GB2583380A

GB2583380A - Suitcase

Info

Publication number: GB2583380A
Application number: GB1905862.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Selvi Sedat
Original assignee: IT Luggage Ltd
Current assignee: IT Luggage Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-26
Filing date: 2019-04-26
Publication date: 2020-10-28
Also published as: WO2020217047A1; GB201905862D0

Abstract

A moulded hard shell suitcase comprises an elongate groove 130 for receiving an elongate strengthening rib 116 that is secured thereto using adhesive. The rib 116 allows the walls of the suitcase to be as thin as possible whilst ensuring a minimum level of rigidity is reached.

Description

SUITCASE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a suitcase and a method of manufacture therefor.

BACKGROUND

In general, articles of luggage may comprise a wide variety of equipment that may be used to store, carry and/or convey equipment or belongings. For example, a suitcase may be one type of article of luggage that can be used to store a user's belongings for easy storage and transport. A suitcase may typically be equipped with wheels, a towing handle, a carry handle and an accessible opening to an interior of the suitcase.

Hard shell suitcases are those which typically have their bodies constructed from rigid, moulded, thermoplastic materials such a polypropylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or metal, or any combination thereof. 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 usually required in soft shell suitcases). However, the moulded materials tend to be heavy compared to 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 site limits typically imposed by airlines.

In order to ensure an appropriate level of rigidity and strength for hard shell suitcases, the suitcase shells require a certain material constituency and minimum wall thickness. However, the thicker the material, the heavier the suitcase and such heavy suitcases are undesirable because they restrict the contents that a user may carry on an airline due to the aforementioned airline weight and size restrictions. In this regard, it.

would he desirable to have the walls as thin as possible whilst ensuring the minimum level of rigidity is reached.

The issue of rigidity is exaggerated with large hard shell suitcases. This is because, for example, a smaller amount of force is required to displace a centrepoint of a large suitcase panel from its neutral, planar position, when compared with the force required to displace the centrepoint of a smaller panel by the same distance. This is a consequence of the so-called "lever effect". Accordingly, the minimum required thickness of a large panel may he higher than the minimum required thickness of a smaller panel in order for both panels to exhibit similar strength and rigidity characteristics and to resist an excessive amount of flexing.

If the panels are too thin, this could lead to excessive flexing under an external force thereby leading to a risk of dislocations (e.g. cracks) occurring and/or the panel may undergo plastic deformation where it cannot return to its neutral shape after being flexed out of shape.

The present invention seeks to provide a lightweight, hard shell suitcase.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a suitcase comprising: a first moulded body portion comprising a first major face and four primary side faces extending therefrom that cooperate to define a first cavity and a first opening having a first periphery; a second moulded body portion comprising a second major face and four secondary side faces extending therefrom that cooperate to define a second cavity and a second opening having a second periphery that is configured to compliment the first periphery, wherein the second moulded body portion is attached to the first moulded body portion via a hinge mechanism; a releasable fastening mechanism for releasably seeming the first moulded body portion to the second moulded body portion, wherein the suitcase is configurable in one of a closed configuration in which the first moulded body portion is secured to the second moulded body portion so as to restrict relative movement therebetween, and an open configuration in which the first moulded body portion and the second moulded body portion are permitted to pivot with respect to one another via the hinge mechanism; at least one ground engaging element attached to at least one of the first moulded body portion and the second moulded body portion; at least one carry handle attached to at least one of the first moulded body portion and the second moulded body portion; an extendable trolley handle system attached to the first moulded body portion or the second moulded body portion; wherein the first moulded body portion comprises: an elongate groove; and an elongate strengthening rib provided within the elongate groove and secured thereto via adhesive.

The provision of the elongate groove on the first moulded body portion means that the elongate strengthening rib can he located securely on the first moulded body portion by adhesive. The elongate strengthening rib may act to reinforce and enhance the rigidity and robustness of the first moulded body portion. This reinforcement and enhancing of the rigidity and robustness means that the first moulded body portion can be created from a thin layer of material to achieve the required overall rigidity and robustness of the first moulded body portion when compared with the minimum thickness required when no such elongate groove and elongate strengthening rib are provided. This is because the elongate strengthening rib can strengthen the first moulded body portion to restrict the amount of flexing under force. The elongate strengthening rib also can provide resistance from impact shock and provide vibration damping. The use of the elongate groove and adhesive means that the elongate strengthening rib can he attached to the first moulded body portion in a secure manner without needing any complex assembly (i.e. no screws, nuts or bolts, or complex fastening system is required).

The elongate groove may he provided on the first major face of the first moulded body portion. The first major face comprises the largest surface area of the first body panel and therefore may be susceptible to a greater amount of flexing compared to the side panels that have a smaller surface area. Thus the location of the elongate groove (and associated elongate strengthening rib) on the first major face may enable the strengthening to be provided where it is most needed. The elongate groove may comprise an elongate notch and a width of the elongate notch may be narrower than a width of the elongate groove. The elongate notch may provide an area to which adhesive may be applied to which the elongate strengthening rib may he attached.

The elongate groove may have one of a substantially circular, oval, square, triangular and trapezoidal cross-section. This may he so that the shape of the groove can correspond or conform to the shape of the associated strengthening rib.

The elongate groove may comprise a base and an opening, wherein a width of the opening may be narrower than a width of the base. The elongate groove may have a cross-section that inwardly tapers from the base towards the opening. The narrower width of the opening means that an elongate strengthening rib located in the groove may he held more securely in place and so, for example, cannot be readily displaced by an impact The elongate strengthening rib may comprise a width that is greater than the width of the opening and thereby provides a snap-fit within the elongate groove. This may provide a more secure fitting of the elongate strengthening rib to the groove so that it cannot readily he displaced from the suitcase.

The elongate strengthening rib may comprise a cross-section adapted to at least.

partly conform to a cross-section of the elongate groove. This can act to maximise the contact surface area for the application of the adhesive and thereby may provide a more secure attachment and consistent binding of the elongate strengthening rib to the suitcase across its length. The secure attachment and consistent binding across its length means that the elongate strengthening rib is effective at enhancing and strengthening the rigidity of the first moulded body portion.

The elongate strengthening rib may comprise a protrusion that extends across a length of the elongate strengthening rib and which has a width that is less than a width of the elongate strengthening rib. The protrusion may be provided for insertion into the notch of the elongate groove. This may provide a more robust attachment of the elongate strengthening rib to the first moulded body portion.

The elongate groove may extend across the first major face and proximal to a centrepoint of the first major face. In particular, as the central area of the first major face may generally he prone to flex more than the peripheral regions of the first major face, having the elongate groove provided in this manner allows the strengthening of the suitcase to he provided where it is most likely to he prone to flexing. Accordingly, the rigidity of the suitcase may be enhanced in focused areas deemed to require the enhancement.

The elongate strengthening rib may be configured to lay flush with the first major 30 face. This means that it would not protrude beyond the plane of the first major face and therefore would not be prone to getting caught by other objects, e.g. when the suitcase is travelling on an airport conveyer belt. Alternatively, the elongate strengthening rib may be configured to protrude outside of the groove and beyond a plane of the first major face. This can allow the elongate strengthening rib to also he provided as a gripping region for allowing easier manipulation of the suitcase, e.g. by baggage handlers. It may also provide a friction region so that the suitcase cannot easily slide away when placed on the first major face.

The elongate strengthening rib may comprise piping, such as that which is conventionally used for soft shell suitcases.

The first moulded body portion and the second moulded body portion may comprise a moulded plastics material selected from one or more of polypropylene, polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a suitcase, comprising: providing a first moulded body portion comprising a first major face and four primary side faces extending therefrom that cooperate to define a first cavity and a first opening having a first periphery; attaching a second moulded body portion to the first moulded body portion via a hinge mechanism and a releasable fastening mechanism, the second moulded body portion comprising a second major face and four secondary side faces extending therefrom that cooperate to define a second cavity and a second opening having a second periphery that is configured to compliment the first periphery so that the suitcase is configurable in one of a closed configuration in which the first moulded body portion is secured to the second moulded body portion so as to restrict relative movement therebetween, and an open configuration in which the first moulded body portion and the second moulded body portion are permitted to pivot with respect to one another via the hinge mechanism; attaching at least one ground engaging element to at least one of the first moulded body portion and the second moulded body portion; attaching at least one carry handle to at least one of the first moulded body portion and the second moulded body portion; attaching an extendable trolley handle system to the first moulded body portion or the second moulded body portion; providing an elongate groove in the first moulded body portion; and securing an elongate strengthening rib within the elongate groove via adhesive.

Securing the elongate strengthening rib may comprise applying adhesive in an elongate notch provided within the elongate groove for adhering to a protrusion of the elongate strengthening rib.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a suitcase in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is an exploded, front perspective view of the suitcase of Figure 1 showing the elongate strengthening rib separate from the suitcase; Figure 3a is a close-up, perspective, cross-sectional view of the elongate strengthening rib and the elongate groove, prior to assembly; Figure 3h is a close-up, perspective, cross-sectional view of the elongate strengthening rib and the elongate groove, after assembly; Figures 4a is a perspective view of the elongate strengthening rib of Figures 1 to 3b; Figured 4b and 4c are perspective views of alternative elongate strengthening ribs; Figures 5a to 5c arc perspective views of further alternative elongate strengthening ribs; Figures 6a and 6b are cross-sectional views of alternative elongate groove configurations; and Figures 7a and 7b are front views of suitcases having alternative elongate groove and elongate strengthening rib configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a hard shell suitcase having a structure to reinforce its strength and rigidity. Specifically, a moulded hard shell suitcase is formed with a predetermined groove and a strengthening rib provided therein.

Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to a moulded suitcase, which is generally understood to be an article of luggage used to contain and transport a person's belongings. However, it will be appreciated that the inventive concept may be applied to any moulded article of luggage and is not limited to use solely with moulded suitcases. The suitcase described herein is a so-called "hard" or "hard shell" suitcase due to the suitcase body comprising a moulded material having characteristics of robustness and rigidity.

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a moulded suitcase 100. The suitcase 100 comprises a body 102, a plurality of ground engaging elements -in this example, wheel assemblies 104, a side carry handle (not shown), a top carry handle 108, a retractable trolley handle assembly 110, a first moulded body portion 112, a second moulded body portion 114, a hinge mechanism (not shown), a releasable fastening mechanism (not shown) and an elongate strengthening rib 116. The hinge mechanism enables the second moulded body portion 114 to be attached to the first moulded body portion 112 in a manner such that the first moulded body portion 112 and the second moulded body portion 114 may pivot with respect to one another. The releasable fastening mechanism may, for example. he a zip arrangement or a clasp arrangement, and may he used to secure the first moulded body portion 112 and the second moulded body portion 114 in a fixed, closed configuration or permit the suitcase 100 to be in an open configuration where the first moulded body portion 112 and the second moulded body portion 114 are not secure together (i.e. and the contents of the suitcase 100 can therefore be readily accessed).

The first moulded body portion 112 comprises a first major face 118 and four primary side faces 120 extending therefrom generally orthogonally to the plane of the first major face 118. The first major face 118 and the side faces 120 cooperate to form a "shell", which is a tray-like portion. The first moulded body portion 112 thus defines a first cavity and a first opening having a first periphery. This first cavity, first opening and first periphery are not shown in the accompanying drawings but will be understood by a person skilled in the art as being features of a typical shell of a hard shell suitcase. The second moulded body portion 114 is formed in a like manner to the first moulded body portion 112 and is complimentary to the first moulded body portion 112 such that they have similar shapes and dimensions. In this regard, the second moulded body portion 114 comprises a second major face and four secondary side faces extending therefrom that cooperate to define a second cavity and a second opening having a second periphery that is configured to compliment the first periphery. The first moulded body portion 112 and the second moulded body portion 114 tray combine so as to form an interior packing volume of the suitcase 100. It should he appreciated that, in other examples, the two moulded body portions 112, 114 may be formed to have differing shapes and dimensions.

Figure 2 is another front perspective view of the suitcase 100 showing the elongate strengthening rib 116 separate from the suitcase 100. In this example, the elongate strengthening rib 116 has a generally curved profile with a length that enables the elongate strengthening rib 116 to extend across the majority of the first major face 118. The elongate strengthening rib 116 comprises an upper portion 124 and a lower portion 126 (shown in more detail in Figures 3a and 3b). The first major face 118 comprises an elongate groove 128 also having a generally curved profile so as to match the generally curved profile of the elongate strengthening rib 116. In this regard, the elongate groove 128 may be adapted, sized and shaped so as to receive the elongate strengthening rib 116. The elongate strengthening rib 116 may similarly be adapted, sized and shaped with dimensions so as to conform with the elongate groove 128 and to be received therein. In this regard, the elongate groove 128 may comprise an elongate notch 130 (shown in more detail in Figure 3a). The elongate notch 130 may extend substantially along the length of the elongate groove 128 and may be adapted, sized and shaped to receive the lower portion 126 of the elongate strengthening rib 116. The lower portion 126 of the elongate strengthening rib 116 may therefore be adapted, sized and shaped so as to conform with the elongate notch 130 of the elongate groove 128.

Figures 3a and 3h are perspective views of the elongate strengthening rib 116 and elongate groove 128 in cross-section, showing the elongate strengthening rib 116 and the elongate groove 128 prior to assembly (Figure 3a) and after assembly (Figure 3b).

With reference to Figure 3a, the elongate strengthening rib 116 is comprised of piping. The piping, in this example, may be made of a resilient panel of material that is folded together with two opposing flanges 132, 134 of the piping being secured to one another. The resilience of the panel means that the piping forms the upper portion 124 into a generally hollow, circular cross-section 136 with the flanges of the piping forming the lower portion 126, which has a generally rectangular cross-section. The elongate strengthening rib 116 is adapted to generally and at least partly conform to the dimensions of the elongate groove 128 (and elongate notch 130 therein). In this regard. the elongate groove 128 comprises a generally semi-circular cross-section and the elongate notch 130 comprises a rectangular cross-section.

Turning now to Figure 3h, the elongate strengthening rib 116 is provided within the elongate groove 128 such that the lower portion 126 is received by the elongate notch 130 and the upper portion 124 sits in the elongate groove 128 itself. The upper portion 124 may protrude beyond a plane of the first major face 118. In other examples, the upper portion 124 may sit flush with the plane of the first major face 118.

The first moulded body portion 112 and the second moulded body portion 114 may comprise one or more of the following materials: polypropylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The elongate strengthening rib 116 may also he made from these materials and alternatively or additionally from other plastics materials or a rubber. The elongate strengthening rib 116 may, for example, be made from PVC or TPR. The elongate strengthening rib 116 may be made from an extrusion process. The elongate groove 128 may be manufactured as part of the mould design for the first moulded boy portion 112. After producing the first moulded body portion 112, adhesive may be applied to one or both of the elongate groove 128 and the elongate strengthening rib 116. The elongate strengthening rib 116 may then be placed in the elongate groove 128 so that it may be adhered thereto.

Whilst embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying exemplary figures, it will he appreciated that various modifications and alternatives may be envisaged without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For example, whilst the exemplary embodiments described herein with reference to figures 1 to 3b describe a particular configuration of elongate strengthening rib 116 and elongate groove 128, it will be appreciated that other configurations are contemplated.

Figure 4a shows the piping that was illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b. Figures 4b and 4c show alternative types of resilient but flexible elongate strengthening ribs 216, 316.

As described herein with respect to Figures 3a and 3b, the piping shown in Figure 4a is formed from a resilient panel that is folded into shape with its opposing flanges 132, 134 or ends secured together, thereby forming a hollow core 136. The hollow core 136 means that less material is required and the elongate strengthening rib 116 is therefore lighter than other examples with a solid core (see Figure 4c). Furthermore, the flexible but resilient material allows temporary deformation under force and can therefore enable the elongate strengthening rib 116 to form a push-lit or snap-fit with the elongate groove 128, whereby the elongate strengthening rib 116 is temporarily deformed under force whilst being inserted into the elongate groove 128 and thereafter exerts a bias against walls of the elongate groove 128 once the force is removed. The bias of the material thereby acts to secure the elongate strengthening rib 116 within the elongate groove 128.

Figure 4b shows elongate strengthening rib 216 similar to that of Figure 4a but with a textured exterior surface. More particularly, the elongate strengthening rib 216 is again formed from piping in a similar manner to that described herein but additionally comprises a plurality of radial ridges 238, evenly spaced about the upper portion 124 of the elongate strengthening rib 216. The textured exterior surface may provide a grip surface such that, in configurations where the elongate strengthening rib 216 protrudes beyond the first major surface 118, the elongate strengthening rib 216 may enable a gripping region to be provided on the suitcase 100. The protruding elongate strengthening rib 216 may also provide a frictional region that can engage various surfaces, for example, to resist the movement of the suitcase on a particular surface. This may prevent the suitcase from sliding.

Figure 4c shows an alternative elongate strengthening rib 316 that is formed as a single extruded piece with a solid core 340. The elongate strengthening rib 316 in this example may provide a greater amount of resilience compared with the piping examples of Figures 4a and 4b, and may thereby provide a greater amount of strength and rigidity to the first moulded body portion 118.

Figures 5a to 5c show further alternative examples of elongate strengthening ribs 416, 516, 616 formed from extrusion processes. In these examples, the elongate strengthening ribs 416, 516, 616 do not have a lower portion (i.e. as in the lower portion 126 shown in Figures 2 and 3a. Each example shown comprises at least one flat, planar surface 442, 542, 642). The corresponding elongate groove (not shown) does not require an elongate notch (i.e. as in the elongate notch 130 shown in Figures 2 and 3a), and may instead have a cross-section profile that conforms to the profile of the associated elongate strengthening rib 416, 516, 616, which in these examples comprises at least one flat, planar surface 442, 542, 642 and therefore the corresponding elongate groove 128 also has a corresponding flat, planar surface. The flat, planar surfaces of both the elongate strengthening ribs 416, 516, 616 and the associated elongate grooves (not shown) maximise the contact areas therebetween, which acts to increase the bonding between the two, for example, when an adhesive layer is applied. Accordingly, these configurations enable a secure attachment of the elongate strengthening rib 416, 516, 616 to the associated elongate grooves (not shown).

In more detail, Figure 5a shows an elongate strengthening rib 416 in the form of a hollow, plastics strip having a generally square cross-section. In this example, there are four, generally equilateral, planar faces 442. Accordingly, an adhesive layer may be applied to any number of the planar faces 442 in order to secure the elongate strengthening rib 416 to the associated elongate groove (not shown).

Figure 5b shows an elongate strengthening rib 516 in the form of an extruded, hollow, plastic strip but with an eight-sided polygon cross-section. Notably, one side 542 of the eight sides has a greater width than the other sides and at least this side 542 is for adhering to the associated elongate groove (not shown) due to it having a greater contact surface area with the associated elongate groove than the other sides (thus creating a greater adhesion between the two).

Figure 5c shows an elongate strengthening rib 616 in the form of an extruded, hollow, plastic strip having a pentagonal cross-section and at least one flat, planar surface 642.

Figures 6a and 6b show alternative configurations elongate grooves 728, 828 in cross-section. In exemplary embodiments depicted in Figures 3a and 3h, the elongate groove 130 comprises walls that taper outwards as they extend away from the suitcase 100 interior such that the opening of the elongate groove 130 comprises a maximum width of the elongate groove 130. In alternative embodiments, and as exemplified in Figures 6a and 6b, the opening of the elongate grooves 728, 828 may be narrower in width than the greatest width of the elongate groove 728, 828.

In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 6a, the elongate groove 728 comprises a generally circular cross-section although with a cut-off. The width across the opening is smaller than the greatest width of the elongate groove 728. An elongate notch 730 is provided in a central location within the elongate groove 728.

In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 6h, the elongate groove 828 comprises a generally trapezoidal cross-section. The width across the opening is smaller than the greatest width of the elongate groove 828. An elongate notch 830 is provided in a central location within the elongate groove 828.

In exemplary embodiments described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 4a, an elongate strengthening rib 116 is provided having a generally curved profile that extends across the first major face 118 of the first moulded body portion 112. It will be appreciated that the elongate strengthening rib 116 may additionally or alternatively be provided on other faces of the suitcase 100. Additionally or alternatively, different shapes, lengths and widths of elongate strengthening ribs may be provided on the suitcase 100 with associated elongate grooves. Furthermore, as an additional or alternative, elongate strengthening ribs may extend across multiple faces of the suitcase 100.

It has been identified that some areas of a moulded suitcase 100 may be susceptible to flexing more than other areas, and in particular, where there are large surface areas. The exemplary embodiments described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 4a provide an elongate strengthening rib 116 that extends in the proximity of a centrepoint of such a large surface area in order to enhance the strength and rigidity of such an area. Figures 7a and 7h teach alternative methods of providing elongated strengthening ribs 928, 1028 to provide enhanced strength and rigidity to such areas.

In particular, as shown in Figure 7a, the elongated strengthening rib 928 may he provided in a circular shape on the first moulded body portion 912.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7b, the elongated strengthening rib 1028 may be provided in a triangular shape on the first moulded body portion 1012.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A suitcase comprising: a first moulded body portion comprising a first major face and four primary side faces extending therefrom that cooperate to define a first cavity and a first opening having a first periphery; a second moulded body portion comprising a second major face and four secondary side faces extending therefrom that cooperate to define a second cavity and a second opening having a second periphery that is configured to compliment the first periphery, whcrcin the second moulded body portion is attached to the first moulded body portion via a hinge mechanism; a releasable fastening mechanism for releasably securing the first moulded body portion to the second moulded body portion, wherein the suitcase is configurable in one of a closed configuration in which the first moulded body portion is secured to the second moulded body portion so as to restrict relative movement thcrebetwccn, and an open configuration in which the first moulded body portion and the second moulded body portion are permitted to pivot with respect to one another via the hinge mechanism; at least one ground engaging element attached to at least one of the first moulded body portion and the second moulded body portion; at least one carry handle attached to at least one of the first moulded body portion and the second moulded body portion; an extendable trolley handle system attached to the first moulded body portion or the second moulded body portion; wherein the first moulded body portion comprises: an elongate groove; and an elongate strengthening rib provided within the elongate groove and secured thereto via adhesive.
2. A suitcase according to claim 1, wherein the elongate groove is provided on the first major face of the first moulded body portion.
3. A suitcase according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elongate groove comprises an elongate notch.
4. A suitcase according to claim 3 wherein a width of the elongate notch is narrower than a width of the elongate groove.
5. A suitcase according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate groove has one of a substantially circular, oval, square, triangular and trapezoidal cross-section.
6. A suitcase according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the elongate groove comprises a base and an opening, wherein a width of the opening is narrower than a width of the base.
7. A suitcase according to claim 6, wherein the elongate groove has a cross-section that inwardly tapers from the base towards the opening.
8. A suitcase according to any of claims 6 or 7, wherein the elongate strengthening rib comprises a width that is greater than the width of the opening and thereby provides a snap-fit within the elongate groove.
9. A suitcase according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate strengthening rib comprises a cross-section adapted to at least partly conform to a cross-section of the elongate groove.
10. A suitcase according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate strengthening rib comprises a protrusion that extends across a length of the elongate strengthening rib and which has a width that is less than a width of the elongate strengthening rib.
11. A suitcase according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate groove extends across the first major face and proximal to a centrepoint of the first major face.
12. A suitcase according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate strengthening rib is configured to lay flush with the first major face.
13. A suitcase according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the elongate strengthening rib is configured to protrude outside of the groove and beyond a plane of the first major face.
14. A suitcase according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate strengthening rib comprises piping.
15. A suitcase according to any preceding claim, wherein the first moulded body portion and the second moulded body portion comprises a moulded plastics material selected from one or more of polypropylene, polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
16. A method of manufacturing a suitcase, comprising: providing a first moulded body portion comprising a first major face and four primary side faces extending therefrom that cooperate to define a first cavity and a first opening having a first periphery; attaching a second moulded body portion to the first moulded body portion via a hinge mechanism and a releasable fastening mechanism, the second moulded body portion comprising a second major face and four secondary side faces extending therefrom that cooperate to define a second cavity and a second opening having a second periphery that is configured to compliment the first periphery so that the suitcase is configurable in one of a closed configuration in which the first moulded body portion is secured to the second moulded body portion so as to restrict relative movement therehetween, and an open configuration in which the first moulded body portion and the second moulded body portion are permitted to pivot with respect to one another via the hinge mechanism; attaching at least one ground engaging element to at least one of the first moulded 30 body portion and the second moulded body portion; attaching at least one carry handle to at least one of the first moulded body portion and the second moulded body portion; attaching an extendable trolley handle system to the first moulded body portion or the second moulded body portion; providing an elongate groove in the first moulded body portion; and securing an elongate strengthening rib within the elongate groove via adhesive.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein securing the elongate strengthening rib comprises applying adhesive in an elongate notch provided within the elongate groove for adhering to a protrusion of the elongate strengthening rib.