GB2490957A

GB2490957A - Collapsible storage for a suitcase

Info

Publication number: GB2490957A
Application number: GB1108471.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Julie-Anne Dalton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-05-19
Filing date: 2011-05-19
Publication date: 2012-11-21
Also published as: GB201108471D0

Abstract

A suitcase 6 comprises apparatus for providing organised packing and display of items held in the suitcase 6. The device comprises a collapsible frame 8 and shelves 10 for receiving items 4. The device is moveable between and collapsed and an erect condition whilst remaining in the suitcase. Items 4 remain in the position on the shelves 10 when the frame is collapsed. The suitcase 6 is able to contain substantially the same quantity of items 4 when it contains the apparatus 2 as compared to when the suitcase 6 does not contain the apparatus. Items 4 may be displayed when the frame 8 is in the erect condition in the suitcase 6. The device may be integrally formed with a suitcase or may be constructed as an insert apparatus for an existing suitcase. The frame 8 may be telescopic or foldable.

Description

APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ORGANISED PACKING AND

DISPLAY OF ITEMS IN A SUITCASE

This invention relates to apparatus for packing of items in a suitcase, and more especially, this invention provides apparatus for providing organised packing and display of items in a suitcase.

When people are away from home on holidays or business, they pack the items that they need in a suitcase. The items will usually be clothes, washing items and body care items. Some people will insert the items into their suitcase in a fairly random order. Other people will insert the items into their suitcase in an organised manner. Irrespective of how the items are * inserted into the suitcase, it will invariably be awkward at sometime or other for the persons to ascertain exactly what is in the suitcase. This does not present a problem where the items are immediately removed from the suitcase at a destination and placed in a wardrobe. It does however present a problem for persons who are travelling and who do not wish to empty their suitcase at the place of destination. Examples of such people are those who are staying at hotels where wardrobe space is available, but who are only staying for a short period, often one day and are leaving early the next morning. Typical of such people are business people who travel a lot, pilots and cabin crew on aircraft. Examples of other people are those staying with friends for a few days and where adequate wardrobe space is often not available, at least for the entire contents of the suitcase.

It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or reduce the above mentioned problem.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for providing organised packing and display of items in a suitcase, which apparatus comprises a frame and shelves for receiving the items, and the apparatus being such that: (i) The frame is a collapsible frame which is movable between erect and collapsed conditions whilst remaining in the suitcase; (ii) in use the shelves hold the items when the frame is in the erect condition whereby the items on the shelves can easily be placed on the shelves, be seen on the shelves, and be removed from the shelves; (iii) in use the shelves hold the items when the frame is in the collapsed condition whereby the items are constrained in the suitcase; and (iv) the frame and the shelves are constructed to fit into the suitcase such that the apparatus does not occupy substantial storage space in the suitcase when the apparatus is in the collapsed condition and the shelves are provided with the items, whereby the suitcase is able to contain at least substantially the same quantity of items when it contains the apparatus as compared to when the suitcase does not contain the apparatus, and whereby the suitcase is able to display the items when the frame is in the erect condition in the suitcase to a significantly greater extent than compared to when the suitcase is not provided with the apparatus.

The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that it provides for the organised packing and display of items in the suitcase such for example as clothes, cosmetics and toiletries. Also advantageously, the apparatus is able to facilitate the easy packing of the items in the suitcase, and further the easy replacement of the items in the suitcase after they hay! been removed from their shelves for use and need to be returned. Still further, the shelves hold the items when the apparatus is in the collapsed condition, and this helps to prevent loose items such for example as bottles and jars moving around the inside of the suitcase and possibly becoming broken during transit.

The apparatus may be one which is constructed as insert apparatus for being inserted into an existing suitcase. ln this case, the apparatus of the present invention may be sold separately from a suitcase, for example for inserting into old or newly bought suitcases. Alternatively, the apparatus may be constructed as an integral part of a newly manufactured suitcase. In this case, the apparatus will be in the nature of original equipment manufacture.

The frame may be a telescopic frame. Alternatively, the frame may be a folding frame. The frame may collapse in other ways if desired so that, for example, the frame may comprise frame sections which fit together for the erect condition of the frame, and which separate for the collapsed condition of the frame.

The frame may include a base for filling in the bottom of the suitcase.

The base may be a flat base which fits along the inside periphery of the bottom of the suitcase. Other constructions for the base may be employed.

The base may be a rigid base. Alternatively, the base may be a foldable base. When the base is a foldable base, then the base may fold in half, for example longitudinally of the base.

The frame may be made in any suitable and appropriate materials.

Preferably the frame is made of a plastics material. Any suitable and appropriate plastics material may be employed including polyethylene and nylon. Wood or lightweight metals such for example as aluminium may alternatively be employed for the frame. The frame will usually be made of tubes for ensuring lightness of weight. If desired however the frame may be made of solid rods. Combinations of tubes and rods may be employed.

The apparatus may be one in which the shelves hang from the top frame. In this case, the shelves will normally not be attached to the base.

Alternatively, if desired the shelves may be attached to the base.

The apparatus may be one in which the shelves are foldable shelves.

The shelves may be made of a flexible waterproof material. In this case, the shelves are easily washed if a liquid product being carried in the suitcase should leak over the shelves. The flexible waterproof material may be a fabric which has been treated to be waterproof, or it may be a plastics material such for example as sheet nylon.

The shelves may be rigid shelves to stop sagging. The rigid shelves may have a rigid top surface, or they may have a rigid sheet insert, for example of board or a plastics material. Alternatively, the shelves may be made of fabric material which is supported by support members, for example two cross members, to stop the shelves sagging.

The shelves may be attached to the frame by fastener means comprising a matrix of members which push together for fastening and which pull apart for unfastening. Such fastener means is preferably Velcro (Registered Trade Mark).

The apparatus may include a handle for raising the frame from the collapsed condition to the erect condition and/or for lowering the frame from the erect condition to the collapsed condition. The handle may be formed as part of a frame component of the frame.

The apparatus may include shelf supporting means for supporting the shelves along their length. The shelf supporting means may be especially advantageous where the shelves are made of a flexible material such for example as a flexible waterproof material. The shelf supporting means will then help to prevent leading edges of the shelves from sagging under the weight of items that they are carrying.

The shelf supporting means may be a support member which extends vertically along the shelves and which is connected to leading edges of the shelves when the frame is in the erect condition. The support member may be a strip support member, for example made of the same flexible material as the shelves.

The apparatus will usually be one in which the shelves are provided one on top of another in the erect condition of the frame, whereby the shelves are in layers one above the other. Each layer of the shelves may comprise two sepatàte shelves. One, or more than two, separate shelves may alternatively form each layer if desired.

The present invention also extends to a suitcase when containing the apparatus of the present invention. The suitcase may contain the apparatus with the apparatus being loose in the nature of a removable insert.

Alternatively, the suitcase may contain the apparatus in the form of a separately formed insert which has been secured into the suitcase so that the apparatus forms an integral part of the suitcase. Still further, the suitcase may be one in which the apparatus has been formed, for example moulded, as an integral part of the suitcase. Various production methods may be employed for producing new suitcases with the apparatus of the invention.

The apparatus of the present invention may be formed in small, medium and large versions to fit into small, medium and large suitcases.

Irrespective of the size of the suitcase, the apparatus of the present invention will generally be constructed such that the frame in the erect condition extends out of and fully occupies the base part of the suitcase so that space is not wasted. If desired, the frame can be arranged to move from the collapsed condition to the erect condition such that the frame actually extends beyond the confines of the base of the suitcase to provide increased storage space on the shelves.

Apart from the provision of the apparatus of the present invention, the suitcase may be of any known and appropriate construction.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows apparatus for providing organised packing and display of items in the suitcase, with the apparatus having a frame in an erect condition and items on shelves supported by the frame; Figure 2 is a view like Figure 1 but without the items on the shelves; and Figure 3 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 but in a collapsed condition in the suitcase.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown apparatus 2 for providing organised packing and display of items for a suitcase 6. The apparatus 2 comprises a frame 8 and shelves 10 for receiving the items 4.

The apparatus 2 is such that the frame 8 is a collapsible frame 8 which is movable between erect and collapsed conditions whilst remaining in the suitcase. Figures 1 and 2 show the frame 8 in the erect condition. Figure 3 shows the frame 8 in the collapsed condition.

As can best be appreciated from Figure 1, the apparatus 2 is such that in use the shelves 10 hold the items 4 when the frame 8 is in the erect condition. The items 4 on the shelves 10 can then easily be placed on the shelves 10, be seen on the shelves 10, and be removed from the shelves 10.

Items 4 can be removed from the shelves 10 for use, and they can then be replaced on the shelves 10 after use.

As can best be appreciated from Figure 3, the apparatus 2 is such that in use the shelves 10 hold the items 4 when the frame 8 is in the collapsed condition whereby the items 4 are constrained in the suitcase 6. This is advantageous in that the items 4 are more securely held than they would otherwise be and this helps to prevent heavy items such for example as bottles and jars moving around in the suitcase and possibly becoming broken during transit.

The frame 8 and the shelves 10 are constructed to fit into the suitcase 6 such that the apparatus 2 does not occupy substantial storage space in the suitcase 6 when the apparatus 2 is in the collapsed condition and the shelves are provided with the' items 4. This enables the suitcase 6 to: be able.to contain at least substantially the same quantity of items 4 when it contains the apparatus 2 as compared to when the suitcase 6 does not contain the apparatus 2. It also advantageously enables the suitcase 6 to be able to display the items 4 when the frame 8 is in the erect condition in the suitcase 6 to a significantly greater extent as compared to when the suitcase 6 is not provided with the apparatus 2.

The apparatus 2 as shown in the drawings may be constructed as insert apparatus for being inserted into an existing suitcase 6. Alternatively, the apparatus 2 may be constructed as an integral part of a newly manufactured suitcase 6.

The frame 8 is made of tubes that fit together. More specifically, the frame 8 has four corner tubes 12 which fit to top tubes 14. A cross tube 16 extends between the top tubes 14. The corner tubes 12 may fold via a hinge arrangement 18 on each corner tube 12. Alternatively, the corner tubes 12 may be formed into upper and lower sections which push together to form a join which would then be at the position of the hinge arrangement 18. Still further, the corner tubes 12 may be telescopic tubes.

The top tubes 14 have end connection members 20 for filling over the tops of the corner tubes 18 and thereby connecting the top tubes 14 to the corner tubes 12. Connection members 22, 24 may be employed to connect the cross tube 16 to the top tubes 14. One or both of the connection members 22, 24 may pivot to assist in collapsing and erection of the frame 8.

The frame 8 may have a base portion (not shown) for fitting in the bottom 26 of the suitcase 6. The base may be a flat base which fits along the inside periphery of the bottom 26 of the suitcase. The base may be a rigid base or it may be a foldable base, for example a foldable base which folds in half longitudinally.

The frame 8 is made of plastics tubes. It may alternatively be made of plastics rods. Materials other than plastics materials may be employed so that, for example, wood or aluminium may be employed.

The shelves 10 are foldable shelves. The shelves 10 are made of a flexible material. The flexible material is a flexible waterproof material so that the shelves 10 can easily be washed if liquid items leak over the shelves 10. l0

The cross tube 16 has a central portion 28 which acts as a handle for raising the frame 8 from the collapsed condition to the erect condition andfor for towering the frame 8 from the erect condition to the collapsed condition.

The apparatus 2 may optionally include shelf supporting means (not shown) for supporting the shelves 10 along their length. The shelf supporting means is advantageously a support member which extends vertically along the shelves at a central position 3th and which is connected to leading edges 32 of the shelves when the frame 8 is in the erect condition. The support member may be a strip which may hang down from the front of the top shelf 10. Alternatively1 the support member may be a pole. The shelf supporting means helps to stop the leading edges of the shelves 10 from sagging under the weight of the items 12 when the frame 8 is in the erect condition.

As an best be appreciated from Figure 2, the shelves 10 are provided one on top of another in the erect condition of the frame 10. Thus the shelves are in layers one above the other. Each layer of the shelves 10 comprises two separate shelves 10 forming two separate compartments.

As can be appreciated from Figures 1, 2 and 3, the apparatus 2 substantially fills the bottom 26 of the suitcase 2. The space is thus not wasted. The space is also not unnecessarily employed by the apparatus 2.

The apparatus 2 is able to provide for the organised packing and display of the items 4 in the suitcase 6 in a convenient and lightweight manner.

As shown in Figure 3, when the apparatus 2 is such that the frame 8 is in the collapsed condition, it is then possible to close a lid 34 onto the bottom 26 to close the suitcase 6. The suitcase 6 can then be carried by its carry handle 36 01 wheeLed using wheels 38 and a pull handle 40. The suitcase 6 can stand on one end via feet 42.

The apparatus of the invention, for example the apparatus 2, may be such that the shelves may be made of a fabric material, and with the top surface of the shelves being made rigid, or with the shelves containing rigid sheet rhaterial, for example board or plastics material, to make the shelves rigid If the shelves are not made rigid, then the shelves may be flexible and supported with one or more support members to stop the shelves sagging.

* It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with referencó to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the apparatus 2 may be niade in small, medium and large versions to fit into small, medium and large suitcases. Other constructions may be employed for the frame 8. Other constructions may be employed for the shelves 10. Other types of suitcases 6 may be employed. lndividual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSApparatus for providing organised packing and display of items in a suitcase, which apparatus comprises a frame and shelves for receiving the items, and the apparatus being such that: (i) the frame iS a collapsible frame which is movable between erect and collapsed conditions whilst remaining in the suitcase; (ii) in use the shelves hold the items when the frame is in the erect condition whereby the items on the shelves can easily be placed on the shelves, be seen on the shelves, and be removed from the shelves; (iii) in use the shelves hold the items when the frame is in the collapsed condition whereby the items are constrained in the suitcase; and (iv) the frame and the shelves are constructed to fit into the suitcase such that the apparatus does not occupy substantial storage space in the suitcase when the apparatus is in the collapsed condition and the shelves are provided with the items, whereby the suitcase is able to contain at least substantially the same quantity of items when it contains the apparatus as compared to when the suitcase does not contain the apparatus, and whereby the suitcase is able to display the items when the frame is in the erect condition in the suitcase to a significantly greater extent than compared to when the suitcase is not provided with the apparatus.
2. Apparatus according to claim I in which the apparatus is constructed as insert apparatus for being inserted into an existing suitcase.
3. Apparatus according to claim I in which the apparatus is constructed as an integral part of a newly manufactured suitcase.
4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the frame is a telescopic frame.
5. Apparatus according to any one of claims I 3 in which the frame is a foldable frame.
6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the frame includes a base for fitting in the bottom of the suitcase.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 in which the base is a flat base which fits along the inside periphery of the bottom of the suitcase.
8. Apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7 in which the base is a rigid base.
9. Apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6 in which the base is a foldable base;
10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the frame is made of a plastics material.
11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the shelves hang from a top part of the frame.12; Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the shelves are foldable shelves.13. Apparatus accordingto any one of the preceding claims in which the; shelves are made of a flexible waterproof material.14. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including a handle for raising the frame from the collapsed condition to the erect condition and/or for lowering the frame from the erect condition to the collapsed condition.15. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including shelf supporting means for supporting the shelves along their lengths.16. Apparatus according to claim 15 in which the shelf supporting means is a support member which extends vertically along the shelves and which is connected to leading edges of the shek'es when the frame is in the erect condition.17. Apparatus according to claim 16 in which the support member is a strip support member.18. Apparatus according to claim 16 in which the support member is a pole.:19. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the shelves are provided one on top of another in the erect condition of the frame, whereby the shelves are in layers one above the other.20. Apparatus according claim 18 in which each layer of the shelves comprises two separate shelves.21. Apparatus for providing organised packing and display of items in a suitcase, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.22. A suitcase when provided with apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.