GB2485611A

GB2485611A - A suitcase having corner protectors

Info

Publication number: GB2485611A
Application number: GB1019752.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sedat Selvi
Original assignee: Landor and Hawa International Ltd
Current assignee: Landor and Hawa International Ltd
Priority date: 2010-11-22
Filing date: 2010-11-22
Publication date: 2012-05-23
Also published as: WO2012069797A1; GB201019752D0

Abstract

A suitcase comprises a front panel 20, a rea panel (30, fig.2), side panels 41, a bottom panel and a top panel 43. On the corners between the panels there are protectors 50. The corner protectors 50 extend outwardly from a plane of the major side panel 20 by an amount that is greater than an amount that the major side panel can flex out from its plane when the suitcase is loaded. The panels are preferably made from a flexible material such as a foamed or moulded plastic. The protectors 50 are preferably made from plastic and/or rubber. A handle 47 may be provided. The handle 47 preferably fits into recess 45 and is also protected by corner protectors 50. The suitcase is protected from wear and tear by the protectors 50.

Description

A Suitcase and Method of Manufacture Thereof The present invention relates to a suitcase and method of manufacture thereof, specifically, but not exclusively wherein all aspects of the suitcase are protected from wear and tear.

Luggage is 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 made of wood or other heavy materials. These would have hinges and locks and would be shipped by professional movers. In more recent times, smaller and more lightweight suitcases and bags that can be carried by an individual have become the main form of luggage.

A suitcase is a general item that might be a wheeled or non-wheeled luggage, as well as soft or hard sided luggage. A suitcase is often a somewhat flat, generally rectangular-shaped with rounded/square corners, and are made from materials that more or less keep their intended shape. In modern times, the main body of a suitcase is usually formed from a number of panels, or at a minimum, two moulded clam-like shells with a zip fastener along the peripheral edge of one panel, or across a number of panels to form an opening. Many modern suitcases have built-in set or sets of wheels enabling them to be pulled along on hard flat surfaces by a fixed or extendable handle or by a retractable or stowable leash. Wherein the towing handle structure is moveable between an extended user case towing position and a retracted stowage position.

It is a convenient and a conventional manner in for example commercial usage to define a hard case as being hard in the sense that the walls, top and bottom thereof cannot be readily pierced by a blade or needle whilst a soft' case can be regarded as one that could be readily pierced. In practice these distinctions can be regarded as being based upon user experiences arising from attempts to gain unauthorised access to the content of a case.

Conventionally known hard' and soft' cases incorporate a metal or plastics framework extending around the internal perimeter of the case in such position as to provide structural strength to the walls of the case sufficient to ensure that the case retains its required shape during any carrying or other handling of the case.

Such frameworks can involve internal tongue and groove arrangements. In practice, in addition to such a framework, the known cases not infrequently incorporate additional reinforcements at the top, base and corner sections. Such reinforcements can be formed from plywood, or P. E. Board As is also well known, most suitcases comprises a base load container section and some form of lid section. In practice the base section is normally considerably deeper than the lid section, but this does not necessarily need to be so.

In practice, the production of the base sections for side panel case constructions from hard' material involves a moulding operation which in relation to the overall dimensions of the conventional case, particularly those intended for air travel usage involves relatively deep mouldings to produce a four walled tray like formation. The production of such deep mouldings can involved manufacturing problems relating to the actuaL moulding processes and also the costs in the production of appropriate moulding apparatus.

Suitcases are generally displayed for sale in a show room, or stored at home, standing on at least the one set of wheels or one bottom panel with the handle or trolley handle located at the top. Suitcases come in a variety of sizes, the smallest being known as a "trolley bag".

Bearing in mind the extent of travel by air and the tact that airlines impose limits upon the weight of luggage that a passenger may carry before incurring overweight surcharging it is highly desirable that the empty weight of a case should be as low as possible whilst maintaining adequate strength of construction of a case. As such, some modern day suitcases have rigid panels that flex when placed under load, such as when filled with belongings, for

example.

However, traveller's luggage is generally quite badly treated, with items being thrown onto conveyer belts and stacked in great piles to be transported onto the hold of the plane. This mistreatment causes the luggage to wear quite easily and causes the traveller problems when the sides split, or holes appear and their items are lost or damaged. Some airlines provide cellophane or plastic wrapping facilities, where suitcases and bags can be wrapped in a thin layer of plastic in order to improve their resistance to wear and teal on the corners and/or main panels of the case.

In general, and with regards to suitcases, in particular due to their panel-based construction, there tends to be a lot of wear and tear to the main body panels of the suitcase when treated as described above and if not stowed correctly, a lot of damage can occur to the trolley handle of the case which can break or even snap off.

The present invention therefore seeks to provide a suitcase and method of manufacture thereof, which overcomes, or at least reduces some of the above-

mentioned problems of the prior art.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suitcase comprising a first, tray-like portion for receiving a load and a second, lid portion attached to the first tray like portion and wherein the first tray-like portion and second lid portions are hingedly connected together and arranged to open and close the suitcase, wherein at least the first tray-like portion comprises a major side panel and minor side panels, arranged in a tray-like configuration defining corner regions between the major side panel and two adjacent minor side panels; and a protector located at or adjacent to each of the corner regions of the first tray-like portion and wherein each protector extends outwardly from a plane of the major side panel by an amount that is greater than an amount that the major side panel can flex out from its plane when the suitcase is, in use, loaded.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacture of a suitcase, the method comprising: forming a first; tray-like portion for receiving a load; forming a second, lid portion; attaching the first, tray-like portion to the second lid portion in a hingedly connected manner and arranged to open and close the suitcase; wherein at least the first tray-like portion is formed from a major side panel and minor side panels, arranged in a tray-like configuration defining corner regions between the major side panel and two adjacent side panels; and locating an protector at or adjacent to each of the corner regions of the first tray-like portion whereby each protector is arranged to extend outwardly from a plane of the major side panel by an amount that is greater than the amount that the major side panel can flex out from its plane when the suitcase is, in use, Loaded.

The following preferable features are in accordance with both the first and second aspects.

Preferably, wherein the second, lid portion is also a tray-like portion having a main side panel and minor side panels, arranged in a tray-like configuration defining corner regions between the major side panel and two adjacent minor side panels.

Also preferably, wherein the second portion is a generally flat portion having a main side panel, which, when closed with the first tray-like portion defines corner regions between the main side panel and two adjacent side panels of the first tray-like portion.

Preferably, wherein the protector also extends outwardly from a plane of the two minor side panels by an amount that is greater than an amount that the two minor side panels can flex out from their planes when the suitcase is, in use loaded.

Further preferably, wherein each of the corner regions is provided with a protector.

Preferably, wherein either the first tray-like portion or the lid portion further comprises a centrally located protector.

Preferably, wherein at least one of the first tray-like portion or the lid portion is concave.

Preferably, wherein the protectors are made of plastic and/or rubber.

Preferably, wherein the protectors are attached by glue, heat sealing, screws, and/or rivets.

Preferably, wherein at least one of the first tray-like portion or the lid portion is constructed from a flexible material.

Also preferably, wherein at least one of the first tray-like portion or the lid portion is constructed of a foamed or moulded plastics material. Further preferably, wherein the foamed plastic material is EVA.

Preferably, further comprising a handle arrangement, wherein when not in use, the handle arrangement extends out from the suitcase by an amount less than the amount than the panel protectors extend outwardly from the suitcase.

Further preferably, wherein the handle arrangement is a trolley handle arrangement.

Two embodiments of the invention will now be more fully described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the front view of a suitcase of one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is I is a schematic diagram showing the rear view of the suitcase of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a is a schematic diagram showing the side view of the suitcase of Figure 1 when laid on the ground on its front panel; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the side view of the suitcase of Figure 1 when resting on its wheels; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the front of the suitcase of Figure 1 when resting on the ground on a side panel; Figure 6 is a is a schematic diagram showing the front view of a suitcase of a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the rear view of the suitcase of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the suitcase of Figure 6 when resting on a surface on its front; Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the suitcase of Figure 6 when resting on a surface on its rear; and Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the suitcase of Figure 6 when resting on a surface on its one of its sides.

In a brief ovendew of one embodin-ient of the present invention, there is shown in Figure 1 a suitcase 10 which comprises a front panel 20 and a side panel 41 and a top panel 43. On all of the corners between panels 20, 41, 43 there are panel protectors 50. The suitcase 10 also comprises a trolley handle which comprises two uprights 46 and a cross piece 47. The cross piece 47 of the trolley handle fits inside an indentation 45 in the upper panel 43.

The panels 20, 41, 43 of the suitcase 10 may be made from any material traditionally used to make hard and soft style cases; that is they may be made from moulded plastic, or a foamed plastics material such as EVA, or from fabric and board layers, for example. However the main panels 20, 41, 43 of the suitcase 10 need to be flexible, but rigid enough not to give too much when loaded, such that the panels 20, 41, 43 do not expand past the edge of the panel protectors 50 (as described further below).

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the rear view of the suitcase 10 of Figure 1, wherein the suitcase 10 comprises a rear panel 30 and a side panel 41 and a top panel 43. On all of the corners between panels 30, 41, 43 there are panel protectors 50. The suitcase 10 also comprises a trolley handle which comprises two uprights 46 and a cross piece 47. The cross piece 47 of the trolley handle fits inside an indentation 45 located in the upper panel 43 and rear panel 30.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the side view of the suitcase of Figure 1 when laid on the ground on its front panel. The suitcase 10 is shown and there can be seen the side panel 41 and the panel protectors 50. The trolley handle arrangement (46, 47) is also shown. As can be seen in Figure 3, when the suitcase 10 is resting on its front, as it would be when stacked ready to board the hold of a plane or when laid on the conveyer belt in an airport, the panel protectors 50 stop the front panel (20) from hitting the ground. This is specifically the situation when the suitcase 10 is filled with items and as such, the front panel 20 is flexed out under this load.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the side view of the suitcase of Figure I when resting on its base. The suitcase 10 is shown and there can be seen the side panel 41 and the panel protectors 50. The trolley handle (46, 47) is also shown. The suitcase 10 also comprises upper 43, base 44, front 20 and rear 30 panels (not shown here, but shown with reference to Figures 1 and 2). Any wheels (not shown) that the suitcase 10 would have are also protected by the panel protectors 50, as shall be described in further detail with reference to the second embodiment of the invention, in particular with reference to Figures 6 to following. As can be seen in Figure 4, the bottom panel (30) is protected from hitting the ground by the panel protectors 50.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the front of the suitcase of Figure 1 when resting on the ground on a side panel. The suitcase 10 is shown and there can be seen the front panel 20 and four panel protectors 50 located at the corner regions of the front panel 20. The trolley handle arrangement (46, 47) is also shown. Any wheels (not shown) that the suitcase 10 would have are also protected by the panel protectors 50, as shall be described in further detail with reference to the second embodiment of the invention, in particular with reference to Figures 6 to 10 following. As can be seen in Figure 5, the side panels are protected from hitting the ground when the suitcase 10 is placed on either of its sides. This is specifically the situation when the suitcase 10 is filled with items and as such, the side panel 41 is flexed out under load.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the front view of a suitcase of a second embodiment of the present invention. There is shown a suitcase 100 which comprises two moulded clam-like shell portions 102 and 101. The shell portions 102, 101 may be formed in any way as known in the art and may have an opening around their peripheral edge, which is closed by use of a zip fastener or another means. A reinforcement protector strip 103 runs around the periphery of the suitcase 100 and protects the fastening arrangement and in some embodiments may add strength to this area of the suitcase 100.

The suitcase 100 also comprises a trolley handle which comprises two uprights 146 and a cross piece 147. Inset into the cross piece 147 is a button 149 which is used to unlock and lock the cross piece 149 into place. Such a locking mechanism is known in the art.

Panel protectors 150 are shown on each of eight "corner regions". It should be clear to some skilled in the art that clam-shell like suitcases do not necessarily have "corners" as such and as known in the more box-like structures, but that the panel protectors 150 would be located at, or towards, the extremities of each of the main panels of the two shell like portions 102, 101. As can be seen in Figure 8, each panel protector 150 is formed such that, in conjunction with other panel protectors, it protects all three adjacent panels. Other formations of panel protector 150 could be envisaged that protected only two out of three of the adjacent panels.

The main panels of the suitcase 100 are curved inwards slightly, as will become apparent in Figures 7 onwards, this helps to keep the main body of each panel away from the surface upon which they are resting. This is specifically the situation when the suitcase 100 is filled with items and as such, the front panel of the first clam-like shell portion 102 is flexed out under load.

Also shown is a top carry handle 151 and a side carry handle 104 and wheels 160.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the rear view of the suitcase of Figure 6. There is shown a suitcase 100 which comprises two moulded clam-like shell portions 102 and 101. As described above, the shell portions 102, 101 may be formed in any way as known in the art and may have an opening around their peripheral edge which is closed by use of a zip fastener or another means. A reinforcement protector strip 103 runs around the periphery of the suitcase 100 and protects the fastening arrangement.

The suitcase 100 also comprises a trolley handle which comprises two uprights 146 and a cross piece 147. Inset into the cross piece 147 is a button 149 which is used to unlock and lock the cross piece 149 into place. As can be seen in Figure 7, the trolley handle arrangement is inset into a recess 145 in the rear of the suitcase 100. The recess 145 being located in the rear body shell portion 101 and in some embodiments, such as with soft suitcase, would be edged by a edging protector strip 161.

Panel protectors 150 are shown on each of eight "corner regions' of each of the main panels of the two shell-like portions 102, 101. A further impact protector 156 is shown in the centre of the rear shell like portion 101. This impact protector 156 also helps to keep the majority of the main body panel of the rear shell portion 101 off the floor when it is resting on a surface. This is specifically the situation when the suitcase 100 is filled with items and as such, the main panel of the second clam-like shell portion 101 is flexed out under this load.

As can be seen in Figure 7, each panel protector 150 is formed such that, in conjunction with other panel protectors, it protects all three adjacent panels.

Other formations of panel protector 150 could be envisaged that protected only two out of three of the adjacent panels. Also shown is a top carry handle 151 and a rear set of wheels 160, all of which would be attached to the suitcase using methods already known in the art.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the suitcase of Figure 6 when resting on a surface on its front. There is shown the suitcase 100 which comprises the two moulded clam-like shell portions 102 and 101 and as can be seen, the reinforcement protector strip 103 runs around the periphery of the suitcase 100 and protects the fastening arrangement used.

The cross piece 147 of the trolley handle arrangement can be seen. The corner-region panel protectors 150 can also be clearly seen on each of the eight "corner regions" of each of the main panels of the two shell like portions 102, 101. The further impact protector 156 is shown in the centre of the rear shell like portion 101.

Also shown is the side handle 104 and as well as two of the wheels 160. In Figure 8, it can clearly be seen that the panel protectors 150 protrude far enough to keep the entirety of the main panel of the front shell like portion 102 off the surface on which it is lying. The main panel of the front shell like portion 102 is also slightly concave, which also helps to keep the main panel of the rear shell like portion 102 off the surface on which it is lying. This is even when under load, for example when filled with clothing and/or personal belongings.

In this embodiment, as the panels are concave, a slightly Less rigid, more flexible material can be used, as the distance the panels are able to flex is greater with the same size of panel protector. The key to the present invention is that the corner protectors need to protrude further out than the amount each of the panels of the suitcase flex out when under the greatest "designed for" load.

As such, the corner protectors are large enough to keep the panels of a surface when resting on one of its sides and when fulL of items.

It can also clearly be seen in Figure 8 that the construction of the panel protectors 150 is such that the wheels 160 are also protected from impact onto this surface. Furthermore, each panel protector 150 is formed such that, in conjunction with other panel protectors, it protects all three adjacent panels.

Other formations of panel protector 150 could be envisaged that protected only two out of three of the adjacent panels.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the suitcase of Figure 6 when resting on a surface on its rear. There is shown the suitcase 100 which comprises the two moulded clam-like shell portions 102 and 101 and as can be seen, the reinforcement protector strip 103 runs around the periphery of the suitcase 100 and protects the fastening arrangement used.

The cross piece 147 of the trolley handle arrangement can be seen. The corner-region panel protectors 150 can also be clearly seen on each of the eight "corner regions" of each of the main panels of the two shell like portions 102, liii.

Also shown is the side handle 104 and as well as two of the wheels 160. In Figure 9, it can clearly be seen that the corner protectors 150 protrude far enough to keep the entirety of the main panel of the rear shell like portion 101 away from the surface on which it is lying. The further impact protector l56 is shown located in the centre of the rear shell like portion 101 and this further impact protector 156 also helps to keep the main rear panel off the ground, particularly when it is flexed out under a full load (when it is full of clothing and/or belongings, for example).

It can also clearly be seen in Figure 9 that the construction of the panel protectors 150 is such that the wheels 160 are protected from impact onto this surface. Furthermore, each panel protector 150 is formed such that, in conjunction with other panel protectors, it protects all three adjacent panels.

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the suitcase of Figure 6 when resting on a surface on its one of its sides. There is shown the main panel of the front shell-like portion 102. The cross piece 147 of the trolley handle arrangement can also be seen. The corner-region panel protectors 150 can also be clearly seen on each of the eight "corner regions" of each of the main panel of the front shell like portion 102.

Also shown is the two of the front wheels 160. in Figure 10, it can clearly be seen that the corner protectors 150 protrude far enough to keep the entirety of the main panel of the rear shell like portion 101 off the surface on which it is lying, even when flexed outward under maximum load (when it is full of clothing andlor belongings, for example).

It can also clearly be seen in Figure 10 that the construction of the panel protectors 150 is such that the wheels 160 are protected from impact onto this -12 -surface. Furthermore, each panel protector 150 is formed such that, in conjunction with other panel protectors, it protects all three adjacent panels.

It should be noted that the present invention may be applied to soft and hard suitcases, as well as to two and four wheel designs. For both hard and soft suitcase versions sufficiently rigid, but flexible panels are required such that; when loaded, the panels don't meet the floor when the suitcase is lying on a side other than on its wheels or supporting feet.

Although in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5 and 6 to 10, the trolley handle is shown slightly raised up, it is intended then when in its stowed position, the trolley handle arrangement would also be protected from damage when being loaded onto a plane for example, by the impact protectors. As can clearly be seen in figures 6 to 9, the panel protectors also protect the carrying handle(s) from wear and tear As such it should be clear to someone skilled in the art that the panel protectors and their deep profile are protecting the panels of the suitcase when it is laid or thrown onto one of its sides, not just when standing in a normal "sales room' situation, on its feet for example. The combination of the deep profile of the panel protectors and the sufficiently flexible but rigid material used to form the panels also helps to protect these panels when under full or maximum load.

As explained above, the panel protectors are there to protect the main panels of the case, not just the corners of the suitcase from wear and tear, unlike prior art where corners only were being protected. Cases not treated in the same way anymore, as a lot more suitcase are being used on air travel only, with back packs and soft cases being used for short weekend train to car travel. It should be clear that suitcase are not just used as they are when stood up on their feet and that, in particular, the larger main panels need protecting, even when flexed out under toad.

The present invention allows that when the suitcase is placed in any way onto a flat surface the main body panels will not touch that surface making it difficult to damage these main surfaces. This would not be achieved on all surfaces by those arts cited; as they have front panels which protrude further out than the -13 -corners, particularly when under load, or are made of materials which are too rigid and as such, too heavy? for example metal cases for Audio Visual equipment.

It will be appreciated that although only one particular embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, various modifications and improvements can be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

-14 -Claims 1. A suitcase comprising: a first, tray-like portion for receiving a load and a second, lid portion attached to the first tray like portion and wherein the first tray-like portion and second lid portions are hirigedly connected together and arranged to open and close the suitcase, wherein at least the first tray-like portion comprises a major side panel and minor side panels, arranged in a tray-like configuration defining corner regions between the major side panel and two adjacent minor side panels; and a protector Located at or adjacent to each of the corner regions of the first tray-like portion and wherein each protector extends outwardly from a plane of the major side panel by an amount that is greater than an amount that the major side panel can flex out from its plane when the suitcase is, in use, loaded.
2. A method of manufacture of a suitcase, the method comprising: forming a first, tray-like portion for receiving a load; forming a second, lid portion; attaching the first, tray-like portion to the second Lid portion in a hingedLy connected manner and arranged to open and close the suitcase; wherein at least the first tray-like portion is formed from a major side panel and minor side panels, arranged in a tray-like configuration defining corner regions between the major side panel and two adjacent side panels; and locating an protector at or adjacent to each of the corner regions of the first tray-like portion whereby each protector is arranged to extend outwardly from a plane of the major side panel by an amount that is greater than the amount that the major side panel can flex out from its plane when the suitcase is, in use, loaded.
3. A suitcase according to claim 1 or a method of manufacture of a suitcase according to claim 2, wherein the second, lid portion is also a tray-like portion having a main side panel and minor side panels, arranged in a tray-like configuration defining corner regions between the major side panel and two adjacent minor side panels.
4. A suitcase according to claim 1, or a method of manufacture of a suitcase according to claim 2, wherein the second portion is a generally flat portion having a main side panel, which, when closed with the first tray-like portion defines corner regions between the main side panel and two adjacent side panels of the first tray-like portion.
5. A suitcase, or a method according to any preceding claim, wherein the protector also extends outwardly from a plane of the two minor side panels by an amount that is greater than an amount that the two minor side panels can flex out from their planes when the suitcase is, in use, loaded.
6. A suitcase, or a method, according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the corner regions is provided with a protector.
7. A suitcase, or a method, according to any preceding claim, wherein either the first tray-like portion or the lid portion further comprises a centrally located protector.
8. A suitcase or a method according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first tray-like portion or the lid portion is concave.
9. A suitcase or a method according to any preceding claim, wherein the protectors are made of plastic and/or rubber.
10.A suitcase or a method according to any preceding claim, wherein the protectors are attached by glue, heat sealing, screws, and/or rivets.
11.A suitcase or a method according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first tray-like portion or the lid portion is constructed from a flexible material.

-16 -
12.A suitcase or a method according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first tray-like portion or the lid portion is constructed of a foamed or n-iou Ided plastics material.
13.A suitcase or a method according to claim 12, wherein the foamed plastic material is EVA.
14.A suitcase or a method according to any preceding claim, further comprising a handle arrangement, wherein when not in use, the handle arrangement extends out from the suitcase by an amount less than the amount than the panel protectors extend outwardly from the suitcase.
15.A suitcase ora method according to claim 14, wherein the handle arrangement is a trolley handle arrangement.
16A suitcase as substantially hereinbefore described, with specific reference to Figures 1 to 5.
17.A suitcase as substantially hereinbefore described, with specific reference to Figures 6 to 10.
18.A method of manufacture of a suitcase as substantially hereinbefore described.