EP2978337A1 - An article of luggage and method of manufacture thereof - Google Patents

An article of luggage and method of manufacture thereof

Info

Publication number
EP2978337A1
EP2978337A1 EP14715094.0A EP14715094A EP2978337A1 EP 2978337 A1 EP2978337 A1 EP 2978337A1 EP 14715094 A EP14715094 A EP 14715094A EP 2978337 A1 EP2978337 A1 EP 2978337A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
section
base load
load container
container section
article
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP14715094.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Sedat Selvi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
IT Luggage Ltd
Original Assignee
IT Luggage Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by IT Luggage Ltd filed Critical IT Luggage Ltd
Publication of EP2978337A1 publication Critical patent/EP2978337A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
    • A45C5/02—Materials therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/36—Reinforcements for edges, corners, or other parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
    • A45C5/14—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage with built-in rolling means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
    • A45C5/03—Suitcases
    • A45C2005/032—Suitcases semi-rigid, i.e. resistant against deformation and resilient, e.g. with a resilient frame

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an article of luggage, in particular a suitcase and a method of manufacture thereof, in particular, but not exclusively wherein the contents of the article of luggage are protected from wear and tear.
  • luggage refers to any number of bags, cases and/or containers which hold a traveller's articles during transit. Luggage has changed over time. Historically, the most common types of luggage were chests or trunks. In more recent times, smaller and more lightweight suitcases and bags that can be carried by an individual have become the main forms of luggage.
  • a suitcase is a general item that may be wheeled or non-wheeled luggage, as well as soft or hard sided baggage.
  • a suitcase is often a somewhat flat, generally rectangular shaped item with rounded or square corners and is made from materials that more or less keep their intended shape.
  • Many modern suitcases have a built in set or sets of wheels enabling them to be pulled along flat hard surfaces by a fixed or extendable towing handle or by a retractable or stowable leash.
  • the extendable towing handle is conveniently moveable between a retracted stowage position and an extended user towing position.
  • a 'hard' suitcase As one in which the walls, top and bottom of the suitcase cannot easily be penetrated by a needle or blade, whereas a 'soft' suitcase is one than can be readily so penetrated.
  • additional storage areas such as pockets and pouches. While this allows users to have the convenience of ready access to some of their belongings, this is offset by the disadvantage that filling and more particularly over filling of these storage areas can lead to unbalancing of the case such that it becomes unstable on its wheels and in extreme cases will no longer stand upright on those wheels when at rest.
  • an article of luggage comprises a base load container section defining a primary volume having an opening in a front face for receiving a load and a second lid section for cooperation with the base load section to enclose the primary volume, the base load container section being provided at one end with a number of wheel assemblies thereby defining a wheeled end, the second lid section defining a number of secondary volumes located externally of the primary volume for receiving additional loads, the secondary volumes being located at least in part within a footprint of the wheeled end.
  • the wheeled end is of greater cross sectional area than a second end of the base load container section.
  • the secondary volumes are located wholly within the footprint of the wheeled end.
  • an article of luggage comprises a base load container section defining a volume having an opening in a front face for receiving a load and a second lid section for cooperation with the base load section to enclose the volume, at least a portion of the front face of the base load container section extending forwardly of the opening of the base load container section.
  • the plane defined by the opening of the base load container section is aligned with a plane defined parallel to a rear surface of the base load container section.
  • the base section is provided at a first end face with a number of wheel assemblies. More preferably, the first end face is of greater cross sectional area than a second end face.
  • the second end is provided with one or both of a towing handle or lifting handle.
  • the base container load section is provided with side panels shaped to provide at least a part of the portion of the front face of the base load container section extending beyond a plane defined by the opening of the base load container section.
  • the lid section is located at least in part behind the portion of the front face of the base load container section extending beyond the plane defined by the opening of the base load container section.
  • a method of manufacture of an article of luggage comprises providing a base load container section defining a primary volume having an opening in a front face for receiving a load, providing a second lid section for cooperation with the base load section to enclose the primary volume, providing the second lid section with a number of secondary volumes located externally of the primary volume for receiving additional loads, and providing the base load container section at one end with a number of wheel assemblies thereby defining a wheeled end, such that the secondary volumes are located at least in part within a footprint of the wheeled end.
  • a method of manufacture of an article of luggage comprises, providing a base load container section defining a volume having an opening in a front face for receiving a load, and providing a second lid section for cooperation with the base load section to enclose the volume such that at least a portion of the front face of the base load container section extends forwardly of the opening of the base load container section.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a first embodiment of an article of luggage in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a side view of the article of luggage of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the article of luggage of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 shows a similar view to that of Figure 3, in which a portion of the article of luggage is shown in ghost;
  • Figure 5 shows a schematic front view of a second embodiment of an article of luggage in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 6 shows a side view of the article of luggage of Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of the article of luggage of Figure 5.
  • Figure 8 shows a similar view to that of Figure 7, in which a portion of the article of luggage is shown in ghost.
  • FIG. 1 to 4 there is shown an article of luggage in accordance with the present invention.
  • the article of luggage is shown in a upright position and references herein to 'upper' and 'lower' should be construed accordingly.
  • An article of luggage in the illustrated embodiment a suitcase 2, comprises a base load container section 4 defining a primary volume.
  • the base load container section 4 of this embodiment comprises first and second side panels 8, 10 connected by a connecting strip 12.
  • the first and second side panels 8, 10 and the connecting strip 12 may be formed of any suitable material.
  • the connecting strip 12 is secured to the first and second side panels 8, 10 by any suitable means, for example by stitching to piping 14 running around the periphery of each of the first and second side panels 8,10.
  • the connecting strip 12 includes portions corresponding to a rear panel 16 of the suitcase, a lower panel 18 of the suitcase, an upper panel 20 of the suitcase and a front panel 22 of the suitcase.
  • References to "front”, “forwards” or “forwardly” should be construed in relation to the frame of reference implicit in the terms “front panel” and “rear panel”.
  • the front panel 22 includes an opening.
  • a further strip 24 is provided stitched, or otherwise suitably connected, along one side to the opening in the front panel 22 to define an opening to the base load container section.
  • the lower panel 18 of the suitcase is provided with a number of wheel assemblies 30, in the illustrated embodiment four wheel assemblies are provided, one located at each of the corners of the lower panel 18, thereby defining a wheeled end of the suitcase. Any suitable wheel assembly may be utilised.
  • the wheel assemblies are secured to the suitcase in any suitable manner.
  • the upper panel 20 is provided with a lifting handle 32.
  • the suitcase is also provided with a towing handle assembly 34 located to the rear of the suitcase. In the illustrated embodiment, this comprises a telescopic towing handle assembly 34 of the known kind.
  • a further lifting handle 36 is conveniently provided on the second side panel 10.
  • the suitcase further comprises a second lid section 6 for cooperation with the base load section 4 to enclose the primary volume.
  • the second lid section 6 is hindgedly connected at one edge to a side of the opening in the base load container by a suitable hinge arrangement (not shown) and releasably held in a closed condition by a suitable zip fastener arrangement 40 extending around the remaining sides of the opening in a manner known to those skilled in the art. This opening allows a load to be received in the base load container section 4.
  • the second lid section is provided with a number of secondary volumes for receiving additional loads in the form of pockets or pouches located externally of the primary volume.
  • a lower pouch 42 is provided over a lower region of the second lid section hingedly connected at one edge to a lower side of the second lid section by a suitable hinge arrangement and releasably held in a closed condition by a suitable zip fastener arrangement 44 extending around the remaining sides of the pouch in a manner known to those skilled in the art.
  • a pocket (not shown) may be provided over an upper region of the second lid section.
  • the second lid section can be seen to define one or more secondary volumes.
  • the side panels 8, 10 are substantially rectangular, save for a protrusion 50 at a lower end. Together the side panels 8, 10 and the connecting strip 12 provide a bulge or protrusion at a lower end of the suitcase, such that the lower panel 18 of the suitcase extends forwards of the base load container section. In particular when the suitcase is disposed upon its wheel assemblies 30 as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the lower panel 18 creates a footprint. It can be seen that the footprint extends beyond the opening of the base load container 4, such that the secondary volume (or volumes) is (or are) located at least in part within the footprint of the wheeled end.
  • cross sectional area of the upper panel 20 is less than the cross sectional area of the lower panel 18.
  • the rear panel 16 of the suitcase defines a plane.
  • the opening of the illustrated embodiment is located in a plane parallel to that of the rear panel, and that the forwardly extending bulge or protrusion on the front panel 22 of the base load section extends beyond this plane.
  • the opening of the base load section 4 is set back from a leading edge of the front panel 22.
  • This construction has as an advantage that the suitcase 2 is particularly stable about its wheeled end.
  • the suitcase 2 is particularly stable when the secondary volumes of the suitcase are provided with loads, since the weight of the load is located at least partially within the wheel base and as a result the suitcase 2 does not seek to tip forwards due to becoming unbalanced when the secondary volumes are loaded.
  • a base panel 60 in particular a moulded panel, is located in the lower portion of the base load container section.
  • the base panel 60 may be formed from any suitable material, conveniently from ABS.
  • the wheel assemblies 30 may be secured to the base panel 60.
  • Figures 5 to 8 show a second embodiment of the present invention and like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts.
  • a base load container section 104 is formed from first and second moulded side panels 108, 1 10, joined by a connecting strip 112.
  • the first and second side panels 108,1 10 and the connecting strip 112 may be formed of any suitable material, the first and second side panels 108, 110 conveniently from EVA or a similar material.
  • Each of the first and second moulded side panels 108, 1 10 comprises a side panel joined to upper and lower extensions (in use forming a part of the upper and lower panels 1 18,120 of the suitcase).
  • the side panels 108,1 10 are further provided with front and rear flanges.
  • the rear flange extends between rear edges of the upper and lower extensions.
  • the front flange comprise upper and lower major portions connected by a minor portion.
  • the upper portion of the front flange depends from a front edge of the upper extension and transitions into the minor portion extending along a substantial portion of the side panel before transitioning into the lower major portion extending from a front edge of the lower extension.
  • the connecting strip has first and second side portions and first and second end portions. It can be seen that the various faces, flanges and the like of the first and second moulded side panels 108,1 10 include smooth curved transitional surfaces between one another to provide rounded edges to the sides and ends of the suitcase.
  • the side portions of the strip are connected in any suitable manner to a respective moulded side panel 108, 1 10 along the lower extension, a lower edge of the side panel, an edge of the rear flange, an upper edge side panel and along the upper extension.
  • an opening is defined in a front panel 120 by the first and second ends of the connecting strip 112 and the respective front portions of the side panels 108, 110 (cf Figure 5).
  • a further strip 124 is provided stitched, or otherwise suitably connected, along one side to the opening in the front panel 120 to define an opening to the base load container section 104.
  • the lower panel 1 18 of the suitcase defined by the lower portions of the respective moulded side panels and the connecting strip, is provided with a number of wheel assemblies 130, in the illustrated embodiment four wheel assemblies, one located at each corner of the lower panel 118, thereby defining a wheeled end of the suitcase. Any suitable wheel assembly may be utilised.
  • the wheel assemblies 130 are secured to the suitcase in any suitable manner.
  • the upper panel 120 is provided with a lifting handle 132.
  • the ends of the lifting handle 132 are secured between the connecting strip 1 12 and the respective side panels 108, 110 (cf Figures 7 and 8).
  • the suitcase is also provided with a towing handle 134 located to the rear of the suitcase. In the illustrated embodiment, this comprises a telescopic towing handle of the known kind.
  • a further lifting handle 136 is conveniently provided on the second moulded side panel 110.
  • the suitcase further comprises a second lid section 106 for cooperation with the base load section 104 to enclose the primary volume.
  • the second lid section 106 is hindgedly connected at one edge to a side of the opening in the base load container 104 by a suitable hinge arrangement (not shown) and releasably held in a closed condition by a suitable zip fastener arrangement 140 extending around the remaining sides of the opening in a manner known to those skilled in the art.
  • This opening allows a load to be received in the base load container section.
  • the lower extensions of the moulded side panels 108, 1 10 provide a forwardly extending bulge or protrusion at a lower end of the suitcase, such that the lower panel 118 of the suitcase extends forwards beyond the opening of the base load container section.
  • the lower panel 118 creates a footprint. It can be seen that the footprint extends beyond the opening of the base load container, such that the secondary volume (or volumes) is (or are) located at least in part within the footprint of the wheeled end.
  • cross sectional area of the upper panel 120 is less than the cross sectional area of the lower panel 118.
  • This construction has as an advantage that the suitcase is particularly stable about its wheeled end.
  • the suitcase is particularly stable when the secondary volumes of the suitcase are provided with loads and does not seek to tip forwards due be becoming unbalanced.
  • a base panel 160 in particular a moulded panel, is located in the lower portion of the base load container section.
  • the base panel 160 may be formed from any suitable material, conveniently from ABS.
  • the wheel assemblies 130 may be secured to the base panel 160.

Abstract

An article of luggage is disclosed comprising a base load container section defining a primary volume having an opening in a front face for receiving a load and a second lid section for cooperation with the base load section to enclose the primary volume, the base load container section being provided at one end with a number of wheel assemblies thereby defining a wheeled end, the second lid section defining a number of secondary volumes located externally of the primary volume for receiving additional loads, the secondary volumes being located at least in part within a footprint of the wheeled end. Such a construction allows a user to have the convenience of readily accessible storage means on a front of the suitcase, while the luggage is particularly stable about its wheeled end.

Description

An article of luggage and Method of Manufacture Thereof
The present invention relates to an article of luggage, in particular a suitcase and a method of manufacture thereof, in particular, but not exclusively wherein the contents of the article of luggage are protected from wear and tear.
The term luggage refers to any number of bags, cases and/or containers which hold a traveller's articles during transit. Luggage has changed over time. Historically, the most common types of luggage were chests or trunks. In more recent times, smaller and more lightweight suitcases and bags that can be carried by an individual have become the main forms of luggage.
A suitcase is a general item that may be wheeled or non-wheeled luggage, as well as soft or hard sided baggage. A suitcase is often a somewhat flat, generally rectangular shaped item with rounded or square corners and is made from materials that more or less keep their intended shape. Many modern suitcases have a built in set or sets of wheels enabling them to be pulled along flat hard surfaces by a fixed or extendable towing handle or by a retractable or stowable leash. The extendable towing handle is conveniently moveable between a retracted stowage position and an extended user towing position.
It is a convenient and commercially conventional practice to define a 'hard' suitcase as one in which the walls, top and bottom of the suitcase cannot easily be penetrated by a needle or blade, whereas a 'soft' suitcase is one than can be readily so penetrated. In the case of soft cases it is common to provide the front face of the case with additional storage areas such as pockets and pouches. While this allows users to have the convenience of ready access to some of their belongings, this is offset by the disadvantage that filling and more particularly over filling of these storage areas can lead to unbalancing of the case such that it becomes unstable on its wheels and in extreme cases will no longer stand upright on those wheels when at rest.
It is an advantage of the present invention that it provides a suitcase and a manner of manufacture of a suitcase that addresses these problems. In particular it allows a user to have the convenience of readily accessible storage means on a front of the suitcase, while maintaining stability of the suitcase. Other advantages of the present invention will also be apparent from the following description.
According to a first aspect of the invention, an article of luggage comprises a base load container section defining a primary volume having an opening in a front face for receiving a load and a second lid section for cooperation with the base load section to enclose the primary volume, the base load container section being provided at one end with a number of wheel assemblies thereby defining a wheeled end, the second lid section defining a number of secondary volumes located externally of the primary volume for receiving additional loads, the secondary volumes being located at least in part within a footprint of the wheeled end.
This has as an advantage that the case is particularly stable about its wheeled end. Preferably, the wheeled end is of greater cross sectional area than a second end of the base load container section.
Preferably the secondary volumes are located wholly within the footprint of the wheeled end.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, an article of luggage comprises a base load container section defining a volume having an opening in a front face for receiving a load and a second lid section for cooperation with the base load section to enclose the volume, at least a portion of the front face of the base load container section extending forwardly of the opening of the base load container section.
Preferably, the plane defined by the opening of the base load container section is aligned with a plane defined parallel to a rear surface of the base load container section.
Preferably, the base section is provided at a first end face with a number of wheel assemblies. More preferably, the first end face is of greater cross sectional area than a second end face.
Preferably the second end is provided with one or both of a towing handle or lifting handle.
Preferably the base container load section is provided with side panels shaped to provide at least a part of the portion of the front face of the base load container section extending beyond a plane defined by the opening of the base load container section. Preferably, the lid section is located at least in part behind the portion of the front face of the base load container section extending beyond the plane defined by the opening of the base load container section.
According to a third aspect of the invention, a method of manufacture of an article of luggage comprises providing a base load container section defining a primary volume having an opening in a front face for receiving a load, providing a second lid section for cooperation with the base load section to enclose the primary volume, providing the second lid section with a number of secondary volumes located externally of the primary volume for receiving additional loads, and providing the base load container section at one end with a number of wheel assemblies thereby defining a wheeled end, such that the secondary volumes are located at least in part within a footprint of the wheeled end.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method of manufacture of an article of luggage comprises, providing a base load container section defining a volume having an opening in a front face for receiving a load, and providing a second lid section for cooperation with the base load section to enclose the volume such that at least a portion of the front face of the base load container section extends forwardly of the opening of the base load container section.
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a first embodiment of an article of luggage in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a side view of the article of luggage of Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the article of luggage of Figure 1 ;
Figure 4 shows a similar view to that of Figure 3, in which a portion of the article of luggage is shown in ghost;
Figure 5 shows a schematic front view of a second embodiment of an article of luggage in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 6 shows a side view of the article of luggage of Figure 5;
Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of the article of luggage of Figure 5; and
Figure 8 shows a similar view to that of Figure 7, in which a portion of the article of luggage is shown in ghost.
Referring first to Figures 1 to 4 there is shown an article of luggage in accordance with the present invention. The article of luggage is shown in a upright position and references herein to 'upper' and 'lower' should be construed accordingly.
An article of luggage, in the illustrated embodiment a suitcase 2, comprises a base load container section 4 defining a primary volume. The base load container section 4 of this embodiment comprises first and second side panels 8, 10 connected by a connecting strip 12. The first and second side panels 8, 10 and the connecting strip 12 may be formed of any suitable material. The connecting strip 12 is secured to the first and second side panels 8, 10 by any suitable means, for example by stitching to piping 14 running around the periphery of each of the first and second side panels 8,10.
It can be seen that the connecting strip 12 includes portions corresponding to a rear panel 16 of the suitcase, a lower panel 18 of the suitcase, an upper panel 20 of the suitcase and a front panel 22 of the suitcase. References to "front", "forwards" or "forwardly" should be construed in relation to the frame of reference implicit in the terms "front panel" and "rear panel".
The front panel 22 includes an opening. In the illustrated embodiment, a further strip 24 is provided stitched, or otherwise suitably connected, along one side to the opening in the front panel 22 to define an opening to the base load container section.
The lower panel 18 of the suitcase is provided with a number of wheel assemblies 30, in the illustrated embodiment four wheel assemblies are provided, one located at each of the corners of the lower panel 18, thereby defining a wheeled end of the suitcase. Any suitable wheel assembly may be utilised. The wheel assemblies are secured to the suitcase in any suitable manner.
The upper panel 20 is provided with a lifting handle 32. The suitcase is also provided with a towing handle assembly 34 located to the rear of the suitcase. In the illustrated embodiment, this comprises a telescopic towing handle assembly 34 of the known kind. A further lifting handle 36 is conveniently provided on the second side panel 10. The suitcase further comprises a second lid section 6 for cooperation with the base load section 4 to enclose the primary volume. The second lid section 6 is hindgedly connected at one edge to a side of the opening in the base load container by a suitable hinge arrangement (not shown) and releasably held in a closed condition by a suitable zip fastener arrangement 40 extending around the remaining sides of the opening in a manner known to those skilled in the art. This opening allows a load to be received in the base load container section 4.
As has become customary, the second lid section is provided with a number of secondary volumes for receiving additional loads in the form of pockets or pouches located externally of the primary volume. In the illustrated embodiment a lower pouch 42 is provided over a lower region of the second lid section hingedly connected at one edge to a lower side of the second lid section by a suitable hinge arrangement and releasably held in a closed condition by a suitable zip fastener arrangement 44 extending around the remaining sides of the pouch in a manner known to those skilled in the art.
A pocket (not shown) may be provided over an upper region of the second lid section.
In this way the second lid section can be seen to define one or more secondary volumes.
Returning to the side panels 8, 10 these are substantially rectangular, save for a protrusion 50 at a lower end. Together the side panels 8, 10 and the connecting strip 12 provide a bulge or protrusion at a lower end of the suitcase, such that the lower panel 18 of the suitcase extends forwards of the base load container section. In particular when the suitcase is disposed upon its wheel assemblies 30 as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the lower panel 18 creates a footprint. It can be seen that the footprint extends beyond the opening of the base load container 4, such that the secondary volume (or volumes) is (or are) located at least in part within the footprint of the wheeled end.
It can also be seen that the cross sectional area of the upper panel 20 is less than the cross sectional area of the lower panel 18.
The rear panel 16 of the suitcase defines a plane. In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that the opening of the illustrated embodiment is located in a plane parallel to that of the rear panel, and that the forwardly extending bulge or protrusion on the front panel 22 of the base load section extends beyond this plane. In other terms, the opening of the base load section 4 is set back from a leading edge of the front panel 22.
This construction has as an advantage that the suitcase 2 is particularly stable about its wheeled end. In particular the suitcase 2 is particularly stable when the secondary volumes of the suitcase are provided with loads, since the weight of the load is located at least partially within the wheel base and as a result the suitcase 2 does not seek to tip forwards due to becoming unbalanced when the secondary volumes are loaded.
In a preferred embodiment a base panel 60, in particular a moulded panel, is located in the lower portion of the base load container section. The base panel 60 may be formed from any suitable material, conveniently from ABS. The wheel assemblies 30 may be secured to the base panel 60. Figures 5 to 8 show a second embodiment of the present invention and like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts. In this embodiment, a base load container section 104 is formed from first and second moulded side panels 108, 1 10, joined by a connecting strip 112. The first and second side panels 108,1 10 and the connecting strip 112 may be formed of any suitable material, the first and second side panels 108, 110 conveniently from EVA or a similar material.
Each of the first and second moulded side panels 108, 1 10 comprises a side panel joined to upper and lower extensions (in use forming a part of the upper and lower panels 1 18,120 of the suitcase). The side panels 108,1 10 are further provided with front and rear flanges. The rear flange extends between rear edges of the upper and lower extensions. The front flange comprise upper and lower major portions connected by a minor portion. The upper portion of the front flange depends from a front edge of the upper extension and transitions into the minor portion extending along a substantial portion of the side panel before transitioning into the lower major portion extending from a front edge of the lower extension. The connecting strip has first and second side portions and first and second end portions. It can be seen that the various faces, flanges and the like of the first and second moulded side panels 108,1 10 include smooth curved transitional surfaces between one another to provide rounded edges to the sides and ends of the suitcase.
The side portions of the strip are connected in any suitable manner to a respective moulded side panel 108, 1 10 along the lower extension, a lower edge of the side panel, an edge of the rear flange, an upper edge side panel and along the upper extension. In this way an opening is defined in a front panel 120 by the first and second ends of the connecting strip 112 and the respective front portions of the side panels 108, 110 (cf Figure 5). In the illustrated embodiment, a further strip 124 is provided stitched, or otherwise suitably connected, along one side to the opening in the front panel 120 to define an opening to the base load container section 104.
The lower panel 1 18 of the suitcase, defined by the lower portions of the respective moulded side panels and the connecting strip, is provided with a number of wheel assemblies 130, in the illustrated embodiment four wheel assemblies, one located at each corner of the lower panel 118, thereby defining a wheeled end of the suitcase. Any suitable wheel assembly may be utilised. The wheel assemblies 130 are secured to the suitcase in any suitable manner.
The upper panel 120 is provided with a lifting handle 132. In the illustrated embodiment the ends of the lifting handle 132 are secured between the connecting strip 1 12 and the respective side panels 108, 110 (cf Figures 7 and 8). The suitcase is also provided with a towing handle 134 located to the rear of the suitcase. In the illustrated embodiment, this comprises a telescopic towing handle of the known kind. A further lifting handle 136 is conveniently provided on the second moulded side panel 110.
The suitcase further comprises a second lid section 106 for cooperation with the base load section 104 to enclose the primary volume. The second lid section 106 is hindgedly connected at one edge to a side of the opening in the base load container 104 by a suitable hinge arrangement (not shown) and releasably held in a closed condition by a suitable zip fastener arrangement 140 extending around the remaining sides of the opening in a manner known to those skilled in the art. This opening allows a load to be received in the base load container section.
It can be seen that the lower extensions of the moulded side panels 108, 1 10 provide a forwardly extending bulge or protrusion at a lower end of the suitcase, such that the lower panel 118 of the suitcase extends forwards beyond the opening of the base load container section. In particular when the suitcase is disposed upon its wheel assemblies 130 as shown in Figures 5 to 8, the lower panel 118 creates a footprint. It can be seen that the footprint extends beyond the opening of the base load container, such that the secondary volume (or volumes) is (or are) located at least in part within the footprint of the wheeled end.
It can also be seen that the cross sectional area of the upper panel 120 is less than the cross sectional area of the lower panel 118.
This construction has as an advantage that the suitcase is particularly stable about its wheeled end. In particular the suitcase is particularly stable when the secondary volumes of the suitcase are provided with loads and does not seek to tip forwards due be becoming unbalanced.
In a preferred embodiment a base panel 160, in particular a moulded panel, is located in the lower portion of the base load container section. The base panel 160 may be formed from any suitable material, conveniently from ABS. The wheel assemblies 130 may be secured to the base panel 160.

Claims

! An article of luggage comprising a base load container section defining a primary volume having an opening in a front face for receiving a load and a second lid section for cooperation with the base load section to enclose the primary volume, the base load container section being provided at one end with a number of wheel assemblies thereby defining a wheeled end, the second lid section defining a number of secondary volumes located externally of the primary volume for receiving additional loads, the secondary volumes being located at least in part within a footprint of the wheeled end.
2 An article of luggage according to claim 2, in which the wheeled end is of greater cross sectional area than a second end of the base load container section.
3 An article of luggage according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the secondary volumes are located wholly within the footprint of the wheeled end.
4 An article of luggage comprising a base load container section defining a volume having an opening in a front face for receiving a load and a second lid section for cooperation with the base load section to enclose the volume, in which at least a portion of the front face of the base load container section extends forwardly of the opening of the base load container section. 5 An article of luggage according to claim 4, in which the plane defined by the opening of the base load container section is aligned with a plane defined parallel to a rear surface of the base load container section.
6 An article of luggage according to claim 4 or claim 5, in which the base section is provided at a first end face with a number of wheel assemblies.
7 An article of luggage according to claim 6, in which the first end face is of greater cross sectional area than a second end face.
8 An article of luggage according to claim 7, in which the second end is provided with one or both of a towing handle or lifting handle.
9 An article of luggage according to any of claims 4 to 8, in which the base container load section is provided with side panels shaped to provide at least a part of the portion of the front face of the base load container section extending beyond a plane defined by the opening of the base load container section.
10 An article of luggage according to any of claims 4 to 9, in which the lid section is located at least in part behind the portion of the front face of the base load container section extending beyond the plane defined by the opening of the base load container section. 1 1 A method of manufacture of an article of luggage comprises providing a base load container section defining a primary volume having an opening in a front face for receiving a load, providing a second lid section for cooperation with the base load section to enclose the primary volume, providing the second lid section with a number of secondary volumes located externally of the primary volume for receiving additional loads, and providing the base load container section at one end with a number of wheel assemblies thereby defining a wheeled end, such that the secondary volumes are located at least in part within a footprint of the wheeled end.
12 A method according to claim 11 , in which the wheeled end is of greater cross sectional area than a second end of the base load container section.
13 A method according to claim 1 1 or claim 12, in which the secondary volumes are located wholly within the footprint of the wheeled end.
14 A method of manufacture of an article of luggage comprises, providing a base load container section defining a volume having an opening in a front face for receiving a load, and providing a second lid section for cooperation with the base load section to enclose the volume such that at least a portion of the front face of the base load container section extends forwardly of the base load container section. 15 A method according to claim 14, in which the plane defined by the opening of the base load container section is aligned with a plane defined parallel to a rear surface of the base load container section.
16 A method according to claim 14 or claim 15, in which the base section is provided at a first end face with a number of wheel assemblies.
17 A method according to claim 16, in which the first end face is of greater cross sectional area than a second end face, the second end being provided with one or both of a towing handle or lifting handle.
18 A method according to any of claims 14 to 17, in which the base container load section is provided with side panels shaped to provide at least a part of the portion of the front face of the base load container section extending beyond a plane defined by the opening of the base load container section.
19 A method according to any of claims 14 to 18, in which the lid section is located at least in part behind the portion of the front face of the base load container section extending beyond the plane defined by the opening of the base load container section.
20 An article of luggage substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figuresl to 4 or Figures 5 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.
EP14715094.0A 2013-03-28 2014-03-28 An article of luggage and method of manufacture thereof Withdrawn EP2978337A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201305802A GB201305802D0 (en) 2013-03-28 2013-03-28 An article of luggage and method of manufacture thereof
PCT/GB2014/050998 WO2014155132A1 (en) 2013-03-28 2014-03-28 An article of luggage and method of manufacture thereof

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EP2978337A1 true EP2978337A1 (en) 2016-02-03

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GB (1) GB201305802D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2014155132A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2873341B1 (en) 2013-11-13 2018-08-01 Samsonite IP Holdings S.a.r.l Luggage case structure with protruding lower portion
CN103815639B (en) * 2014-03-13 2015-12-23 北京市时钱力科贸有限公司 A kind of draw-bar box
GB2578609A (en) 2018-10-31 2020-05-20 It Luggage Ltd An article of luggage

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000005990A1 (en) * 1998-07-28 2000-02-10 Samsonite Corporation Softside luggage case having a single peripheral frame and two side-by-side compartments
US20050056511A1 (en) * 2003-09-16 2005-03-17 Eminent Luggage Corp. Case having shell members formed from molded plastic shell parts and a fabric covering
CN201451800U (en) * 2009-07-06 2010-05-12 杭州杰玛箱包有限公司 Anti-collapse and foldable travel suitcase with universal wheels
CA2785061C (en) * 2012-03-30 2013-10-29 Heys International Ltd. Hard-sided luggage bag with front lid

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See references of WO2014155132A1 *

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GB201305802D0 (en) 2013-05-15

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