CN111918581A

CN111918581A - Frame fixed to suitcase

Info

Publication number: CN111918581A
Application number: CN201980022851.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 亚历山大·卡林
Original assignee: Victorinox AG
Current assignee: Victorinox AG
Priority date: 2018-04-03
Filing date: 2019-03-18
Publication date: 2020-11-10
Also published as: EP3549479A1; EP3549479B1; US20210007455A1; WO2019192829A1

Abstract

A frame structure (10) for a piece of luggage comprises a housing (100) having an end (101) and a frame (1) having a profile (4) with a profile base (43), a first profile wall (44) and a second profile wall (45) and a seat (41) for accommodating the end (101) of the housing (100), the seat being delimited by opposite first and second inner surfaces (46; 47) of the first and second profile walls (44; 45). The frame structure (10) further comprises at least one fastening element (42; 62; 106), wherein said fastening element (42; 62; 106) is configured to be removably inserted into a seat (41) of the profile (4) in order to removably fasten an end (101) of the casing (100) housed in the seat (41) to the frame (1). A method of fastening a shell to a frame structure of an item of luggage, comprising the steps of: a luggage item with such a frame structure is provided, the end (101) of the housing (100) is inserted into the seat (41) of the profile (4), and the fastening element (42; 62; 106) is inserted into the seat (41) of the profile (4).

Description

Frame fixed to suitcase

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a frame structure for an item of luggage according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a method of fastening a shell to a frame structure of an item of luggage having such a frame structure according to claim 15.

Background

Suitcases generally comprise a frame structure with shells hinged to each other by hinges provided on the frame structure. A suitcase is known from EP 1867246 a1, wherein the shells of the suitcase are connected to the frame structure by adhesive bonding. However, other types of connections between the housing and the frame structure are also possible. For example, EP 2672857 a1 discloses a suitcase in which the shells are connected to the frame structure by stitching.

In particular, the drawback of this connection is the laborious manufacture and, in practice, the manner of connection, such as adhesive or stitching, is visible and aesthetically disturbing. Furthermore, although such permanent securement can be advantageous due to the durability of the securement, it may still be desirable to replace damaged portions of the suitcase.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved frame structure for an item of luggage. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a frame structure which can be manufactured simply but reliably and which enables damaged parts to be replaced.

This object is achieved by a frame structure according to claim 1. In particular, a frame structure for an item of luggage is provided that includes a housing having ends and a frame. The frame comprises a profile extending in an extension direction and having a profile base, a first and a second profile wall and a seat for accommodating an end of the housing, delimited by a first and a second inner surface opposite the first and the second profile wall. The frame structure further comprises at least one fastening element, wherein said fastening element is configured to be removably inserted into a seat of the profile to removably fasten an end of the housing received in the seat to the frame.

In other words, the frame structure comprises a frame with a profile in which the ends of the housing can be accommodated and fastened by means of fastening elements. Cumbersome fastening, for example by gluing or stitching, is omitted. Furthermore, since the fastening elements are not permanently fixed to the frame, the ends of the housing are likewise not permanently fixed to the frame. Instead, the housing can be easily removed by removing the fastening element from the frame.

It is possible to provide a single fastening element which, when inserted into the seat of the profile, extends around substantially the entire frame along said direction of extension of the profile. However, it is also conceivable to provide a fastening element which, when inserted into the seat of the profile, extends only partially along the direction of extension of the profile. In the latter case, it is preferred to provide two or more such fastening elements, which are distributed along the circumference of the frame.

The fastening element can be fixed to the frame by a friction fit and/or a form-locking fit. The friction fit can be caused by static friction applied between the active surface of the fastening element and the end of the housing and between the active surface of the fastening element and the end of the profile, in particular the active surface of the fastening element and the inner surface of the profile wall, respectively. Thus, the fastening element can be clamped in the seat, whereby the end of the housing is also clamped in the seat. The friction fit has the effect that neither the fastening element nor the end of the housing can be removed from the frame without a large external force acting. However, since there are no permanent connection means when fixing the housing to the frame, the friction fit can be overcome when a certain external force is applied, and thus the fastening element and the housing can be removed from the frame. Similarly, the positive-locking fit established between the fastening element and the end of the housing located in the seat of the frame prevents the removal of these components unless a certain external force is applied. In this case, it is preferred that the distance between the first profile wall and the second profile wall is substantially equal to the sum of the thickness of the end of the housing and the thickness of the fastening element in the region of the seat of the insertion profile. It is thus possible to firmly fix the housing to the frame only by means of the fastening elements. However, it is still necessary to provide additional means of fixation, such as adhesives. For example, it is conceivable to glue the fastening element to the end of the housing before inserting it into the seat of the profile.

The fastening element can be formed separately from the frame and/or the housing. Alternatively, it is conceivable to provide the fastening element and the housing as a single component. For example, the fastening element may be integrally formed on the end of the housing such that insertion of the end of the housing simultaneously causes the end of the housing to be fastened to the frame. In this case, one possibility is to provide the fastening element as a projection, for example a tab projecting from an end of the housing, which tab engages with a corresponding structure provided in the profile, for example a groove.

The fastening element can be configured such that, when the end of the housing is accommodated in the seat, the fastening element can be slid along the extension direction into a space formed between the end of the housing and the first or second profile wall, respectively, while the end of the housing is pressed against the second or first profile wall, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, the fastening element can be configured such that, when the end of the housing is accommodated in the seat, the fastening element can be pushed in a direction transverse to the direction of extension into a space formed between the end of the housing and the first profile wall or the second profile wall, respectively, while the end of the housing is pressed against the second profile wall or against the first profile wall, respectively.

It is therefore preferred that the width of the end of the housing is smaller than the clear width between the first and second profile walls of the profile. If now in a first step the end of the housing is inserted into the seat of the profile, the above-mentioned space is formed between one of the profile walls and one surface of the end of the housing. In a second step, the fastening element can then be inserted into the space formed between the respective other profile wall and the other surface of the end of the housing along the direction of extension or a transverse direction extending transversely to the direction of extension. If the width of the fastening element and the end of the housing in the insertion region is substantially equal to or even slightly greater than the clear width between the first and second profile walls of the profile, the fastening element will thereby clamp the end of the housing in the seat of the profile.

At least one of the profile wall and the fastening element can comprise at least one retaining structure, respectively, which are configured to interact with each other such that an additional mechanical fastening of the fastening element in the frame is achieved. The retaining structure on the fastening element is preferably a first projection and the retaining structure on at least one of the profile walls is preferably a tooth provided on the inner surface of the profile wall and/or a lug extending inwards in the direction of the seat, the first projection and the tooth being configured to engage with each other and the lug providing a stop for the first projection. Thus, in addition to fastening the fastening element to the seat of the profile by means of a friction fit and/or a form-locking fit caused only by the geometry of the fastening element and the end of the housing, it is also conceivable to provide additional structures on the profile and the fastening element which can engage with each other.

The fastening element can comprise a second retaining structure, preferably in the form of a second projection, which is pressed against the first surface of the housing when the end of the housing is received in the seat, so that an additional fastening of the end received in the seat is achieved. That is, the fastening element is preferably designed such that it generates a clamping force on one of the surfaces of the end of the housing.

To this end, it is conceivable to provide a fastening element having an elongated shape which is insertable into a seat of the profile, wherein the first and second retaining structures are arranged on opposite surfaces of the elongated fastening element.

The free end region of at least one of the profile walls can have a retaining structure, preferably in the form of a lug, which extends inwardly in the direction of the seat, wherein, when the end of the housing is accommodated in the seat, said retaining structure presses against the second surface of the housing, so that an additional fastening of the end accommodated in the seat is achieved. That is, it is preferred that at least one of the profile walls is designed such that it generates a clamping force on one of the surfaces of the end of the housing. By the fact that both clamping forces can be exerted on both surfaces of the end of the housing (once by the retaining structures on the fastening elements and once by the retaining structures on the profile walls), displacements of the housing relative to the inside of the frame structure are also fixed. Thereby providing a dimensionally stable frame structure.

In the region of the seat, the first profile wall and the second profile wall preferably extend substantially parallel to one another and/or the length of the second profile wall is preferably greater than the length of the first profile wall in a direction transverse to the direction of extension. In other words, the profile preferably has a substantially U-shaped design when viewed in cross section, wherein the first profile wall and the second profile wall each correspond to a side leg of the "U", wherein one side leg can be longer than the other side leg.

The fastening element can be dimensioned such that a gap is formed between the profile seat and the underside of the fastening element when the fastening element is inserted into the seat of the frame, and/or the fastening element can be dimensioned such that the upper side of the fastening element is substantially flush with the free end of the second profile wall or the upper side of the fastening element protrudes beyond the free end of the second profile wall when the fastening element is inserted into the seat of the frame. This gap serves to compensate for any tolerances between the fastening element and the housing profile. Although fastening elements flush with the profile wall are aesthetically pleasing, the protruding fastening elements bring the advantage that the protruding part can be easily gripped and thus better removed from the frame.

The housing may have a curved portion dividing the housing into said end portion and a main portion, whereby the main portion is arranged offset with respect to the end portion, wherein the length of the second profile wall is substantially equal to the total length of the end portion and the curved portion in a direction transverse to the direction of extension, and wherein the second projection is preferably pressed against the first surface of the housing in the region of the curved portion when the fastening element is inserted into the seat of the frame. The main portion of the wall is preferably substantially flush with the first profile wall of the frame, i.e. the first profile wall and the main portion preferably extend in a common plane.

The frame structure preferably comprises a further frame, wherein the frame comprises a connecting profile and the further frame comprises a further connecting profile designed complementarily to the connecting profile of the frame, the connecting profile and the further connecting profile being configured to form a preferably form-fitting connection between one another. That is, the frame structure can comprise two frames, which preferably each comprise a profile as described above. It is also preferred that the frames can be connected to each other by their complementary connecting profiles. In case the frame structure is provided on a suitcase, the suitcase shells are preferably connected to each other by one or more articulated joints, such as hinges. The suitcase shell may be opened and closed by pivoting the suitcase shell about a pivot axis provided by the hinge joint. In the closed position, the complementarily designed connecting profiles of the frame engage one another.

In another aspect, a piece of luggage, preferably a suitcase, having the above-described frame structure is provided, wherein an end of the shell is accommodated in a seat of the frame and removably fastened by means of a fastening element removably inserted into the seat of the frame. The luggage piece preferably comprises a frame structure having two frames as described above, wherein each frame comprises a suitcase shell removably fastened by fastening elements.

In another aspect, there is provided a method of fastening a housing to a frame structure of an item of luggage, the method comprising the steps of:

-providing a piece of luggage having the above-described frame structure;

-inserting the end of the housing into the seat of the profile; and

-inserting the fastening element into the seat of the profile.

Drawings

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a suitcase including a frame structure having an upper frame and a lower frame;

fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an upper frame and a lower frame of the frame structure according to fig. 1, which frames comprise in each case a U-profile, a connecting profile and a housing profile;

fig. 3 shows a cross section of the upper frame according to fig. 2;

fig. 4 shows a cross section of the lower frame according to fig. 2;

fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the frame structure according to fig. 1, wherein the U-shaped profiles are omitted;

fig. 6 shows a sectional view of the frame structure according to fig. 1, wherein the shell profiles are omitted;

fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a belt according to the frame structure of fig. 1;

fig. 8 shows a perspective view of an upper frame of the frame structure according to fig. 1, wherein a lining is connected to the upper frame by means of a strip according to fig. 7;

fig. 9 shows a perspective view of an upper frame comprising a liner according to fig. 8, with the ribbons removed;

figure 10 shows a perspective view of the liner according to figures 8 and 9;

fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a fastening element which can be inserted into a housing profile of the frame structure according to fig. 1;

fig. 12 shows another perspective view of the fastening element according to fig. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a housing and a frame of a frame structure according to another embodiment, wherein the housing and the frame are in an unconnected state;

fig. 14 shows a perspective view of the frame structure according to fig. 13, wherein the housing and the frame are in a half-connected state;

fig. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the frame structure according to fig. 13, wherein the housing and the frame are in a connected state;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a housing of a frame structure according to another embodiment;

fig. 17a shows a cross-sectional view of the housing according to fig. 16 and the frame according to the further embodiment in an unconnected state;

fig. 17b shows a cross-sectional view of the frame and the housing according to fig. 17a in a semi-connected state;

fig. 17c shows a cross-sectional view of the frame and the housing according to fig. 17a in a connected state.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1 there is shown a suitcase 1000 comprising two suitcase shells 100, 100' and a frame structure 10. As will be explained in more detail with reference to fig. 2 to 5, the frame structure 10 comprises two frames 1,1 ', each connectable to one of the suitcase shells 100, 100'. The suitcase shell 100, 100' can be made of a metal such as aluminum or a polymeric material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, and the like. The frames 1,1 'are advantageously made of the same material as the suitcase shells 100, 100', i.e. they are preferably made of aluminium or plastic.

The frames 1, 1' are hinged by means of hinges 11 fixed to the frames or to the suitcase shells, to enable the opening and closing of the suitcase. In the present example, two hinges 11 are provided on one of the longitudinal sides of the suitcase. The suitcase is also equipped with closure means (not shown), such as snaps or a zip closure. The suitcase has on the lower lateral side a wheel assembly 12, which in the present case consists of four wheels 121, which are arranged opposite each other in the corner regions of the suitcase. On the upper lateral side of the suitcase, a pull-out handle 13 is arranged on one of the suitcase shells 100' and a handle 14 is provided on the other suitcase shell 100. For better understanding, the suitcase housing 100 including the handle 14 will be referred to as an upper suitcase housing 100, and the suitcase housing 100' including the pull-out handle 13 will be referred to as a lower suitcase housing, respectively, below.

Fig. 2-4 depict the frames 1,1 'of the upper and lower suitcase shells 100, 100' separately. As is evident from these figures, the frames 1, 1' are provided as one-piece elements of substantially rectangular shape and of profiled structure. That is, the frames 1, 1' respectively include: connecting profiles 3,3 'for connecting the frames 1, 1' to one another; u-shaped profiles 2,2 'for connecting the lining 6 to the frame 1, 1'; and shell profiles 4,4 ' for connecting the suitcase shells 100,100 ' to the frames 1,1 ', respectively. In the connected state, i.e. when the two connecting profiles 3,3 ' are connected to one another and the suitcase shell 100,100 ' is accommodated in the shell profiles 4,4 ', the shell profiles 4,4 ' and the suitcase shell 100,100 ' face the outside of the suitcase. The connecting profiles 3,3 'and the U-profiles 2, 2' face the inside of the suitcase and are offset inwards with respect to the suitcase shells 100,100 'and the shell profiles 4, 4'. The U-shaped profiles 2,2 ' and the connecting profiles 3,3 ' are thus arranged in a common plane extending parallel to the plane of the suitcase shells 100,100 '.

However, it is contemplated that the frames 1,1 'can be provided without such a housing profile 4, 4' or connecting profile 3,3 'or U-profile 2, 2', respectively. For example, the frames 1, 1' may be secured to each other only by external closure means such as zip closures or snaps. Likewise, the U-shaped profiles 2,2 'can be omitted from the frame 1, 1', especially if lining in the suitcase is not desired. For the sake of simplicity, fig. 5 shows a frame 1, 1' in which the U-shaped profiles for connecting the lining are omitted. Similarly, the frame 1, 1' according to fig. 6 is depicted without a housing profile. It should be noted, however, that any aspect discussed in relation to one of these frames 1,1 'can be present on the other frame 1, 1'.

As shown in fig. 3 to 6, the connecting profiles 3,3 'are arranged on the frames 1, 1' such that they can engage with each other when the suitcase 1000 is closed. For this purpose, the lower frame 1 'comprises a connecting profile 3' comprising an inner surface 31 'and an outer surface 32' extending towards each other. The inner surface 31 'refers to the surface of the connecting profile 3' facing the inner space 15 'of the frame 1', and the outer surface 32 'refers to the surface facing the outside of the frame 1', respectively. In cross section, the connecting profile 3 'of the lower frame 1' is substantially "V" shaped, wherein the length of the inner surface 31 'is greater than the length of the outer surface 32'. Said V-shaped connecting profiles 3 'on the lower frame 1' form a receiving portion for a correspondingly arranged profile structure 3 on the upper frame 1. That is to say, the connecting structure 3 on the upper frame 1 is designed to be insertable in the receptacle formed by the inner surface 31 'and the outer surface 32' of the connecting profile 3 'of the lower frame 1' and has a substantially triangular cross-section.

As best shown in fig. 5, the triangular connecting profiles 3 on the upper frame 1 likewise have an inner surface 31 facing the inner space 15 of the frame 1, which inner surface has a greater length than an outer surface 32 facing the outside of the frame 1. When the suitcase 1000 is in its closed position, the triangular connecting profiles 3 are substantially completely accommodated within the V-shaped connecting profiles 3 ', as in the case of tongue-and-groove connections, wherein the inclination of the respective inner 31, 31' and outer 32,32 'surfaces and the length of the respective outer 32, 32' surfaces are substantially the same. As a result, a form-fitting connection is provided between the upper frame 1 and the lower frame 1 ', which holds the two suitcase shells 100, 100' closed when the suitcase is in the closed position.

As further shown in fig. 3 to 5, the housing profiles 4,4 'on the upper frame 1 and the lower frame 1' have the same design and are in each case substantially U-shaped when viewed in cross section. The end portions 101,101 ' of the suitcase shell can be inserted into the U-shaped seats 41,41 ' provided in the shell profiles 4,4 '. Different possibilities of fixing the ends 101,101 ' of the suitcase shell 100,100 ' into the shell profiles 4,4 ' are conceivable. For example, the ends 101,101 ' can be permanently adhered to the housing profiles 4,4 ' by, for example, gluing them in the seats 41,41 '. Releasable fixing can be achieved by means of a clamping connection, wherein the dimensions of the ends 101,101 'are similar to the dimensions of the seats 41, 41'. Or in addition, the dimensions of the end portions 101,101 'may be smaller than the clear width of the seats 41, 41' and the fastening can be achieved by means of further fastening elements 42 as shown in fig. 5 and 11 to 17 c.

The housing profiles 4,4 'are thereby arranged in a mirror-image manner relative to one another on their respective frame 1, 1'. In particular, when the suitcase shells 100,100 ' are inserted into the frame 1,1 ' and the suitcase is in its closed position, the shell profiles 4,4 ' are mirrored with respect to a plane extending perpendicular to the plane spanned by the suitcase shells 100,100 ' in the region of the shell profiles 4,4 '. A gap 102 is formed between the upper and lower suitcase shells 100, 100', which enables, for example, the insertion of a zipper closure. However, as previously mentioned, the connection established between the connecting profiles 3,3 'of the frames 1, 1' is already sufficient to close the suitcase securely. Said gap 102 is caused by the special design of the connecting profiles 3,3 ', in particular by the inner surface 31 of the triangular connecting profile 3 on the upper frame 1, which has a length greater than the length of the corresponding inner surface 31' of the V-shaped connecting profile 3 'on the lower frame 1'.

The U-shaped profiles 2,2 'for connecting the lining 6 to the frame 1, 1' will now be discussed in more detail with reference to fig. 3,4 and 6 to 10. As can be seen from these figures, the upper frame 1 and the lower frame 1 'have such U-profiles 2, 2', respectively. For the sake of simplicity, in the following, reference will be made to only one of the frames and, therefore, to only one of the U-shaped profiles for connection to the lining. It should be noted, however, that the following description applies equally to the other frame and its U-shaped profile.

The U-shaped profile 2,2 'for connection to the lining 6 has a profile base 21, 21', a first profile wall 22,22 'and a second profile wall 23, 23'. The seats 28,28 ' for the lining 6 are delimited by the opposite first inner surfaces 24,24 ' of the first profile walls 22,22 ' and by the second inner surfaces 25,25 ' of the second profile walls 23,23 ' facing each other. In the embodiment shown, the first profile wall 22,22 ' and the second profile wall 23,23 ' extend from the profile base 21,21 ' towards their free edge regions 29,29 ', 210 ' in a slightly diverging manner with respect to one another. However, it is also conceivable for the profile walls to run parallel to one another. Furthermore, the first profile wall 22,22 'and the second profile wall 23, 23' have the same height in the cross-sectional view. The first inner surface 24,24 ' is provided with a first groove 26,26 ' and the second inner surface 25,25 ' is provided with a second groove 27,27 ', said grooves 26,26 ', 27 ' facing each other and being arranged at the same height with respect to the depth D of the U-profile 2,2 '. The grooves 26,26 ', 27' extend in the longitudinal direction L of the U-profile 2,2 'and in the circumferential direction of the frame 1, 1'. In the case of a connection of the suitcase shell 100,100 'to the frame 1, 1', the grooves 26,26 ', 27' also run parallel to the plane spanning the suitcase shell 100,100 'in the region of the U-shaped profiles 2, 2'.

The frame structure 10 also comprises a strip 5 that can be housed in the U-shaped profiles 2,2 ' and has opposite

side edge regions

51, 52 that can be inserted into the grooves 26,26 ', 27 ' in order to fasten the lining 6 inserted into the seats 28,28 ' to the frames 1,1 '. The strip 5 has an elongated rectangular shape as shown in fig. 7. In order to fasten the lining 6 firmly to the frame 1,1 ', the strip 5, when inserted into the groove 26,26 ', 27 ', extends in the longitudinal direction L of the frame 1,1 ' and circumferentially around the entire frame 1,1 '. The grooves 26,26 ', 27 ' and the strips 5 are dimensioned such that when the strips 5 are inserted into the grooves 26,26 ', 27 ', small gaps 211,211 ' are formed between the strips 5 and the first inner surfaces 24,24 ' and the second inner surfaces 25,25 '. The gap 211,211 'enables the lining 6 to extend from inside the seat 28, 28' of the U-profile 2,2 'laterally around the

side edge region

51, 52 of the strip 5 to outside the U-profile 2, 2'.

The U-shaped profiles 2,2 ' and the strip 5 are thus dimensioned such that, when said lining 6 is inserted into the seats 28,28 ', the strip 5 can be snapped or snapped into the U-shaped profile 2 from a transverse direction T, which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction L of the U-shaped profiles 2,2 '. In so doing, the liner 6 is pressed into the first grooves 26,26 'and the second grooves 27, 27' by the strip 5. Furthermore, the U-shaped profiles 2,2 'and the strip 5 are dimensioned such that, when the lining 6 is inserted into the seat 28, 28', the strip 5 can be slid into the U-shaped profiles 2,2 'along the longitudinal direction L of the U-shaped profiles 2', while the lining 6 is likewise pressed into the first grooves 26,26 'and the second grooves 27, 27'. That is, when the lining 6 is fastened to the U-profile 2,2 ' by means of the strip 5, the

side edge regions

51, 52 of the strip 5 press a portion of the lining 6 into the grooves 26,26 ', 27 '. In this example, the clear width WU, WU ' of the seat 28,28 ' is about 1 to 5 millimeters, the distance DG, DG ' between the first groove 26,26 ' and the second groove 27,27 ' is about 3 to 6 millimeters, and the cross-section CG of the first groove 26,26 ' and the second groove 27,27 ' is about 0.5 to 1.5 millimeters. The width WS of the band 5 is about 2.5 to 5.5 mm and the height HS of the band 5 is about 0.25 to 1.25 mm.

In the embodiment shown in figures 8 to 10, the liner 6 is a single layer of material consisting of a two-piece fabric, wherein a thick, elastic piece of fabric 63 is stitched to a thin, inelastic piece of fabric 64. It will also be seen from these figures that an elongate member 62 in the form of a plastics string is attached to the lining 6, wherein two pieces of fabric are sewn around the string 62 so that the string 62 is received within the folds 61 of the lining 6. The fold 61 is inserted into the seat 28 of the U-profile 2 together with the cord 62, so that once the band 5 is inserted into the

grooves

26, 27 of the U-profile 2, the thick and elastic piece of fabric 63 extends around the first side edge region 51 of the band 5 and the thin and inelastic piece of fabric 64 extends around the second side edge region 52 of the band 5.

Although not shown in the figures, it is also conceivable to provide two or more such U-profiles on the same frame. The two or more U-profiles can be arranged one above the other with respect to a direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In this manner, two or more liners may be connected to the frame.

It should be noted that the frame structure as described above is not limited to the suitcase shown in this figure. On the contrary, it is conceivable to provide this frame structure to other types of suitcases, for example suitcases without wheels, in particular to any type of luggage piece comprising two interconnected shells.

The housing profiles 4,4 ' for removably fastening the housing 100,100 ' to the frame 1,1 ' will now be discussed in more detail with reference to fig. 3 to 5 and 11 to 17 c. In fig. 1 to 12, a frame structure 10, 10 ' comprising a housing profile 4,4 ' and a fastening element 42, 42 ', respectively, according to a first embodiment is shown, while fig. 13 to 15 show a second embodiment and fig. 16 to 17c show a third embodiment of the frame structure. The main difference between the embodiments is that the housing 100 and the

fastening elements

42, 62 according to the first and second embodiments are designed as separate parts, whereas in the third embodiment the fastening element 106 is an integral part of the end 101 of the housing 100. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as mentioned above, the fastening element is provided by means of the elongated member 62 of the lining 6, whereas the fastening element 42 according to the first embodiment corresponds to an element which is designed differently from the elongated member 62 and which is optionally provided in addition to said elongated member.

A first embodiment will now be described with reference to fig. 3 to 5 and fig. 11 to 12. As best shown in fig. 3 to 5, the fastening element 42 is formed separately from the frame 1 and the housing 100. The housing profiles 4,4 ' comprise a profile base 43,43 ' and a first 44,44 ' and a second 45,45 ' profile wall, respectively, wherein the seat 41,41 ' for accommodating the end 101,101 ' of the housing 100,100 ' is delimited by the opposite first 46,46 ' and second 47,47 ' inner surfaces of said first 44,44 ' and second 45,45 ' profile walls. Once the housing 100,100 'is inserted into the seat 41, 41' of the respective housing profile 4,4 ', said housing 100, 100' is fastened by means of a fastening element 42, 42 'which is inserted into the seat 41, 41', i.e. into the space 412,412 'formed between the end 101, 101' of the housing 100,100 'and the

first profile wall

44, 44' or the second profile wall 45,45 'of the housing profile 4, 4'. For the sake of simplicity, reference is made hereinafter to one of the frames and correspondingly to only one of the housing profiles and the fastening elements. However, any aspect concerning one of the profile housings and fastening elements equally exists on the other profile housing and fastening element, respectively.

In the present case, the fastening element 42 ' can be regarded as a clamping element, which is clamped in the space 412 ' formed between the profile walls 44 ', 45 ' and the housing 100 ', wherein the fastening element 42 ', the seat 41 ' and the end 101 ' of the housing 100 ' are dimensioned such that the distance between the first profile wall 44 ' and the second profile wall 45 ' is substantially equal to the sum of the thickness of the end 101 ' of the housing 100 ' and the thickness of the fastening element 42 ' in the region in which the end 101 ' is inserted into the seat 41 ' of the housing profile 4 '. Or, in other words, the fastening element 42 'is configured such that, when the end 101' of the housing 100 'is accommodated in the seat 41', the fastening element 42 'can be slid into the housing profile 4' along the direction of extension E or pushed into a space 412 'formed between the end 101' of the housing 100 'and the first profile wall 44' or the second profile wall 45 ', respectively, in a direction TE transverse to said direction of extension E, while the end 101' of the housing 100 is pressed against the second profile wall 45 'or against the first profile wall 44', respectively. Thus, the fastening element 42 ' and thus the end 101 ' of the housing 100 ' are fastened only by a friction fit and a form-locking fit, i.e. without any additional fastening means, such as adhesive or by sewing.

By means of the retaining structures provided on the fastening elements and on the profile walls, an additional fixing of the fastening elements 42 ' and the end 101 ' of the housing 100 ' is achieved. In practice, the second profile wall 45 'and the fastening element 42' comprise interacting retaining structures 413 ', 414'. The retaining structure of the second profile wall 45 'is here provided as a lug 414' formed on a free end 411 'of the second profile wall 45' which lug extends inwardly from the second inner surface 47 'in the direction of the seat 41'. The lug 414 'provides a stop for the retaining structure in the form of a projection 413' formed on the fastening element 42 ', so that removal of the fastening element 42' inserted into the housing profile 4 'from the housing profile 4' becomes more difficult, for example because a greater force is required for removal. The fastening element 42 'is thus engaged or snapped into the housing profile 4'. Furthermore, the fastening element 42 'comprises a further retaining structure 415' in the form of a further projection which, when the end portion 101 'of the housing 100' is received in the seat 41 ', is pressed against a surface 102' of the housing 100 'facing said further retaining structure 415', thereby achieving an additional fastening of the end portion 101 'received in the seat 41'. As best shown in fig. 11 and 12, the fastening element 42 'has an upper side 418' and a lower side 419 'of elongated shape, wherein the retaining structures 413', 415 'are arranged opposite each other and each extend along the entire width WF of the fastening element 42'. Since the further retaining structure 415 'is formed on the upper side 419' of the fastening element 412 ', the fastening element 412' substantially takes the shape of an "L". Furthermore, the fastening element 42 ' extends partially along the direction of extension E of the housing profile when inserted into the seat 41 ' of the housing profile 4 '. In practice, the fastening element 42 ' has a width WF which is a fraction of the extension of the first profile wall 44 ' and the second profile wall 45 ' in the extension direction E. It is therefore conceivable to provide two or more, in particular more, such fastening elements 42' which can be distributed along the extension direction E substantially around the entire frame 1. However, it is also possible to provide only one single fastening element, in which case the single fastening element preferably has a width which substantially corresponds to the extension of the first profile wall and the second profile wall in the extension direction E, and as a result the single fastening element extends substantially around the entire frame in the extension direction E. In the present example, the fastening element 42 ' is dimensioned such that, when the fastening element 42 ' is inserted into the seat 41 ' of the frame 1 ', a gap 417 ' is formed between the profile base 43 ' and the lower side 418 ' of the fastening element 42 ', and the upper side 419 ' of the fastening element is substantially flush with the free end 411 ' of the second profile wall 45 '. However, it is likewise conceivable to dimension the fastening element 42 ' such that the upper side 419 ' of the fastening element projects beyond the free end 411 ' of the second profile wall 45 ' when the fastening element 42 ' is inserted into the seat 41 ' of the frame 1 '. Such a design will facilitate the removal of the fastening element 42 ' inserted in the seat 41 ' since the protruding upper side 419 ' can be grasped by a tool, such as pliers. Furthermore, the free end region 48 ' of the first profile wall 44 ' has a retaining structure 416 ' in the form of a lug which extends inward in the direction of the seat 41 ', wherein, when the end 101 ' of the housing 100 ' is accommodated in the seat 41 ', the retaining structure 416 ' presses against the surface 103 ' of the housing 100 ' facing the retaining structure 416 ', so that an additional fastening of the end 101 ' accommodated in the seat 41 ' is achieved.

In the region of the seat 41 ', the first profile wall 44 ' and the second profile wall 45 ' extend substantially parallel to one another, wherein the length LP2 of the second profile wall 45 ' in the transverse direction TE is greater than the length LP1 of the first profile wall 44 ' in the transverse direction TE. In other words, the housing profile 4 has a substantially "U" shape, wherein the first profile wall 44 'and the second profile wall 45' correspond to the side legs of said "U", and wherein the side legs associated with the second profile wall 45 'are longer than the side legs associated with the first profile wall 44'. Furthermore, the area of the second profile wall 45 ' extending with respect to the first profile wall 44 ' is arranged offset with respect to the remaining part of said second profile wall 45 '. By means of the offset arrangement and the retaining structure 414 ' provided at the free end 411 ' of the second profile wall 45 ' in the form of a lug, a recess 420 ' is formed, in which recess 420 ' the retaining structure 413 ' of the fastening element 42 ' can be accommodated. The housing 100 'in turn has a curved portion 104' dividing the housing 100 'into an end portion 101' and a body portion 105 ', whereby the body portion 105' is arranged offset with respect to the end portion 101 ', and wherein the length LP2 of the second profile wall 45' in the transverse direction TE is substantially equal to the total length of the end portion 101 'and the curved portion 104' in the transverse direction TE. When the fastening element 42 ' is inserted into the seat 41 ' of the frame 1, the second retaining structure 415 ' of the fastening element 42 ' is pressed against the first surface 102 ' of the housing 100 ' in the region of the bend 104 '. In this case, the curvature 104 ', in particular its inclination and its longitudinal extension, are chosen such that the body portion 105 ' is laterally offset with respect to the end 101 ' of the housing 100 ' and is substantially flush with the first profile wall 44 '. In other words, the body portion 105 ' of the housing 100 ' and the first profile wall 44 ' extend substantially on a common plane.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment and a third embodiment of the frame structure will be described with reference to fig. 13 to 15 and fig. 16 to 17c, respectively. It should be noted that the frame structure in these figures is schematically shown. For example, the connecting profiles 3,3 ' are only depicted as recesses, and the profiles 2,2 ' for connecting the lining 6 to the frame 1,1 ' are completely omitted. It is understood that one or both of these profiles 2,2 ', 3' and any other aspect of the above described frame structure according to the first embodiment can equally be present on the frame structure according to the second and third embodiment, respectively.

As previously mentioned, the frame structure according to the second embodiment differs from the frame structure according to the first embodiment mainly in that the fastening elements are provided by attaching the elongated members 62 to the lining 6. For this purpose, the second profile wall 45 of the housing profile 4 has a recess 421, in which recess 421 the elongate member 62 can be accommodated. The recess 421 is formed in the second profile wall 45 such that the elongated member 62 presses against the housing 100, in particular against the curved portion 104 of the housing 100, thereby clamping the housing 100 within the housing profile 4. In this case, the elongated member 62 serves as a clamping element which secures the housing 100 to the frame 1 only by means of a friction fit and a form-locking fit, i.e. without any additional securing means, such as adhesive or by sewing. Thus, the frame structure according to the second embodiment enables removable fixing of the elongated member 62, and to the frame 1 due to the housing 100.

The same is true for the frame structure according to the third embodiment. That is, the frame structure is characterized in that the fastening element 106 is integrally formed on the end 101 of the housing 100, wherein the fastening element 106 has the form of a locking tab protruding from the end 101 of the housing 100 and is configured to snap into a correspondingly shaped groove 422 provided in the housing profile 4 of the frame 1. As best shown in fig. 17a to 17c, the first profile wall 44 and the second profile wall 45 of the housing profile 4 delimit a narrow insertion opening and seat, the clear width of which substantially corresponds to the thickness of the housing 100. In order to be able to insert the end 101 of the housing 100 with the projecting locking tab 106 into the seat of the housing profile 4, the locking tab 106 is constructed to be compressible, preferably spring-elastic. Once the end 101 with the locking tab 106 is inserted into the seat of the housing profile 4, the locking tab 106 is pushed away from the end 101 of the housing 100 and latches in the groove 422 formed in the second profile wall 45 of the housing profile 4. In this way, the housing 100 is removably clamped within the housing profile 4. As shown in fig. 16, it is therefore conceivable to provide a plurality of such locking tabs 106 on the housing 100. Thus, the frame structure according to the third embodiment also enables the housing to be removably fastened to the frame structure.

List of reference numerals

1000 first inner surface of

suitcase

24,24

100,100 'suitcase shell 25, 25' second interior surface

101,101 'end 26, 26' first recess

102,102 'first surface 27, 27' second recess

103,103 'second surface 28, 28' seat

104,104 'bend 29, 29' free edge region

105,105 'body portion 210, 210' free edge region

106,106 'locking tab 211, 211' clearance

10 frame construction 3, 3' connection section bar

11 inner surface of

hinge

31,31

12

wheel assembly

32, 32' outer surface

121 wheel

13 Pull-out handle 4, 4' shell profile

14 handle 41, 41' seat

42 fastening element

1,1 'frame 43, 43' profile base

First profile wall of 2, 2'

U-shaped profile

44,44

21,21 'profile base 45, 45' second profile wall

22,22 'first profile wall 46, 46' first inner surface

23,23 'second profile wall 47, 47' second inner surface

48, 48' side edge region of free end 51 of first profile wall

Region 52 side edge region

49, 49' free end of second profile wall

Region(s)

6 lining

410, 410' free end of first profile wall

61 fold portion

411, 411' free end of second profile wall

62 elongated member

412,412' space

63 first liner part

413,413' holding structure for fastening element

64 second liner piece

414, 414' holding knot for second profile wall

Structure of the organization

415,415' holding structure L of fastening element

416, 416' transverse direction of the holding knot T of the first profile wall

Depth of structure D

417,417' gap HS band height

418,418' width of underside WS band of fastening element

419,419 'clear width of upper WU, WU' seat of fastener element

420,420 'grooves DG, DG' distances between the grooves

421,421' direction of extension of the recess E

422,422' groove TE transverse direction

Length of LP1 first profile wall

5 length of second Profile wall of Belt LP2

Claims

1. A frame structure (10) for an item of luggage, comprising:

-a housing (100) having an end (101); and

-a frame (1), wherein the frame (1) comprises a profile (4) extending along an extension direction (E) and having a profile base (43), a first profile wall (44) and a second profile wall (45) and a seat (41) for accommodating an end (101) of the housing (100), the seat being delimited by opposite first and second inner surfaces (46; 47) of the first and second profile walls (44; 45),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the frame structure (10) further comprises at least one fastening element (42; 62; 106), wherein the fastening element (42; 62; 106) is configured to be removably inserted into a seat (41) of the profile (4) in order to removably fasten an end (101) of a casing (100) housed in the seat (41) to the frame (1).

2. Frame structure (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening element (42; 62; 106) is fastened to the frame (1) by a friction fit and/or a form-locking fit.

3. Frame structure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening element (42) is formed separately from the frame (1) and/or the housing (100).

4. Frame structure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (42) is configured such that, when the end (101) of the shell (100) is housed in the seat (41), the fastening element (42) can slide into the profile (4) along the direction of extension (E) into a space (412) formed between the end (101) of the shell (100) and the first profile wall (44) or the second profile wall (45), respectively, while the end (101) of the shell (100) is pressed against the second profile wall (45) or against the first profile wall (44), respectively.

5. Frame structure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (42) is configured such that, when the end (101) of the shell (100) is housed in the seat (41), the fastening element (42) can be pushed in a direction (TE) transversal to the direction of extension (E) into a space (412) formed between the end (101) of the shell (100) and the first profile wall (44) or the second profile wall (45), respectively, while the end (101) of the shell (100) is pressed against the second profile wall (45) or against the first profile wall (44), respectively.

6. Frame structure (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the profile walls (45) and the fastening elements (42) respectively comprises at least one retaining structure (413; 414), the retaining structures (413; 414) being configured to interact with each other such that an additional mechanical fastening of the fastening elements (42) in the frame (1) is achieved.

7. Frame structure (10) according to claim 6, wherein the retaining structure (413) on the fastening element (42) is a first protrusion and the retaining structure (414) on at least one of the profile walls (45) is a tooth provided on the inner surface (47) of the profile wall (45) and/or a lug extending inwards in the direction of the seat, the first protrusion (413) and the tooth being configured to engage with each other and the lug (414) providing a stop for the first protrusion (413).

8. Frame structure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (42) comprises a second retaining structure (415), preferably in the form of a second projection, which is pressed against the first surface (102) of the casing (100) when the end (101) of the casing (100) is received in the seat (41), so that an additional fastening of the end (101) received in the seat (41) is achieved.

9. Frame structure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a free end area (48) of at least one of the profile walls (44) has a retaining structure (416), preferably in the form of a lug, which extends inwards in the direction of the seat (41), wherein, when the end (101) of the housing (100) is received in the seat (41), the retaining structure (416) presses against the second surface (103) of the housing (100) such that an additional fastening of the end (101) received in the seat (41) is achieved.

10. Frame structure (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the region of the seat (41) the first and second profile walls (44; 45) extend substantially parallel to each other and/or

Wherein the length (LP2) of the second profile wall (45) is greater than the length (LP1) of the first profile wall (44) in a direction (TE) transverse to the direction of extension (E).

11. Frame structure (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (42) is dimensioned such that a gap (417) is formed between the profile base (43) and the underside (418) of the fastening element (42) when the fastening element (42) is inserted into the seat of the frame (1) and/or

Wherein the fastening element (42) is dimensioned such that an upper side (419) of the fastening element (42) is substantially flush with a free end (411) of the second profile wall (45) or the upper side (419) of the fastening element protrudes beyond the free end (411) of the second profile wall (45) when the fastening element (42) is inserted into the seat of the frame (1).

12. Frame structure (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the shell (100) has a bend (104) dividing the shell (100) into the end portion (101) and a body portion (105), whereby the body portion (105) is arranged offset with respect to the end portion (101), wherein the length (LP2) of the second profile wall (45) is substantially equal to the total length of the end portion (101) and the bend (104) in a direction (TE) transverse to the direction of extension (E), and wherein the second retaining structure (415) of the fastening element (42) is preferably pressed against the first surface (102) of the shell (100) in the region of the bend (104) when the fastening element (42) is inserted into the seat (41) of the frame (1).

13. Frame structure (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a further frame (1), wherein the frame (1) comprises a connecting profile (3) and the further frame (1 ') comprises a further connecting profile (3 ') designed complementarily to the connecting profile (3) of the frame (1), the connecting profile (3) and the further connecting profile (3 ') being configured to form a preferably form-fitting connection between each other.

14. Piece of luggage (1000) having a frame structure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, preferably a suitcase, wherein an end (101) of the casing (100) is housed in a seat (41) of the frame (1) and removably fastened by means of a fastening element (42) removably inserted into the seat (41) of the frame (1).

15. A method of fastening a shell to a frame structure of an item of luggage, comprising the steps of:

-providing a piece of luggage having a frame structure (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 13;

-inserting an end (101) of the casing (100) into a seat (41) of the profile (4); and

-inserting the fastening element (42; 62; 106) into the seat (41) of the profile (4).