GB2567675A

GB2567675A - An article of luggage and method for forming an article of luggage

Info

Publication number: GB2567675A
Application number: GB1717246.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Selvi Sedat
Original assignee: IT Luggage Ltd
Current assignee: IT Luggage Ltd
Priority date: 2017-10-20
Filing date: 2017-10-20
Publication date: 2019-04-24
Also published as: GB201717246D0

Abstract

An article of luggage comprises a resilient panel 2 comprising a first material and one or more tie elements 31 comprising a second material, the second material being different to the first material. The resilient panel 2 is flexed out of a neutral position to define at least a portion of an interior of the article of luggage. At least one of the one or more tie elements 31 is attached to the resilient panel 2 such that the tie element resists return of the resilient panel to the neutral position. The tie elements may form the side panels 31 of a suitcase. The resilient panel 2 may be formed from a metal-polymer laminate comprising at least one polymer layer and at least one metal layer. The metal layer may comprise aluminum and the polymer may comprise polypropylene. The invention also provides a method of forming an article of luggage.

Description

The present invention relates to an article of luggage and a method for forming an article of luggage. In particular, the present invention relates to a suitcase.

BACKGROUND

In general, there are two main categories of suitcase, namely hard shell and soft shell suitcases.

Hard shell suitcases are those which typically have their bodies constructed from rigid, moulded, thermoplastic materials such a polypropylene, polycarbonate, ABS or metal. Hard shell suitcases provide advantages in that they tend to be robust and not easily damaged. This provides good reliability in terms of wear and tear but also gives strong protection from damage to the internal contents of the suitcase. As the moulded body is rigid, components such as wheel assemblies may be fastened directly to the moulded body without the need for any stabilising components (which are required in soft shell suitcases). However, the moulded materials tend to be heavy and expensive compared to the soft materials used for soft shell suitcases. It is important to have lightweight suitcases so that users can carry more of their belongings within the weight and size limits imposed by airlines. Another disadvantage with hard suitcases is that it is relatively complicated and costly to engineer pockets that can be added to the outside of the suitcases for quick access to items (instead of the user having to open the main compartment). Furthermore, complicated and expensive machinery is needed to produce hard suitcases. For example, a machine is required to produce a metal mould. The metal mould is then used in another machine process to manufacture the moulded product.

Soft shell suitcases are those which typically have their bodies constructed from flexible, fabric materials such as polyester and nylon. The flexible material allows various panels (such as those with pockets) to be easily added to the exterior so as to provide quick access to items. The flexible material also may allow a certain degree of expandability so that more items can be squeezed into a soft suitcase compared to a rigid, hard suitcase having a comparable interior volume (packing capacity). Furthermore, fabric materials used for suitcases tend to be lighter than the hard, moulded materials used for hard-shell suitcases and therefore allow users to carry more weight than if using a hard suitcase with a comparable interior volume. A drawback of soft suitcases is that they may not be as durable as hard suitcases and can be torn. They can also flex when impacted which may damage any goods within the suitcase. The assembly process may also require many steps due to the additional components required to ensure that a certain amount of rigidity and stability can be provided to the suitcase. For example, an additional base structure such as that made from polypropylene, ABS, PE/Honeycomb/Plywood board and/or a metal framework structure will typically be needed to fix the wheels/handle and trolley system to the case.

The present invention seeks to provide a suitcase that has the robust characteristics of a hard suitcase whilst also having the advantages of a soft suitcase in that it should be lightweight with pockets and economical to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an article of luggage comprising a resilient panel comprising a first material; and one or more tie elements comprising a second material, the second material being different to the first material;

wherein the resilient panel is flexed out of a neutral position to define at least a portion of an interior of the article of luggage; and wherein at least one of the one or more tie elements is attached to the resilient panel such that the tie element resists return of the resilient panel to the neutral position.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of forming an article of luggage according to any preceding claim comprising;

flexing a resilient panel comprising a first material to define at least a portion of an interior of the article of luggage; and attaching one or more tie elements comprising a second material, the second material being different to the first material, to the resilient panel such that the tie element resists return of the resilient panel to a neutral position.

-3The method may further comprise, in no particular order, the step of attaching one or more of a set of wheels, a trolley handle and/or a carry handle to the resilient panel.

The above aspects may further comprise one or more of the following features, singly or in any combination:

The resilient panel may comprise a metal-polymer laminate comprising at least one polymer layer and at least one metal layer. The metal may comprise aluminium and/or the polymer may comprise polypropylene. The metal-polymer laminate further may comprise a further polymer layer.

At least one of the one or more tie elements may comprise a further panel. The further panel may comprise a fabric panel. At least a portion of the further panel may be held in tension by the resilient panel. The resilient panel may be attached to at least a first edge and a second edge of the or each further panel.

The resilient panel may comprise a first flexing portion connecting a first flange and a body portion, wherein the first flange is biased outwards from the interior of the article of luggage by the first flexing portion. The resilient panel may comprise a second flexing portion connecting a second flange and the body portion, wherein the second flange is biased outwards from the interior of the article of luggage by the second flexing portion. The first flange and the second flange may be arranged at opposite ends of the body portion such that the first flange and the second flange define opposite ends of the interior of the article of luggage.

The resilient panel may form a back section of the article of luggage. The resilient panel may further form a base section and/or a top section of the article of luggage.

The or each tie element may form a side panel of the article of luggage.

The article of luggage may comprise one or more of a set of wheels, a trolley handle, and/or a carry handle. The or each of the set of wheels, trolley handle and/or carry handle may be mounted on the resilient panel.

The article of luggage according to the present invention comprises a structural shell formed from the resilient panel comprising a first material and the tie elements

-4comprising a second material. It therefore does not require moulded components or an internal frame to hold its shape. Limiting the number of moulded components has the advantage of reducing manufacturing costs. In addition, it is not necessary to provide additional framework to attach the wheels, trolley handle and/or carry handle as these may be attached to the resilient panel.

The use of a laminate, most preferably a metal-polymer laminate, provides advantages over moulded polymers in that it does not require a mould in order to form a shape but can instead be manipulated into the require shape from its layered form. It is also relatively lightweight compared to moulded polymers and yet retains a sufficient amount of resilience and rigidity such that suitcase components (e.g. wheel assemblies, carry handles and a trolley handle) may be directly attached to the laminate without any additional structural supports that would typically be needed for non-moulded (soft) suitcases.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an article of luggage according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic rear view of the article of luggage of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a partial schematic perspective view of the article of luggage of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the article of luggage of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a further schematic perspective view of the article of luggage of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a schematic exploded view of an article of luggage according to Figure 1; and

Figures 7a to 7c are a schematic illustration of a process for forming an article of luggage according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A suitcase 1 according to the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 6. The suitcase 1 comprises a resiliently flexible panel 2 formed from a metal-polymer laminate. The metalpolymer laminate is resiliently flexible and has a high point of elastic deformation such that it may bend but substantially return to its original (neutral) configuration. The resilient

-5panel 2 is biased towards a generally flat shape. It is bent at a first bending portion 24 and a second bending portion 25 such that it is flexed out of its neutral position to form a first flange 21, a body portion 22 and a second flange 23.

The first flange 21 and the second flange 23 are provided at opposite ends of the body portion 22 such that resiliently flexible panel 2 is held in a generally c-shaped configuration in use. In this flexed position, the resilient panel 2 defines an interior of the suitcase 1. As the resilient panel 2 is biased towards a generally flat shape, it is biased outwards from the interior of the suitcase 1.

The resilient panel 2 is held in the flexed position in use by two tie elements 3 in the form of fabric panels 31. The fabric panels 31 are each attached to the resilient panel 2 such that they “tie” at least two points on the resilient panel 2 to prevent the return of the resilient panel 2 to its neutral position. The fabric panels 31 each comprise a portion of fabric bordered with piping around its perimeter. The fabric panels 31 are each attached to the first flange 21, body portion 22 and second flanges 23 by stitching along the perimeter of the panels, thereby holding the resilient panel 2 in the flexed position. At least a portion of each fabric panel 31 is therefore held in tension by the resilient panel 2. Each fabric panel 31 forms a side of the suitcase.

As shown in Figure 1, the first flange 21 forms a top face of the suitcase, the body portion 22 forms a back face of the suitcase and the second flange 23 forms a base of the suitcase. The fabric panels 31 form the sides of the suitcase, and a further fabric panel 4 forms the front of the suitcase. The front of the suitcase 1 is hingedly attached and is provided with a zip for opening and closing the suitcase 1. These components therefore form the structural shell of the suitcase 1. It therefore does not require moulded components or an internal frame to hold its shape.

The suitcase comprises a set of wheels 26 attached to the resilient panel 2 at or near the first bending portion 24 and a trolley handle 27 attached to the resilient panel 2 at or near the second bending portion 25. The resilient panel 2 therefore provides the structural support required between the handle and the wheels, such that additional frame elements are not required. This therefore limits the weight of the suitcase, because there are fewer additional components, and reduces the number of assembly steps required, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

-6The metal-polymer laminate may comprise a layer of polypropylene (PP) material, a middle layer of aluminium foil and a top layer of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), which acts to protect the foil.

The present invention also provides a method of forming an article of luggage as described herein comprising the steps of producing a resilient panel 2 as shown in Figure 7a, flexing the resilient panel 2 as shown in Figure 7b to define at least a portion of an interior of the article of luggage (temporarily holding the panel in the flexed configuration by means not shown in this figure until tie elements are attached) and attaching the one or more tie elements to the resilient panel 2 as shown in Figure 7c such that the tie element resists return of the resilient panel to a neutral position. The method may further comprise attaching one or more of a set of wheels, a trolley handle and a carry handle to the resilient panel 2 and/or to the tie elements 3.

Whilst preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above and illustrated in the drawings, these are by way of example only and non-limiting. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many alternatives are possible within the ambit of the invention. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the article of luggage is a suitcase. In any embodiment, the article of luggage may alternatively be a holdall, backpack, handbag or other type of luggage.

In the present application, relative geometrical and/or positional terms, for example “top” and “upper” are used with reference to the orientation of the suitcase 1 as shown in Figure 1. The skilled person will understand that such terms are purely used for ease of reference and do not limit the actual orientation of the suitcase 1 in use.

The resilient panel according to the present invention comprises a first material, and the one or more tie elements comprises a second material, the second material being different to the first material. The resilient panel may be formed predominantly from first material, and more preferably the resilient panel may be entirely from the first material. The one or more tie elements may each be formed predominantly from the second material, and preferably a main body of the or each tie element may be formed entirely from the second material. In any embodiment an edging material, for example piping, may be provided as

-7 part of or between the resilient panel and the tie elements. Preferably, the first material is a metal-polymer laminate and/or the second material is a fabric.

Preferably, the resilient panel may be flexed into a generally c-shaped configuration (having a generally c-shaped cross-section when viewed from the side) in use. For example, the resilient panel may be provided with three sections, with two of the sections being arranged in two generally parallel planes and an intermediate section being provided therebetween. Preferably, the resilient panel is integrally formed, with the two parallel sections connected to the intermediate section by bending portions. Preferably, the intermediate section may be arranged in a plane generally perpendicular to the parallel planes. The three sections may be the first and second flanges 21,23 and the body portion 22.

Preferably, the first flange 21 forms a top face of the luggage, the body portion 22 forms a back face of the luggage and/or the second flange 23 forms a base of the luggage. Preferably, the fabric panels 31 form the sides of the suitcase, and a further fabric panel 4 forms the front of the suitcase. The front of the suitcase 1 may be hingedly attached and is provided with a mechanism for opening and closing the suitcase 1, for example a zip.

Alternatively, the resilient panel may be flexed into a generally c-shaped configuration in which the first flange 21 forms a top face of the luggage, the body portion 22 forms a front face of the luggage and/or the second flange 23 forms a base of the luggage.

In a further alternative, the resilient panel may be flexed into an L-shaped configuration (having a generally L-shaped cross-section when viewed from the side) in use. For example, the resilient panel may be provided with two sections arranged in generally perpendicular planes. Preferably, the resilient panel is integrally formed, with the two sections connected by a bending portion. The two sections may be the first flange 21 and the body portion 22. For example, the resilient panel 2 may comprise a single flexing portion such that the resilient panel comprises the first flange 21 and the body portion 22 (in the absence of a second flange 23). The resilient panel 2 may therefore generally Lshaped as described above. The body portion 22 may comprise an end portion distal to the first flange 21. This end portion may be attached to a moulded element forming a base of the article of luggage. In this embodiment, the first flange 21 may form a top face of the luggage, the body portion may form a back face of the luggage and the moulded element

-8may form a base of the article of luggage. Further fabric panels 31 or other elements may be provided to enclose the suitcase. A set of wheels may be attached to the moulded element and/or to the resilient panel. A trolley handle may be attached at an upper end to the resilient panel and at a lower end to the moulded element.

The resilient panel may be flexed into a generally L-shaped configuration in which the body portion forms a back face of the article of luggage and a moulded base or other base portion, for example a base plate, is attached to the body portion. In this configuration, a trolley handle may be attached to both the resilient panel and the base portion. A set of wheels may be attached to the base portion and/or the resilient panel.

In a still further alternative, the resilient panel may be flexed into a configuration comprising more than three flanges. The resilient panel being flexed into a range of configurations falls within the scope of the claims.

In any embodiment, the resilient panel may be formed integrally, or may comprise a plurality of sections of resilient material joined together to form the resilient panel. Intermediate elements such as a bracket or adhesive layer may be provided to facilitate joining of the pieces of the resilient material.

While the resilient panel of the illustrated embodiments comprises a first flange 21, a body portion 22 and a second flange 23, which are generally planar and meet at flexing portions 24, 25 that define distinct bend lines, in any embodiment the flanges 21,23, body portion 22 and/or flexing portions 24, 25 may take alternative geometric forms. For example, at least a portion of the resilient panel may be flexed into a continuous curve comprising some or all of the flanges 21,22, 23 and flexing portions 24, 25.

The resilient panel 2 and tie elements 3 may form the structural shell of the suitcase 1. It therefore does not require moulded components or an internal frame to hold its shape. Preferably, the resilient panel is both the outer material of the luggage and forms its structural shell. Preferably, the trolley handle, wheels and/or carry handle are attached to and supported by the resilient panel. These features have the benefit of reducing the number of manufacturing steps required to produce the article of luggage, thereby reducing costs.

-9A trolley handle assembly is preferably attached to both the top and base portions of the resilient panel, preferably by attaching the assembly to the first and second flanges 21,23 of the resilient panel. This adds additional structural rigidity to the article of luggage without requiring further additional internal framework or mouldings, such that additional weight is not added to the luggage. A front panel of the suitcase, preferably a fabric panel, more preferably a fabric panel comprising edging in the form of piping, may provide some additional structural stability to the luggage, particularly resistance to lateral compressive forces.

In any embodiment, a neutral position of the resilient panel 2 may be curved or bent, rather than flat, provided that when flexed in use it tends to pull outwards from the interior of the article of luggage (i.e. tending towards a relatively flattened shape compared to the flexed shape) and it is held in the flexed position by the tie elements 3 in use.

The illustrated embodiment comprises two tie elements 3, so-called because they “tie” or link at least two points on the resilient panel 2 such that these points are substantially restricted or prevented from moving further apart relative to each other and thereby prevent return of the resilient panel 2 to its rest position. The tie elements may take the form of the side panels 31 of the suitcase. In alternative embodiments, the resilient panel 2 may be held in the flexed position by other tie elements 3, for example a strap or rigid bracing element. Preferably, one or more of the one or more tie elements comprises a panel, most preferably a fabric panel, and the resilient panel may be attached to at least a first edge and a second edge of the or each further panel. More preferably, the further panel is attached to a third edge of the further panel.

A trolley handle assembly may be attached to the resilient panel 2 and may act as an alternative or additional tie element. Further, the trolley handle may act as a bracing element to resist compression of the article of luggage or further inward flexion of the resilient panel in use. Apertures may be formed in the first flange, second flange and/or first or second flexing portions through which the trolley handle assembly may protrude. The trolley handle assembly may be attached to the resilient panel by clamping handle components around the resilient panel, and/or using fasteners such as screws or rivets.

- 10The one or more tie elements 3 may be arranged on a front face of the suitcase, rather than a side face of the suitcase. A lid for the article of luggage may be arranged in the one or more tie elements 3, or in the same side of the luggage as the one or more tie elements.

The or each fabric panel 31 may comprise a portion of fabric bordered with piping along at least a portion of its perimeter, and preferably along substantially its entire perimeter. The piping may provide structure such that the fabric panel 31 retains its shape when not attached to the resilient panel (e.g it is not floppy). As the tie elements prevent return of the resilient panel 2 to its neutral position, at least a part of the or each tie element is held under tension by the resilient panel 2. The or each fabric panel 31 may be attached to the resilient panel 2 such that the fabric panel 31 is held substantially uniformly in tension by the resilient panel 2 to provide a uniform side on a suitcase. Alternatively, only a portion of the tie element 3 may be held in tension by the resilient panel. For example, some or all of the edging of the fabric panel 31 may be held in tension by the resilient panel 2. In that case, the fabric may be held in tension around the edging by stitching to provide a taut panel, or may be loose.

The or each fabric panel 31 may comprise alternative edging materials in place of the piping, or the edging material may be omitted. Alternatively, or in addition, the tie elements 3 may comprise sheet materials other than fabric. The panels and/or elements of the article of luggage may be attached by stitching, adhesives or other known methods. The panels are preferably attached continuously along one or more of their edges. Spacing elements such as webbing, zips, expansion elements may be provided between the fabric panels 31 and the resilient panel 2. Preferably, the fabric panels 31 or other tie elements 3 may comprise polyester or nylon fabric.

The tie elements may comprise alternative materials in place of or in additional to fabric, for example flexible plastic sheet.

In any embodiment, additional features may also be provided. For example, any of the panels, in particular the fabric panels, may comprise one or more pockets. The zip fastener of the lid may be replaced with other fastening means.

An article of luggage according to the present invention may comprise one or more additional panels. These may be, for example, fabric panels as described above or fabric panels without piping. Additional panels may be metal-polymer panels or other resilient panels. Additional panels may be attached by stitching or piping.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first material comprises a metal-polymer laminate. The metal-polymer laminate comprises at least one metal layer and at least one polymer layer. The metal is preferably aluminium, more preferably an aluminium foil. The polymer is preferably polypropylene. The layers may be attached by heating, adhesive or other known lamination methods. For example, the polypropylene layer may be formed by an extrusion process. As the polypropylene is extruded into a layer, the aluminium foil may be attached to the extruded polypropylene layer, for example, using adhesive and/or heat. Most preferably, the metal-polymer laminate comprises a layer of polypropylene (PP) material, a middle layer of aluminium foil and a top layer of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), which acts to protect the foil. In any embodiment, an alternative resiliently flexible material may be used in place of the metal-polymer laminate. For example, an alternative metal material such as a resilient aluminium sheet may be used.

Additionally or alternatively, the resilient panel may comprise other materials. For example, the resilient panel may be formed from a single sheet material (e.g. either metal or polymer), a mixture of different metals or polymers, a metal alloy, or a mixture of layers of different metals and/or polymers. In any embodiment the resilient panel is resilient but flexible (i.e. with an inherent bias to return to a neutral position).

Articles of luggage according to the present invention may not require moulded framerelated components or any other type of internal frame (e.g. aluminium frame). Alternatively, articles of luggage according to the present invention may include a reduced number of moulded components or internal frame components compared to known suitcases, thereby reducing the weight of the article of luggage. However, it will be understood that for some embodiments additional moulded components or an internal frame may additionally be provided, for example to increase the strength of the article of luggage. For example, PE board, plywood or a moulded section may optionally be used as a strengthening section for the base section. In this regard, the strengthening section may be provided as a planar layer that may be attached to the base section to provide the desired reinforcement.

- 12 According to a further embodiment, the present invention may provide a suitcase comprising a resilient and flexible metal-polymer portion; and at least one fabric panel attached to the metal-polymer portion. The metal-polymer portion may form a layer or panel defining one or more faces of the suitcase. The metal-polymer portion may comprise polypropylene and aluminium. The metal-polymer portion may comprise a laminate material, preferably comprising at least one polypropylene layer and at least one aluminium layer. The aluminium may comprise aluminium foil. The metal-polymer portion may form at least one of a base section and a top section of the suitcase. The metal-polymer layer may form the base section, top section and rear section of the suitcase. Preferably, a first fabric panel forms a first side section of the suitcase, a second fabric panel forms a second side section of the suitcase and a third fabric panel forms a front section of the suitcase. More preferably, the third fabric panel forms a lid of the suitcase. The third fabric panel may comprise a zip arrangement to allow opening and closing of the lid. At least one pocket may be provided by the at least one fabric panel. The suitcase may further comprise any combination of the other features of articles of luggage according to the present invention as described herein.

The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing a suitcase comprising: manipulating a metal-polymer portion into a shape having a substantially C-shaped crosssection so as to define a base wall, a top wall and a rear wall of the suitcase; and attaching three fabric panels to the metal-polymer layer to define the side walls and the front wall. The suitcase may further comprise any combination of the features of articles of luggage according to the present invention as described herein.

Claims

1. An article of luggage comprising:

a resilient panel comprising a first material; and one or more tie elements comprising a second material, the second material being different to the first material;

2. An article of luggage as claimed in claim 1 wherein the resilient panel comprises a metalpolymer laminate comprising:

at least one polymer layer; and at least one metal layer.

3. An article of luggage as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least one of the one or more tie elements comprises a further panel.

4. An article of luggage as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the further panel comprises a fabric panel.

5. An article of luggage as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein at least a portion of the further panel is held in tension by the resilient panel.

6. An article of luggage as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5 wherein the resilient panel is attached to at least a first edge and a second edge of the or each further panel.

7. An article of luggage as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the resilient panel comprises a first flexing portion connecting a first flange and a body portion, wherein the first flange is biased outwards from the interior of the article of luggage by the first flexing portion.

8. An article of luggage as claimed in claim 7 wherein the resilient panel comprises a second flexing portion connecting a second flange and the body portion, wherein the

- 14second flange is biased outwards from the interior of the article of luggage by the second flexing portion.

9. An article of luggage as claimed in claim 8 wherein the first flange and the second flange are arranged at opposite ends of the body portion such that the first flange and the second flange define opposite ends of the interior of the article of luggage.

10. An article of luggage as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the resilient panel forms a back section of the article of luggage.

11 An article of luggage as claimed in claim 10 wherein the resilient panel further forms a base section and/or a top section of the article of luggage.

12. An article of luggage as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the or each tie element forms a side panel of the article of luggage.

13. An article of luggage as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising one or more of:

- a set of wheels;

- a trolley handle; and

- a carry handle;

wherein the or each of the set of wheels, trolley handle and/or carry handle is mounted on the resilient panel.

14. An article of luggage as claimed in any of claims 2 to 13 wherein the metal comprises aluminium and/or the polymer comprises polypropylene.

15. An article of luggage as claimed in claim 14, wherein the metal-polymer laminate further comprises a further polymer layer.

16. A method of forming an article of luggage according to any preceding claim comprising;

flexing a resilient panel comprising a first material to define at least a portion of an interior of the article of luggage; and

- 15attaching one or more tie elements comprising a second material, the second material being different to the first material, to the resilient panel such that the tie element resists return of the resilient panel to a neutral position.

5 17. A method as claimed in claim 16 further comprising, in no particular order, the step of attaching one or more of:

- a set of wheels;

- a trolley handle; and

- a carry handle;

10 to the resilient panel.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:

25 06 18

CLAIMS:

1. An article of luggage comprising:

a resilient panel comprising a first material; and

5 one or more tie elements comprising a second material, the second material being different to the first material;

wherein the resilient panel is flexed out of a neutral position to define at least a portion of an interior of the article of luggage; and wherein at least one of the one or more tie elements is attached to the resilient

10 panel such that the tie element resists return of the resilient panel to the neutral position.

at least one polymer layer; and

15 at least one metal layer.

20 4. An article of luggage as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the further panel comprises a fabric panel.

7. An article of luggage as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the resilient panel

30 comprises a first flexing portion connecting a first flange and a body portion, wherein the first flange is biased outwards from the interior of the article of luggage by the first flexing portion.

8. An article of luggage as claimed in claim 7 wherein the resilient panel comprises a

35 second flexing portion connecting a second flange and the body portion, wherein the

25 06 18 second flange is biased outwards from the interior of the article of luggage by the second flexing portion.

9. An article of luggage as claimed in claim 8 wherein the first flange and the second flange

5 are arranged at opposite ends of the body portion such that the first flange and the second flange define opposite ends of the interior of the article of luggage.

12. An article of luggage as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the or each tie element 15 forms a side panel of the article of luggage.

- a set of wheels;

20 - a trolley handle; and

- a carry handle;

25 14. An article of luggage as claimed in any of claims 2 to 13 wherein the metal comprises aluminium and/or the polymer comprises polypropylene.

16. An article of luggage as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the resilient panel is biased towards a generally flat shape.

17. An article of luggage as claimed in any preceding claim wherein in its neutral position

35 the resilient panel tends towards a relatively flattened shape compared to the flexed shape.

25 06 18

18. An article of luggage as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the resilient panel and the tie elements form the structural shell of the suitcase.

5

19. An article of luggage as claimed in claim 18 wherein the resilient panel is the outer material of the luggage.

20. A method of forming an article of luggage according to any preceding claim comprising; flexing a resilient panel comprising a first material to define at least a portion of an

10 interior of the article of luggage; and attaching one or more tie elements comprising a second material, the second material being different to the first material, to the resilient panel such that the tie element resists return of the resilient panel to a neutral position.

15 21. A method as claimed in claim 20 further comprising, in no particular order, the step of attaching one or more of:

- a set of wheels;

- a trolley handle; and

- a carry handle;

20 to the resilient panel.

Intellectual Property Office