1, is possible by the attachment of thebag 21 or the like on the front 5 e of the luggage item 1. - In the embodiment variant of a luggage item 1 according to
FIG. 3 , theflexible region 6 is configured beyond theedge 9 of theupper side 5 a, so that theflexible region 6 extends partially into theadjacent side surfaces flexible region 6 further facilitates access into the interior of the luggage item 1. In an embodiment (not shown), theflexible region 6 can also be extended over theentire side surface 5 a. However, these embodiment variants can weaken the stability of the luggage item 1, but do so only to an extent which does not or scarcely perceptively limits the practical advantages of a hard-shell construction. -
FIG. 4 shows the luggage item 1 according toFIG. 3 in a completely open state, wherein the twoshells compartment 13 can be arranged in the interior of the luggage item 1. Theopening 14 of thecompartment 13 is oriented within the luggage item 1 in the direction of theflexible region 6. - The
compartment 13 is provided to store objects which are introduced via theflexible region 6 into the interior of the luggage item 1. As a result of the orientation of thecompartment 13 within the luggage item 1, the items can be removed easily and quickly from the luggage item 1 or can be stored in the luggage item 1 without having to fully open the luggage item 1 or without the outer dimensions of the luggage item 1 being enlarged. - The closure element 4 is formed by a
zipper 10 in the embodiment variants shown. The teeth of thezipper 10 are arranged along theedge respective shell zipper 10 runs here in the plane of symmetry of the twoshells zipper 10 runs centrally through theflexible region 6 on theupper side 5 a. - A
shell other shell FIG. 5 shows such an embodiment in which ashell 3 is designed as alid 15. Theflexible region 6 is arranged in this embodiment at thatedge 16 of thelid 15, which is arranged on theupper side 5 a of the luggage item 1 in the closed and upright standing state of the luggage item 1. Theshell 2 also has aflexible region 6 on theupper side 5 a of the luggage item 1. If now the closure element 4 is opened at theupper side 5 a of the luggage item 1, theflexible region 6 on thelid 15 and on theshell 2 can be pushed apart, thus enabling access into the interior. -
FIG. 6 andFIG. 7 show alternative embodiments of the luggage item 1, wherein inFIG. 6 only thelid 15 and inFIG. 7 only theshell 2 has aflexible region 6. - Alternatively, the
shells shell 2 and thelid 15 can be formed from flexible material and reinforcingelements 17. Theflexible region 6 has no reinforcingelements 17 in these embodiment variants (FIGS. 8 and 9 ). - In the embodiment according to
FIG. 9 , theflexible region 6 of theshells FIG. 8 . With the luggage items 1 according toFIGS. 1-7 , also possible is the embodiment of theflexible region 6 in which theshells FIGS. 1 to 7 ) arranged on only one of the twoshells FIG. 8 or 9 . - Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (15)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP18164474.1A EP3545788A1 (en) | 2018-03-28 | 2018-03-28 | Piece of luggage |
EP18164474.1 | 2018-03-28 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20190298018A1 true US20190298018A1 (en) | 2019-10-03 |
Family
ID=61832348
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/361,290 Abandoned US20190298018A1 (en) | 2018-03-28 | 2019-03-22 | Luggage item |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20190298018A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3545788A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN110313692A (en) |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN101594800B (en) * | 2007-02-07 | 2012-03-21 | 新秀丽Ip控股有限责任公司 | System for cinching a resilient luggage case |
ITAN20110047U1 (en) * | 2011-07-11 | 2013-01-12 | Dielle Manifatture S R L | EXPANDABLE TRAVEL TROLLEY OF NEW CONCEPTION. |
CA2785061C (en) | 2012-03-30 | 2013-10-29 | Heys International Ltd. | Hard-sided luggage bag with front lid |
JP5807045B2 (en) * | 2013-08-15 | 2015-11-10 | 頼 偉浤 | Hard-type suitcase that can expand the case volume |
EP3066949B1 (en) * | 2015-03-10 | 2019-07-03 | Victorinox Ag | Volume expansion element |
CN106490794A (en) * | 2016-10-20 | 2017-03-15 | 浙江驰誉贸易有限公司 | Suitcase with concealed safety pocket |
CN206548026U (en) * | 2017-03-07 | 2017-10-13 | 王洪超 | A kind of double-open type case and bag |
CN207100799U (en) * | 2017-07-27 | 2018-03-16 | 奥林匹亚国际贸易(上海)有限公司 | A kind of draw-bar box |
-
2018
- 2018-03-28 EP EP18164474.1A patent/EP3545788A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2019
- 2019-03-22 US US16/361,290 patent/US20190298018A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2019-03-27 CN CN201910236955.XA patent/CN110313692A/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP3545788A1 (en) | 2019-10-02 |
CN110313692A (en) | 2019-10-11 |
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