GB2543820A

GB2543820A - Suitcases

Info

Publication number: GB2543820A
Application number: GB1519192.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Law Robert; Allam Joe
Original assignee: Magmatic Ltd
Current assignee: Magmatic Ltd
Priority date: 2015-10-30
Filing date: 2015-10-30
Publication date: 2017-05-03
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-30
Also published as: GB201519192D0; WO2017072487A1; GB2543820B

Abstract

A conventional suitcase comprises strengthening features in at least a part of the side walls. The strengthening features are double skinned areas with an elongate web extending between the inner portion 30 and outer portion 33. There may also be strengthening features in the upper wall 14 and lower wall 15, which may be of the same kind. Locating shafts for an extending handle may be located in the rear edge of the side portions 19b. The double skinned area may be an I-beam construction. The suitcase will still be light, but will be strong enough to act as a seat.

Description

SUITCASES

The present invention relates to suitcases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Suitcases are well known and well used. Existing suitcases, such as that shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, typically comprise two thin shell body portions 2, 3 that are held together by a releasable closure device, such as a zip, located along respective edge regions 5, 7 of the body portions 2, 3. The two shell body portions 2, 3 are also attached to one another by a hinge 6, which allows the portions to be opened. The body portions 2, 3 each define a hollow volume, which forms part of the inner volume of the suitcase 1. Such suitcases may include additional inner components that divide up the inner volume. In order to access the inner volume of the suitcase 1, the closure device is opened, and the body portions 2, 3 moved apart from one another by rotation about the hinge 6. The thin shell nature of the body portions 2 and 3 mean that the suitcase cannot support the weight of a person, and so is not suitable for providing an impromptu seat for the user. In addition, when the suitcase 1 is in the open position, the thin shell nature of the body portions 2 and 3 means that the structural integrity of the suitcase is lost.

Other existing designs of suitcase have a body portion that defines a hollow inner volume. A planar door portion is then provided to allow access to the inner volume of the suitcase.

Many suitcases are provided with a pair of wheels that extends from a lower edge region of the body of the suitcase, in order to allow a user to cant over the suitcase and pull the suitcase along a ground surface on the wheels. Some suitcases are provided with four wheels which project from a lower surface of the suitcase, and which allow the suitcase to be moved around in an upright position. These wheels are mounted in units for rotation about the lower surface, such that the wheels themselves are able to roll in any direction for the assistance of the user.

Such existing suitcases do have drawbacks, however. For example, the thin shell construction renders the suitcase lacking in structural integrity when opened. In order to overcome this problem, known suitcases make use of thicker and, therefore, heavier material. The wheels mounted on the lower surface of the suitcase are unwieldy, do not integrate well into the suitcase, and contribute to an increased overall size of the suitcase, without increasing the available storage space.

It is, therefore, desirable to provide a suitcase that improves on the existing designs and constructions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a suitcase comprising a case body having an upper portion defining an upper face of the suitcase; a lower portion spaced apart from the upper portion and defining a lower face of the suitcase; first and second side portions which extend from respective ends of the lower portion to respective ends of the upper portion; a rear portion which extends from a rear edge of the lower portion to a rear edge of the upper portion, and from a rear edge of the first side to a rear edge of the second side, and which provides a rear face of the suitcase; a front portion which extends from a front edge of the lower portion to a front edge of the upper portion, and from a front edge of the first side to a front edge of the second side, such that the lower and upper portions, the first and second sides, and the front and rear portions define an inner volume therein, the front portion defining an access aperture therethrough, thereby providing access to the inner volume; a closure member mounted on the case body and having a first position in which the closure member closes the access aperture, and a second position in which the access aperture is open, wherein each of the first and second side portions comprises an elongate planar inner member which extends from the lower portion to the upper portion and from the rear portion to the front portion; an elongate planar outer member which extends substantially parallel to the inner member from the lower portion to the upper portion, and at least partially between the rear and front portions; and an elongate web which extends between the inner member and the outer member, at least partially between the lower and upper portions.

One example suitcase further comprises a plurality of ribs each of which extends between the inner member, outer member and web, the ribs being spaced apart from one another along the length of the web.

In one example, at least one of the upper and lower portions comprises strengthening features. In such an example, the strengthening features may be provided by an elongate planar inner member which extends from the first side portion to the second side portion and from the rear portion to the front portion; an elongate planar outer member which extends substantially parallel to the inner member from the first side portion to the second portion, and at least partially between the rear and front portions; and an elongate web which extends between the inner member and the outer member, at least partially between the first and second side portions.

In one example, the first side portion defines a first front open edge region, and the suitcase further comprises a hinge element which at least partially covers the first front open edge region, and on which the closure member is mounted for rotation with respect to the first side portion.

In one example, the second side portion defines a second front open edge region which is substantially covered by the closure member when the closure member is in the first position.

In one example, the first side portion defines a first rear open edge region, and the second side portion defines a second rear open edge region, and the suitcase further comprises location means adjacent the first and second rear open edge regions for locating shafts of an extending handle on the suitcase, the shafts serving to substantially close the first and second rear open edge regions.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suitcase comprising a first body portion having first and second side portions, an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion extending between respective upper end regions of the first and second side portions, and the lower portion extending between respective lower end regions of the first and second side portions, the first body portion defining a first inner volume, and defining an access aperture therethrough, thereby providing access to the inner volume; a second body portion having first and second side portions, an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion extending between respective upper end regions of the first and second side portions, and the lower portion extending between respective lower end regions of the first and second side portions, the second body portion defining a second inner volume; and a closure member mounted on the first body portion and having a first position in which the closure member closes the access aperture, and a second position in which the access aperture is open, wherein the first body portion is attached to the second body portion such that the first and second inner volumes are contiguous, and wherein the first and second side portions of the first body portion each comprise an elongate planar inner member which extends from the lower portion to the upper portion; an elongate planar outer member which extends substantially parallel to the inner member from the lower portion to the upper portion; and an elongate web which extends between the inner member and the outer member, at least partially between the lower and upper portions.

One example further comprises a plurality of ribs each of which extends between the inner member, outer member and web, the ribs being spaced apart from one another along the length of the web.

In one example, the first and second side portions of the second body portion each comprise an elongate planar inner member which extends from the lower portion to the upper portion; an elongate planar outer member which extends substantially parallel to the inner member from the lower portion to the upper portion; and an elongate web which extends between the inner member and the outer member, at least partially between the lower and upper portions.

In one example, the first and second side portions of the second body portion each further comprises a plurality of ribs which extend between the inner member, outer member and web.

In one example, at least one of the upper and lower portions of at least one of the first and second body portions comprises strengthening features. In such an example, the strengthening features may be provided by an elongate planar inner member which extends from the first side portion to the second side portion of the body portion concerned; an elongate planar outer member which extends substantially parallel to the inner member from the first side portion to the second portion of the body portion concerned; and an elongate web which extends between the inner member and the outer member, at least partially between the first and second side portions of the body portion concerned.

In one example, the first and second body portions are injection moulded parts of a plastics material.

In one example, the first side portion of the first body portion defines a first front open edge region, and the suitcase further comprises a hinge element which at least partially covers the first front open edge region, and on which the closure member is mounted for rotation with respect to the first body portion.

In one example, the second side portion of the first body portion defines a second front open edge region which is substantially covered by the closure member when the closure member is in the first position.

In one example, the first side portion of the second body portion defines a first rear open edge region, and the second side portion of the second body portion defines a second rear open edge region, and wherein the suitcase further comprises location means adjacent the first and second rear open edge regions for locating shafts of an extending handle on the suitcase, the shafts serving to substantially close the first and second rear open edge regions.

Each outer member may provide a part of an outer surface of the suitcase.

The inner member, outer member, and web preferably provide an I-beam construction.

The inner member, outer member, and ribs preferably provide an I-beam construction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a previously-considered suitcase;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the suitcase of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a simplified front view of the embodiment of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a simplified side view of the embodiment of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of Figures 3, 4 and 5 in an open configuration;

Figure 7 is a cross sectional plan view of the embodiment of Figures 3 to 6; and

Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 6, in an open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figures 3 to 8 illustrate respective views of a suitcase 10 embodying the principles of the present invention.

As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the suitcase 10 comprises a case body 11. The case body comprises first and second body portions 15 and 16. In the example shown, the first body portion 15 forms the front part of the suitcase 10, and the second body portion 16 forms the rear part of the suitcase 10. In the example shown, the first and second body portions 15 and 16 each form approximately half of the depth of the suitcase 10, but it will be readily appreciates that one body portion may form a greater part of the suitcase than the other.

The first and second body portions 15 and 16 may also be referred to as “clamshells”.

These clamshells are, however, permanently attached to one another, in contrast to previous suitcase designs.

Each of the first and second body portions 15 and 16 have first and second side portions 18a and 18b, an upper portion 18c, and a lower portion 18d. The upper portion 18c extends from an upper end region of the first side portion 18a to an upper end region of the second side portion 18b. Similarly, the lower portion 18d extends from a lower end region of the first side portion 18a to a lower end region of the second side portion 18b. The first and second side portions 18a and 18b, the upper portion 18c, and the lower portion 18d thereby form walls of the suitcase 10 which define an inner volume therebetween.

The first and second body portions 15 and 16 are joined together along a rear edge of the first body portion 15 and a front edge of the second body portion 16. In this way the inner volumes defined by the first and second body portion 15 and 16 are contiguous and provide the inner volume 17 of the suitcase 10.

The first body portion 15 provides a front face of the suitcase, and the second portion 16 provides a rear surface of the suitcase. The upper portion 18c provides an upper surface 14 of the suitcase 10, and the lower portion 18d provides a lower surface of the suitcase 10.

The first body portion 15 defines an access aperture therethrough. The access aperture is contiguous with the inner volume of the first body portion 15, and hence with the inner volume 17 of the suitcase 10. The access aperture allows the user of the suitcase 10 to access the inner volume 17 of the suitcase 10. A closure member 19a is provided to close the access aperture. The closure member 19a is shown in Figure 3 in a closed configuration. The closure member 19a is rotatably attached to the first side portion 18a of the first body portion 15, and engages releasably with the second side portion 18b of the first body portion via an engagement feature 22. In an alternative arrangement, the closure member 19a is rotatably attached to the second side portion 18b of the first body portion 15 and engages releasably with the first side portion 18a of the first body portion 15.

The second body portion 16 also includes a rear closure face 19b which extends between respective rear edges of the first and second side portions 18a and 18b, upper portions 18c and lower portion 18d of the second body portion 16. The rear closure face 19b serves to close the inner volume of the second body portion to one side, thereby providing the rear face of the suitcase 10. The rear closure face 19b may be integral with the second body portion 16, or may be attached thereto as a separate component.

The first and second body portions 15 and 16 are preferably formed as single components of a plastics materials using an injection moulding technique. It will be readily appreciated that he first and second body portions may be formed as a single complete component, thereby removing the need for bonding of the separate portions.

The first and second body portions 15 and 16 provide the suitcase 10 with a structurally sound enclosure, with the closure member 19a in either the closed or open position. By virtue of this construction, the suitcase 10 can be opened in any orientation; the closure member 19a does not provide any structural strength for the suitcase 10.

An extendable handle 12 is mounted in the second body portion 16, and is shown in a deployed configuration in Figures 3, 4 and 5. The handle 12 has a stowed position in which it does not extend outside of the profile of the case body 11. The handle 12 can be arranged to be deployed to any convenient position for the user, in conventional manner.

The suitcase 10 is provided with a pair of wheels 20, located on a lower region of the second body portion 16. The wheels enable the suitcase to be wheeled along the ground by the user, in a conventional manner.

Figure 6 illustrates the suitcase 10 in an open configuration, and shows part of the construction of the first and second body portions 15 and 16. The closure member 19a is open, having been disengaged from the second side portion 18b of the first body portion 15. In the example shown in Figure 6, the first and second side portions 18a and 18b of the first and second body portions 15 and 16 are provided by respective double skinned constructions to be described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the suitcase 10 of Figures 3 to 6, and shows the configuration of the first and second body portions 15 and 16 that provide the suitcase 10 with the necessary strength and rigidity. As will be described in more detail below, each side portion 18a and 18b of the first and second body portions 15 and 16 has an I-beam construction, having a double wall structure interconnected by one or more strengthening webs. A preferred example, as shown in the Figures, also includes strengthening ribs in addition to the web. This construction also provides suitable locations for the extendable handle 12 and for a hinge 21 of the closure member 19a.

The first side portion 18a of the first body portion 15 comprises an elongate planar inner member 30. The inner member 30 extends from the upper portion 18c to the lower portion 18d of the first body portion 15. An elongate planar outer member 33 extends substantially parallel to the inner member 30, and is spaced apart from that inner member 30. The outer member 33 extends from the upper portion 18c to the lower portion 18d of the first body portion 15, and forms the outer side surface of the case body 11.

In order to provide the required strength and rigidity for the suitcase 10, the outer member 33 is attached to the inner member 30 by a substantially planar elongate web 32 that extends substantially perpendicularly to each of the inner member 30 and outer surface member 33. In one example, the web 32 extends along the complete length of the side member 30 from the upper portion 18c to the lower portion 18d of the first body portion 15. In other examples, the web 32 extends partially along the inner member 30.

As shown, in a preferred example, a plurality of ribs 34 and 35 also join the inner member 30 to the outer member 33. Respective pluralities of such ribs 34 and 35 extend to first and second sides of the web 32, substantially perpendicularly to the web 32, and to the inner and outer members 30 and 33. The ribs 34 and 35 are spaced apart from one another along the length of the web 32. Any appropriate number of ribs can be provided.

Similarly to the first side portion 18a, the second side portion 18b comprises an elongate planar inner member 36. The inner member 36 extends from the upper portion 18c to the lower portion 18d of the first body portion 15. An elongate planar outer member 39 extends substantially parallel to the inner member 36, and is spaced apart from that inner member 36. The outer member 39 extends from the upper portion 18c to the lower portion 18d of the first body portion 15, and forms the outer side surface of the case body 11.

In order to provide the required strength and rigidity for the suitcase 10, the outer member 39 is attached to the inner member 36 by a substantially planar elongate web 38 that extends substantially perpendicularly to each of the inner member 36 and outer surface member 39. In one example, the web 38 extends along the complete length of the side member 36 from the upper portion 18c to the lower portion 18d of the first body portion 15. In other examples, the web 38 extends partially along the inner member 36.

As shown, in a preferred example, a plurality of ribs 40 and 41 also join the inner member 36 to the outer member 39. Respective pluralities of such ribs 40 and 41 extend to first and second sides of the web 38, substantially perpendicularly to the web 38, and to the inner and outer members 36 and 39. The ribs 40 and 41 are spaced apart from one another along the length of the web 38. Any appropriate number of ribs can be provided.

The first body portion 15 is preferably moulded as a single component using a plastics material and an injection moulding technique. The construction of the first body portion 15 is able to provide a strong and rigid component for the suitcase 10.

The hinge 21 for the closure member 19a is provided adjacent the inner and outer members 30 and 33 of the first side portion 18a of the first body portion 15. The hinge 21 is an elongate member which extends at least partially along the front edge corner region of the first side member 18a. The hinge 21 thereby serves to close at least partially an open front edge region of the second side portion 18a of the first body portion 15.

The second side portion 18b of the first body portion 15 provides a location for the engagement portion 22 of the closure member 19a to engage when the closure member 19a is in the closed configuration. An appropriate catch or receiving/engagement means may be provided to hold the engagement portion 22 in place, and hence hold the closure member 19a in the closed configuration. The engagement portion 22 of the closure member 19a also serves to close at least partially an open front edge region of the second side portion 18b of the second body portion 16.

The second body portion 16 is constructed in a similar manner to the first body portion 15. The first side portion 18a of the second body portion 16 comprises an elongate planar inner member 50. The inner member 50 extends from the upper portion 18c to the lower portion 18d of the first body portion 16. An elongate planar outer member 53 extends substantially parallel to the inner member 50, and is spaced apart from that inner member 50. The outer member 53 extends from the upper portion 18c to the lower portion 18d of the second body portion 16, and forms part of the outer side surface of the case body 11.

In order to provide the required strength and rigidity for the suitcase 10, the outer member 53 is attached to the inner member 50 by a substantially planar elongate web 52 that extends substantially perpendicularly to each of the inner member 50 and outer member 53. In one example, the web 52 extends along the complete length of the side member 30 from the upper portion 18c to the lower portion 18d of the second body portion 16. In other examples, the web 52 extends partially along the inner member 50.

As shown, in a preferred example, a plurality of ribs 54 and 55 also join the inner member 50 to the outer member 53. Respective pluralities of such ribs 54 and 55 extend to first and second sides of the web 52, substantially perpendicularly to the web 52, and to the inner and outer members 50 and 53. The ribs 54 and 55 are spaced apart from one another along the length of the web 52. Any appropriate number of ribs can be provided.

Similarly to the first side portion 18a, the second side portion 18b comprises an elongate planar inner member 56. The inner member 56 extends from the upper portion 18c to the lower portion 18d of the second body portion 16. An elongate planar outer member 59 extends substantially parallel to the inner member 56, and is spaced apart from that inner member 56. The outer member 59 extends from the upper portion 18c to the lower portion 18d of the second body portion 16, and forms part of the outer side surface of the case body 11.

In order to provide the required strength and rigidity for the suitcase 10, the outer member 59 is attached to the inner member 56 by a substantially planar elongate web 58 that extends substantially perpendicularly to each of the inner member 56 and outer surface member 59.

In one example, the web 58 extends along the complete length of the side member 56 from the upper portion 18c to the lower portion 18d of the second body portion 16. In other examples, the web 58 extends partially along the inner member 56.

As shown, in a preferred example, a plurality of ribs 60 and 61 also join the inner member 56 to the outer member 59. Respective pluralities of such ribs 60 and 61 extend to first and second sides of the web 58, substantially perpendicularly to the web 58, and to the inner and outer members 56 and 59. The ribs 60 and 61 are spaced apart from one another along the length of the web 58. Any appropriate number of ribs can be provided.

The second body portion 16 is preferably moulded as a single component using a plastics material and an injection moulding technique. The construction of the second body portion 16 is able to provide a strong and rigid component for the suitcase 10. The second body portion 16 also includes the rear closure face 19b.

The first and second side portions 18a and 18b of the second body portion provide a fitting location for the extendable handle 12. A pair of cover portions 64 and 65 may be provided in order to enclose the shafts of the extendable handle. Each cover portion may be welded or bonded to the inner member and to the outer member, so as to completely enclose an associated shaft of the extendable handle 12. The shafts of the extendable handle 12 also serve to cover open end regions of the first and second side portions 18a and 18b to the rear of the suitcase.

In order to complete suitcase 10, the first and second body portions 15 and 16 are bonded together, such that respective edges of the inner members 30 and 36, outer members 33 and 39, and ribs 35 and 41 of the first body portion 15 are connected to corresponding respective edges of the inner members 50 and 56, outer members 53 and 59 and ribs 55 and 61 of the second body portion 16 in bonding regions 65 and 66. The components may be bonded using adhesive, an ultrasonic bonding method, or any other suitable technique. The bonding regions 65 and 66 preferably extend along the complete length of the first and second side portions 18a and 18b, and along the length of the upper and lower portions 18c and 18d.

In an alternative embodiment, the first body portion 15 provides the complete side, upper and lower portions 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d, with the second body portion providing only the rear closure face 19b. In another alternative embodiment, the first body portion 15 provides the complete side, upper and lower portions 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d, and includes the rear closure face 19b. In another alternative embodiment, the second body portion 16 provides the complete side, upper and lower portions 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d.

Figure 8 illustrates an alternative construction of the suitcase 10 in an open configuration. The construction of the suitcase 10 of Figure 8 is identical to that of Figures 6 and 7, for the side portions 18a and 18b. The Figure 8 construction differs in that the upper and lower portions 18c and 18d are constructed using the double skin, I-beam arrangement of Figures 6 and 7.

The upper portion 18c has an inner member 76 and an outer member 80 spaced apart from the inner member 76. At least one web (not shown) extends between the inner and outer members 76 and 80, and preferably a plurality of spaced apart ribs 78 also extends therebetween. The construction of the upper portion 18c mirrors that of the first and second side portions 18a and 18b.

The lower portion 18d has an inner member 74 and an outer member 70 spaced apart from the inner member 74. At least one web (not shown) extends between the inner and outer members 74 and 70, and preferably a plurality of spaced apart ribs 72 also extends therebetween. The construction of the lower portion 18d mirrors that of the first and second side portions 18a and 18b.

The construction shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8 provides the suitcase 10 with an internal volume 17 free from strengthening webs or other protrusions, whilst providing the suitcase 10 with sufficient strength and stiffness. One advantage of the construction is that the suitcase can be opened without loss of rigidity. Another advantage of the construction is that a user can use the suitcase as a seat, since the construction is able to provide suitable support for a user.

The first and second side portions, the upper portion and/or the lower portion are preferably of a plastics material, and constructed using an injection moulding and bonding technique. It will be readily appreciated that a suitcase embodying the principles of the present invention may be of any suitable material, and may be made in any appropriate number of parts that are assembled. One example alternative material is extruded aluminium.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A suitcase comprising: a case body having: an upper portion defining an upper face of the suitcase; a lower portion spaced apart from the upper portion and defining a lower face of the suitcase; first and second side portions which extend from respective ends of the lower portion to respective ends of the upper portion; a rear portion which extends from a rear edge of the lower portion to a rear edge of the upper portion, and from a rear edge of the first side to a rear edge of the second side, and which provides a rear face of the suitcase; a front portion which extends from a front edge of the lower portion to a front edge of the upper portion, and from a front edge of the first side to a front edge of the second side, such that the lower and upper portions, the first and second sides, and the front and rear portions define an inner volume therein, the front portion defining an access aperture therethrough, thereby providing access to the inner volume; a closure member mounted on the case body and having a first position in which the closure member closes the access aperture, and a second position in which the access aperture is open, wherein each of the first and second side portions comprises: an elongate planar inner member which extends from the lower portion to the upper portion and from the rear portion to the front portion; an elongate planar outer member which extends substantially parallel to the inner member from the lower portion to the upper portion, and at least partially between the rear and front portions; and an elongate web which extends between the inner member and the outer member, at least partially between the lower and upper portions.

2. A suitcase as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of ribs each of which extends between the inner member, outer member and web, the ribs being spaced apart from one another along the length of the web.

3. A suitcase as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the upper and lower portions comprises strengthening features.

4. A suitcase as claimed in claim 3, wherein the strengthening features are provided by: an elongate planar inner member which extends from the first side portion to the second side portion and from the rear portion to the front portion; an elongate planar outer member which extends substantially parallel to the inner member from the first side portion to the second portion, and at least partially between the rear and front portions; and an elongate web which extends between the inner member and the outer member, at least partially between the first and second side portions.

5. A suitcase as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first side portion defines a first front open edge region, and the suitcase further comprises a hinge element which at least partially covers the first front open edge region, and on which the closure member is mounted for rotation with respect to the first side portion.

6. A suitcase as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second side portion defines a second front open edge region which is substantially covered by the closure member when the closure member is in the first position.

7. A suitcase as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first side portion defines a first rear open edge region, and the second side portion defines a second rear open edge region, and the suitcase further comprises location means adjacent the first and second rear open edge regions for locating shafts of an extending handle on the suitcase, the shafts serving to substantially close the first and second rear open edge regions.

8. A suitcase comprising: a first body portion having first and second side portions, an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion extending between respective upper end regions of the first and second side portions, and the lower portion extending between respective lower end regions of the first and second side portions, the first body portion defining a first inner volume, and defining an access aperture therethrough, thereby providing access to the inner volume; a second body portion having first and second side portions, an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion extending between respective upper end regions of the first and second side portions, and the lower portion extending between respective lower end regions of the first and second side portions, the second body portion defining a second inner volume; and a closure member mounted on the first body portionand having a first position in which the closure member closes the access aperture, and a second position in which the access aperture is open wherein the first body portion is attached to the second body portion such that the first and second inner volumes are contiguous, and wherein the first and second side portions of the first body portion each comprise: an elongate planar inner member which extends from the lower portion to the upper portion; an elongate planar outer member which extends substantially parallel to the inner member from the lower portion to the upper portion; and an elongate web which extends between the inner member and the outer member, at least partially between the lower and upper portions.

9. A suitcase as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a plurality of ribs each of which extends between the inner member, outer member and web, the ribs being spaced apart from one another along the length of the web.

10. A suitcase as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the first and second side portions of the second body portion each comprise: an elongate planar inner member which extends from the lower portion to the upper portion; an elongate planar outer member which extends substantially parallel to the inner member from the lower portion to the upper portion; and an elongate web which extends between the inner member and the outer member, at least partially between the lower and upper portions.

11. A suitcase as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first and second side portions of the second body portion each further comprises a plurality of ribs which extend between the inner member, outer member and web.

12. A suitcase as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein at least one of the upper and lower portions of at least one of the first and second body portions comprises strengthening features.

13. A suitcase as claimed in claim 12, wherein the strengthening features are provided by: an elongate planar inner member which extends from the first side portion to the second side portion of the body portion concerned; an elongate planar outer member which extends substantially parallel to the inner member from the first side portion to the second portion of the body portion concerned; and an elongate web which extends between the inner member and the outer member, at least partially between the first and second side portions of the body portion concerned.

14. A suitcase as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein first and second body portions are injection moulded parts of a plastics material.

15. A suitcase as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the first side portion of the first body portion defines a first front open edge region, and the suitcase further comprises a hinge element which at least partially covers the first front open edge region, and on which the closure member is mounted for rotation with respect to the first body portion.

16. A suitcase as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the second side portion of the first body portion defines a second front open edge region which is substantially covered by the closure member when the closure member is in the first position.

17. A suitcase as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 16, wherein the first side portion of the second body portion defines a first rear open edge region, and the second side portion of the second body portion defines a second rear open edge region, and wherein the suitcase further comprises location means adjacent the first and second rear open edge regions for locating shafts of an extending handle on the suitcase, the shafts serving to substantially close the first and second rear open edge regions.

18. A suitcase as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each outer member provides a part of an outer surface of the suitcase.

19. A suitcase as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner member, outer member, and web provide an I-beam construction.

20. A suitcase as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an upper surface of the suitcase provides a seat surface for a user.

21. A suitcase substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 3 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.