EP0954227A1

EP0954227A1 - Suitcase closed at least by three simultaneously controlled catching means

Info

Publication number: EP0954227A1
Application number: EP97952102A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Daniel Dewavrin
Original assignee: Delsey SA
Current assignee: Delsey SA
Priority date: 1996-12-20
Filing date: 1997-12-18
Publication date: 1999-11-10
Also published as: FR2757354A1; FR2757354B1; TW347659U; JP2001512328A; WO1998027841A1; AU5564698A

Abstract

The invention concerns a luggage piece, suitcase or the like comprising a bottom (2) and a lid (1) the edges of which (5, 6) are to be maintained in contact when said suitcase is closed. The lid (1) and the bottom (2) are mutually linked by at least three closing means (10) of which one at least is located on the front wall of the suitcase and one at least on each of the side walls. These closing means (10) are simultaneously controlled by a flexible member (16) which matches the outline of the internal walls of the suitcase and is actuated by a single overall control device.

Description

LUGGAGE CLOSED BY AT LEAST THREE SIMULTANEOUSLY LOCKED MOUNTING MEANS

The present invention relates generally to luggage and more particularly to a closure device for luggage. The baggage lerm is used in the present description in the very broad sense of portable container and designates very bulky objects, such as trunks, as well as less bulky objects, such as bags or saddlebags, and objects of intermediate sizes, such as suitcases, baggage usually called attaché cases or beauty cases, etc. The invention relates more particularly to such baggage comprising a cover and a bottom positioned and hung one against the other along their edges whether or not the cover is hinged to the bottom by means of a hinge.

Such baggage usually has several closure members with or without locking means.

It is common to have to use at least twice a key, or two different keys, or a key for certain locking members and a code composition for at least one additional locking member when one wants to open a suitcase. These known devices oblige the user to keep keys and codes and to handle in turn all the locking members of his luggage.

As we manufacture more and more luggage with multiple locks, with ever increasing numbers of locks, we multiply the maneuvers when opening and closing this luggage. The invention tends to propose a baggage making it possible to alleviate these inconveniences.

In German patent n ° 439.629, a trunk closure consisting of two sliding levers has been described, forming rack latches, implemented simultaneously by a single pinion: such means, heavy and rigid, are unsuitable for luggage problems and do not allow the simultaneous implementation of only two closure members arranged on the same wall. In US patent 4,363,226, a suitcase has been described, the interior of the front wall of which comprises a rectangular housing carrying two systems of closures connected to each other by a loop cable so that by actuating the one of the closing systems also activates the other. Such an arrangement is limited to the simultaneous implementation of two closure means arranged on the front and cannot solve the problem posed.

In patent WO 95/14402, a piece of luggage has been described comprising, on the front, two locks in reverse symmetrical position, each lock being coupled to a cable and subjected to the action of a return spring, the two cables being controlled by a trigger. concealed in the central handle. As in the case of the two patents cited above, this arrangement is limited to the simultaneous implementation of two closure means arranged on the front and cannot solve the problem posed.

In PCT patent EP 90-01465, a suitcase has been described comprising a lock actuated by a remote-controlled electromagnet. As it is possible to have several electromagnets at will, this device makes it possible to solve the problem posed; but it is known (in particular in the field of automobile car doors) that the remote control of electromagnets poses very complex problems, to the point that in the automobile industry, electric micro-motors are used and avoid using solenoids. However, this poses delicate problems with regard to the power supply, particularly in the case of a suitcase.

The object of the present invention is to solve the problem posed by the simultaneous closure of a plurality of closure means, at least three, arranged not only on the front wall but also on the other walls of a piece of luggage. In the case where the cover is not hinged to the bottom by a hinge, at least four closing means must be provided, one on each side of the luggage.

In the same spirit, the device according to the invention makes it possible to have a polygonal baggage, with a closure means on each face, all these means being controlled simultaneously. To this end, the invention provides luggage, a suitcase or the like of the type comprising a bottom and a cover, the edges of which must be kept in contact during the closing of said baggage, this cover and this bottom being linked to each other by at least three closing means, at least one arranged on the front wall and to the moias one on each side wall, characterized in that these means closure are controlled simultaneously by a flexible member which follows the contours of the internal walls of the luggage, this member being actuated by a single general control device.

The present invention also includes the following provisions: a - the flexible member is a cable b - this cable slides in a sheath c - this sheath is fixed to the internal walls of the luggage by any suitable means such as gluing or stapling d - this sheath is inserted in a housing formed in the wall of the luggage e - this sheath is included in the mass of the luggage during its molding f - the closing means consist of a housing fixed on the bottom cooperating with a keeper fixed on the cover or vice versa; said boxes and keepers being fixed on the internal walls of the luggage g - the boxes have a notch which can be crossed by a movable hook, the keeper coming to engage in this notch and then being crossed by said movable hook, the latter being actuated in the direction of opening by a pull exerted by the cable and returned in the direction of closing by an elastic return means; the cable being tensioned by a general control means. h - the general control means comprises a rocking lever at the end of which the traction cable (s) is coupled i - the control means can additionally comprise a movable hook coming in a keeper j - the general control means consists of a rotary wheel secured to a member to which the ends of the cable (s) are fixed. k - the wheel can occupy two positions: a retracted position in which it can be locked and an extended position in which it can be used

1 - the means of gripping the strikes are of the ratchet type so that the strikes can engage there by pressure m - the (or the) strikes actuating the gripping means is (are) tensioned by an electric motor n - the flexible control member is a hydraulic pipe, the implementation of the general control means creating in this pipe a hydraulic pressure which feeds pistons which actuate the hooks o - the hydraulic pipe may have come from manufacturing in the mass of the luggage.

The invention will be better understood from the description which follows given by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary implementation of the invention in a suitcase,

FIG. 2 is a front view of an attachment means implemented in the suitcase of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a front view of a first embodiment of the general control means of the hooking means,

FIG. 4 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the means for controlling the hooking means,

FIG. 5 (5a and 5b) is a schematic view, in partial longitudinal section, of a second embodiment of the general control means, - FIG. 6 is a partial view in transverse section of the device of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of a closure member controlled by the general control means of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a cross section in the closed position of a variant of rehsation of the device in FIGS. 5 to 7. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal section of the device in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross section in the open position of the device in FIGS. 8 and 9.

- Figure 11 is a longitudinal section of the device of Figure 10. - Figure 12 is a perspective view of a detail of Figures 8 to 11.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the part shown in FIG. 12.

The embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 relates to a suitcase having a cover 1 and a bottom 2 mounted in rotation relative to each other around a hinge 3. The cover 1 and the bottom 2 are constituted in this embodiment by a rigid molded one-piece shell. Other embodiments can, of course, be considered without departing from the scope of the present invention, said covers and bottom being able for example not to be hinged to one another by a hinge and therefore to be independent one the other.

The cover l has a peripheral rim 6 and similarly the bottom 2 has a peripheral rim 5. When the luggage is closed, the two rims 6 and 5 are in contact Preferably, but not necessarily, the rims 6 and 5 are shaped so as to interpenetrate. In the particular case of the example shown in FIG. 1, the flange 5 is formed so as to form with the walls of the bottom 2 a sort of gutter at the bottom of which the flange 6 engages. Three closing means are arranged on the periphery of the suitcase, one on its front face carrying the handle 4 and one on each of the side faces.

The invention is described in relation to FIG. 1 with three closing means, but this is a minimum since it can include more. It may include one or more closing means arranged on the front face and two or more closing means on each of the side faces, all of these means being actuated in closing opening by a single command.

One of the characteristics of the invention is that the number of simultaneous control closing means is not limited, unlike previously known devices. According to the invention, the operation of the three closing means is carried out using a single operating means linked in the example represented by means located on the front face of the vahse.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the closure means 10 disposed on the side walls consist of a housing 11 fixed to the bottom 2 of the vahse and a keeper 12 fixed to the cover l. The housings 11 and strikes 12 are fixed on the internal face of the wall of the tank in a manner that is not visible from the outside. These closing means can of course be arranged in reverse with the housing 11 fixed on the cover 1 and the keeper 12 fixed on the bottom 2. The closing means 20 located on the upper wall comprises a lock 40 for locking. This lock is the only part visible from the outside of all of the means for closing the bag.

By this provision, a maUntcntioned person does not know where the closure means are located and must seek them before deteriorating them which lengthens the time necessary for its action and tends to discourage attempted break-ins. In addition, the destruction of the closing means and the opening of the bag can only be done by at least partially damaging each side wall of the vahse, this leaves proof of refraction useful for the owner to note on the one hand and on the other hand prove the break-in. This arrangement is particularly advantageous from the aesthetic point of view. Indeed, for reasons of sealing and non-deformation of the vahse when it is too full or when sitting on it, it may be necessary to multiply the number of closing means: with the present invention, Whatever the number of closing means, only the general control means appear. In addition, this makes it possible to have a peripheral reinforcement means (made of long fiber composite materials or metal) without the reinforcement means being weakened by holes.

As best seen in Figure 2, the housings 11 contain a hook 13 movable in rotation about an axis 18. IJ housing 11 has a notch 14 in which the keeper 12 is inserted when the suitcase is closed. In the arrangement shown in Figure 2, the parts are in the closed position. I hook 13 is placed in the notch 14 of the housing 11 and passes through the opening 15 of the striker which prohibits the opening of the vahse.

The rotation of the hook 13 anticlockwise is controlled by a control member 16 constituted by a cable in the example shown. When a force F is applied to the cable, the hook is rotated about the axis 18, its end is removed from the opening 15 of the keeper and the notch 14 and erased in the housing 11. A spring return 17 completes the device, it is intended to rotate the hook clockwise to bring it back into the notch 14 when the force F on the cable 16 has ceased. The closure means 20 disposed on the front wall of the vahse, in the example shown in the drawing, is constituted so as to ensure the attachment of the keeper 12 located on the cover while comprising a control device ensuring the simultaneous control of the opening and closing of the two closing means 10 disposed on the two side walls of the vahse. To this end, as shown in FIG. 3, it comprises a hook 23 driven in rotation during the movement of the lock 40 and an arm 24 movable in rotation about an axis 25 coupled by one of its ends to two control cables 16. The arm 24 is controlled in rotation by a pin 26 carried by the central portion 27 of the hook 23. In the position shown in FIG. 3, the lock 40 is open, the hook 23 is tilted to the right and releases the keeper 12 not shown in this figure. The arm 24 is in a position for which the control cables 1 are subjected to a force F which keeps the hooks 13 tilted out of the notch 14.

When the lock is manipulated so as to close and lock the vahse, the hook 23, as shown in the drawing, is rotated anti-clockwise. The pin 26 moves away from the arm 24 and thus leaves it free to rotate in the direction of the arrow F 'under the return action of the springs 17 of the attachment means 10.

The closure means 20 comprising the general control means is disposed on a plate 21 fixed to the wall of the vessel. The cables 16 being flexible cables can adapt to the outline of the suitcase whatever its shape; but it is then necessary to have the means to guide the cables. One could provide pulleys or guide rollers, but this would require a complicated installation: according to the invention each cable 16 slides in a sheath 19, similarly to the bicycle brake cables. We can then leave the sheaths free in the bottom 2, but it is more appropriate to fix them by any appropriate means to the walls of the vahse. It is possible during molding to incorporate the sheaths 19 into the mass of the plastic material constituting the cover 1 and the bottom 2 and to slide therein the cable 16 during assembly; or one can simply provide in the bottom wall 2 a groove intended to receive the sheaths 19 and the cables 16 which are inside.

In the second example of embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the general control means 20 is a rotary knurl secured to a member to which the ends of the cables are fixed 16. By a ratchet mechanism, this knurl can occupy two positions: a position in which it is pressed into its housing and a position in which it projects therefrom. Any locking mechanism of the key or combination type allows the wheel to be immobilized in its retracted position. In its extended position, it can easily be manually rotated, which causes the tensile force on the two cables 16. As has been explained above, this arrangement makes it possible to multipher the closing points at will. Several boxes 10 can be placed on each front or side face by extending the cable 16 from one to the other.

This gives a baggage with multiple closure points, all these closure points being actuated in the open position by a single command. According to another characteristic of the invention, the closure devices 10 are advantageously of the chquet type so that a simple pressure of the strikes 12 in the housings 11 allow the closure to be engaged. In this case, a simple press on the cover l of the bag makes it possible to simultaneously engage all the closing devices 10 and a single action on the general opening control means makes it possible to simultaneously open all the closing points. This considerably improves the comfort of using the vahse. In an embodiment not shown in the drawing, the control means 20 can be separated from the closing means of the upper wall. In this case, the closure means 10 of the upper wall of the bag is identical to those positioned on the lateral faces and a general control means 20, arranged at any point of the bag, opens and closes the three attachment means 10. This general control means 20 may comprise a single arm driven in rotation and connected at its end to three control cables 16.

Many ways of controlling the control means can be implemented, moreover said means may or may not be locked. Figure 1 shows a lockable control means consisting of a key lock. It is also possible to provide a lever or a rotary control button, possibly locked by a multi-digit code.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention.

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate the general control means designated by the general reference 100; Figure 5a corresponding to the position for which the general control means has caused the opening of the closing means by traction on the cables and Figure 5b the closed position. general control means is constituted by a barrel 101 rotating in a cylindrical casing 102 around its axis 103. This barrel 101 comprises two cams 104a, 104b diametrically opposite.

Each cam 104 bears against a shoulder 106 (106a, 106b) of a slide 105 (105a, 105b).

Each slide 1 5 is coupled to a cable 107 which slides in a sheath 108.

When the barrel 101 is rotated according to arrow H (FIG. 5a), the cams 104 cause the couhsseaux to move, which pass from the "rest" position (FIG. 5b) to the "implementation" position (FIG. 5a); which has the effect of exerting traction on the cables 107a-107b which slide in their sheaths 108a-108b.

Referring to Figure 6 we see that the barrel 101 is secured to a wheel 109 and is constrained by a spring 110. In the position shown in Figure 6, the wheel 109 is pushed back inside its housing 111 , the spring 110 being compressed. A latch 112, coming to bear on the bottom 113 of a groove 114 formed in the body of the barrel 101 keeps the knob embedded in its housing 111; so that it cannot be implemented.

When the latch 112 is retracted, the spring 110 pushes back the barrel and its wheel 109 outside the housing 111; so that one can handle the wheel 109 and the barrel 101.

In the example shown, the groove 114 also plays the role of the cam 104b, but this is not compulsory.

I_a implementation of the lock 112 can be achieved by any suitable means, a key, a combination mechanism or, as shown by a micromotor 115, which requires only an extremely low electrical power.

FIG. 7 represents a particular embodiment of the closure member 10 of FIG. 1 and is designated by the general reference 200.

It includes a housing 201 (corresponding to housing 11) and a strike 202 (corresponding to strike 12). At the end of the keeper 202 is arranged a bar 203.

The keeper 202 enters a notch 204 (corresponding to the notch 14) formed in the housing 201.

Inside the housing 201 are arranged: a slide 205, coupled to the cable 107 and a tilting lock 206, pivoting on an axis 207 against a spring 208. The tilting lock 206 comprises a U-shaped notch 212 and a shoulder 209.

When the parts are in the position shown in FIG. 7, the rocking latch 206 is locked in position by the fact that its shoulder 209 rests against a corresponding bearing surface 211 of the slide 205. when the barrel 101 of the member general control 100 is actuated (by turning the knob 109), the cable 107 slides the slide 205 in the housing 200 against its return spring 214 and the bearing surface 211 releases the shoulder 209 from the lock tilting 206. Under the action of the spring 208, this latch 206 switches (clockwise in FIG. 7), which allows the notch 212 to release the bar 203 from the keeper 202; so that the closure means is open. When the traction on the cable 107 is released, the slider 205 comes to bear against the part 213 of the lock 206, which remains in the open position under the effect of the spring 208, position in which the U-shaped notch 212 is directed to the top.

If then the cover 1 of the vahse is pushed towards the bottom 2, the keeper 202 penetrates into the notch 204, the bar 203 enters the U-shaped notch 212 and causes the latch 206 to swing against the spring 208 until that the parts are found in the position illustrated in Figure 7. The slider 205 then comes under the action of the spring 214 to slide under the latch 206 to block it.

Preferably, between the surface 213 against which the couhsseau 205 rests in the open position and the shoulder 209 by which the latch comes to bear on the couhsseau, there is an intermediate shoulder 210 which, when the cover 1 falls towards the bottom 2 without being strongly pressed, allows a partial, intermediate closure (in a similar way to the first notch for closing a motor car). This arrangement is very advantageous because it prevents, if the user inadvertently lifts his vahse when he has not closed it, all the effects found in the vahse from spreading on the ground.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a control means 30 implementing an electric motor 31 arranged in an electric circuit 32 comprising a power supply 34 and a control button 33.

The motor output shaft 31 carries a pinion 35 forming a reduction gear with the pinion 36. The pinion axis 36 carries a pulley 37 and a hook 38.

The cables 16 are hooked to the pouch 37 so that the rotation of the motor 31 causes said cables to move to open the hooking means of the vahse.

In order to ensure locking of the vahse, it is possible to replace or supplement the command by the button 33 with a remote command.

Many variants of the invention can be envisaged by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. I s closing hooks controlled in rotation can be replaced by movable shuttles in translation in a rail. Said shuttles or the closing hooks can be shaped so as to be repelled by the strikes during the closing of the luggage so as to allow the user to close and lock his luggage automatically without having to actuate the control means as soon as 'it positions the cover on the bottom.

The control members described in the foregoing in the form of cables moving under the action of the control means to drive the closing hooks in displacement can be replaced by electric wires bringing a current to a motor ensuring the displacement of the hook closing or to a solenoid whose power supply causes the displacement of a nucleus.

The control members can also be hydraulic lines in which a fluid moves, the pressure of which is modified by a miniature hydraulic pump constituting the control means, the hydraulic fluid under pressure using pistons which actuate hooks similar to hooks 3 or 23.

As will have been understood, the present invention provides a baggage closure device which ensures the closure of the baggage at several points and requires only an action on a control means for the opening and closing of all the means of 'hanging.

Figures 8 to 13 relate to an alternative embodiment of the device of Figures 5 to 7, variant characterized in that the wheel of the general control means is kept locked in the retracted position by a combination lock system. Figures 8 and 9 show the parts in the retracted position; Figures 9, 10 and 11 in the extended position; Figures 12 and 13 showing the lever by which one passes from one position to another.

The wheel 309 corresponds to the wheel 109 of FIGS. 5 to 7.

When it is pressed into its housing, it is kept anchored there by means of a lever 302 which comprises a hook 302a. Which passes through a window 303 formed in the bottom of the wall of the housing of the wheel 309. I_, coded wheels 300 pass through the windows 302b of the lever 302. In the closed position (Figures 8 and 9), the hook 302a crosses the window 303 and comes to hang on the wall in which this window is made. Ix> rsque the coded wheels 300 are in the correct position the lever 302 swings slightly, which allows the hook 302a to pass through the slot 303 and the parts are in the position shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

Claims

1) Luggage, suitcase or the like of the type comprising a bottom (2) and a cover (1) whose edges (5, 6) must be kept in contact when the said luggage is closed, the cover (1) and the bottom ( 2) being connected to each other by at least three closure means (10), at least one of which is placed on the front wall of the luggage and at least one of which is placed on each of the side walls, characterized by the fact that these closing means (10) are controlled simultaneously by a flexible member (16) which follows the contours of the internal walls of the luggage, this member being actuated by a single general control device. 2) Baggage according to claim 1, wherein the flexible control member is constituted by a flexible cable (16).

3) Baggage according to claim 2, wherein the flexible cable (16) slides in a flexible sheath (19).

4) Luggage according to claim 3, daas which the flexible sheath (19) is fixed by any suitable means (stapling, gluing or other) along the internal walls of the luggage.

5) Luggage according to claim 3 wherein the flexible sheath (19) is disposed in a housing formed daas the inner wall of the luggage, this housing may be a gutter disposed at the bottom of the rim (5) of the bottom (2).

6) Baggage according to claim 3 wherein the flexible sheath (19) is included, during the molding of the baggage, daas the mass thereof.

7) Luggage according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the closure means (10) consist of a housing (11, 200), fixed on the bottom (2), and a keeper (12, 202 ), fixed on the cover (1) - or vice versa -, said boxes and strikes (11, 200 - 12, 202) being fixed on the internal walls of the luggage. 8) Luggage according to claim 7, characterized in that the boxes (11, 200) comprise a hook (13, 206) movable in rotation about an axis (18, 207) and have a notch (14, 212) in which inserts the keeper (12, 202) when closing the vahse, the hook (13, 206) being actuated in the opening direction by a traction exerted by the cable (16, 107) and recalled in the direction of closing by an elastic return means (17, 208); the cable (16, 207) being put in tension by a general control means (20, 100); so that by acting on the general control means (20, 100) causes the simultaneous opening of all the closing means (10) distributed along the edges (5, 6).

9) Baggage according to claim 8, wherein the general control means (20) comprises a lever (24) rocking about an axis (25), coupled at its end to (x) cable (s) 16 so that that the tilting of this lever (24) exerts traction on the cable (s) (16).

10) Baggage according to claim 9, wherein the general control means actuates, in addition to the lever (24) a rotary hook (23), similar to the hooks (13), engaging in a keeper (12) corresponding to cover (1). 11) Baggage according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises: a general control means (100) constituted by a rotary wheel integral (109) with a barrel (101) to which the ends of the cables (107) are fixed ) so that by turning the dial (109) a pull is exerted on all the cables (107) at the same time; said wheel (109) being able to occupy two positions: one in which it is retracted into its housing (111) and is possibly locked there, another in which it projects so as to be able to be rotated by the user.

12) Luggage according to claim 11 wherein the barrel (101) comprises two diametrically opposite cams (104) which each come to bear against a shoulder (106) of a slide (105) to which the end of the cable is coupled (107) lying in a sheath (108) so that when the barrel (101) is rotated about its axis (103), by means of the wheel (109), the two cables (107) are put simultaneously in traction.

13) Baggage according to claim 11 wherein the barrel (101) is subjected to the action of a return spring (11) and a lock (112) so that when the lock (112) is unlocked, the barrel and its wheel (109) are pushed back by the spring (110) until the wheel (109) protrudes from its housing (111) so that it can be manipulated.

14) Baggage according to claim 13 wherein the lock is actuated by mechanical means such as a key or a combination mechanism or an electrical means such as a micro-motor. 15) Luggage according to claim 8, in which each closure means (200) consists of a housing (201) inside of which are disposed on the one hand a rocking latch (206) contretained in the open position by a spring ( 208) and a slide (205) coupled to the cable (107) and held in place by a return spring (214), this slide blocking the rocking latch (206) when it is in the closed position and releasing it under the effect of pulling the cable (1 7) to allow it to come into the open position under the action of its spring (208).

16) Baggage according to claim 15 wherein the lock comprises locking means (intermediate shoulder 210) allowing it to lock the keeper (202) of the cover in the semi-closed position.

17) Baggage according to claim 8 wherein the cables (16) are tensioned by means of an electric motor (31) actuated either by a switch (33) carried by your vahse, or by a remote control.

18) Luggage according to claim 1 wherein the control member is a hydrauhque canahsation, the implementation of the general control means creating in this pipe a hydrauhque pressure which feeds pistons which actuate the hooks (3, 23).

19) Baggage according to claim 18, wherein the hydrauhque pipe came from manufacturing in the bulk of the baggage. 20) Luggage according to claim 13 wherein the barrel control wheel (309) (101) is held in the retracted position by a rocking lever (302) comprising a hook (302a) passing through a window (303) made in the bottom of the housing of said wheel (309); the tilting of the lever (302) being authorized by coded wheels (300), passing through corresponding windows (302b) formed in said lever (302).