GB2546409A

GB2546409A - Wheeled suitcase with expansion arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2546409A
Application number: GB1622010.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Greenhalgh Emma
Original assignee: UP Global Sourcing UK Ltd
Current assignee: UP Global Sourcing UK Ltd
Priority date: 2015-12-22
Filing date: 2016-12-22
Publication date: 2017-07-19
Also published as: GB201622010D0; GB201522645D0

Abstract

A suitcase comprises an enclosable storage volume defined by a substantially cuboid fabric structure and a suitable support frame. The fabric structure has a front face 11, a rear face, a base 13, a top 14 and side faces 15, 16. The side faces 15, 16 are each provided with an expansion arrangement 30 comprising an elongate fastener arrangement 31, in this example a zip; and an expansion gusset 32. The elongate fastener arrangement does not extend around the full circumference of the side faces 15, 16. Instead, the zip 31 does not extend across the base edge of each side face 15, 16. The case may also include an expansion arrangement for the front face 11 comprising an expansion gusset of flexible material and zip 22 to hold the front face 11 in its usual relation to the case when closed and operable to allow the front face 11 to be displaced away from the case when open. Also disclosed is an expansion arrangement including an expansion gusset and an elongate fastening arrangement.

Description

Wheeled Suitcase With Expansion Arrangement

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an article of luggage and in particular to a wheeled suitcase or the like.

Background to the Invention A popular form of luggage is the wheeled suitcase. This typically comprises a supporting structure upon which is provided a set of wheels, a towing handle and an enclosable storage volume. Typically such suitcases are of substantially cuboid form in view of the fact that airline baggage restrictions are typically defined in terms of maximum length, width and depth dimensions. Additionally and advantageously, the cuboid form may allow for easy and/or efficient packing in a confined volume such as a car boot or an aircraft hold.

Defined conventionally, a wheeled suitcase has an access flap covering a substantial portion of a front face of the suitcase. Wheels are provided at opposite sides of the rear edge of the base of the suitcase whilst the towing handle projects telescopically from the rear edge of the suitcase. In this manner, the suitcase can typically balance stably (assuming balanced packing) on at least its base and rear surfaces The suitcase may be inclined rearward from its base and wheeled either in front or, more commonly, behind a user.

As size restrictions have become more common on airlines, there is now a desire to reduce sell suitcases having dimensioned matched to those allowed by specific airlines. Since many airlines operate different size restrictions, a bag that might fit one airline’s size restrictions may be too large for another airline. Similarly, such a bag may be appreciably smaller than the restrictions for another airline.

Whilst developed primarily to enable additional storage capacity for a given suitcase frame, it is known to provide an expansion arrangement whereby an expansion face of the suitcase can be displaced from an opposing face enabling additional storage space to be provided. This is achieved by the provision of an expansion gusset of flexible material between the expanding face and the opposing face. The expansion gusset is surrounded by an elongate fastening arrangement, typically a zip extending along all edges of the expansion face. When the fastening arrangement is closed, the expansion face is held in its usual relation to the opposing face. When the fastening arrangement is open, the flexible material forming the gusset allows the entire expansion face to be displaced away from the opposing face increasing the internal volume of the suitcase. Accordingly, this enables the size of a suitcase to be varied, enabling one suitcase to optimally match two different airline size restrictions.

The flexible material comprising the expansion gusset reduces the structural rigidity of the suitcase when in expanded form. As such, the expansion face will tend to sag under the weight of articles packed within the suitcase. Such sagging creates an increased strain on the material of the expansion gusset. As this material is typically lighter and weaker than the material of the remainder of the suitcase faces a(and is unsupported by the frame, extended periods of sagging can cases the material of the expansion gusset to fray and or split. In a wheeled suitcase, sagging has a greater impact from expansion arrangements provided on the side faces or the rear face. Firstly, in a normal wheeling position, the weight of a front face expansion arrangement is at least partially supported by the main body of the case. Secondly, sagging of rear and/or side expansion arrangements can directly impinge on the wheels. This impingement both adversely effects the towing performance and hastens the wear and ultimately failure of the material comprising the expansion gusset. As a result, in wheeled suitcases, expansion gussets have generally only been provided allowing the front face to function as the expansion face. This limits the possible range of size adaptation possible from a single wheeled suitcase.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution that at least partially overcomes or alleviates the above problems.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a wheeled suitcase comprising: a supporting structure upon which is provided a set of wheels, a towing handle and an enclosable storage volume, the storage volume being defined by front, back, top, base and two side faces, the said wheels being provided on the rear edge of the base, wherein at least one face of the storage volume is provided with an expansion arrangement whereby said side face can be displaced from the opposing face and wherein the expansion arrangement does not permit displacement of the base edge of the said expansion face.

The size of such a suitcase can be varied using expansion to the said expansion face but sagging of the expansion arrangement is substantially prevented. This can allow, the expansion arrangement to be applied to side or rear faces of the suitcase without creating a potential for sagging to impinge on the wheels. It may also allow for multiple faces to be expanded increasing the potential for optimising the suitcase for different airline size restriction.

The expansion arrangement may comprise an expansion gusset of flexible material between the expansion face and the opposing face. Preferably, the expansion gusset does not extend between the base of the expansion face and the base of the suitcase. Most preferably, there is a direct or reinforced connection between the base of the expansion face and the base of the suitcase.

The expansion gusset is preferably formed from a fabric. The fabric may be relatively lightweight and flexible. Most preferably, the fabric material is relatively lightweight and flexible compared to the structure forming the remainder of the enclosable storage volume.

The expansion arrangement may comprise an elongate fastening arrangement operable to hold the expansion face in its usual relation to the opposing face when closed and operable to allow the expansion face to be displaced away from the opposing face when open. The elongate fastening arrangement may preferably extend along both edges and the top of the expansion face. Most preferably, the elongate fastening arrangement does not extend along the base of the extension face.

The elongate fastening arrangement preferably comprises a linear fastening arrangement such as a zip. Alternatively other fasting arrangements may be provide such as those incorporating buttons, press studs, hook and loop fabrics or the like.

In one embodiment, the expansion face is a side face of the suitcase. In a preferred embodiment, both side faces of the suitcase are expansion faces. This provides for a greater range of possible expansion. In a further preferred embodiment, both side faces and the front face of the suitcase are expansion faces. This provides for a still greater range of possible expansion and allows for expansion in more than one direction. The skilled man will realise that whilst the above combinations of possible expansion faces are preferred, other combination may also be proposed.

Preferably, in an embodiment having more than one expansion face, each expansion face of the suitcase incorporates an expansion arrangement as described above. In some embodiments, expansion arrangements for one of the faces may differ. In particular, the front face may be provided with an expansion arrangement according to the prior art. One such prior art expansion arrangement comprises: an expansion gusset of flexible material between the expansion face and the opposing face; an elongate fastening arrangement operable to hold the expansion face in its usual relation to the opposing face when closed and operable to allow the expansion face to be displaced away from the opposing face when open, wherein the elongate fastening arrangement extends along each edge of the expansion face.

The enclosable storage volume may be defined by a fabric structure. The fabric structure may be supported by a suitable frame. Additionally or alternatively, the frame may be enclosed and connected by the fabric structure. The frame may incorporate one or more elongate members and/or one or more reinforcing panels. Where the frame incorporates reinforcing panels, said panels are preferably provided in association with faces other than the expansion faces. Where the frame incorporates elongate members, said elongate members preferably define one or more edges of the frame.

The frame may comprise comprises one or more reinforcing loops. The reinforcing loops may comprise fabric or wire. The reinforcing loops provide support to the suitcase whilst enabling necessary flexibility.

In one embodiment, a reinforcing loop may be provided within the front panel wherein the reinforcing loop substantially corresponds to the perimeter of the front panel. In another embodiment, a reinforcing loop may be provided within the main body of the suitcase wherein the reinforcing loop substantially corresponds to the perimeter of the front panel. In one embodiment, a reinforcing loop may be provided within the main body of the suitcase wherein the reinforcing loop substantially corresponds to the perimeter of the side panel. In another embodiment, a reinforcing loop may be provided within the side panel wherein the reinforcing loop substantially corresponds to the perimeter of the side panel. In a preferred embodiment, reinforcing wire loops are provided within the front panel and substantially corresponding to the perimeter of the front panel; and within the main body of the suitcase and substantially corresponding to the perimeter of the side panel.

The wheels may be provided at the back edge of the base of the suitcase. In some embodiments, the wheels are provided where the back edge of the base meets the side edge of the base. In embodiments with wheels at the back edge of the base, additional supporting feet may be provided at the front edge of the base. Said feet may be aligned with the wheels. In other embodiments, the suitcase may comprise wheels at both the front edge and rear edge of the base. In some embodiments, a protective guard may be provided between the wheels

The suitcase may be provided with a towing handle. The towing handle may comprise a cross-member provided between two projecting members. The towing handle may project substantially upwardly or substantially upwardly and rearwardly of the suitcase. The projecting members of the towing handle may be telescopic or may be adapted to be received within supporting sleeves incorporated into the frame. This can enable the handle to be moved between an extended towing position and a stowage position where the cross member lies substantially flat to one face or edge of the suitcase. The towing handle may be provided with a button actuable to enable the towing handle to be released from lock in the extended or retracted positions.

The suitcase may additionally be provided with a carrying handle. The carrying handle may be provided on the top of the suitcase.

In some embodiments, one or more of the base edges of the expansion arrangements may be provided with one or more additional protective guards. The guards may be provided around at least part of a reinforcing loop. The guards may comprise a sheath made of a plastic. The plastic sheath may be ribbed .

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an expansion arrangement for an expansion face of a wheeled suitcase whereby an expansion face of the suitcase can be displaced from an opposing face, the expansion arrangement comprising: an expansion gusset of flexible material between the expansion face and the opposing face; an elongate fastening arrangement operable to hold the expansion face in its usual relation to the opposing face when closed and operable to allow the expansion face to be displaced away from the opposing face when open wherein the elongate fastening arrangement does not extend along the base edge of the expansion face.

The expansion arrangement of the second aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the first aspect of the present invention as required or as desired.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood an embodiment/embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a suitcase according to the present invention without expansion;

Figure 2 is a rear view of a suitcase according to the present invention without expansion and with partial extension of a towing handle;

Figure 3 is a side view of a suitcase according to the present invention;

Figure 4 is a front view of a suitcase according to the present invention showing expanded side faces;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a suitcase according to the present invention, showing expanded side faces and an expanded front face; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a suitcase according to the present invention, showing the internal frame structure.

According to figures 1, 2 and 3, a suitcase 1 comprises an enclosable storage volume defined by a substantially cuboid fabric structure 10 and a suitable support frame 50. The fabric structure 2 has a front face 11, a rear face 12, a base 13, a top 14 and side faces 15, 16. A pair of wheels 3 project from the rear edge of the base 13, allowing the suitcase 1 to be readily towed by a user. In some embodiments, a protective guard 40 may be located between the two wheels to prevent or reduce damage to the underside of the case when towed. Also shown are feet 9, which help the case 1 to balance in an upright orientation. The feet 9 are provided at the front edge of the base 13. A towing handle 4 comprising a cross-member 5 and projecting members 6 is provided at the rear of the top 4. The projecting members 6 are adapted to retract into sheaths provided in the frame of the case 1 when not in use for towing. A button 7 can be actuated to release the towing handle 4 from being locked in either the extended position or retracted position. The top 14 is also provided with a carrying handle 8 for use in carrying the case 1 when the towing handle 4 is retracted.

The front face 11 of the case is provided with a zip 21 providing access to a pocket from on the front face 11. In addition, the front face 11 is provided with a zip 22, which acts to fasten the front face 11 to the rest of the fabric structure 2. By unfastening zip 22, the front panel can be hinged to one side allowing access to the interior of the case 1. In some embodiments, zip 22 (or a second zip adjacent thereto can also form part of an expansion arrangement 23 allowing the front face 11 of the case 1 to be displaced from the rear face of the case 12. In one example, the expansion arrangement 23 for the front face 11 comprises: an expansion gusset 24 of flexible material and zip 22 (or another adjacent zip) to hold the front face 11 in its usual relation to the case 1 when closed and operable to allow the front face 11 to be displaced away from the case when open.

The gusset 24 allows the front face 11 to be displaced whilst still providing a secure enclosure within the case. Accordingly, the internal (and external dimensions of the case 1 depth can be expanded. A user may make use of this expansion to pack additional items within the case 1. By selecting either the expanded or unexpanded state for the front face 11, the user can adapt the case 1 to comply with two different case depth restrictions.

Such arrangements where the zip 22 (or adjacent zip) extend around the full circumference of the front face 11 are known from the prior art. As discussed in the introduction, such arrangements may tend to sag, creating wear on the gusset 24 and potentially interfering with towing performance. Accordingly, the skilled man will appreciate that the expansion arrangement 22 may be replaced with an expansion arrangement of the type provided for the side faces 15, 16s and described in greater detail below.

The skilled man will appreciate that the side faces 15, 16 may be reinforced by an appropriate, preferably flexible, material. These materials include, but are not limited to high density foams, plastics, fabrics or the like.

The side faces 15, 16 are each provided with an expansion arrangement 30 comprising an elongate fastener arrangement 31, in this example a zip; and an expansion gusset 32. Unlike in the prior art, the elongate fastener arrangement does not extend around the full circumference of the side faces 15, 16. Instead, the zip 31 does not extend across the base edge of each side face 15, 16. In the example shown, the zip 31 extends a different distance down the front edge and the rear edge of the side faces 15, 16. The skilled man will however appreciate that this need not be the case in other embodiments.

When zips 31 are fastened, the side faces 15, 16 are held in their usual relation to the rest of the case 1. When the zips 31 are unfastened, each side panel 15, 16 can be displaced away from the rest of the case 1. The gussets 32 allow the side faces 15, 16 to be displaced whilst still providing a secure enclosure within the case 1. Accordingly, the internal (and external dimensions of the case 1 width can be expanded. A user may make use of this expansion to pack additional items within the case 1. By selecting either the expanded or unexpanded state for one or both side faces 15, 16, the user can adapt the case 11 to comply with three different case depth restrictions. By combining these expansions with than possible for the front face, the user may be able to comply with up to six unique sets of size restriction for the case 1 of the present invention.

As can be seen best in figures 4 & 5, the displacement of the side faces 15, 16 is greater at the top 14 then at the base 13, due to the elongate fastener 31 not extending around the base edge of the side faces 15, 16. This ensures that any items that are held within the expansion arrangements 30 when in expanded form are supported primarily by the base 13. This therefore prevents sagging of the weaker gusset material 32. This reduces wear on the gusset material and also prevents such side expansion arrangements 30 from presenting a snagging hazard to the wheels 3. As is most clearly shown in figures 4 & 5, reinforcing fabric loops 51 comprising one or more layers of fabric stitched together form the perimeter of each side panel 15, 16. These provide support to the edges of the side panels 15, 16 particularly when in the expanded state.

As is most clearly shown in figures 1 & 2, a reinforcement panel 33 can be provided at the base of each side face 15, 16. This can provide further support for the side faces 15, 16 when in expanded form, helping to reduce wear.

As can be seen best in figure 6, the suitcase 1 is supported by a frame 50 enclosed within and connected by the fabric structure 10. The frame 50 includes a top 47 and bottom 48 plate connected by telescopic handle sheaths 49 which house projecting members 6 when the handle is collapsed. In addition, reinforcing wire loops 45, 46 are provided on the front face 11 and side faces 15, 16.

The side wire loops 46 are housed within the main body of the suitcase 1. The side wire loops 46 substantially correspond to the perimeter of the side panel expansion arrangements 30. The side wire loops 46 allow the passage of stored objects from the main body of the suitcase 1 to the side expansion arrangements 30. In the present embodiment, the side wire loops 46 are located within main body of the suitcase 1. In other embodiments, the side wire loops 46 may be located within the side panel expansion arrangement 30, preferably within fabric loops 51.

The front wire loop 45 is housed within the front panel of the case. The front wire loop 45 substantially corresponds to the perimeter of the front panel 11. When open the front panel 11 allows access to the inside of the suitcase 1. When closed the front panel 11, and in particular the wire loop 45, provides additional structural rigidity to the case. In other embodiments, the front wire loop 45 may be located within the main body of the suitcase 1 and or within the front panel 11.

The wire loops 45, 46 may be enclosed within stitched fabric shrouds. This configuration of wire loops 45, 46 allows the case to be somewhat pliable so as to allow objects to be stored within, yet retain the desired overall shape and size so as to align with airline regulations when closed. The wire loops 45, 46 are connected by the fabric structure 10 provide lightweight luggage allowing the owner to pack more items before weight restrictions are breached.

As can be seen best in figures 2, 3 & 5 the base of the side panel 16 is provided with a protective guard 41. In some embodiments, the guard 41 may be a sheath made of a plastic. The plastic sheath may be ribbed in order to enable additional protection while also easing manufacture. The plastic sheath may contain holes in order to aid manufacture.

The above embodiment is described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wheeled suitcase comprising: a supporting structure upon which is provided a set of wheels, a towing handle and an enclosable storage volume, the storage volume being defined by front, back, top, base and two side faces, the said wheels being provided on the rear edge of the base, wherein at least one face of the storage volume is provided with an expansion arrangement whereby said side face can be displaced from the opposing face and wherein the expansion arrangement does not permit displacement of the base edge of the said expansion face.

2. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in claim 1 wherein the expansion arrangement comprises an expansion gusset of flexible material between the expansion face and the opposing face.

3. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in claim 2 wherein the expansion gusset does not extend between the base of the expansion face and the base of the suitcase.

4. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein there is a direct or reinforced connection between the base of the expansion face and the base of the suitcase.

5. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the expansion gusset is formed from a relatively lightweight and flexible fabric.

6. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the expansion arrangement comprises an elongate fastening arrangement operable to hold the expansion face in its usual relation to the opposing face when closed and operable to allow the expansion face to be displaced away from the opposing face when open.

7. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in claim 6 wherein the elongate fastening arrangement extends along both edges and the top of the expansion face.

8. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the elongate fastening arrangement does not extend along the base of the extension face.

9. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8 wherein the elongate fastening arrangement comprises a zip.

10. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the expansion face is a side face of the suitcase.

11. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any preceding claim wherein both side faces of the suitcase are expansion faces.

12. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any preceding claim wherein both side faces and the front face of the suitcase are expansion faces.

13. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein each expansion face of the suitcase incorporates an expansion arrangement that does not permit displacement of the base edge of the said expansion face.

14. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein expansion arrangements for one of the faces does permit displacement of the base edge of the said expansion face.

15. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in claim 14 wherein the front face is provided with an expansion arrangement comprising: an expansion gusset of flexible material between the expansion face and the opposing face; an elongate fastening arrangement operable to hold the expansion face in its usual relation to the opposing face when closed and operable to allow the expansion face to be displaced away from the opposing face when open, wherein the elongate fastening arrangement extends along each edge of the expansion face.

16. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the enclosable storage volume is defined by a fabric structure, the fabric structure being supported by a frame.

17. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in claim 16 wherein the frame is enclosed and connected by the fabric structure.

18. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in claim 17 wherein the frame comprises one or more reinforcing loops.

19. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in claim 18 wherein the reinforcing loops comprise fabric or wire.

20. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 wherein a reinforcing loop is provided within the front panel wherein the reinforcing loop substantially corresponds to the perimeter of the front panel.

21. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20 wherein a reinforcing loop is provided within the main body of the suitcase wherein the reinforcing loop substantially corresponds to the perimeter of the front panel.

22. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21 wherein a reinforcing loop is provided within the main body of the suitcase wherein the reinforcing loop substantially corresponds to the perimeter of the side panel.

23. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22 wherein a reinforcing loop is provided within the side panel wherein the reinforcing loop substantially corresponds to the perimeter of the side panel.

24. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the wheels are provided at the back edge of the base of the suitcase.

25. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any preceding claim wherein additional supporting feet are provided at the front edge of the base.

26. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the suitcase comprises wheels at both the front edge and rear edge of the base.

27. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a protective guard is provided between the wheels.

28. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the suitcase is provided with a towing handle.

29. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the suitcase is provided with a carrying handle.

30. A wheeled suitcase as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one or more of the base edges of the expansion arrangements are provided with one or more additional protective guards.

31. An expansion arrangement for an expansion face of a wheeled suitcase whereby an expansion face of the suitcase can be displaced from an opposing face, the expansion arrangement comprising: an expansion gusset of flexible material between the expansion face and the opposing face; an elongate fastening arrangement operable to hold the expansion face in its usual relation to the opposing face when closed and operable to allow the expansion face to be displaced away from the opposing face when open wherein the elongate fastening arrangement does not extend along the base edge of the expansion face.

32. An expansion arrangement as claimed in claim 31 wherein the expansion gusset does not extend between the base of the expansion face and the base of the suitcase.

33. An expansion arrangement as claimed in claim 31 or claim 32 wherein there is a direct or reinforced connection between the base of the expansion face and the base of the suitcase.

34. An expansion arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 33 wherein the expansion gusset is formed from a relatively lightweight and flexible fabric.

35. An expansion arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 34 wherein the elongate fastening arrangement comprises a zip.

36. An expansion arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 35 wherein one or more reinforcing loops are provided within the expansion face.

37. An expansion arrangement as claimed in claim 36 wherein the reinforcing loops comprise fabric or wire.

38. An expansion arrangement as claimed in claim 36 or 37 wherein a protective guard is present upon the reinforcing loop structure.