EP3013176A1

EP3013176A1 - Transportable container and related handle

Info

Publication number: EP3013176A1
Application number: EP13762583.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Massimo Tonelli
Original assignee: GT Line SRL
Current assignee: GT Line SRL
Priority date: 2013-06-28
Filing date: 2013-06-28
Publication date: 2016-05-04
Anticipated expiration: 2033-06-28
Also published as: US20160150862A1; EP3013176B1; CN105358006A; WO2014207773A8; WO2014207773A1; CN105358006B

Abstract

A transportable container, of the type of a trolley case, suitcase, trunk, backpack and the like, which comprises at least one shell (2), which delimits an inner compartment for accommodating items of clothing and other objects, and at least one handle (3), which can be gripped by a user. The container comprises at least removable means of interlocking (6) the handle (3) with at least one respective abutment (7), which is associated with the shell (2).

Description

TRANSPORTABLE CONTAINER AND RELATED HANDLE

The present invention relates to a transportable container and related handle.

Nowadays, among other types of suitcases available on the market, certainly very widespread are transportable containers known as "trolley cases", or small suitcases, which are usually provided with a pair of wheels, and are particularly adapted for transfers and short trips, for which a limited number of items of clothing and other personal objects is required.

Precisely in order to enable their easy movement, trolley cases are usually provided with telescopic handles: such handles are anchored to the container at one end, and, at the opposite end, they are provided with a handle that can be gripped in order to partially extract it from a minimum bulk configuration (in which they are almost completely accommodated inside the trolley case itself, typically in especially provided adapted interspaces), and thus enable an easy movement of the trolley case, while it is resting on the ground with its wheels.

Moreover, it must be noted that, for such purposes, similar handles, which may or may not be capable of being extended and retracted at will, are often also adopted for other suitcases, even if they are larger, and more generally for several different types of transportable containers.

Such implementation solutions are not devoid of drawbacks, however. As noted, in the configuration for minimal space occupation the handles are usually accommodated in interspaces which are especially provided inside the trolley case: such choice, firstly, determines a structural complication of the container proper and of the corresponding manufacturing procedure, requiring the provision of an inner bulkhead designed to delimit the interspace, with consequent increase in the costs associated with the necessary materials and with the processing steps that are needed.

Moreover, the presence of the interspace reduces the space available to the user for placing clothes and other personal objects inside the trolley case.

Lastly, and even more important, it should be noted that, during use, the handle is repeatedly extracted from and reinserted into the interspace, thus increasing the probability, over time, of incurring damage: in such eventuality, it is not in any way possible to repair, disassemble, or substitute, the handle, in that, being at least partially accommodated in the interspace, it is substantially inaccessible and, in any case, impossible to disassemble, it being stably anchored to the trolley case.

The aim of the present invention is to solve the above mentioned problems, by providing a container of the type of a trolley case, suitcase, trunk, and the like, provided with a handle, which is practical and structurally simple.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a handle for containers such as trolley cases, suitcases, trunks and the like, which is practical and can be easily associated with the trolley case.

A further object of the invention is to provide a container which can be associated with a handle without limiting the internal space, which is intended for storage.

A further object of the invention is to provide a handle that ensures a high reliability of operation and which can be easily disassembled, substituted or repaired.

Another object of the invention is to provide a container that can be easily implemented using elements and materials that are readily available on the market.

Another object of the invention is to provide a container and a handle that are low cost and safely applied.

This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a transportable container, of the type of a trolley case, suitcase, trunk, backpack, and the like, which comprises at least one shell, which delimits an inner compartment for accommodating items of clothing and other objects, and at least one handle, which can be gripped by a user, characterized in that it comprises at least one removable means of interlocking said handle with at least one respective abutment, which is associated with said shell.

This aim and these objects are also achieved by a handle, of the type that can be associated with a shell of a transportable container, of the type of a trolley case, suitcase, trunk, backpack, and the like, and that can be gripped by a user, characterized in that it comprises at least removable means of interlocking with at least one respective abutment, which is associated with the shell of the container.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the transportable container and related handle according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a three-quarters perspective front view of the container according to the invention, in a first configuration of use;

Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the container according to the invention, in a second configuration of use;

Figure 3 is a sectional view of Figure 2 taken along the line III-III, and shows the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration, and vice versa;

Figure 4 is a sectional view of Figure 3, and shows the mounting of the handle;

Figure 5 is a three-quarters perspective exploded rear view of the container according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the handle according to the invention, in the second configuration of use.

With particular reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a transportable container, of the type of a trolley case, suitcase, trunk, backpack, and the like, and in any case comprising at least one shell 2, which delimits an inner compartment for accommodating items of clothing and other objects, and at least one handle 3, which can be gripped by a user, for moving and transporting the container 1.

More precisely, in the preferred application, to which constant reference will be made in the foregoing, and in the accompanying drawings, the container 1 is a trolley case, constituted by two half-shells 4a, 4b which are made from undeformable material, are mutually articulated and are locked, in the closed configuration, by respective locks 5, which are optionally provided with padlocks.

In any case it is appropriate to repeat that the scope of protection claimed herein covers embodiments which involve the use of containers 1 of different types (such as suitcases, backpacks, trunks, made of material that is undeformable or even, at least partially, deformable), according to specific requirements.

Moreover, it should be noted that the half-shells 4a, 4b can be coupled to an additional handle 4c, which is also conventional, in order to afford the user another element with which to grip and transport the trolley case.

According to the invention, the container 1 comprises at least one removable means 6 of interlocking the handle 3 with at least one respective abutment 7, which is associated with the shell 2.

In particular, the at least one means 6 comprises at least one hook 8, which is anchored to the handle 3 and which removably engages, by interlocking, with the abutment 7, which in turn is constituted substantially by a crossmember, which is supported by the shell 2.

The choice to adopt interlocking means 6 of the removable type makes it possible to associate the handle 3 with the shell 2 immediately, but at the same time it allows the disassembly of the handle 3 in a practical and easy manner, thus achieving the set aim, should it be necessary to repair it or replace it, or in any case use the shell 2 without it, even only temporarily.

According to an embodiment of important practical interest, shown in the accompanying figures for the purposes of non-limiting example of the application of the invention, the handle 3 is constituted substantially by a U- shaped bracket, which thus comprises two parallel telescopic bars 9 with adjustable length, which are mutually interconnected by a transverse secondary arm 10, which can be gripped by the user in order to entrain and more generally move the trolley case.

Thus in such embodiment, each bar 9, substantially on the opposite side with respect to the secondary arm 10, is coupled, by way of a respective hook 8, to a corresponding abutment 7.

More specifically, with further reference to the embodiment proposed above, the removable means of interlocking 6 comprise a pair of sleeves 11 , which are provided externally with a respective hook 8: each sleeve 11 has a transverse cross-section that is complementary to that of the respective bar

9, so as to be able to be rigidly keyed on an end portion of the latter, on the opposite side with respect to the secondary arm 10.

Conveniently, in the preferred embodiment, the transportable container 1 comprises at least one pair of wheels 12 which are rotatably supported by a respective shaft 13, which is fixed to the shell 2: as is evident in particular from Figures 2, 3 and 4, the hooks 8 engage by interlocking with respective portions of the shaft 13, which protrude externally from the shell 2.

Such embodiment ensures high simplicity for the container 1 according to the invention, and keeps contained the number of components necessary, precisely because the abutment 7 is constituted by portions of the shaft 13, which is already designed to rotatably support the wheels 12, without thus requiring the use of a dedicated component for achieving the interlocking coupling of the handle 3 with the shell 2.

Conveniently, in order to enable the user to selectively vary the length of the bars 9 and thus of the handle 3 (and thus enable an easy movement of the trolley case, which is usually of modest dimensions, while resting on the ground by way of the wheels 12), each bar 9 comprises at least one first half-bar 9a, which is fixed to the transverse secondary arm 10 and is coaxially slideable on command in at least one second half-bar 9b (obviously, according to specific requirements, the bar 9 can comprise further intermediate bars 9c).

Each sleeve 11 is thus rigidly keyed on an end portion of the respective second half-bar 9b, in order to ensure, as has been seen, the removable interlocking engagement with the corresponding portion of the shaft 13, thanks to its hook 8.

Advantageously, in order to reduce its overall space occupation, the container 1 according to the invention comprises a pair of grooves 14, which are provided along a first face 2a of the shell 2 and are accessible from the outside, and in which the second half-bars 9b are accommodated and which thus do not protrude from the profile of the trolley case.

Moreover, the grooves 14 lead to a recess 15, which is also provided along the first face 2a of the shell 2 and is accessible from the outside, in which the transverse secondary arm 10 is accommodated, at least in a configuration of minimum space occupation (as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4), thus also preventing the latter from protruding from the profile of the trolley case.

Positively, each second half-bar 9b is inserted, on the opposite side with respect to the sleeves 11 , in respective slots which are provided in a plate 16, which is accommodated in the recess 15 and facing and proximate to the grooves 14 (as can clearly be seen for example from Figures 1 and 2).

The plate 16 is associated with the shell 2 by way of removable coupling elements (two possible embodiments of which will be given below): in this manner, the plate, in cooperation with the removable means of interlocking 6, ensures the coupling of the handle 3 to the shell 2; at the same time, it is sufficient to disengage the hooks 8 and the abovementioned removable elements in order to completely remove the handle 3, should it be necessary to repair it, replace it or in any case use the shell 2 without it, even only temporarily.

In particular, in a first possible embodiment (shown in the accompanying figures for the purposes of non-limiting example), the elements comprise respective screws 17 (or the like), which are removably insertable in corresponding female screw seats 18, which are provided coaxially both on the handle 3 and on the shell 2.

In this manner, during the assembly of the container 1, in addition to coupling the hooks 8 by interlocking with the shaft 13, it is possible to insert the second half-bars 9b in the slots, in order to then secure the plate 16 to the shell 2 by way of the above mentioned screws 17, thus preventing any movement of the handle 3, obviously with the exception of the telescopic sliding of the first half-bar 9a (and of the intermediate bars 9c) in the second half-bar 9b.

If instead it is necessary to remove the handle 3, then it is sufficient to unscrew the screws 17 from the female screw seats 18, in order to then disengage the hooks 8 from the respective portions of the shaft 13, and thus obtain the removal of the handle 3 in a manner that is certainly practical and easy, and without compromising the integrity of the container 1 according to the invention.

In a second embodiment (which does not exhaust the embodiments that can be adopted within the scope of protection claimed herein), the above mentioned elements comprise respective pins, which are elastically kept accommodated in corresponding seats, which are provided coaxially on the handle 3 and on the shell 2.

Thus the pins, when they are accommodated in the seats, can be removably arranged in interference with the free movement of the plate 16 with respect to the shell 2, thus ensuring, similarly to the observations for the screws 17, the stable locking of the handle 3 in cooperation with the hooks 8.

In order to disengage the handle 3, it is sufficient to extract, at least partially, the pins from the seats (for example by gripping respective knobs, conveniently provided), defeating the elastic reaction of corresponding springs, or the like, and allow the extraction of the plate 16 from the recess 15, and with it the practical and easy removal of the handle 3 (obviously, simultaneously disengaging the hooks 8).

Advantageously, the transportable container 1 comprises at least one contoured reinforcement rib 19a, 19b, which is applied rigidly along the outer surface of the shell 2.

More precisely, in the solution shown in the accompanying figures by way of non-limiting example, laterally to the first face 2a of the shell 2 two ribs 19a are applied which are substantially L-shaped and are mutually symmetrical (thus substantially arranged at the sides of the handle 3).

Moreover, as can be seen for example from Figure 6, a second face 2b, which is opposite to the first one, is embraced by two further ribs 19b, which are mutually symmetrical and U-shaped, arranged along its sides.

Such ribs 19a, 19b are provided in a material that is highly impact- resistant and highly shock-absorbent, properties which are therefore also conferred on the shell 2 (note moreover that the ribs 19a and 19b, being made in one piece, distribute any shock over the extent of their surfaces, thus increasing the aforementioned shock absorption capacity).

Moreover, the ribs 19a and 19b can be easily replaced, and are provided in a selected color, which may be different to the color of the shell 2, in order to generate a chromatic contrast that is such as to offer a more pleasing and attractive design to the container 1 according to the invention.

It should further be noted that the ribs 19a and 19b can offer an effective and stable support of the shell 2, thanks in part to the possibility of providing it with adapted protuberances 19c, at least at their corners (which, for L-shaped ribs 19a, are also useful for an at least partial protection of the wheels 12).

As can be seen for example from Figures 1 and 5, the transportable container 1 can comprise at least one loop 20 (and for example two, substantially mutually opposite and arranged on respective half-shells 4a and 4b), protruding externally from the shell 2, for the insertion of belts, laces, straps, bands or elastic cables, and the like.

By way of, for example, such bands or elastic cables, especially provided, it is thus possible to fix to the container 1, according to specific requirements, further loads, such as boxes, small crates etc.

The present invention therefore also relates to a handle of the type that can be associated with a shell 2 of a transportable container 1, of the type of a trolley case (according to the preferred, but not exclusive, application), suitcase, trunk, backpack, and the like, and which can be gripped by a user (in order to transport and move the container 1).

According to the invention, the handle 3 comprises at least removable means of interlocking 6 with at least one respective abutment 7, which is associated with the shell 2 of the container 1.

In particular, the handle 3 is constituted substantially by a U-shaped bracket, which thus comprises two parallel telescopic bars 9 with adjustable length, which are mutually interconnected by a transverse secondary arm 10, which in turn can be gripped by the user.

Each bar 9, substantially on the opposite side with respect to the transverse secondary arm 10, is coupled, by way of a respective hook 8, to a corresponding abutment 7; each one of such hooks 8 protrudes externally from a corresponding sleeve 11, which is rigidly keyed on an end portion of a corresponding bar 9, on the opposite side with respect to the transverse secondary arm 10.

More specifically, each bar 9 comprises a first half-bar 9a, which is fixed to the transverse secondary arm 10 and slideable on command in a second half-bar 9b (as well as, optionally, intermediate bars 9c), in order to allow the variation of the length of the bars 9, and of the handle 3; each sleeve 11 is thus rigidly keyed on a corresponding second half-bar 9b.

Operation of the container and of the handle according to the invention is thus evident from the foregoing description: during assembly, the handle 3 is removably coupled by interlocking with the shell 2 using the hooks 8, which are inserted under the shaft 13 (or other abutment 7); the mutual coupling between handle 3 and shell 2 is then improved thanks to the plate 16.

As has been seen, the substitution and/or removal and/or repair of the handle 3 can all be performed in a practical and easy manner by removing the interlocking coupling between the hooks 8 and the shaft 13 (and optionally removing the plate 16, by acting on the elements described earlier), without in any way compromising the integrity of the shell 2.

Moreover, as is also clear from the accompanying figures, the handle

3 is kept outside the inner compartment of the shell 2, without therefore reducing the space available for items of clothing or other objects, and without requiring the provision of further panels or interspaces, thus giving the container 1 according to the invention a structure that is simple (and economic).

In practice it has been found that the container and the handle according to the invention fully achieve the set aim and objects, in that the use of removable means of interlocking the handle with at least one respective abutment, which is associated with the shell, makes it possible to provide a container (and a handle) that is practical and structurally simple.

The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be interchanged with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

Where the technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference numerals and/or signs, those reference numerals and/or signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference numerals and/or signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference numerals and/or signs.

Claims

1. A transportable container, of the type of a trolley case, suitcase, trunk, backpack, and the like, which comprises at least one shell (2), which delimits an inner compartment for accommodating items of clothing and other objects, and at least one handle (3), which can be gripped by a user, characterized in that it comprises at least one removable means of interlocking (6) said handle (3) with at least one respective abutment (7), which is associated with said shell (2).

2. The transportable container according to claim 1 , characterized in that said at least one removable interlocking means (6) comprises at least one hook (8), which is anchored to said at least one handle (3) and which can removably engage by interlocking with said at least one abutment (7).

3. The transportable container according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said at least one abutment (7) is constituted substantially by a crossmember, which is supported by said shell (2).

4. The transportable container according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said handle (3) is constituted substantially by a U-shaped bracket, which comprises two parallel telescopic bars (9) with adjustable length, which are mutually interconnected by a transverse secondary arm (10), which can be gripped by the user, each one of said bars (9), substantially on the opposite side with respect to said secondary arm (10), being coupled, by way of a respective said hook (8), to a corresponding said abutment (7).

5. The transportable container according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one removable interlocking means (6) comprises a pair of sleeves (11), each one of said sleeves (11 ) being provided externally with a respective said hook (8) and being rigidly keyed on an end portion of a corresponding said bar (9), on the opposite side with respect to said secondary arm (10).

6. The transportable container according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one pair of wheels (12), which are rotatably supported by a respective shaft (13), which is fixed to said shell (2), said hooks (8) being engaged by interlocking with respective portions of said shaft (13).

7. The transportable container according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each one of said bars (9) comprises at least one first half-bar (9a), which is fixed to said transverse secondary arm (10) and coaxially slideable on command in at least one second half-bar (9b), for varying the length of said bars (9), and of said handle (3), each one of said sleeves (11) being rigidly keyed on an end portion of a corresponding said second half-bar (9b).

8. The transportable container according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a pair of grooves (14), which are provided along a first face (2a) of said shell (2) and are accessible from the outside, for accommodating said second half-bars (9b), said grooves (14) leading to a recess (15), which is provided along said first face (2a) of said shell (2) and is accessible from the outside, for accommodating said transverse secondary arm (10), at least in a configuration of minimum space occupation.

9. The transportable container according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each one of said second half-bars (9b) is inserted, on the opposite side with respect to said sleeves (11), in respective slots which are provided in a plate (16), which is accommodated in said recess (15) and which is facing and proximate to said grooves (14), said plate (16) being associated with said shell (2) by way of removable coupling elements.

10. The transportable container according to claim 9, characterized in that said elements comprise respective screws (17), which are removably insertable in corresponding female screw seats (18), which are provided coaxially on said handle (3) and on said shell (2).

11. The transportable container according to claim 9 and as an alternative to claim 10, characterized in that said elements comprise respective pins, which are elastically kept accommodated in corresponding seats, which are provided coaxially on said handle (3) and said shell (2), said pins, which are accommodated in said seats, being removably arranged in interference with the free movement of said plate (16) with respect to said shell (2).

12. The transportable container according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one contoured reinforcement rib (19a, 19b), which is applied rigidly along the outer surface of said shell (2), for an increase in impact resistance, and/or of shock absorption, and/or for the stable support of said shell (2), and/or for the protection of said wheels (12).

13. The transportable container according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one loop (20), which protrudes externally from said shell (2), for the insertion of belts, laces, straps, bands or elastic cables, and the like.

14. A handle, of the type that can be associated with a shell (2) of a transportable container (1), of the type of a trolley case, suitcase, trunk, backpack, and the like, and that can be gripped by a user, characterized in that it comprises at least removable means of interlocking (6) with at least one respective abutment (7), which is associated with the shell (2) of the container (1).

15. The handle according to claim 14, characterized in that it is constituted substantially by a U-shaped bracket, which comprises two parallel telescopic bars (9) with adjustable length, which are mutually interconnected by a transverse secondary arm (10), which can be gripped by the user, each one of said bars (9), substantially on the opposite side with respect to said secondary arm (10), being coupled, by way of a respective hook (8), to a corresponding abutment (7), each one of said hooks (8) protruding externally from a corresponding sleeve (11), rigidly keyed on an end portion of a corresponding said bar (9), on the opposite side with respect to said secondary arm (10).

16. The handle according to claims 14 and 15, characterized in that each one of said bars (9) comprises a first half-bar (9a), which is fixed to said transverse secondary arm (10) and is slideable on command in a second half-bar (9b), for varying the length of said bars (9), and of said handle (3), each one of said sleeves (11) being rigidly keyed on a corresponding said second half-bar (9b).