GB2432782A

GB2432782A - Contents restraining device

Info

Publication number: GB2432782A
Application number: GB0524433A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jean-Philippe Denat
Original assignee: V I P IND Ltd; VIP Industries Ltd
Current assignee: V I P IND Ltd; VIP Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2005-11-30
Filing date: 2005-11-30
Publication date: 2007-06-06
Also published as: GB0524433D0

Abstract

A contents-restraining device for use in a case or bag compartment comprises first 14 and second straps 16, each having a first part 14a,16a attached to one side of the compartment and a second part 14b,16b attached to the opposing side, with a web 30 extending between at least one of ether the two first parts or the two second parts. In use, to retain an item within the component it is only necessary to locate it below the web.

Description

CONTENTS-RETATNTNG ARRANGEMEN'I'S The present invention relates to

contents retaining arrangements in a compartment. The invention is particularly suited to the field of luggage, in particular where the compartment is that of a case or a hag.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, it is known for a case 10 having a main compartment 12 to he provided with a pair of straps 14. 1 6 for retaining contents within the compartment. Each strap comprises a first part 1 4a, I ôa and a second part 14h, lob, the 1 0 first strap parts I 4a, I 6a are each secured at a first side of the compartment 1 2, and the second strap parts 1 4h, 1 6h are secured at a second side of the compartment opposite the first side. As an example, the first strap parts I 4a, I ôa may he secured at an intersection between a base 1 8 of' the compartment and a first side wall 20 (see Figure 2), whereas the second strap parts I 4b, I 6b may be secured at an intersection between the base 1 8 and a second side wall 22 opposite the first side wall 20 (see Figure 1).

The first and second parts of' each strap 1 4, 1 6 are releasably connectable to one other.

Releasable connection may he achieved by means of a fastener 24. In general. the fastener may comprise a first member 26 secured to the first strap 1)art I 4a, I 6a and a mating second member 28 secured to the second strap part l4h, 16h. In one example.

the first fastener member 26 comprises a ftmale part and the second fastener member 28 comprises a resiliently del ormable male part. Ihis type of' fastener is well known in the art and will not he described in further detail, since it is not material to the invention. It will be appreciated that any suitable fbrm of fastener may he used.

Either or both of' the first and second fastener members 26, 28 may he secured to the respective first and second strap parts 14a, 14b I 6a, 1 6b in an adjustable manner so as to he positionable at different points along the length of the respective first and second strap parts. Thus, the effective length of each strap 14 may be lengthened or shortened.

Such lengthening or shortening of the straps 14, I 6 allows different quantities, sizes or shapes of contents to be retained within the compartment 12.

It is known for the straps 14, 1 6 to comprise parachute webbing, which is used for its strength and flexibility and because it enables easy adjustment of the positioning of the thstener members 26, 28.

In use, the lirst and Second parts I 4a, I 4h I 6a, I ôb of each strap are disconnected and contents are arranged within the compartnient 12. The first and second parts 14a, I 4b; 1 6a, I 6b of each strap 14, 1 6 arc then brought together and the lirst and second fistencr members 26, 28 are brought into mating engagement over the arranged contents. It at first the effective length of the or each strap 14, 16 is insufficient for the first and second fastener members 26, 28 to be connected, for example due to a bulky item being arranged beneath one or other (or both) of the straps, the effective length of the or each strap part 14a, !4h, 16a, 16h can be lengthened as necessary by adjusting the position of the first and/or second fastener members 26, 28 along the length of the respective first and second strap parts. I'he effective length of the straps 14, I 6 can subsequently be shortened by adjusting the position of the first and/or second fastener members 26, 28 as set out above. By shortening the efThctive length of the straps 14, 1 6, the straps bind around the contents, thus securing them in place.

Ihe adjustment of the position of the first and/or second fastener members 26, 28 along the length of the respective first and second strap parts will depend upon the type of fastener used. As an example, the first fastener member 26 is secured to the free end of the second strap part 14b, I 6b in a non-moveable manner, and the second fastener member 28 is secured to the first strap part I 4a, I 6a by looping the free end of the first strap part through first and second slots (not shown) in the second fastener member 28 in a manner that is well known in the art. The second fastener member is thus secured to the first strap part 14a, 16a by frictional engagement. l'he position of the second flistener member 28 can be adjusted by passing more of the free end of the first strap part 1 4a, I ba through the slots to shorten the effective length of the first strap part or by passing the free end in the opposite direction to lengthen the effective length of the first strap part. Alternatively, the first listener 26 member may he secured to the second strap parts I 4b, I 6b in the manner discussed above lhr the second fastener member 28.

A problem with this prior art arrangement is that the contents are only retained immediately beneath each strap 14, 16. Whereas this is sufficient, for example, for larger items that are overlaid by one or both of the straps 14, 1 6, any contents that are not overlaid by a strap 14, 16 would not he retained in the compartment 1 2 unless overlaid by such a retained item. Accordingly, in order 10 ensure that all contents are retained within the compartment 12, a user must ensure that all items are overlaid by a strap I 4, 1 6 or by a larger item that is itsel I' overlaid by a strap 14, 1 6. Not only does this require careful planning, hut also smaller items may he less accessible than desirable, since these may have to be buried beneath larger items.

Another problem with this known arrangement is that when the two parts of the straps 1 4, 16 are disconnected from one another and a user is arranging the contents within the compartment 1 2, due to the length and flexibility of the tirst and second strap parts 1 4a, 14b; 16a, 16b, the user must he careful to ensure that these do not become entangled 1 5 with the contents.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a contents-retaining arrangement in a compartment, the arrangement comprising: a first strap and a second strap. each strap comprising a first part secured at a first side of the compartment and a second part secured at a second side of the compartment opposite the first side. the first and second parts being relcaseably connectable to one another and a web extending between the first part of the first strap and the first part of the second strap or between the second part of the first strap and the second part of the second strap.

This arrangement overcomes the above-mentioned problems associated with the prior art, because the web extending between the first part of the first strap and the first part of' the second strap or between the second part of the first strap and the second part of the second strap will overlie any contents within the compartment between the respective first strap parts of the or the second strap parts. Thus, smaller items may be retained beneath the web and not necessarily beneath either of the straps. Moreover, in order to ensure that the straps do not become entangled with the contents during their arrangement, the provision of the web makes it easier fur a user to move and retain the straps out of the way, for example by folding the web in a single, one-handed movement over a respective first or second side wall of the compartment.

Preferably, the arrangement further comprises another web extending between the other olthe!irst part of the first strap and the first part of the Second strap or the second part of the first strap and the second part of the second strap. An advantage of this arrangement is that it ensures that the whole of the area extending between the two straps is overlaid by a web. Also, it ensures that both the first and the second strap parts can easily he mOVed out oNhe compartment to avoid the above-mentioned entanglement problem.

Preferably, the or each web, when laid flat, extends between the first and second sides of the compartment. This has the advantage that the web can be laid flat across the bottom of the compartment without creasing or rumpling when the straps are not in use and, when the straps are in use, can provide a maximum amount of covering between the two straps.

Preferably, the or each web comprises a pocket. Thus, additional storage can be provided within the or each web.

Preferably, the pocket is zipped.

Preferably, the or each web includes a gusset. This increases the amount of storage in the pocket.

Preferably, the straps each comprise parachute webbing.

Preferably, the first and second strap parts are releaseably connectable to one another by means of a fastener, the fastener comprising a first member secured to the first strap part and a mating second member secured to the second strap part.

Preferably, either or both of the first and second fastener members are adjustably secured to the respective first and second strap parts SO as to be positionable at different points along the length of the respective first and second strap parts.

In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention, the or each web includes tunnels through which the first or Second strap parts respectively pass. Preferably, the tunnels are tapered from a relatively wide portion near the first or second side of the compartment respectively and a relatively narrow portion near the releasable connection between the first and second strap parts.

In accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the first and/or the second strap parts is integral with the or each web. 1 0

Preferably, the compartment is that of a case or a bag.

These and other aspects of the present invention will now he described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a prior art case including a two-strap contents-retaining arrangement; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of another prior art two-strap contents-retaining arrangement; Figure 3 corresponds to Figure 1. but illustrates a contents-retaining arrangement of the invention, including webs extending between the straps; and Figure 4 is a detailed view of the straps and webs of Figure 3.

In the description which follows, reference is made in particular to the invention as applied to a case. however, it will be appreciated that the invention applies equally to any number of articles including a compartment in which it is desired to retain contents.

The prior art contents-retaining arrangements illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 have been described in the introductory portion of this description. Like parts of the present invention, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, are given the same reièrence numerals.

With reference to Figures 3 and 4, a first web 30a extends between the first part 14a of the lirst strap 14 and the first part lôa of the second strap 16. A second web 30h extends between the second part 14b of the first strap 14 and the second part 1 6b of the second strap 16. In the illustrated embodiment, it will be seen that the first and Second strap parts I 4a, 1 4h; I 6a, I ôh are connected to one another approximately half way between the first side wall 20 and the second side wall 22 of the case 10. Accordingly, the webs 30a and 30h each extend from the respective first and second sides of the compartment 12 to substantially meet at a central portion of the compartment. 1 0

It will be appreciated, however, that the first strap parts I 4a, I Oa may he significantly longer than the second strap parts 14b, 16b and vice versa, such that the connection between the first and second strap parts may be located much closer to one or other of the side walls 20, 22 of the compartment. In such a configuration, it may not be 1 5 necessary fir the shorter of the strap parts to have a web extending between them, since the web extending between the longer of the strap parts would overlie substantially all of the base 18 ot the compartment 12 between the straps 14 and 16.

In the description which follows, the first web. 0a will be described in greater detail. It will be appreciated that that description applies equally to the second web 30k if the ref èrences to the first strap parts I 4a, I 6a are replaced by references to the second strap parts 14h, lob.

The web 30a extends between the first part 14a of the first strap arid the first part 16a of the second strap and from where the first strap parts I 4a, I 6a are secured to the first side of the compartment to a point near the fasteners 24. The web includes a first tunnel 32 through which the first part I 4a of the first strap passes and a second tunnel 34 through which the first part I 6a of the second strap passes. The tunnels 32, 34 may he formed by stitching an envelope of material comprising the web 30a. The tunnels 32, 34 are each tapered from a relatively wide portion near the first side of the compartment 1 2 to a relatively narrow portion near the fasteners 24. At their narrowest portions, the tunnels 32, 34 are slightly wider than the straps passing therethrough. For example, the strap parts 1 4a, 1 6a could be 20mm width, with the narrowest portions of the tunnels 32, 34 being 25mm width.

In an alternative configuration, each of the first part 14a of the first strap and the first part I 6a ol the second strap may be secured to the first web 30a at a point remote from (he first side of the compartment 12. In this arrangement, the portion of web 30a extending between the first side wall 20 of the compartment 12 and the points of securement of the first parts I 4a, I 6a of the first and second straps effectively comprises an integral portion of the first parts I 4a, I 6a of the first and second straps. 1 0

The web 30a includes a pocket 36 that has an opening 38 that is openable and closeahie by means of a lip fistener 40. The first web 30a is provided with a gusset 42 that increases the storage capacity of the pocket 36. It will be appreciated that it is not necessary for the web 30a to include such a pocket. However, the provision of a pocket 1 5 provides additional, versatile storage. Also, the pocket need not be zipped. Any other suitable means of opening and closing the opening 38 may instead be provided, as would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.

The first web 30a. when laid flat along the bottom 1 8 of the compartment 1 2. extends between the first side wall 20, where the web is secured to the compartment 12 to the second side wall 22. opposite the first side. Accordingly, the web 30a has the largest possible dimensions, yet without the risk of' its becoming rumpled or creased when the straps 14. 1 6. and the web 30a are not in use, since the web 30a can be laid flat on the base 18 of' the compartment 12.

In use, a user first disconnects the first and second parts 14a, I 4b; 1 6a, I 6h of the first and second straps 14, 16 (if not already disconnected), by disconnecting the first and second parts 26, 28 of the fasteners 24. The user can then lift the first web 30a from the base 18 of the compartment 12 to a position where the first web 30a is adjacent the first side wall 20 of the compartment 12, with a portion of' the first web 30a together with the first strap parts I 4a, I 6a and the second members 28 of' the thsteners 24 overhanging the first side wall 20 and lying in a position exterior of the compartment 12.

Similarly, the user can lift the second web 30h to a position adjacent the second side wall 22 of' the compartment 12, with a portion of the second web 30h together with the second parts I 4h, I 6h of the straps and the first parts 26 of the fasteners 24 overhanging the second side wall 22 and lying in a position exterior ol the compartment 12. This will normally take place with the base 1 8 of' the compartment 12 in a horizontal position.

In this position, with an appropriate weight distribution, the portions of the webs 30a, 30b overhanging the first and second side walls 20, 22 of the compartment 12 will, by virtue of' gravity acting on the parts lying exterior of the compartment and by friction between the webs 30a, 30b and the edges of' the side walls 20, 22, retain the webs 30a, 30b in that position. Since the web 30a is secured to each of the first strap parts 14a, 1 6a, and since the web 30b is secured to each of the second strap parts I 4b, I 6b, the above-mentioned removal of those parts out of the compartment 12 can be achieved quickly and easily. For example, in a single, one-handed movement, a user can lifi the 1 5 web 30a or the eb 301) and place ii in the above-mentioned position. This arrangement reduces the risk of' the strap parts (1 4a, I 4b; 1 6a, 1 6b) becoming entangled in contents during their arrangement in the compartment 1 2, as discussed in the introductory portion of the (lescription.

l'he user may then fill the compartment 12 with contents. Once the contents have been arranged, the first and second webs 30a, 30b are brought to a position overlying the contents and the first and second members 26, 28 of the fasteners 24 arc brought together into mating engagement to connect the first part I 4a of the first strap to the second part I 4b of the first strap and to connect the first part I 6a of the second strap with the second part I ob of the second strap. Should the effective length of the or each strap 14, I 6 be insufficient for the first and second fastener members 26, 28 to he matingly engaged, the effective length of' the or each strap part 14a, 14b, 16a, 16h can be lengthened as necessary by adjusting the position of' the first and/or second fastener members 26, 28 along the length of the respective first and second strap parts.

Once connected, the effective length of the straps 14, 16 may be shortened, by adjusting the position of the first and second fhslener members 26, 28 along the respective first and second strap parts. As with the prior art, this effective shortening of the length of the straps 14, 16 exerts a binding force on the contents beneath the straps. In addition, by virtue of the webs 30a, 30b extending between the straps 14, 16 a binding force is also exerted on the contents underlying those webs. Thus, a user does not have to ensure that every item is arranged with at least a portion underlying a strap 14, 1 6. Instead, it is sufficient that the items be arranged such that at least a portion of each item underlies one or other (or both) of the webs 30a, 30h.

I'he present invention has been described above purely by way of example. It should be noted that modifications in detail may be made within the scope of the invention. For 1 0 example, the straps 14, 1 6 need not be secured to the compartment at an intersection between the base 18 and the respective side walls 20, 22. Instead, the straps 14, 16 may he secured directly to OflC or other of the base 18 and the respective side walls 20, 22.

Claims

CLAIMS

I. A contents-retaining arrangement in a compartment, the arrangement comprising: a first strap and a second strap, each strap comprising a first part secured at a first side of the compartment and a second part secured at a second side of the compartment opposite the first side, the first and second parts being releaseably connectable to one another and a web extending between the first part of the first strap and the first part of the second strap or between the second part o! the lirst strap and the second part of the second strap.

2. l'he contents-retaining arrangement of claim 1, further comprising another web extending between the other of the first part of the first strap and the first part of the second strap or the second part of the first strap and the second part of the second strap.

3. Ihe contents-retaining arrangement of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the or each web, when laid flat, extends between the first and the second sides of the compartment.

4. The contents-retaining arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the or each web comprises a pocket.

5. l'he contents-retaining arrangement of claim 4, wherein the pocket is zipped.

6. l'he contents-retaining arrangement of' claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the or each web includes a gusset.

7. The contents-retaining arrangerneni of any preceding claim, wherein the straps each comprise parachute webbing.

8. The contents-retaining arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second strap parts are releaseably connectable to one another by means of a lstener, the fastener comprising a first member secured to the first strap part and a mating second member secured to the second strap part.

9. The contents-retaining arrangement of claim 8, wherein either or both of the first and second fastener members are adjuslably secured to the respective first and second strap parts SO as to he positionable at different points along the length of the respcctive S first and second strap parts.

10. l'he contents-retaining arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the or each web includes tunnels through which the first or second strap parts respectively pass.

11. l'he contents-retaining arrangement ol claim 10, wherein the tunnels are tapered from a relatively wide portion near the first or second side of' the compartment respectively to a relatively narrow portion near the releasable connection between the first and second strap parts.

1.5 12. Ihe contents-retaining arrangement of any of claims I to 9. herein at least a portion of the first and/or the second strap parts is integral with the or each web.

13. lhe contents-retaining arrangement of any preceding claim. wherein the compartment is that of' a case or a bag.