EP1749457B1 - Carrying means with at least one rectilinear wall, in particular for a portable computer - Google Patents

Abstract

The unit has a compartment of appropriate dimension for receiving a product, where the compartment is defined by a bottom (4) and lateral walls (12-15). The bottom receives an intermediate support-element (5) integrated to a support plate (11) and suspended relative to the bottom by mechanical springs e.g. helical springs, of constant stiffness adapted to the weight of the product. The springs are covered in a sheath (9) which limits the risk of extension of the springs beyond their privileged direction of compression.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a means of transport, including a bag, briefcase, briefcase or equivalent device, a product having at least one straight wall, and more particularly of substantially parallelepiped shape.

By such a product is meant in particular, but not limited to, a laptop, or any equivalent electronic device, of the PDA type, tablet, slate touch, input terminal, etc ... and generally any product having a dimension clearly smaller than its two other dimensions.

The means of transport to which the invention refers may be of any kind, and in particular may consist of a bag, a backpack, so worn on the back of the user by means of braces, or any type of container traditionally worn by hand, such as for example a schoolbag, a briefcase, etc.

PRIOR STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

Regarding laptops, or other equivalent devices, their relative fragility has led manufacturers to design protective covers or hulls, generally rigid, and / or provided with dampers thus making it possible to secure the product in question, particularly during transport phases. Such a house is for example described in the document FR-A-2,796,254 .

If such covers or protective shells perform their role relatively effectively, namely to protect the integrity of the laptop during the transport phases, they have the disadvantage of constituting a dedicated product. that is, they are used exclusively for the transport of laptops.

Bags, backpacks and other more general purpose binders do not allow secure transport of such laptops. In addition, if they are possibly equipped with a compartment adapted to receive such a product, because of their standard size, there is a certain dangling inherent in the weight of the portable computer likely to move in the volume thus defined, reducing the comfort of the user during the transport phases, and further reducing somewhat the effective protection function of such a product.

In addition, within such a container, said laptop may be in almost direct contact with the ground, or even hit it during the deposition of said container on the ground, likely to cause due to shocks thus inherent, total or partial breakage of the computer, besides its contact with the moisture, which one wishes at all costs to avoid, as soon as one manipulates a product using electrical components or electronic.

We have described in the document US-2002/027052 transport means comprising a receiving compartment of the object to be transported provided with a spring-mounted support plate. In doing so, this plate ensures a certain damping.

However, practice shows that it is sometimes difficult to extract a laptop from the bag in which it is inserted, in particular because of the dimensions thereof, and in general, the object transported out of the box. compartment that receives it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome these various disadvantages and to propose, within a means of transport of a more general product, a solution adapted to the transport of objects provided with at least one rectilinear wall, in particular of parallelepipedal shape, and in particular of laptops, simultaneously fulfilling the protective function of the transported product in addition to that of comfort during the transport phases.

This product transport means provided with at least one rectilinear wall, comprises at least one compartment of appropriate dimensions, adapted to receive said product, and defined by a bottom and side walls, the opening of the compartment being closed by a flap or by any shutter system.
According to the invention, the bottom receives a removable intermediate support member, suspended with respect to said bottom, intended to receive said rectilinear wall of the product, said element being able to act as a damper, ejector of the product transported out of said means transport and, as a corollary, the prevention of shocks.

Still according to the invention, the intermediate support element is extended by two side walls at its two main dimensions, these walls extending towards the opening giving access to said compartment.
These side walls are also advantageously inserted into a liner or housings provided for this purpose, formed in the side walls of the transport means defining the compartment in question.
In doing so, the product to be transported is naturally guided in the guiding tunnel thus defined within the compartment concerned, thus favoring its maintenance within said means of transport, and corollary its protection.

In other words, the invention consists in providing a bag, and generally a means of transport of traditional invoice, a specific compartment, presenting in a way a double bottom, the clean bottom of the compartment and a suspended bottom above said clean bottom, receiving the product in question on one of its slices.

According to the invention, the suspension of the intermediate support element is carried out by means of mechanical springs, like coil springs, leaf spring, etc., the stiffness of the spring or springs being adapted to the weight of the product intended to be received in the compartment , and the importance of the damping function assigned to the intermediate support element.
These mechanical springs are compressible and deformable and have a certain resilience, thus allowing to damp the product to be transported.

Moreover, due to the compressible nature of the assembly constituted by the intermediate support member and the springs which ensure its suspension, the apparent weight of the product to be transported decreases for the user because of the damping achieved by said springs.
According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the bottom at which the mechanical springs are attached is itself removable, so that the assembly consisting of the intermediate support element, the mechanical springs and the said base or support plate constitutes a single entity, simply placed or positioned at the bottom of one of the compartments of the means of transport in question.
According to an advanced form of the invention, one or more of the four side walls defining with the bottom of the dedicated compartment are also provided with damping means of the spring type. These means can thus further fulfill the wedging function of the product to be transported, given the standard dimensions that can be retained for the compartment in question.

Said compartment is provided at its upper face, that is to say at the level of the face through which is introduced the product to be transported, an anti-ejection system, such as for example a flap, to maintain the product within the compartment while partially compressing it. The release of this closure system causes the partial ejection of said product, favoring its gripping by the user, and therefore its withdrawal from said compartment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• La figure 1 est une représentation schématique en perspective d'un moyen de transport conforme à l'invention, dont la figure 2 est une vue en section transversale.
• La figure 3 est une représentation schématique du principe de fonctionnement d'un compartiment en position fermée, dont la figure 4 est une vue analogue, mais en position ouverte.
• La figure 5 est une représentation schématique en perspective d'un détail.

The manner in which the invention can be realized and the advantages which result therefrom will emerge more clearly from the exemplary embodiment which follows, given by way of indication and not limitation, in support of the appended figures.

• The figure 1 is a schematic representation in perspective of a means of transport according to the invention, the figure 2 is a cross-sectional view.
• The figure 3 is a schematic representation of the principle of operation of a compartment in a closed position, the figure 4 is a similar view, but in open position.
• The figure 5 is a schematic representation in perspective of a detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

We have shown in relation to the figure 1 a case (1) embodying the present invention. It is provided with a handle (2) positioned at its upper face (3).

For simplicity of explanation, the briefcase in question has been shown only provided with a single compartment (10). However, it is understood that the number of these can not be a limiting feature of the present invention.

In this case, this compartment (10), integrated in said means of transport, is defined by a substantially flat bottom (4), main lateral walls (12) and (13), secondary side walls (14) and ( 15), and an opening (16) for accessing the interior of the compartment, in particular for inserting a laptop (20).

This compartment is of dimensions adapted to the product to receive (20), and in this case a laptop. Suitable dimensions means dimensions such that the laptop can easily be inserted into said compartment. Advantageously, when a certain standardization of the dimensions of laptops will be considered, these dimensions can be chosen so that although easily insertable, said laptop nevertheless remains properly maintained within said compartment.

However, said compartment may receive one or more foam shims or the like, intended to be inserted along the main (12, 13) and / or secondary (14, 15) sidewalls, to further maintain the product to be transported (20). , when the dimensions of the latter are significantly lower than those of the compartment.

According to an essential characteristic of the invention, this dedicated compartment (10) is provided with an intermediate support element (5). In the example described in the figures 3 and 4 , which does not conform to the invention, this intermediate support element (5) consists of a flat plate (6), advantageously rigid occupying substantially a surface equivalent to that of a support plate (11), intended to be positioned on the bottom (4) of said compartment, to the game, in effect, to allow the displacement in translation of said element (5) within the compartment.

Indeed, this plate (6) is intended to be translated within the compartment, guided in this, in particular, by the side faces (12) and (13), or (14) and (15).

This support element (5) is secured to the support plate (11) and furthermore suspended relative thereto, as can be observed on the Figures 1 to 4 , in particular by means of coil springs (18) and (19). One end of said springs is glued, sewn or riveted to the underside of the plate (6), and the other end is glued, sewn or riveted to the support plate (4). These springs are advantageously sheathed in a sheath (9), limiting the risk of their extension outside their preferred compression direction.

The assembly constituted by the intermediate support element (5), the springs (18, 19) and the support plate (11) thus constitutes a single entity, capable of coming to rest by means of the support plate (11) on the bottom (4) of the dedicated compartment.

So we represented in the figures 3 and 4 the general operating principle of the compartment dedicated to the transport of a parallelepiped shaped product, and more particularly of a laptop or any equivalent device integrated within the means of transport.

It should be emphasized here that, if the example described concerns a portable computer of parallelepipedal shape, any other shape could be envisaged, since it would contain at least one rectilinear wall adapted to cooperate and to be received by the plate ( 6) of the intermediate support element (5), and in particular a triangular or trapezoidal shape.

Moreover, if in the illustration of the operating principle in relation to the figures 3 and 4 , only two springs have been shown, the number of these springs can be increased depending on the load to bear, that is to say, the weight of the product to receive in said compartment. Four of these have been represented figures 1 and 2 .

In addition, the stiffness constant of the different springs is determined also according to the weight of said product, in this case the portable computer (20) to be transported, in addition to the desired ejection effect. Indeed, this effect is particularly advantageous to allow the gripping of the laptop by its user, to remove it from the compartment in which it was inserted.

So, and as we can observe on the figure 3 , these springs can be compressed on the one hand, because of the weight exerted by the product to be transported (20), and on the other hand, because of a pressure exerted by the user, to allow the integral insertion of the product (20) within the compartment, and corollary to allow the closure of the upper part or opening (16) of said compartment.

For this purpose, the product (20) to be transported may itself be provided with a tongue (21) or any suitable member intended to cooperate or snap into a locking device (22) of shape complementary, reported for this purpose at the upper end of the compartment (10). Thus, the laptop is never "delivered to itself" in the compartment that receives it, but is always maintained in compression between the intermediate support element (5) and the zone or the means of closure or closure. shutting said compartment.

This feature also allows greater adaptability in terms of dimensions of the product to be transported, and in this case, notebook formats.

According to a variant of the invention, the compartment (10) itself, or the means of transport, bag or schoolbag, comprises a means, such as a strap, provided with such a member, suitable for compressing the product within the compartment, or, in addition, to close off said opening (16) of the compartment.

In another variant of the invention, it may even be envisaged to place the laptop within a rigid protective shell, itself inserted in turn within the compartment in question. In this case, one of the walls of said shell is then provided with said means (21) for cooperation with the complementary means (22).

In another variant of the invention, the compartment has, in the vicinity of its upper end, an extension of one of its side walls, forming a locking zone of said laptop. In other words, in order to block said computer within this zone, it is first necessary to compress it on the support element (5) to make it go down into the compartment, then, under the action springs, it comes naturally caller in the aforementioned area provided for this purpose.

Advantageously, the plate (6) of the support element (5) is extended by two lateral walls (7, 8) (see FIG. figures 1 and 2 ), so as to constitute an internal receptacle.

In addition, and according to an advanced version of the invention, these walls are slidable within a housing (23) defined by flaps (24) within the side walls of the compartment (10).

It is defined in this way a real conduit, promoting the insertion of the product to be transported within said compartment.

Thus, the product (20) to be transported, and in particular a laptop is maintained in the compartment (10), and is protected against shocks likely to occur, in particular because of the fall of said transport means or the bag, during the transport phases, or simply because of the deposition of the means of transport on the ground. Thus, said product is completely isolated from the ground, this result being particularly appreciable in case of moisture.

The springs (18, 19), by virtue of their physical properties, also provide a damping function, conferring on the support assembly a compressible character, favoring the effective protection conferred by said means of transport.

Superabundantly, the springs (18, 19) make it possible to reduce the apparent weight of the product transported, by limiting, if not canceling, the dangling inherent in the product in question.

It is not uncommon indeed that in schoolbags or bags of larger dimensions or capacity, the trepidations inherent in the walk, or even the run of the user, in turn induce a shift slightly offset in time , and of greater or lesser amplitude of the product contained in the bag. This relative displacement is quite unpleasant for the user, particularly because of the shift thereof in time, this shift itself inducing a phase shift with respect to the periodicity of the steps of the user. The implementation of such a suspended intermediate support element makes it possible to reduce the amplitude of this relative displacement, and consequently to optimize the comfort of the user.

Moreover, by the implementation of this suspended support member, the transported product is never in direct contact with the ground, when the bag, the schoolbag or the briefcase is placed thereon. There is always a minimum height corresponding to the maximum compression of the springs, isolating somehow the product of the soil.

This feature can have a number of advantages when the floor is wet, in particular to prevent the deterioration of the product, or the contacting of the peripheral connection plugs, in the case of a laptop computer, with the humidity.

Finally, these springs make it possible to achieve the ejection of the product, when the locking means are released, causing the partial emergence thereof outside said compartment, and corollary, favoring its grip by the user.

According to an even more evolved version of the invention, and illustrated in connection with the figure 5 at least part of the lateral faces defining the compartment in question may also have damping elements of the spring type.

In this configuration, the lateral faces, here the faces (12, 13) are movable and are associated with coil springs (25), inducing a natural propensity, in the absence of external constraints resulting from the introduction of the product to transport within the compartment, to move towards the center of the compartment.

In doing so, it promotes the wedging of the product to be transported within the means of transport, and above all, it optimizes the protection of said product against external shocks, due to the multiplicity of damping means.

It is therefore conceivable the whole interest of the means of transport according to the invention. In addition to optimizing wearing comfort, it promotes in particular the effective protection of a product, including a laptop, while not limiting said means to transport dedicated to this product alone.

Claims (9)

1. Carrying means for an article (20) having at least one rectilinear surface, the said means comprising at least one compartment (10) of measurements suitable to enable it to receive the said article, and defined by a base (4) and lateral surfaces (12 - 15), the aperture (16) of compartment (10) being closed by a flap or any other closure system characterised :

   - in that the base (4) receives a removable intermediate support component (5) that is suspended relative to the said base (4) and that is capable of acting as a shock absorber for the article (20) when the flap or the closure system is in closure configuration, and as an ejector of said article (20) from the compartment (10) when the flap or the closure system is freed, enabling the user to grasp it and remove it from the said compartment ;

   - and in that the intermediate support component (5) is constituted by a panel (6) that is more or less parallel to the base (4) of the compartment, the two main measurements of the said panel (6) being extended by two lateral surfaces (7, 8), the said lateral surfaces running in the direction of the opening (16) that gives access to the said compartment (10).
2. Carrying means as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the suspension of the intermediate support component (5) is achieved by means of mechanical springs, particularly coil springs (18, 19) or a leaf spring with a spring constant suited to the weight of the article (20) to be placed in the compartment (10) and the degree of shock-absorbing function required from the said intermediate support component.
3. Carrying means as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the coil springs (18, 19) are bonded, sewn or riveted to the intermediate support component (5),
4. Carrying means as claimed in either claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the intermediate support component (5) is suspended by mechanical springs relative to a support panel (11) designed to rest on the base (4) demarcating the compartment (10), the assembly constituted by the intermediate support component (5), the mechanical springs and the said support panel (11) constituting a single entity that is simply placed or positioned on the base (4) of the said compartment.
5. Carrying means as claimed in claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the lateral surfaces (7, 8) are also inserted in a lining or in pockets (23) provided for this purpose that are created (24) inside the lateral surfaces (12, 13) of the carrying means defining the compartment in question (10).
6. Carrying means as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the closure system is composed of a locking system (22) provided on one (12) of the lateral surfaces (12-15) defining the compartment (10) and by a complementary system (21) fastened to one of the surfaces of the article (20).
7. Carrying means as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the closure system is composed of a locking system (22) provided on one (12) of the lateral surfaces (12-15) defining the compartment (10) and by a complementary system (21) fastened to one surface of a protective shell intended to contain the article to be carried.
8. Carrying means as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the region of the upper end of the compartment (10) is provided with an extension of one of its lateral surfaces that acts as a stopping zone for the said article to be carried (20) which is stopped inside this zone after being clamped inside the compartment and freeing of the forces exerted by the suspension means (18, 19) of the said intermediate support component (5).
9. Carrying means as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that one or more of the lateral surfaces which, together with the base (4), define the dedicated compartment (10) are also fitted with shock absorber means (25) that also act to wedge the article to be carried (20).

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