US20010013519A1 - Container for goods - Google Patents

Container for goods Download PDF

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Publication number
US20010013519A1
US20010013519A1 US09/755,882 US75588201A US2001013519A1 US 20010013519 A1 US20010013519 A1 US 20010013519A1 US 75588201 A US75588201 A US 75588201A US 2001013519 A1 US2001013519 A1 US 2001013519A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
container
goods
insert
inflatable
outer member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US09/755,882
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Achim Liebold
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of US20010013519A1 publication Critical patent/US20010013519A1/en
Priority to US10/712,551 priority Critical patent/US20040096336A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C3/00—Flexible luggage; Handbags
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
    • A45C11/38—Camera cases, e.g. of ever-ready type
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/02—Interior fittings; Means, e.g. inserts, for holding and packing articles
    • A45C13/021—Interior fittings; Means, e.g. inserts, for holding and packing articles inflatable
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10G—REPRESENTATION OF MUSIC; RECORDING MUSIC IN NOTATION FORM; ACCESSORIES FOR MUSIC OR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. SUPPORTS
    • G10G7/00—Other auxiliary devices or accessories, e.g. conductors' batons or separate holders for resin or strings
    • G10G7/005—Carrying cases for musical instruments

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a container for goods and more particularly to a container for goods which is adaptable to protect sensitive goods carried therein.
  • Containers of all shapes and sizes are used to store and transport goods from one geographical location to another. Some goods are of a robust nature and do not require any special attention during storage and transportation. There are, however, a substantial amount of goods transported that are of a frangible nature. These goods are transported in a variety of containers from large industrial shipping containers by transport companies to individual camcorder protection covers carried by individuals. Inevitably, some of the fragile goods stored and transported in this way end up damaged or broken and generate problems for the owners, insurers and manufacturers of fragile goods each year.
  • a container for goods comprising a storage compartment having an outer member, a flexible inner lining and an adjustable protection means mounted between the outer member and the lining to protect articles in the storage compartment, wherein the protection means has two modes, a protection mode and a storage mode and is adjustable between the two modes.
  • the outer member is a flexible member. This arrangement is particularly useful when the container for goods is to be carried by an individual.
  • the outer member is a rigid member. This arrangement is particularly useful for large shipping containers and other containers for goods which require a robust external surface.
  • the adjustable protection means is provided by an inflatable insert.
  • the inflatable insert provides a protective layer in both the storage mode and the protection mode.
  • the provision of a protective layer in the storage mode is an advantage of this invention over all the inserts provided in the prior art.
  • the inflatable insert is self-inflatable.
  • the inflatable insert is shock absorbent. This greatly reduces the risk of damage to goods stored within a container as the insert absorbs the forces transmitted thereto as opposed to passing them on to the contents of the container.
  • the form of the inflatable insert determines the maximum and minimum capacity of the storage compartment.
  • the insert can be inflated partially, fully or not at all in order to safely house the stored contents.
  • the inflatable insert is provided by a one-piece unit. This unitary characteristic of the insert reduces the complexity of the overall container and reduces the cost of manufacture of the insert itself.
  • the one-piece insert has one internal cavity.
  • the single internal cavity allows for ease of manufacture of the insert.
  • the inflatable insert comprises a foam pad insert incorporating an air valve, the foam pad insert being self-inflatable when the valve is opened.
  • the foam can be deflated by opening the control valve and applying pressure to the foam and then closing the valve when all the air is expelled.
  • the insert adds negligible extra weight to the overall item of luggage.
  • the foam pad insert provides a layer of protection to fragile goods stored therein when the protection means is in storage mode.
  • the foam pad insert is self-inflatable when the insert is pierced or punctured.
  • This non-destructible feature of the insert is particularly advantageous when compared with inflatable inserts operating on pumped air as a protection means. Products which use inflatable air inserts are rendered useless if the inflatable air insert is punctured or pierced.
  • the foam has a memory which restores the foam to its original form when an operator opens the valve after a period of deflation or when the insert is pierced or punctured.
  • the insert is inflatable or deflatable by a pump or orally by a user blowing air into the insert through a valve and provides protection for articles stored in the luggage by absorbing any impact due to rough handling.
  • the insert is inflatable or deflatable using a pump which is attached to the valve and is operated either manually, electrically or by other non-manual actuation means.
  • the insert is also deflatable using the valve.
  • the pump can be used to increase the pressure.
  • the inflatable insert provides a protective layer at normal atmospheric pressure.
  • the container for goods is an item of luggage.
  • the pump is incorporated into a shoulder strap of the item of luggage.
  • a user can increase or decrease the pressure of the insert when carrying the luggage in their hand or over their shoulder by operating the pump or valve.
  • the storage compartment comprises a central body and two side panels. This form of construction allows the outer skin of the luggage to be produced from three pieces of material.
  • side compartments are provided incorporating attachment means for inter-engagement with a corresponding attachment means located on each side of the outer member of the item of luggage.
  • the attachment means are provided by strips of hook and loop material allowing the side compartments to be temporarily attached to the item of luggage.
  • attachment means are provided by attachment loops.
  • the adjustable protection means comprises a central body insert and two side inserts. This allows standard shapes of inserts to be placed between the outer skin and the lining of the storage compartment.
  • a pair of lifting handles is located on the outer skin of the luggage.
  • the handles are disposed on opposite sides of the item of luggage so that the weight of the item of luggage and its contents are evenly balanced between the handles making the item of luggage easier to carry.
  • the item of luggage has a zip fastener for accessing the storage compartment and the control valve and a flap is located on the outer member of the luggage covering the zip fastener.
  • the flap acts as a deterrent to anyone attempting to interfere with the contents of the item of luggage and furthermore prevents anyone from accidentally or otherwise inflating or deflating the adjustable protection means.
  • the flap is fitted with a lock.
  • the lock is an additional safety feature provided with the item of luggage, and prevents anyone from stealing or interfering with the contents of the luggage when it is unattended by its owner.
  • the container for goods is a suit carrier comprising a cover sheet, a flexible inner lining and an inflatable insert formed for insertion between said cover sheet and said lining whereby in use the inflatable insert prevents excessive creasing of a suit when it is rolled up inside the suit carrier.
  • the inflatable insert allows a user to roll the suit carrier into a compact bundle that may be placed inside the item of luggage for storing and transporting.
  • the container for goods is a shipping container comprising a rigid outer member, a flexible inner lining and an inflatable foam pad insert mounted between said rigid outer member and said lining whereby in use the insert prevents excessive movement of the fragile goods within the container and additionally prevents potentially harmful contact between the goods and the side walls of the container.
  • the container for goods is a case for technical equipment such as a telephone, palmtop or a laptop computer comprising an outer member, a flexible inner lining and an inflatable foam pad insert mounted between said outer member and said lining whereby in use the insert reduces the risk of damage to the laptop computer or other technical equipment.
  • Laptop computers are an expensive item and may contain a substantial amount of useful information so it is vital that they are afforded as much protection as possible.
  • the container for goods is a case for a musical instrument such as a keyboard, a guitar or any musical instrument comprising an outer member, a flexible inner lining and an inflatable foam pad insert mounted between said outer member and said lining whereby in use the insert reduces the risk of damage to the musical instrument.
  • the container for goods is a case for optical equipment such as a camera or camcorder comprising an outer member, a flexible inner lining and an inflatable foam pad insert mounted between said outer member and said lining whereby in use the insert reduces the risk of damage to the optical equipment.
  • optical equipment such as a camera or camcorder
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an item of luggage in an open position
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an item of luggage incorporating a flap in a closed position
  • FIG. 3 is a partial perspective detail view of a valve of the inflatable insert
  • FIG. 4 is a section view through the item of luggage showing the insert in a deflated mode
  • FIG. 5 is a section view through the item of luggage showing the insert in an inflated mode
  • FIG. 6 is a section view through the item of luggage showing the insert in an inflated mode surrounding fragile goods
  • FIG. 7 is a section view through a suit carrier
  • FIG. 8 is a section view of the suit carrier of FIG. 7 in a partially folded position
  • FIG. 9 is a cut-away elevation view of a suit carrier incorporating an inflatable insert
  • FIG. 10 is a cut-away perspective view of a shipping container incorporating an inflatable insert
  • FIG. 11 is a cut-away perspective view of a container for a laptop computer incorporating an inflatable insert
  • FIG. 12 is a cut-away perspective view of a container for a guitar incorporating an inflatable insert.
  • FIG. 13 is a cut-away perspective view of a container for a camera incorporating an inflatable insert
  • FIGS. 1 to 6 there is shown an item of luggage indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 .
  • the item of luggage 1 has a storage compartment 4 having an outer member 7 , a flexible inner lining 10 and an adjustable protection means.
  • the adjustable protection means is provided by an inflatable insert 11 mounted between the outer member 7 and the flexible inner lining 10 .
  • the insert 11 is provided more specifically by a foam pad insert
  • the insert 11 has a control valve 9 .
  • a number of loops 3 are provided on opposite sides of the outer member 7 of the item of luggage 1 for attaching a shoulder strap.
  • a pair of lifting handles 2 are also located on the outer skin 7 of the item of luggage 1 .
  • a flap 15 secured by fasteners 14 cover a zip fastener 6 and the control valve 9 .
  • the storage compartment 4 comprises a central body 12 and additional side compartments (not shown). Side compartments can be attached to the item of luggage 1 about a number of attachment loops 13 located on the sides of the luggage 1 .
  • the main storage compartment 4 and the side compartments each has a zip fastener 6 (see FIG. 3) attached which allows access to the compartments.
  • the flexible inner lining 10 also provides a seal 15 to allow a user access to a further internal storage pocket.
  • FIGS. 4 to 6 there is shown a foam pad insert 11 in the deflated storage mode (see FIG. 4), the inflated protection mode (see FIG. 5) and the inflated protection mode having goods 16 stored therein (see FIG. 6).
  • a suit carrier indicated generally by the reference numeral 21 comprising a cover 22 and an inflatable foam insert 23 .
  • the cover 22 has a front sheet 24 , a rear sheet 25 and a zip fastener 27 .
  • a suit occupies the space between the front sheet 24 of the cover 22 and the foam insert 23 .
  • a flexible inner lining (not shown) is provided to enclose the insert 23 between the lining and the rear sheet 25 .
  • a user can then roll the suit carrier 21 housing the suit into a compact package for storing and transporting inside the item of luggage 1 .
  • the foam insert 23 prevents the suit from becoming excessively creased while it is rolled up inside the suit carrier 21 .
  • FIG. 10 there is shown a shipping container indicated generally by the reference numeral 101 .
  • the container 101 has a rigid outer shell 102 , an inflatable foam insert 103 and a flexible inner lining 104 .
  • a large quantity of goods 105 are stored in the container 101 .
  • FIGS. 11 to 13 there is shown a container 111 for a laptop computer 112 , a container 113 for a guitar 114 and a container 115 for a camera 116 .
  • the containers all incorporate an inflatable foam insert 103 .
  • the inflated inserts 11 , 103 also provide cushioning which will reduce the likelihood of damage due to rough handling of the container 1 , 101 , 111 , 113 and 115 .
  • Articles can be removed from the container 1 , 101 , 111 , 113 and 115 without having to deflate the inserts 11 , 103 .
  • the control valve 9 is released which in turn deflates the inserts 11 , 103 .
  • the inserts 11 , 103 are provided by foam pads a user may apply pressure to the inserts 11 , 103 to deflate them.
  • the container for goods provides a user with both a soft-sided container for carrying durable items and a rigid sided container for carrying fragile goods by means of an integral adjustable protection means.
  • the protection means is adjustable subject to a users requirements and beneficially, adds negligible weight to the overall item of luggage.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
  • Vehicle Step Arrangements And Article Storage (AREA)
US09/755,882 2000-01-07 2001-01-05 Container for goods Abandoned US20010013519A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/712,551 US20040096336A1 (en) 2000-01-07 2003-11-13 Container for goods

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IE20000010A IES20000010A2 (en) 2000-01-07 2000-01-07 An item of luggage
GBS2000/0010 2000-01-07

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/712,551 Continuation-In-Part US20040096336A1 (en) 2000-01-07 2003-11-13 Container for goods

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20010013519A1 true US20010013519A1 (en) 2001-08-16

Family

ID=11042545

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/755,882 Abandoned US20010013519A1 (en) 2000-01-07 2001-01-05 Container for goods

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20010013519A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1246552A2 (fr)
CN (1) CN1328994C (fr)
AU (1) AU5788801A (fr)
IE (1) IES20000010A2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001049147A2 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090255841A1 (en) * 2005-01-29 2009-10-15 David Sanches Inflatable shipping device and method of forming and using same
US20090274395A1 (en) * 2008-05-05 2009-11-05 Storm Orion Container
US8342324B2 (en) * 2010-04-21 2013-01-01 Rod Debias Self-inflating weapons case
US20140027338A1 (en) * 2012-07-24 2014-01-30 Steven Brown Device for Preventing Breaking of Eggs in Egg Carton
US20150164251A1 (en) * 2013-12-18 2015-06-18 Weilin Lisa Hsu Electronic Device Case with Inflatable Travel Pillow
US20160095400A1 (en) * 2014-10-03 2016-04-07 Sharon Lawton Shoe Carrying Device
DE102016013484A1 (de) * 2016-10-22 2018-04-26 Henriette Luise Repmann Handtaschenspanner
US11993432B1 (en) * 2023-01-30 2024-05-28 Leo Polosajian Storage container with built-in inflatable cushion

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4466517B2 (ja) * 2005-09-13 2010-05-26 日立電線株式会社 光トランシーバ
CN109256110A (zh) * 2018-12-07 2019-01-22 江苏沃格瑞特乐器制造有限公司 一种乐器箱包
FR3140523A1 (fr) * 2022-10-06 2024-04-12 Benoit JAGOT Sac de transport d'articles fragiles, équipé devessies gonflables de protection des articles vis-à-vis de chocs.

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1474142A (fr) * 1966-02-09 1967-03-24 Valise, malle ou autre article analogue destiné au transport d'objets divers
US4044867A (en) * 1976-06-03 1977-08-30 Fisher Robert J Inflatable luggage
US4155453A (en) * 1978-02-27 1979-05-22 Ono Dan D Inflatable grip container
US4215778A (en) * 1979-05-29 1980-08-05 Michael Kovins Inflatable instrument case
CN2035578U (zh) * 1988-08-05 1989-04-12 盛焕民 一种含充气内胎的旅行袋
US5129519A (en) * 1989-09-05 1992-07-14 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Packaging container
US5141107A (en) * 1991-10-11 1992-08-25 Norbert Leopoldi Inflatable, garment-carrying bag
US5622262A (en) * 1994-04-19 1997-04-22 Outrigger, Inc. High pressure air cushion for computer
US5570780A (en) * 1995-04-17 1996-11-05 Codi, Inc. Portable computer carrying case

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090255841A1 (en) * 2005-01-29 2009-10-15 David Sanches Inflatable shipping device and method of forming and using same
US7735643B2 (en) * 2005-01-29 2010-06-15 David Sanches Inflatable shipping device and method of forming and using same
US20090274395A1 (en) * 2008-05-05 2009-11-05 Storm Orion Container
US8342324B2 (en) * 2010-04-21 2013-01-01 Rod Debias Self-inflating weapons case
US20140027338A1 (en) * 2012-07-24 2014-01-30 Steven Brown Device for Preventing Breaking of Eggs in Egg Carton
US20150164251A1 (en) * 2013-12-18 2015-06-18 Weilin Lisa Hsu Electronic Device Case with Inflatable Travel Pillow
US20160095400A1 (en) * 2014-10-03 2016-04-07 Sharon Lawton Shoe Carrying Device
DE102016013484A1 (de) * 2016-10-22 2018-04-26 Henriette Luise Repmann Handtaschenspanner
US11993432B1 (en) * 2023-01-30 2024-05-28 Leo Polosajian Storage container with built-in inflatable cushion

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1246552A2 (fr) 2002-10-09
CN1394117A (zh) 2003-01-29
AU5788801A (en) 2001-07-16
WO2001049147A3 (fr) 2002-03-07
IES20000010A2 (en) 2001-07-11
CN1328994C (zh) 2007-08-01
WO2001049147A2 (fr) 2001-07-12

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Legal Events

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STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION