EP3393294B1 - Luggage item provided with a device for locking a zip fastener - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a piece of luggage comprising a closure system and a locking device intended to maintain the zipper system in a closed position.

Background of the invention

• un contenant délimitant un volume intérieur, le contenant comprenant une première coque, une deuxième coque et un dispositif d'articulation reliant la première coque et la deuxième coque,
• une fermeture à glissière s'étendant dans un plan de jonction et comprenant une première bande présentant un premier bord, une deuxième bande présentant un deuxième bord, un coulisseau et une tirette reliée au coulisseau, le coulisseau est mobile entre :
  • une position de fermeture dans laquelle le premier bord est maintenu adjacent au deuxième bord, et
  • une position d'ouverture dans laquelle la fermeture à glissière libère le premier bord par rapport au deuxième bord,
• un dispositif de verrouillage fixé sur le contenant et adapté pour coopérer avec la tirette dans une position verrouillée, afin maintenir le coulisseau dans la position de fermeture et, la deuxième coque est mobile par rapport à la première coque entre une position ouverte et une position fermée par l'intermédiaire du dispositif d'articulation lorsque le coulisseau est en position d'ouverture.

It is already known, in particular from the document EP 2 926 679 Or WO 2013/072086 A1 baggage including:

• a container delimiting an interior volume, the container comprising a first shell, a second shell and a hinge device connecting the first shell and the second shell,
• a zipper extending in a junction plane and comprising a first strip having a first edge, a second strip having a second edge, a slider and a pull tab connected to the slider, the slider is movable between:
  • a closed position in which the first edge is held adjacent to the second edge, and
  • an open position in which the zipper releases the first edge relative to the second edge,
• a locking device fixed to the container and adapted to cooperate with the pull tab in a locked position, in order to hold the slider in the closed position and the second shell is movable relative to the first shell between an open position and a closed position via the hinge device when the slider is in the open position.

Although such luggage is satisfactory, the invention aims to increase the simplicity, robustness and discretion of the locking device.

The documents US 1,680,652A And CN 2 154 609 Y describe other baggage.

Disclosure of Invention

In order to achieve the aforementioned aims, in accordance with the invention, in the closed position the locking device and the pull tab are arranged at least partly in the junction plane.

Thus, in the locked position, the pull tab and the locking device are arranged in the extension of the zipper, which makes them less visible. In addition, the pull tab is less likely to be damaged in the event of impact against another object. In particular, the slider is less likely to be subjected to a force tending to move it, and in such a case the pull tab is subjected to a tensile force and not a torsion force, so that it has a better chance of resisting this shock without be deteriorated.

In addition, the piece of luggage has a flat face in which the locking device and the hinge device are arranged.

Thus, the luggage forms a simple suitcase that can be easily opened by operating a single slider, therefore aesthetic and ergonomic.

In addition, the articulation device comprises an intermediate element articulated in rotation with respect to the first shell around a first articulation axis and with respect to the second shell around a second articulation axis, the first axis hinge is parallel to the second hinge axis and the locking device is carried by the intermediate element.

Thus, the amplitude of the rotation of the second shell relative to the first shell without collision with the locking device is further increased.

Finally, in the closed position, perpendicular to the junction plane, the locking device has a part located outside the container and having an overall width, the first axis of rotation is a distance apart, and the standoff distance is greater than or equal to the footprint width.

Thus, the second shell can be pivoted through at least 180 degrees relative to the first shell between the closed position and the open position, without having to provide a recess or other complex shape having the aforementioned drawbacks.

According to another characteristic in accordance with the invention, the locking device preferably comprises a plate and a lock, the plate is arranged outside the container and has a hole, the lock is inside the container, the zipper comprises a base portion and a locking portion, the zipper is connected to the slider by the base portion, in the locked position the locking portion is inserted into the hole of the plate and is retained by the lock, and the portion base and the portion of lock are each substantially straight and form a substantially right angle relative to each other.

Thus, in particular in the locked position, the latch and the pull tab are not very exposed to the risks of damage by impact with an external element. In addition, the aesthetic fluidity of the bag is not substantially altered by the presence of the locking device or the tab.

According to an additional feature in accordance with the invention, the locking portion is preferably continuous with the base portion, at the end of which it is connected by a curved portion, the pull tab being preferably formed by a bent plate.

The robustness and aesthetics of the luggage are thus further increased.

According to another additional characteristic, preferably the base portion of the pull tab is flat and extends parallel to the plate and substantially bears against the plate.

Thus, in the event of impact against the pull tab, the plate serves as a support for the pull tab to reduce the risk of damage, in particular of the pull tab and of the locking device.

According to another characteristic in accordance with the invention, the zipper preferably extends between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, and the locking device comprises a box provided with two slots through which the zipper extends. zipper close to the first longitudinal end.

Thus, the slide can come into contact with the locking device in the closed position, and the first longitudinal end of the slide is concealed and held by a cover.

Brief description of figures

• FIG.1 est une vue en perspective d'un bagage conforme à l'invention en position fermée,
• FIG. 2 est une vue en perspective du bagage en position ouverte,
• FIG. 3 est une vue éclatée en perspective du bagage,
• FIG. 4 illustre à échelle agrandie la portion repérée IV à la figure 3,
• FIG. 5 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne repérée V-V à la figure 1.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear in the following detailed description, referring to the appended drawings in which:

• FIG.1 is a perspective view of a piece of luggage according to the invention in the closed position,
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the luggage in the open position,
• FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the luggage,
• FIG. 4 illustrates on an enlarged scale the portion marked IV on the picture 3 ,
• FIG. 5 is a sectional view along the line marked VV at figure 1 .

Detailed description of the invention

The figures illustrate a piece of luggage essentially comprising a container 3, a zipper 10 and a locking device 30.

In the illustrated embodiment, the luggage defines a suitcase 1. The container 3 comprises a first shell 2 and a second shell 4 connected by a hinge device 20. The first shell 2 and the second shell 4 are relatively rigid. Moreover, as illustrated in figure 1 , container 3 is substantially parallelepipedic. It comprises two large side faces 3a, 3b, two small side faces 3c, 3d (of larger dimension), a lower main face 3e and an upper main face 3f, each of its surfaces being substantially planar.

In addition and optionally, the suitcase 1 comprises wheels arranged at the four corners of the side face 3c and a telescopic handle capable of projecting from the side face 3d. The suitcase 1 further comprises a main carrying handle 8 arranged on the large side face 3a. To the figure 1 , the suitcase 1 is illustrated in the position in which it is intended to rest on the ground for its opening, resting on its third underside.

The container 3 delimits an interior volume 6 intended to receive belongings with a view to transporting them, in particular clothes.

The first shell 2 and the second shell 4 are connected by a hinge device 20 making it possible to move the first shell 2 and the second shell 4 with respect to each other between a closed position illustrated in figure 1 and an open position shown in figure 2 . In the closed position shown in figure 1 , the second shell 4 is facing the first shell 2. The second shell 4 has an edge 4a coming generally into contact with an edge 2a of the first shell 2 along a junction plane P. In the open position, there is a passage between the first shell 2 and the second 4 in order to access the interior volume 6 to place things there

The hinge device 20 is arranged at the level of the large lateral face 3a and essentially comprises a first support 24 fixed to the first shell 2, a second support 26 fixed to the second shell 4 and an intermediate element 22 extending between the first support 24 and second support 26. The first support 24 and the second support 26 can also be formed in the respective structures of the first shell 2 and of the second shell 4, which can for example each be molded in a single piece. The intermediate element 22 is hinged in rotation with respect to the first support 24, and consequently to the first shell 2, around a first hinge axis R2. The intermediate element 22 is articulated in rotation with respect to the second support 26, and by way of accordingly to the second shell 4, around a second axis of articulation R4. The first hinge pin R2 and the second hinge pin R4 both extend parallel to the junction plane P and substantially at the level of the large side face 3a in the closed position of the case 1. The first axis d articulation R2 and the second axis of articulation R4 are therefore parallel and separated from each other by a separation distance D.

In the closed position, the spacing distance D extends along an elevation direction Z perpendicular to the junction plane P and parallel to the large side face 3a.

In the closed position, the zipper 10 extends between a first longitudinal end 10a and a second longitudinal end 10b. The first longitudinal end 10a and the second longitudinal end 10b are both located at the level of the large side face 3a. Between the first longitudinal end 10a and the second longitudinal end 10b, the zipper extends along the junction plane through the side faces 3d, 3b, 3c.

The zipper 10 comprises a first strip 12 having a first longitudinal edge 11, a second strip 14 having a second longitudinal edge 13, a slider 16 and a pull tab 18. The slider 16 is adapted to move between a closed position in which it is close to the first longitudinal end 10a and an open position in which it is close to the second longitudinal end 10b.

When the slider 16 is in the closed position, the first longitudinal edge 11 is maintained adjacent to the second longitudinal edge 13. For this purpose, the first longitudinal edge 11 and the second longitudinal edge 13 are provided with complementary teeth arranged alternately on the first longitudinal edge 11 and on the second longitudinal edge 13, as is well known. Alternatively, other types of zipper could be used.

When the slider 16 is in the closed position, the first longitudinal edge 11 is released relative to the second longitudinal edge 13 between the first longitudinal end 10a and the second longitudinal end 10b.

When the slider 16 is in the closed position, the case 1 is held in the closed position, the second shell 4 being in contact with the first shell 2, so that the interior volume 6 is closed, preventing its access. When the slider 16 is in the open position, the second shell 4 can be moved between the open position and the closed position thanks to the hinge device 20, as described above.

The locking device 30 is arranged in the large side face 3a, between the first longitudinal end 10a and the second longitudinal end 10b and in the immediate vicinity of the first hinge pin R2 and second hinge pin R4. The locking device 30 is more precisely placed in the extension of the zipper 10, at the first longitudinal end 10a. When the slider 16 is in the closed position, it substantially abuts against the locking device 30. The junction plane P extends through the locking device 30.

The locking device 30 comprises an outer part 44 disposed outside the container 3 and an inner part 42 disposed inside the container 3. The locking device essentially comprises a plate 32, a cover 35, a lock 36, a retractable stop 37, a release rod 38, a control lever 46, a key lock 48 and a number lock 50.

The plate 32 is substantially planar and essentially comprises a planar plate extending outside the case resting against the large side face 3a. The plate 32 forms a box 40 with the cover 35 arranged inside the container 3. The lock 36, the retractable stop 37, the unlocking rod 38, the control lever 46, the key lock 48 and the lock with digits 50 are carried by the case 40, preferably by the plate 32. The lock 36, the retractable stop 37 and the unlocking rod 38 are arranged inside the container 3, so that they are protected behind the plate 32.

The latch 36 has a lug 36a and is rotatably mounted, biased into a locking position illustrated in figure 5 by a spring. The retractable stop 37 is used to block the lock 36 in the locking position by opposing its rotation. The control lever 46 disposed outside the container 3, and connected to an eccentric makes it possible to retract the retractable stop 37 via the unlocking rod 38. The key lock 48 and the number lock 50 make it possible to inhibit the rotation of the control lever 46.

The pull tab 38 is in the form of a plate of substantially constant thickness bent in the shape of an L. It comprises a base portion 18a, a curved portion 18b and a locking portion 18c. The pull tab 18 is connected to the slider 16 by the base portion 18a. The locking portion 18c is in continuity of material with the base portion 18a, at the end of which the locking portion 18c is connected via a curved portion 18b. The base portion 18a and the locking portion 18c are each substantially straight, and form a substantially right angle relative to each other.

The locking portion 18c has a locking hole 19. When the slider 18 is in the closed position, at the first longitudinal end 10a, the locking portion 18c can be inserted through a hole 34 in the plate 32 in order to place the pull tab 18 in a locking position in which the lug 36a of the lock 36 is inserted into the locking hole 19 of the pull tab 18. The pull tab 18 is maintained in this locking position as long as an action on the control lever 46 n is not performed. The latch 36 then retains the slider 16 in the closed position via the tab 18. The base portion 18a of the pull tab 18 extends parallel to the plate 32, substantially resting flat against the flat face of the plate 32.

On the other hand, as illustrated in figure 4 , the housing 40 has a first slot 39 and a second slot 41 receiving the zipper 10 close to the longitudinal end 10a. The first slot 39 and the second slot 41 each comprise a narrow part 39b, 41b and a wider part 39a, 41a. The narrow part 39b, 41b of the first slot 39 and of the second slot 41 respectively receive the first strip 12 and the second strip 14. The wide part 39a, 41a of the first slot 39 and of the second slot 41 receive the teeth of the slide 10 held respectively on the first strip 12 on the second strip 14. The first slot 39 and the second slot 41 are advantageously made between the plate 32 and the cover 35, which are fixed to each other, in particular by screwing.

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 40 of the locking device 30 is carried by the intermediate element 22.

As illustrated at figure 1 , in the closed position, the first axis of rotation R2 is offset with respect to the junction plane P, along the elevation direction Z perpendicular to the junction plane P beyond the outer part 44 of the locking device 30.

Similarly, in the closed position, the second axis of rotation R4 is offset with respect to the junction plane P, in the direction of elevation Z beyond the outer part 44 of the locking device 30.

In the closed position, the outer part 44 of the locking device 30 has an overall width L in the elevation direction Z. The overall width is less than the separation distance D.

Thus, the outer part 44 of the locking device 30 is located between the first axis of rotation R2 and the second axis of rotation R4 in the direction of elevation.

Consequently, the locking device 30 does not hinder the opening of the suitcase 1.

Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described (s) by way of non-limiting illustration. Thus, although in the illustrated embodiment the locking device 30, and in particular the lock 36 are centered with respect to the junction plane P, it could be provided that the major part of the locking device 30 is on one side of the junction plane P and a small part of the locking device 30 is on the other side of the junction plane P.

Claims (5)

1. A suitcase (1) comprising:

   - an enclosure (3) defining an inner volume (6), the enclosure (3) comprises a first shell (2), a second shell (4) and a hinge device (20) connecting the first shell (2) and the second shell (4),

   - a zipper fastener (10) extending along a junction plane (P) and comprising a first strip (12) presenting a first edge (11), a second strip (14) presenting a second edge (13), a slider (16) and a pull tab (18) connected to the slider (16), the slider is movable between:

   • a fastening position in which the first edge (11) is maintained adjacent to the second edge (13), and

   • a releasing position in which the zipper fastener (10) releases the first edge (11) in relation to the second edge (13),

   - a lock device (30) fixed to the enclosure (3) and adapted for cooperating with the pull tab (18) in a locked position in order to maintain the slider (16) in the fastening position and, the second shell (4) is movable in relation to the first shell (2) between an opened position and a closed position through the hinge device (20) when the slider (16) is in the releasing position, the suitcase being characterized in that:

   - in the fastening position, the lock device (30) and the pull tab (18) are arranged in the junction plane (P),

   - the suitcase (1) presents a flat surface (3a) in which the lock device (30) and the hinge device (20) are arranged,

   - the hinge device (20) comprises an intermediate element (22) rotatably hinged in relation to the first shell (2) around a first articulation axis (R2) and in relation to the second shell (4) around a second articulation axis (R4),

   - the first articulation axis (R2) is parallel to the second articulation axis (R4), and

   - the lock device (30) is carried by the intermediate element (22),

   - in the closed position, perpendicular to the junction plane (P):

   • the lock device (30) presents a part (44) situated outside the enclosure (3) and presenting a space width (L),

   • the first rotational axis (R2) is separated from the second articulation axis (R4) by a gap distance (D), and the gap distance (D) is equal to or greater than the space width (L).
2. The suitcase according to claim 1, wherein:

   - the lock device (30) comprises a plate (32) and a latch (36), the plate (32) is arranged outside the enclosure (3) and presents a hole (34), the latch (36) is inside (42) the enclosure (3),

   - the pull tab (18) comprises a base portion (18a) and a lock portion (18c), the pull tab (18) is connected to the slider (16) by the base portion (18a),

   - in the locked position, the lock portion (18c) is inserted into the hole (34) of the plate (32) and is retained by the latch (36), and

   - the base portion (18a) and the lock portion (18c) are each substantially rectilinear, and form a substantially right angle in relation to each other.
3. The suitcase according to the preceding claim wherein the locking portion (18c) is in the continuation of the base portion (18a), at the end of which the locking portion (18c) is connected by a curved portion (18b), the pull tab (18) preferably being formed by a folded plate.
4. The suitcase according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the base portion (18a) of the pull tab is flat and extends parallel to the plate (32) and substantially rests against the plate (32).
5. The suitcase according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:

   - the zipper fastener (10) extends between a first longitudinal end (10a) and a second longitudinal end (10b), and

   - the lock device (30) comprises a housing (40) equipped with two slits (39, 41) through which the zipper fastener (10) extends near the first longitudinal end (10a).

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