US3557917A

US3557917A - Suitcase

Info

Publication number: US3557917A
Application number: US756680A
Authority: US
Inventors: Arnold Kaplan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1968-08-30
Filing date: 1968-08-30
Publication date: 1971-01-26
Anticipated expiration: 1988-01-26

Abstract

Luggage of the type comprising a pair of interlocking shell members provided with recessed locking and latching means. The locking/latching device is placed in a recessed cup. Fastening means normally covered by a lock member extends through the shell to an internal channel. The assembly is simply installed with a minimum of labor.

Description

United States Patent Inventor Arnold Kaplan 5 1 References Ci A 1 N0 gzgaierbach AWL, Hewlett Harbor, N.Y. UNITED STATES PATENTS lf 30, 1968 3,125,874 3/1964 Gehrie Patanted Jan. 2 3, l 62,034 12/ l 964 HUITlphflGS 3,371,511 3/1968 Atkmson 70/71 3,405,788 10/1968 Alford /49 Primary ExaminerDonald F. Norton Attorney-Leonard H. King SUITCASE 9 7 Drawmg ABSTRACT: Luggage of the type comprising a pair of inter- U.S.Cl 190/49, ck g sh me bers provided with recessed locking and 70/70 latching means. The locking/latching device is placed in a lnt.C1 E05b 65/52 recessed cup. Fastening means normally covered by a lock Field of Search 190/49, 50, member extends through the shell to an internal channel. The

28; 70/69-76 assembly is simply installed with a minimum of labor.

0 a .'I" Q I .n: 1 .1 44 i 12% film I 11X .xxvi svb PATENTEU M26 I9?! I N VENTOR. ARNOLD KAPLAN AT? axe/way SUITCASE This invention relates generally to suitcases and more particularly to an improved frame assembly in combination with a lock mounted substantially flush therewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In its most basic form a suitcase is comprised of two opposed frame members hingedly secured to each other. A shell, that may either be soft or hard, is attached to each frame member to define a clothes compartment therebetween. In an effort to create an aesthetically appealing product, designers attempt to conceal the hardware, such as locks and hinges, or at least make them as unobtrusive aspossible. Generally the frames are extruded with a longitudinal channel and the hardware, particularly the locks, are located in the channel. A still further refinement made by designers is to conceal, as much as possible, the fasteners that secure the locks to the frame. As will be brought out in greater detail hereinafter, the present invention provides an improved and novel frame assembly that permits a substantially flush mounting of the lock hardware and, in addition, simplifies the assembly procedure.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide an improved, aesthetically appealing suitcase.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved suitcase frame assembly that permits the hardware and particularly the locks to be substantially flush with the frame.

An additional object of this invention is to provide improved mounting means for a suitcase frame that includes an interior channel and a cup extending through an opening in the frame, the cup being nestingly secured to the channel with the frame sandwiched therebetween and with the lock being disposed in the cup.

Another important object of this invention is to provide a frame, as described above, in combination with the opposed shells of a suitcase.

A feature of this invention is that the suitcase hardware, and particularly the locks thereof, are mounted substantially flush with the frame and that the fasteners used to secure the locks in place are concealed.

A specific object of this invention is to use the same fasteners for securing the locks, the lock mounting cup and the interior channel to the suitcase frame.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the invention will, in part, be pointed out with particularity and will, in part, become obvious from the following more detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing which forms an integral part thereof.

In the various figures of the drawing like reference characters designate like parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suitcase of the type that may employ the improved frame and lock'mounting aspect of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the improved suitcase frame assembly comprising this invention with the opposed suitcase shells, the locks and the handle removed for clarity;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the suitcase frame assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, sectional elevational view of the upper portion of the frame assembly; I

FIG. 6 is an exploded, fragmentary plan view of a portion of the two sections comprising the frame and locks assembly of this invention; and

FIG. 7 is transverse sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

Referring now to the drawing, and in particular to FIG. 1, the suitcase is generally designated by the reference character 10 and comprises a peripheral frame 12 to which is suitably secured opposed, concave shells l4 and 16. A handle 18 and locks 20 are fastened to the top section of the frame 12 in the embodiment illustrated. However, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the particular lock construction shown in the drawing which is of the double action latch type similar in construction and mode of operation to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,162,034, having a spring biased latch portion that pivots upwardly and which cooperates with a laterally extending hook: Nor is the invention limited to the hard shells that are illustrated.

As may be seen in FIGS. 2-7 the frame I2 is comprised of two

congruent sections

22 and 24, each of which is defined by four sides and connected to each other by hinges 25 (FIG. 3). Each frame section may be a continuous extrusion that is bent to form the needed comers or the sides may be an extrusion that is cut to the required lengths which are then joined by cast corners as taught in my issued U.S. Pat. No. 3,330,389 granted on July ll, I967. As mentioned above, the invention is not limited to the top opening suitcase that is illustrated but may also be practiced with a bottom opening suitcase in which each frame section has only three sides. FIGS. 6 and 7 clearly show that the outer surface of frame sections 22 is formed with integral parallel, continuous ribs 26 which define a recess 28 therebetween. The side of frame section 22 also includes an integrally formed, continuous notch in which shell 14 is secured in a conventional manner. Similarly, frame section 24, includes an integral, continuous notch to receive shell 16 in a conventional manner. In the closed condition the opposed, peripheral edges of

frame sections

14 and 16 abut each other.

The top side of frame section 22, that is the side in which handle 18 is secured, is provided with two elongated openings 30 that are formed in the recess 28 between the ribs 26. Elongated cups 32, which may be molded of a suitable plastic, and which have a peripheral, laterally extending flange 34, are mounted in the openings 30 so as to receive the locks 20. FIGS. 5 and 7 illustrate that the cup flanges 34 rest on the outer surface of the top side of frame section 22 while the four sides 36 thereof extend through openings 30 in the frame section 22. The cups 32 are completed by a bottom wall 38 that is located inwardly of the top side of the frame section 22 in spaced parallel relationship thereto. Openings 40 are formed in the side walls 36 of the cups 32 for a purpose to be described later.

An elongated channel 42, having two laterally spaced side walls 44 and a transverse, connecting base wall 46, is posi- I tioned inwardly of the frame section 22 such that the top edges of the sidewalls 44 abut the underside of the top side of frame section 22 and the base wall 46 is spaced therefrom inwardly of bottom wall 38 of the cup 32. Rivets 48 pass through registered openings in the base wall 46 and the bottom wall 38 as well as a mounting bracket 50 in the locks 20. This construction, as shown in FIG. 7, securely clamps the frame section 22 between the upper ends of the sidewalls 44 and the cup flanges 34. Further the locks 20 are recessed in the cups 32 which are in turn nested within the elongated channel 42 so that the top surface of the lock 20 is either flush with or slightly below the level of the cup flanges 34. One leg 44 of the channel 42 is provided with two, longitudinally spaced slotted openings 52 for a purpose to be described later.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, lock 20 which is disclosed as being exemplary of the structure that is presently avaliable is of the double acting type having a spring biased body portion 54 that is pivotally mounted on the plate 50 in such a manner as to overlay and conceal the rivets 48, at least when the lock 20 is in the closed position. A spring biased latch 56, integral with the lock 20 and positioned within the cup 32, is coupled to and arranged to move a hook 58 that extends laterally from the body portion 54 so that the body portion 54 may be pivoted upwardly to the open position. The hook 58 extends beyond the interface of the

frame sections

22 and 24 whereby the free end of the hook 58 is releasably engaged by a bracket 60 that is suitably positioned and secured to the frame section 24. As shown in FIG. 5 and in FIG. 6, the bracket 60 is substantially L-shaped and, for

receiving the hook 58, includes a slotted aperture 62 in the leg thereof that is positioned in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the frame section 22 on which the lock is mounted. To open the lock 20 the latch 56 is moved inwardly of the body portion 54 to free the hook 58 from the aperture 62 whereby the

shells

14 and 16 may be separated. To close the lock 20 the shells M and it: are brought together until the

frame sections

22 and 24 are in abutment and the hook 58 is located in the aperture 62. The lock 20 is then depressed into the cup 32 thereby overcoming the spring biasing thereof and causing the hook 58 to releasably engage the bracket 60.

The channel 42, in addition to its function described above with respect to the locks 20, also serves as means to mount the handle 18. Holes 64 are provided in the central area of the channel 42 intermediate the ends thereof and fasteners (not shown) are used to secure the handle 18 to the frame section 22 as well as the channel. It it should also be noted that channel 42 serves the additional purpose of stiffening the side of frame section 22 that includes the handle 18. It is this frame and the one parallel to it that will absorb a bending force when a heavily loaded suitcase is lifted. Thus, the U-shaped cross section of channel 42 rigidities the top frame section of a top opening suitcase and the bottom frame section of a bottom opening suitcase.

As mentioned above, the cup 32 is provided with suitably located slotted openings 40 in the opposed, longitudinal sidewalls 36 thereof. The purpose of the openings is to permit the hook 56 to pass therethrough to engage bracket 60. Even though only one opening 40 is used for each lock 20, two are provided. In this manner a single molded cup 32 can be used for both the right-hand lock 20 and the left-hand lock 20. In the assembled condition slotted openings 52 in the channel leg 44 are in registry with the longitudinally spaced openings 40 in the sidewalls 36 of each cup 32. The openings 52 in the chan nel leg 44 are in registry with the longitudinally spaced openings 40 in the sidewalls 36 of each cup 32. The openings 52 in the channel leg 44 are provided to permit the hook 58 to pass therethrough to engage bracket 60.

From the foregoing it will be evident that there has been described and illustrated an improved suitcase in which novel means are employed to mount the lock hardware substantially flush with the frame. The fasteners used to secure the locks to the suitcase frame are concealed and the frame section that includes the locks is rigidified by means of an internal channel. The same fasteners used for the locks are also used to secure the channel and the lock mounting cups to the suitcase frame. Assembly of the present invention does not require highly skilled labor which is a very important cost consideration. Further the present invention is readily adapted to many dif ferent types of suitcase.

There has been disclosed heretofore the best embodiment of the invention presently contemplated and it is to understood that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. An improved luggage case comprising, in combination:

a. first and second shells;

b. first and second frame sections secured to said first and second shells, respectively, to define a hollow compartment, said first frame section having an opening therein;

c.- at least one lock assembly mounted on said first frame section;

d. means for supporting said lock assembly substantially flush with the outer surface of said first frame section, said support means including a cup having a flange positioned on the outer surface of said first frame section, sidewalls extending from said flange, inwardly of said first frame section through the opening therein and a base wall, said support means further including a channel in which said cup and said lock assembly are nested, said channel having legs disposed in planes substantially perpendicular to and in engagement with the inner surface of said first frame section and a base wall connecting said legs; and

e. fastener means extending through said base walls of said cup and said channel and terminating in said lock as sembly for rigidly securing said support means to both said first frame section and to said lock assembly whereby said fastener means are not visible from the outside of said luggage case.

2. A luggage case in accordance with claim 1 wherein there are two of said lock assemblies spaced apart on said first frame section, there being a separate cup for each said lock assembly.

3v A luggage case in accordance with claim 2 wherein said channel spans both said lock assemblies.

4. A luggage case in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of said channel legs and a sidewall of said cup have registered openings therein, said lock assembly having a hook portion extending through the openings in a direction toward said second frame section, there being further included means on said second frame section there being further included means on said second frame section to retain said hook when said luggage case is closed.

5. A luggage case in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first frame section is extruded and includes spaced, parallel ribs formed on the outside surface thereof, said cup and said lock assembly being positioned intermediate said ribs.

6. An improved frame for a luggage case having first and second opposed shells secured to each other to define a hollow compartment therebetween, said frame comprising, in combination:

a. first and second sections secured to the first and second shells;

b. at least one lock assembly mounted on said first section;

c. means for supporting said lock assembly substantially flush with the outer surface of said first frame section, said support means including a cup having a flange positioned on the outer surface of said first frame section, sidewalls extending from said flange, inwardly of said first frame section through the opening therein and a base wall, said support means further including a channel in which said cup and said lock assembly are nested, said channel having legs disposed in planes substantially perpendicular to and in engagement with the inner surface of said first frame section and a base wall connecting said legs; and

d. fastener means extending through said base walls of said cup and said channel and terminating in said lock assembly for rigidly securing said support means to both said first frame section and to said lock assembly whereby said fastener means are not visible from the outside of said frame.

7. A frame in accordance with claim 6 wherein there are two of said lock assemblies spaced apart on said first section, there being a separate cup for reach said lock assembly.

8. A frame in accordance with claim 7 wherein said channel spans both said lock assemblies.

9. A frame in accordance with claim 6 wherein at least one of said channel legs and a sidewall of said cup have registered openings therein, said lock assembly having a hook portion extending through the openings in a direction toward said second section, there being further included means on said second frame section to retain said hook when said luggage case is closed.

Claims

1. An improved luggage case comprising, in combination: a. first and second shells; b. first and second frame sections secured to said first and second shells, respectively, to define a hollow compartment, said first frame section having an opening therein; c. at least one lock assembly mounted on said first frame section; d. means for supporting said lock assembly substantially flush with the outer surface of said first frame section, said support means including a cup having a flange positioned on the outer surface of said first frame section, sidewalls extending from said flange, inwardly of said first frame section through the opening therein and a base wall, said support means further including a channel in which said cup and said lock assembly are nested, said channel having legs disposed in planes substantially perpendicular to and in engagement with the inner surface of said first frame section and a base wall connecting said legs; and e. fastener means extending through said base walls of said cup and said channel and terminating in said lock assembly for rigidly securing said support means to both said first frame section and to said lock assembly whereby said fastener means are not visible from the outside of said luggage case.

3. A luggage case in accordance with claim 2 wherein said channel spans both said lock assemblies.

4. A luggage case in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of said channel legs and a sidewall of said cup have registered openings therein, said lock assembly having a hook portion extending through the openings in a direction toward said second frame section, there being further included means on said second frame section , there being further included means on said second frame section to retain said hook when said luggage case is closed.

6. An improved frame for a luggage case having first and second opposed shells secured to each other to define a hollow compartment therebetween, said frame comprising, in combination: a. first and second sections secured to the first and second shells; b. at least one lock assembly mounted on said first section; c. means for supporting said lock assembly substantially flush with the outer surface of said first frame section, said support means including a cup having a flange positioned on the outer surface of said first frame section, sidewalls extending from said flange, inwardly of said first frame section through the opening therein and a base wall, said support means further including a channel in which said cup and said lock assembly are nested, said channel having legs disposed in planes substantially perpendicular to and in engagement with the inner surface of said first frame section and a base wall connecting said legs; and d. fastener means extending through said base walls of said cup and said channel and terminating in said lock assembly for rigidly securing said support means to both said first frame section and to said lock assembly whereby said fastener means are not visible from the outside of said frame.