US20140151174A1 - Suitcase having an improved structure - Google Patents
Suitcase having an improved structure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140151174A1 US20140151174A1 US14/130,867 US201214130867A US2014151174A1 US 20140151174 A1 US20140151174 A1 US 20140151174A1 US 201214130867 A US201214130867 A US 201214130867A US 2014151174 A1 US2014151174 A1 US 2014151174A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- main surface
- suitcase
- shell
- lateral
- lateral surfaces
- 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
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
- A45C5/03—Suitcases
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
- A45C5/02—Materials therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
- A45C5/14—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage with built-in rolling means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C7/00—Collapsible or extensible purses, luggage, bags or the like
- A45C7/0018—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
- A45C7/0054—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage comprising a plurality of hinged panels to be unfolded in one plane for access purposes
Definitions
- suitcase is intended to refer in general to a container of predetermined shape intended for transporting personal effects or other objects on journeys in a protected fashion.
- the invention relates to suitcases intended to be transported predominantly by pulling or pushing, commonly called “trolleys”.
- Known suitcases are normally made of rigid materials or soft materials.
- the material itself allows the desired shape and bearing structure to be conferred on the suitcase, whereas in the second case, if the suitcase is required substantially to keep a predetermined shape and to have a bearing structure, additional, rigid reinforcing members or frames, usually made of plastic materials, wood or metal must be used.
- Suitcases made of rigid material are sturdy and assure maximum protection to their contents. However, they weigh a considerable amount and, specifically because of the rigid structure, there are more subject to permanent damage, such as scratches, abrasions etc following knocks or other external stresses. Such damage has a negative impact on the aesthetic appearance of the suitcase and, in the worst cases, may also compromise the functional capacity thereof.
- Suitcases made of a soft material with additional reinforcing members are generally lower in weight than suitcases of equal capacity made of rigid material and, due to the greater resilience of the materials used, are less subject to permanent damage due to knocks.
- the weight of the suitcases is still negatively influenced by the need to use additional, rigid reinforcing members.
- these reinforcing members may be subject to deformation or tears which can compromise the functional capacity of the suitcase.
- the weight reduction while representing a primary objective in suitcase manufacture, cannot—particularly in suitcase types such as trolleys—be disassociated from maintaining a stability of form and structural rigidity adequate to guarantee the functional capacity of the suitcase itself.
- the aim of the present invention is to provide a suitcase, in particular a trolley, having an improved structure which, while ensuring a stability of form and structural rigidity comparable to those of known suitcases made of soft material and equipped with additional reinforcing structure, enables a reduction in weight to be obtained by comparison with this type of known suitcases.
- the invention therefore relates to a suitcase with a suitcase body at least partially formed by a shell comprising a first main surface and at least three lateral surfaces extending at an angle from sides of said first main surface, wherein:
- a suitcase body at least partially formed by a shell configured in such a way as to present characteristic self-supporting features even if made of flexible material, it is possible to avoid, or at least considerably limit, the use of additional rigid reinforcing structures for conferring on the suitcase the desired stability of form and structural rigidity, with a consequent appreciable reduction in weight.
- the suitcase of the invention therefore combines all the advantageous features typical of suitcases of the known art made of soft material with an additional reinforcing structure—in particular the possibility of absorbing knocks without sustaining permanent damage, and a stability and structural rigidity such as to permit substantial shape retention —, at an extremely contained weight.
- the weight reduction obtainable by means of the present invention is especially advantageous in the case of suitcases intended for use characterised by mainly direct propulsion on the part of the user, and over long distances, such as, in particular, trolleys and/or suitcases which satisfy the requirements for use as hand baggage in air travel.
- the invention relates to a shell for a suitcase body of a suitcase, comprising a main surface and at least three lateral surfaces extending at an angle from sides of said first main surface, wherein:
- Such a shell enables all the advantageous features described above with reference to the first aspect of the invention to be conferred on a suitcase.
- the invention relates to a cut piece of flexible sheet-like material shaped to form a shell having the above-mentioned features.
- FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic prospective view of a suitcase according to the invention
- FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic prospective view of a shell forming part of the suitcase body of the suitcase in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 2 a is a diagrammatic front view of the shell of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 2 b is a diagrammatic top view of the shell of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic planar view of a cut piece of flexible material shaped to manufacture the shell of FIG. 2 .
- reference numeral 1 indicates overall a suitcase according to the present invention.
- the suitcase 1 shown in FIG. 1 is in particular a trolley.
- the trolley 1 comprises a suitcase body 2 , partially formed by a shell 10 of flexible material, shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2 , 2 a e 2 b.
- the shell 10 comprises a first main surface 101 and at least three lateral surfaces 102 , 103 and 104 extending at an angle of from sides of the first main surface 101 .
- the first main surface 101 and three lateral surfaces 102 , 103 and 104 are of a piece with one another and belong to a single cut piece of flexible sheet-like material, shown in FIG. 3 , and the conformation of these surfaces together at the at least partial join of the three lateral surfaces 102 , 103 and 104 are such by which the shell 10 forms a self-supporting structure.
- these features of the shell 10 enable a suitcase body to be manufactured that has adequate stability of form and structural rigidity and is at the same time extremely light.
- the first main surface 101 preferably has a quadrilateral shape and the three lateral surfaces 102 , 103 and 104 comprise a first and a second lateral surface 102 , 103 extending at an angle, preferably forming substantially a right angle, from opposing sides of the first main surface 101 , and a third lateral surface 104 extending at an angle, preferably forming substantially a right angle, from a side of the first main surface 101 between said two opposing sides.
- the third lateral surface 104 is at least partially joined, at its opposing free sides, respectively to free sides of said first and second lateral surfaces 102 , 103 , adjacent to said third lateral surface 104 .
- the lateral surfaces 102 , 103 preferably have a substantially rectangular shape.
- the lateral surfaces 102 , 103 may also have a substantially trapezoidal or even triangular shape, with one oblique side arranged opposite respective sides of said surfaces that are in common with the first main surface 101 .
- the lateral surface 104 preferably has a substantially rectangular shape.
- the shell 10 comprises a second main surface 105 , opposed to the first main surface 101 , extending at an angle, preferably forming substantially a right angle, from a free side of the third lateral surface 104 opposed to a side of the lateral surface 104 itself; which is in common with the first main surface 101 , and the second main surface 105 is joined, at its opposing free sides, to portions of free sides, adjacent to said second main surface, of said first and second lateral surfaces 102 , 103 , respectively.
- the second main surface 105 is preferably of a piece with the third lateral surface 104 and therefore forms part of the same cut piece of flexible sheet-like material to which the first main surface 101 and three lateral surfaces 102 , 103 and 104 belong.
- the presence of the second main surface 105 advantageously increases the structural stability of the shell 10 , and in particular of the third lateral surface 104 , which in this way is bound to all three surfaces of the shell 10 along the whole of its own perimeter.
- the structural stability of the lateral surface 104 is particularly important when the shell 10 is used to manufacture a suitcase of the trolley type and such a surface defines a base surface of the trolley, as in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 . Indeed, in this case it is important to ensure that the planarity of the base surface is maintained, because wheels for pulling the trolley are typically applied to said surface, which wheels must, for correct operation, remain always co-planar during use.
- the second main surface 105 extends in a substantially perpendicular direction to the third lateral surface 104 preferably over no more than 20%, more preferably over no more than 10%, of the maximum length in the same direction of the first main surface 101 .
- the shell 10 preferably comprises openings 106 at at least two of the vertices, and preferably at all of the vertices, formed by the first main surface 101 and by the second main surface 105 with the first and third lateral surfaces 102 , 104 and with the second and third lateral surfaces 103 , 104 , respectively.
- the openings 106 may advantageously be used for the application of wheels and/or of other bearing members on the base surface of the suitcase body 2 , as described in greater detail below.
- the openings 106 are defined directly while the shell 10 is being manufactured.
- the join between the third lateral surface 104 and, respectively, the first and the second lateral surface 102 , 103 at the respective adjacent free sides is preferably made at only a central segment of suitable length of said sides, in such a way as to automatically achieve open regions at the above-mentioned corners on the shell 10 .
- openings 106 and any further openings may be made in the shell 10 by means of cutting or perforating subsequent to manufacture of the shell 10 itself.
- the material used to make the shell 10 should also present good features of resilience, stability to changes in temperature, workability into sheets, and economicalness.
- Plastic materials are preferred, for example expanded polyethylene (EPE).
- the above-mentioned material preferably has a thickness within the range from about 3 mm to about 5 mm.
- a layer of a compatible different material may be applied, for example a layer of a different plastic material, or even of skin or fabric.
- the fixing of sides of the surfaces of the shell 10 intended to be at least partially joined together as described above may be carried out by means of glueing, welding and/or sewing.
- the first main surface 101 of the shell 10 preferably defines a rear wall 21 (not visible in FIG. 1 ) of the suitcase body 2
- the lateral surfaces 102 and 103 of the shell 10 define two opposing lateral walls 22 and 23 (only one of which is visible in FIG. 1 ) of the suitcase body 2
- the lateral surface 104 of the shell 10 defines a bottom wall 24 (not visible in FIG. 1 ) of the suitcase body 2
- the second main surface 105 of the shell 10 defines an inferior portion 25 a of the front wall of the suitcase body 2 .
- the suitcase body 2 is completed by an upper wall 26 and by a cover 25 b for access to the interior space of the trolley 1 , partially or totally defining the front wall of the suitcase body 2 .
- the upper wall 26 and the cover 25 b are preferably formed from respective cut pieces of suitable shape of the same flexible material of which the shell 10 is made.
- the upper wall 26 is associated with to the shell 2 by fixing by means of glueing, welding and/or sewing by its own free borders opposite the third lateral surface 104 of the shell, defining, as mentioned above, the bottom wall 24 of the suitcase body 2 .
- the cover 25 b is openably associated with the shell 10 and with the upper wall 26 at free edges thereof opposite the first main surface 101 of the shell 10 , defining, as mentioned above, the rear wall 21 of the suitcase body 2 .
- the cover 25 b is preferably associated with the shell 10 and with the upper wall 26 by means of a zip closure 27 , schematically represented in FIG. 1 by means of a thicker line, which extends preferably along the whole of the perimeter of the cover 25 b.
- the suitcase body 2 may furthermore comprise, in a conventional fashion, one or more of external pockets on the front wall, in particular on the cover 25 b , the lateral walls 22 , 23 , and/or the rear wall 21 .
- a pocket 28 is for example present on the cover 25 b .
- the pocket 28 may be fitted with a zip 29 (schematically represented in FIG. 1 by means of a thicker line) or by other conventional closure means.
- the trolley 1 preferably comprises at least two, more preferably four wheels 3 (of which only three are visible in FIG. 1 ) on the bottom wall 24 of the suitcase body 2 .
- the wheels 3 are preferably mounted in the openings 106 predisposed for this purpose in the shell 10 as described above.
- the wheels 3 may advantageously be of the orientatable type.
- Fixed bearing members may be provided in place of one or more of the wheels 3 or in addition thereto.
- the trolley 1 furthermore comprises retractable pulling means 4 associated with the suitcase body 2 .
- the pulling means are of conventional type and comprise, in the example embodiment shown, a gripping member 41 mounted at the free end of two retractable, possibly telescopic, arms 42 .
- An appropriate place of accommodation (not shown) for fully accommodating the pulling means 4 in retracted configuration is pre-arranged in the suitcase body 2 , in particular on the rear wall 21 thereof, in a way known to the person skilled in the field.
- the trolley 1 preferably has dimensions such as to be acceptable as hand baggage during transportation by air.
- the trolley 1 preferably has dimensions not greater than about 55 cm (height) ⁇ about 40 cm (width) ⁇ about 25 cm (depth).
- FIG. 3 shows a cut piece 200 of flexible sheet-like material shaped for manufacturing the shell 10 described above.
- the cut piece 200 is formed from a plurality of fields having a reciprocal shape and position, the shape and position being adapted to permit manufacture of the shell and the pieces being outlined in FIG. 3 by means of dotted lines. It must be borne in mind that such dotted lines are shown for purely illustrative purposes, for better identification of the fields which make up the cut piece 200 . In particular, these lines do not necessarily correspond to fold lines in the cut piece 200 , these latter possibly being completely absent.
- the cut piece 200 comprises a first main field 201 , preferably quadrilateral in shape, intended to form the first main surface 101 of the shell 10 , a first and second lateral field 202 , 203 opposed to the first main field 201 , which lateral fields are intended to form respectively opposing lateral surfaces 102 and 103 of the shell 10 , and a third lateral field 204 extending from a side of the first main field 201 between said two opposing sides which is intended to form the third lateral surface 104 of the shell 10 .
- the first and the second lateral field 202 , 203 preferably have a substantially rectangular or trapezoidal shape. However, different shapes are not excluded, for example a substantially triangular shape.
- the third lateral field 204 has a preferably substantially rectangular shape.
- the sides of the first main field 201 , of the first lateral field 202 and of the second lateral field which are adjacent to one another and opposed to the third lateral field 204 preferably form a continuous line having a rectilinear or curved, in particular convex, course, as in the example embodiment shown in the drawings.
- the cut piece 200 preferably also comprises a second main field 205 extending from the free side of the third field 204 opposed to the side of the said lateral field 204 which is in common with the main field 201 .
- the second main field 205 is intended to form the second main surface 105 of the shell 10 .
- the second main field 205 preferably has a substantially rectangular shape. Also preferably, the side of the second main field 205 which supposed to the side in common with the third lateral field 204 has a concave course. Such a course facilitates the operation of a zip closure which may be applied on such side of the suitcase body 10 , as described above.
- respective projecting flaps 202 a and 204 a are preferably formed, which flaps are intended to overlap at least partially in the process of forming the shell 10 , so as to guarantee an adequate area of contact for joining the first and the third lateral surfaces 101 , 104 of the shell 10 .
- respective flaps 203 a and 204 a ′ are formed, which flaps are intended to overlap at least partially in the process of forming the shell 10 , so as to guarantee an adequate area of contact for joining the second and the third lateral surfaces 103 , 104 of the shell 10 .
- a projecting flap 202 b is formed, and on a side of the second main field 205 which is facing towards the first lateral field 202 a corresponding flap 205 a is formed.
- These flaps 202 b and 205 a are intended to overlap at least partially in the process of forming the shell 10 , so as to guarantee an adequate area of contact for joining the first lateral surface 102 with the second main surface 105 of the shell 10 .
- a projecting flap 203 b is formed, and on a side of the second main field 205 which is facing towards the second lateral field 203 a corresponding flap 205 a ′ is formed.
- These flaps 203 b and 205 a ′ are intended to overlap at least partially in the process of forming the shell 10 , so as to guarantee an adequate area of contact for joining the second lateral surface 103 to the second main surface 105 of the shell 10 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
Abstract
A suitcase (1) has a suitcase body (2) at least partially formed by a shell (10) comprising a first main surface (101) and at least three lateral surfaces (102, 103, 104) extending at an angle from sides of said first main surface (101). The first main surface (101) and the at least three lateral surfaces (102, 103, 104) belong to a single cut piece (200) of sheet-like flexible material. The first main surface (101) and the at least three lateral surfaces (102, 103, 104) are shaped and the at least three lateral surfaces (102, 103, 104) are at least partially joined together so that said shell (10) forms a self-supporting structure.
Description
- the present invention relates to the suitcases market. In the present description and the claims which follow, the term “suitcase” is intended to refer in general to a container of predetermined shape intended for transporting personal effects or other objects on journeys in a protected fashion.
- More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to suitcases intended to be transported predominantly by pulling or pushing, commonly called “trolleys”.
- Known suitcases are normally made of rigid materials or soft materials. In the first case, the material itself allows the desired shape and bearing structure to be conferred on the suitcase, whereas in the second case, if the suitcase is required substantially to keep a predetermined shape and to have a bearing structure, additional, rigid reinforcing members or frames, usually made of plastic materials, wood or metal must be used.
- Suitcases made of rigid material are sturdy and assure maximum protection to their contents. However, they weigh a considerable amount and, specifically because of the rigid structure, there are more subject to permanent damage, such as scratches, abrasions etc following knocks or other external stresses. Such damage has a negative impact on the aesthetic appearance of the suitcase and, in the worst cases, may also compromise the functional capacity thereof.
- Suitcases made of a soft material with additional reinforcing members are generally lower in weight than suitcases of equal capacity made of rigid material and, due to the greater resilience of the materials used, are less subject to permanent damage due to knocks. However, the weight of the suitcases is still negatively influenced by the need to use additional, rigid reinforcing members. Furthermore, these reinforcing members may be subject to deformation or tears which can compromise the functional capacity of the suitcase.
- The weight reduction, while representing a primary objective in suitcase manufacture, cannot—particularly in suitcase types such as trolleys—be disassociated from maintaining a stability of form and structural rigidity adequate to guarantee the functional capacity of the suitcase itself.
- The aim of the present invention is to provide a suitcase, in particular a trolley, having an improved structure which, while ensuring a stability of form and structural rigidity comparable to those of known suitcases made of soft material and equipped with additional reinforcing structure, enables a reduction in weight to be obtained by comparison with this type of known suitcases.
- This aim is achieved by means of a suitcase according to
claim 1, as well as by means of a shell for a suitcase body in accordance of claim 9 and a cut piece of flexible material for making said shell in accordance withclaim 10. - In to a first aspect, the invention therefore relates to a suitcase with a suitcase body at least partially formed by a shell comprising a first main surface and at least three lateral surfaces extending at an angle from sides of said first main surface, wherein:
-
- said first main surface and said at least three lateral surfaces belong to a single cut piece of flexible sheet-like material, and
- said first main surface and said at least three lateral surfaces are shaped and said at least three lateral surfaces are at least partially joined to one another so that said shell forms a self-supporting structure.
- Advantageously, due to use of a suitcase body at least partially formed by a shell configured in such a way as to present characteristic self-supporting features even if made of flexible material, it is possible to avoid, or at least considerably limit, the use of additional rigid reinforcing structures for conferring on the suitcase the desired stability of form and structural rigidity, with a consequent appreciable reduction in weight.
- The suitcase of the invention therefore combines all the advantageous features typical of suitcases of the known art made of soft material with an additional reinforcing structure—in particular the possibility of absorbing knocks without sustaining permanent damage, and a stability and structural rigidity such as to permit substantial shape retention —, at an extremely contained weight.
- The weight reduction obtainable by means of the present invention is especially advantageous in the case of suitcases intended for use characterised by mainly direct propulsion on the part of the user, and over long distances, such as, in particular, trolleys and/or suitcases which satisfy the requirements for use as hand baggage in air travel.
- Preferred features of the suitcase of the invention are the subject of dependent claims 2-8, the content of which is included here in its entirety for reference.
- In a second aspect, the invention relates to a shell for a suitcase body of a suitcase, comprising a main surface and at least three lateral surfaces extending at an angle from sides of said first main surface, wherein:
-
- said main surface and said at least three lateral surfaces belong to a single cut piece of flexible sheet-like material, and
- said main surface and said at least three lateral surfaces are shaped and said at least three lateral surfaces are at least partially joined to one another so that said shell forms a self-supporting structure.
- Such a shell enables all the advantageous features described above with reference to the first aspect of the invention to be conferred on a suitcase.
- In a further aspect, the invention relates to a cut piece of flexible sheet-like material shaped to form a shell having the above-mentioned features.
- Further features and advantages of the present invention will be clearer from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, which description is provided here in what follows by way of non-limiting illustration, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic prospective view of a suitcase according to the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic prospective view of a shell forming part of the suitcase body of the suitcase inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 2 a is a diagrammatic front view of the shell ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 2 b is a diagrammatic top view of the shell ofFIG. 2 , and -
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic planar view of a cut piece of flexible material shaped to manufacture the shell ofFIG. 2 . - In
FIG. 1 reference numeral 1 indicates overall a suitcase according to the present invention. By way of non-limiting example, thesuitcase 1 shown inFIG. 1 is in particular a trolley. - The
trolley 1 comprises asuitcase body 2, partially formed by ashell 10 of flexible material, shown in greater detail inFIGS. 2 , 2a e 2 b. - As can be seen in particular in
FIG. 2 , theshell 10 comprises a firstmain surface 101 and at least threelateral surfaces main surface 101. - In accordance with a primary aspect of the invention, the first
main surface 101 and threelateral surfaces FIG. 3 , and the conformation of these surfaces together at the at least partial join of the threelateral surfaces shell 10 forms a self-supporting structure. - As already mentioned above, these features of the
shell 10 enable a suitcase body to be manufactured that has adequate stability of form and structural rigidity and is at the same time extremely light. - The first
main surface 101 preferably has a quadrilateral shape and the threelateral surfaces lateral surface main surface 101, and a thirdlateral surface 104 extending at an angle, preferably forming substantially a right angle, from a side of the firstmain surface 101 between said two opposing sides. The thirdlateral surface 104 is at least partially joined, at its opposing free sides, respectively to free sides of said first and secondlateral surfaces lateral surface 104. - The
lateral surfaces suitcase body 2, thelateral surfaces main surface 101. - The
lateral surface 104 preferably has a substantially rectangular shape. - These features of the
shell 10 are particularly appropriate for manufacturing suitcase bodies of substantially parallelepipedal shape. - In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
shell 10 comprises a secondmain surface 105, opposed to the firstmain surface 101, extending at an angle, preferably forming substantially a right angle, from a free side of the thirdlateral surface 104 opposed to a side of thelateral surface 104 itself; which is in common with the firstmain surface 101, and the secondmain surface 105 is joined, at its opposing free sides, to portions of free sides, adjacent to said second main surface, of said first and secondlateral surfaces - The second
main surface 105 is preferably of a piece with the thirdlateral surface 104 and therefore forms part of the same cut piece of flexible sheet-like material to which the firstmain surface 101 and threelateral surfaces - The presence of the second
main surface 105 advantageously increases the structural stability of theshell 10, and in particular of the thirdlateral surface 104, which in this way is bound to all three surfaces of theshell 10 along the whole of its own perimeter. The structural stability of thelateral surface 104 is particularly important when theshell 10 is used to manufacture a suitcase of the trolley type and such a surface defines a base surface of the trolley, as in the example embodiment shown inFIG. 1 . Indeed, in this case it is important to ensure that the planarity of the base surface is maintained, because wheels for pulling the trolley are typically applied to said surface, which wheels must, for correct operation, remain always co-planar during use. - In order to ensure, in every case, a broad area of access to the interior of the
suitcase body 2, which is made from theshell 10, the secondmain surface 105 extends in a substantially perpendicular direction to the thirdlateral surface 104 preferably over no more than 20%, more preferably over no more than 10%, of the maximum length in the same direction of the firstmain surface 101. - The
shell 10 preferably comprisesopenings 106 at at least two of the vertices, and preferably at all of the vertices, formed by the firstmain surface 101 and by the secondmain surface 105 with the first and thirdlateral surfaces lateral surfaces openings 106 may advantageously be used for the application of wheels and/or of other bearing members on the base surface of thesuitcase body 2, as described in greater detail below. - With a particular choice of shape of the contour of the cut piece from which the
shell 10 is formed, which shape is described in greater detail below with reference toFIG. 3 , it is possible to see that theopenings 106 are defined directly while theshell 10 is being manufactured. In particular, the join between the thirdlateral surface 104 and, respectively, the first and the secondlateral surface shell 10. - However, it is not excluded that the
openings 106 and any further openings may be made in theshell 10 by means of cutting or perforating subsequent to manufacture of theshell 10 itself. - In addition to flexibility, the material used to make the
shell 10 should also present good features of resilience, stability to changes in temperature, workability into sheets, and economicalness. Plastic materials are preferred, for example expanded polyethylene (EPE). - The above-mentioned material preferably has a thickness within the range from about 3 mm to about 5 mm.
- In order to satisfy particular aesthetic and/or functional requirements, on to one side of the sheet of flexible material used to manufacture the shell 10 a layer of a compatible, different material may be applied, for example a layer of a different plastic material, or even of skin or fabric.
- The fixing of sides of the surfaces of the
shell 10 intended to be at least partially joined together as described above may be carried out by means of glueing, welding and/or sewing. - Returning to the
trolley 1 shown inFIG. 1 , the firstmain surface 101 of theshell 10 preferably defines a rear wall 21 (not visible inFIG. 1 ) of thesuitcase body 2, the lateral surfaces 102 and 103 of theshell 10 define two opposinglateral walls 22 and 23 (only one of which is visible inFIG. 1 ) of thesuitcase body 2, and thelateral surface 104 of theshell 10 defines a bottom wall 24 (not visible inFIG. 1 ) of thesuitcase body 2. Furthermore, when present, the secondmain surface 105 of theshell 10 defines aninferior portion 25 a of the front wall of thesuitcase body 2. - The
suitcase body 2 is completed by anupper wall 26 and by acover 25 b for access to the interior space of thetrolley 1, partially or totally defining the front wall of thesuitcase body 2. - The
upper wall 26 and thecover 25 b are preferably formed from respective cut pieces of suitable shape of the same flexible material of which theshell 10 is made. Theupper wall 26 is associated with to theshell 2 by fixing by means of glueing, welding and/or sewing by its own free borders opposite the thirdlateral surface 104 of the shell, defining, as mentioned above, thebottom wall 24 of thesuitcase body 2. Thecover 25 b is openably associated with theshell 10 and with theupper wall 26 at free edges thereof opposite the firstmain surface 101 of theshell 10, defining, as mentioned above, the rear wall 21 of thesuitcase body 2. Thecover 25 b is preferably associated with theshell 10 and with theupper wall 26 by means of azip closure 27, schematically represented inFIG. 1 by means of a thicker line, which extends preferably along the whole of the perimeter of thecover 25 b. - The
suitcase body 2 may furthermore comprise, in a conventional fashion, one or more of external pockets on the front wall, in particular on thecover 25 b, thelateral walls 22, 23, and/or the rear wall 21. In the embodiment of thetrolley 1 shown inFIG. 1 , apocket 28 is for example present on thecover 25 b. Thepocket 28 may be fitted with a zip 29 (schematically represented inFIG. 1 by means of a thicker line) or by other conventional closure means. - The
trolley 1 preferably comprises at least two, more preferably four wheels 3 (of which only three are visible inFIG. 1 ) on thebottom wall 24 of thesuitcase body 2. Thewheels 3 are preferably mounted in theopenings 106 predisposed for this purpose in theshell 10 as described above. Thewheels 3 may advantageously be of the orientatable type. Fixed bearing members may be provided in place of one or more of thewheels 3 or in addition thereto. - The
trolley 1 furthermore comprises retractable pullingmeans 4 associated with thesuitcase body 2. The pulling means are of conventional type and comprise, in the example embodiment shown, a grippingmember 41 mounted at the free end of two retractable, possibly telescopic, arms 42. An appropriate place of accommodation (not shown) for fully accommodating the pullingmeans 4 in retracted configuration is pre-arranged in thesuitcase body 2, in particular on the rear wall 21 thereof, in a way known to the person skilled in the field. - The
trolley 1 preferably has dimensions such as to be acceptable as hand baggage during transportation by air. In particular, thetrolley 1 preferably has dimensions not greater than about 55 cm (height)×about 40 cm (width)×about 25 cm (depth). -
FIG. 3 shows acut piece 200 of flexible sheet-like material shaped for manufacturing theshell 10 described above. - The
cut piece 200 is formed from a plurality of fields having a reciprocal shape and position, the shape and position being adapted to permit manufacture of the shell and the pieces being outlined inFIG. 3 by means of dotted lines. It must be borne in mind that such dotted lines are shown for purely illustrative purposes, for better identification of the fields which make up thecut piece 200. In particular, these lines do not necessarily correspond to fold lines in thecut piece 200, these latter possibly being completely absent. - In detail, the
cut piece 200 comprises a firstmain field 201, preferably quadrilateral in shape, intended to form the firstmain surface 101 of theshell 10, a first and secondlateral field main field 201, which lateral fields are intended to form respectively opposinglateral surfaces shell 10, and a thirdlateral field 204 extending from a side of the firstmain field 201 between said two opposing sides which is intended to form the thirdlateral surface 104 of theshell 10. - The first and the second
lateral field lateral field 204 has a preferably substantially rectangular shape. - Furthermore, the sides of the first
main field 201, of the firstlateral field 202 and of the second lateral field which are adjacent to one another and opposed to the thirdlateral field 204 preferably form a continuous line having a rectilinear or curved, in particular convex, course, as in the example embodiment shown in the drawings. - The
cut piece 200 preferably also comprises a secondmain field 205 extending from the free side of thethird field 204 opposed to the side of the saidlateral field 204 which is in common with themain field 201. The secondmain field 205 is intended to form the secondmain surface 105 of theshell 10. - The second
main field 205 preferably has a substantially rectangular shape. Also preferably, the side of the secondmain field 205 which supposed to the side in common with the thirdlateral field 204 has a concave course. Such a course facilitates the operation of a zip closure which may be applied on such side of thesuitcase body 10, as described above. - On the adjacent sides of the first
lateral field 202 and of the thirdlateral field 204, respective projectingflaps shell 10, so as to guarantee an adequate area of contact for joining the first and the thirdlateral surfaces shell 10. - Analogously, on the adjacent sides of the second
lateral field 203 and of the thirdlateral field 204,respective flaps shell 10, so as to guarantee an adequate area of contact for joining the second and the thirdlateral surfaces shell 10. - Also preferably, at one end of a side of the first
lateral field 202 which is opposed to the side in common with the first lateral field 201 a projectingflap 202 b is formed, and on a side of the secondmain field 205 which is facing towards the firstlateral field 202 acorresponding flap 205 a is formed. Theseflaps shell 10, so as to guarantee an adequate area of contact for joining the firstlateral surface 102 with the secondmain surface 105 of theshell 10. - In an analogous manner, preferably at one end of a side of the second
lateral field 203 which is opposed to the side in common with the firstmain field 201, a projectingflap 203 b is formed, and on a side of the secondmain field 205 which is facing towards the secondlateral field 203 acorresponding flap 205 a′ is formed. Theseflaps shell 10, so as to guarantee an adequate area of contact for joining the secondlateral surface 103 to the secondmain surface 105 of theshell 10.
Claims (17)
1. A suitcase with comprising a suitcase body at least partially formed by a shell comprising a first main surface and at least three lateral surfaces extending at an angle from sides of said first main surface, wherein:
said first main surface and said at least three lateral surfaces belong to a single cut piece of flexible sheet-like material, and
said first main surface and said at least three lateral surfaces are shaped and said at least three lateral surfaces are at least partially joined to one another so that said shell forms a self-supporting structure characterised in that wherein said shell consists of a sheet of flexible plastic material suitably profiled and refolded, in such a way that said shell is self-supporting and deformable.
2. The suitcase according to claim 1 , wherein said sheet of flexible plastic material consists of at least one layer of expanded polyethylene.
3. The suitcase according to claim 2 , wherein said at least one layer of expanded polyethylene is coupled to a layer of different plastic material, or to a layer of skin or to a layer of fabric.
4. The suitcase according to claim 1 , wherein said first main surface has a quadrilateral shape and said at least three lateral surfaces comprise a first and a second lateral surface extending at an angle from opposing sides of said first main surface and a third lateral surface extending at an angle from a side of said first main surface between said two opposing sides, and wherein said third lateral surface is at least partially joined, at its opposing free sides, respectively to free sides of said first and second lateral surfaces, which free sides are adjacent to said third lateral surface.
5. The suitcase according to the claim 4 , wherein said shell comprises a second main surface, opposed to said first main surface, extending at an angle from a free side of said third lateral surface opposed to a side of said third lateral surface in common with said first main surface and wherein said second main surface is joined, at its opposing free sides, to portions of free sides respectively of said first and second lateral surfaces, which free sides are adjacent to said third lateral surface.
6. The suitcase according to the preceding claim 5 , wherein said second main surface extends in a substantially perpendicular direction to said third lateral surface over no more than 20%, preferably no more than 10%, of the maximum length in the same direction of said first main surface.
7. The suitcase according to claim 5 , wherein said shell comprises openings at at least two of the vertices, preferably at all of the vertices, formed by said first main surface and by said second main surface with said first and third lateral surfaces and with said second and third lateral surfaces, respectively.
8. The suitcase according to claim 1 , wherein said first main surface defines a rear wall of the suitcase body and said at least three lateral surfaces define two lateral walls and a bottom wall, respectively, of the suitcase body.
9. The suitcase according to claim 8 , comprising at least two wheels on said bottom wall of the suitcase body.
10. The suitcase according to claim 8 , comprising pulling means retractably associated with the suitcase body.
11. A shell for a suitcase body of a suitcase, comprising a main surface and at least three lateral surfaces extending at an angle from sides of said first main surface, wherein:
said main surface and said at least three lateral surfaces belong to a single cut piece of flexible sheet-like material, and
said main surface and said at least three lateral surfaces are shaped and said at least three lateral surfaces are at least partially joined to one another so that said shell forms a self-supporting structure.
12. A method for manufacturing a suitcase, comprising:
predisposing a sheet of flexible material and suitably profiling it by means of cutting operations to manufacture a shell according to claim 1 ;
folding said sheet of flexible material preventively profiled and fixing, by means of sewing or gluing, the portions of said sheet, which portions are intended to overlap one another when said sheet is refolded so as to create said self-supporting shell.
13. The method according to claim 12 , wherein said sheet of flexible material consists of at least one layer of expanded polyethylene.
14. The method according to claim 13 , wherein said layer of expanded polyethylene is coupled to a layer of different plastic material or to a layer of skin or to a layer of fabric.
15. The suitcase according to claim 6 , wherein said shell comprises opening at at least two of the vertices, preferably at all of the vertices, formed by said first main surface and by said second main surface with said first and third lateral surfaces and with said second and third lateral surfaces, respectively.
16. The suitcase according to claim 9 , comprising pulling means retractably associated with the suitcase body.
17. The suitcase according to claim 8 comprising four wheels on said bottom wall of the suitcase body.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT000592A ITTO20110592A1 (en) | 2011-07-05 | 2011-07-05 | SUITCASE WITH IMPROVED STRUCTURE |
ITTO2011A000592 | 2011-07-05 | ||
PCT/IB2012/053404 WO2013005166A1 (en) | 2011-07-05 | 2012-07-04 | Suitcase having an improved structure |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140151174A1 true US20140151174A1 (en) | 2014-06-05 |
Family
ID=44555435
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/130,867 Abandoned US20140151174A1 (en) | 2011-07-05 | 2012-07-04 | Suitcase having an improved structure |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140151174A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2729033A1 (en) |
IT (1) | ITTO20110592A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013005166A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170295898A1 (en) * | 2016-04-19 | 2017-10-19 | Jiaxing Jackson Travel Products Co., Ltd. | Luggage case and case body structure thereof |
US20170332753A1 (en) * | 2016-05-17 | 2017-11-23 | Wei-Hung Lai | Hard luggage case |
US20180235334A1 (en) * | 2014-10-02 | 2018-08-23 | Travelpro Products, Inc. | Article of luggage and method of assembling |
US11019895B2 (en) | 2016-04-19 | 2021-06-01 | Jiaxing Jackson Travel Products Co., Ltd. | Luggage case and case body structure thereof |
US11357298B2 (en) | 2019-03-01 | 2022-06-14 | Travelpro Products, Inc. | Article of luggage with a bottom tray |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CA2785061C (en) | 2012-03-30 | 2013-10-29 | Heys International Ltd. | Hard-sided luggage bag with front lid |
EP3260008B1 (en) * | 2016-06-20 | 2019-06-05 | Wei-Hung Lai | Hard luggage case |
USD891111S1 (en) | 2017-12-01 | 2020-07-28 | Samsonite Ip Holdings S.A R.L. | Luggage panel |
US10779622B2 (en) | 2017-12-01 | 2020-09-22 | Samsonite Ip Holdings S.A.R.L. | Luggage article frame structure |
USD874820S1 (en) | 2017-12-01 | 2020-02-11 | Samsonite Ip Holdings S.A R.L. | Luggage |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2729033A1 (en) | 2014-05-14 |
WO2013005166A1 (en) | 2013-01-10 |
ITTO20110592A1 (en) | 2013-01-06 |
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Owner name: BRIC'S INDUSTRIA VALIGERIA FINE S.P.A., ITALY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BRICCOLA, ROBERTO;REEL/FRAME:031872/0394 Effective date: 20120727 |
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