WO2000013542A1

WO2000013542A1 - Suitcase with rollers

Info

Publication number: WO2000013542A1
Application number: PCT/BE1999/000115
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roger De Lathouwer
Original assignee: Roger De Lathouwer
Priority date: 1998-09-02
Filing date: 1999-09-02
Publication date: 2000-03-16
Also published as: ATE243954T1; DE69909300T2; AU5721799A; EP1109470A1; ES2205877T3; ZA995628B; EP1109470B1; DE69909300D1; AU757496B2

Abstract

The invention concerns a vertical suitcase with no rigid frame whereof the surfaces are made of a soft material, a fabric for example. The suitcase is rigidified by two tubes (3) assembling lower (2') and upper support covers (2) made of soft material. The tube act as guides for the rods (14) of a retractable handle (4) provided at the upper cover (2). The upper and lower covers are in the form of a semirigid plastic plate or a sheet with a curved shape defining at least the upper and lower rounded edges (12, 12') of the suitcase rear surface (7). The curved shape of the lower cover (2') is imposed in particular by the bent end of the tubes (3). The curved shape of the upper cover (2) is imposed by side rods (1), preferably metal rods, arranged in the form of two side frames defining the lateral surfaces of soft material.

Description

Rolling suitcase

The present invention relates to a vertical rolling suitcase.

This type of suitcase has proven to be particularly practical and has enjoyed increasing success in recent years.

However, we are still looking for a reduction in weight that does not affect the solidity of the bag. Furthermore, at the manufacturing and shipping level, the suitcases being essentially bulky items, it is also important for transport and deliveries to retailers to be able to gather several suitcases of the same type but of different dimensions by stacking one inside the other. It is thus conventional, for a large suitcase, to be able to contain two suitcases of smaller dimensions of the same model thus constituting a set of suitcases, the smallest being contained in the other. The difference in size must however most often be at least 9 cm to allow this type of stacking of vertical suitcases (instead of 5 cm for classic suitcases of horizontal type).

The present invention aims to improve these two qualities which are the lightness and the minimum size per unit during transport.

According to the invention, there is indeed a difference in weight with an equivalent suitcase of the prior art of the order of 30 to 40% (depending on the dimensions). otherwise 1 stackability is significantly improved. Indeed, up to 6 different dimensions of the same set of suitcases can be contained one in the other for transport, the differences in dimensions can go down to 3 cm between 2 consecutive sizes.

In the traditional upright case, the rolling and traction system is not part of the basic structure of the case. The sides stiffened by plastic or wood are riveted on a frame encircling the suitcase. The rolling system is secured to the frame by means of hard and non-deformable elements. The result is a heavy and relatively undeformable suitcase.

The invention aims to avoid duplication between the frame and the rolling system. According to the invention, the rolling system itself ensures the vertical rigidity of the bag.

A suitcase is thus proposed, the volume of which is constructed around telescopic tubes curved on the bottom and no longer around a frame. The volume is no longer rigid as in a "box" type design. Indeed, the sides are flexible: the two sides (lateral faces) are encircled with metal rod and can flatten while regaining their shape as soon as the pressure stops. The suitcase therefore has elastic lateral sides. It is very light and very resistant since it can deform its thickness without breaking. The reinforcing plastic parts of the upper and lower faces are stiffened by their curvature and their extension on the rear face. The back of the suitcase between the metal joints and the telescopic tubes can advantageously remain partially without plastic support to obtain maximum lightness.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a vertical suitcase of essentially rectangular shape, without a central steel frame surrounding it inside, a suitcase whose faces are made of flexible material, preferably a fabric. The stiffening of the bag is obtained essentially by two tubes joining a lower part or shell and an upper part or shell, extending at least partially in planes perpendicular to said tubes, which will be covered by the fabric on their outer faces, thus only by two metal rods, stiffening the fabric of the lateral faces. The tubes are preferably guides for the rods of a retractable handle provided at the level of the upper part or shell, the upper and lower parts or shells being in the form of a plate or plastic sheet of curved shape defining at least the upper and lower rounded edges of the rear face of the bag.

The upper and lower parts or shells can be preformed, for example by molding. Preferably these parts or shells will be made of semi-rigid plastic. Advantageously, in fact, the upper and lower shells consist of two rectangular plates or sheets of semi-rigid plastic, the curved shape of which is imposed mainly on the side rods, preferably metallic. Advantageously, the shell lower is also curved by the curved ends of the aforementioned tubes. The upper shell is kept curved by being fixed in the dorsal face by the aforementioned tubes and in the plane of the upper face by a preferably metallic crosspiece perpendicular to the rods.

These parts or shells therefore comprise the rounded upper and lower edges of the rear face without necessarily incorporating a substantial part of the latter face.

On the other hand, the shells form the whole or a substantial part of the upper and lower faces.

According to one embodiment, the central part of the rear face can also comprise a plate or plastic sheet which does not however contribute substantially to the rigidity of the assembly but provides an aesthetic effect. Indeed, according to this variant, the objects contained in the luggage will not deform the fabric face as much. This plate may be thinner than the shells mentioned above.

According to another embodiment, the two shells are integrated in one piece with the above-mentioned central part.

The metal rods are provided in the form of two rectangular side frames with rounded corners encircling the fabric side faces. The plastic sheets can advantageously be made of polyethylene, a few millimeters thick (about 3 mm, preferably between 2.5 to 3.5 mm). These sheets, or in any case the upper sheet, are flexible enough to be able to curl under the effect of the lateral frames made of metal rods. They are therefore not necessarily thermoformed beforehand.

The use of semi-rigid sheets instead of molded parts allows a saving of weight and a more economical manufacturing.

According to another aspect of the invention, provision will preferably be made for 3 in-line rollers placed at the level of the curve of the lower shell between and on each side of the telescopic tubes. This advantageously makes it possible to compensate for the lack of rigidity of the lower shell and contributes greatly to the stability of the assembly. The rollers are partially inserted into openings provided at the level of the curvature of the lower shell to which they are fixed. The central caster provides better stability and more efficient rolling while avoiding the "duck" effect despite the lightness of the lower shell. The lateral rollers can advantageously be fixed near the corners, the shells of the wheels covering the corners and protecting them from shocks. Furthermore, the greater width of the track improves stability. Conventionally, in addition to the telescopic handle, one or more handles may be provided sewn and / or riveted on the upper face (for the vertical position) or a side face (for transport in the horizontal position).

According to the invention, the handle on the upper face will be fixed to the reinforcement bar extending over the entire width of the luggage. The part will be a metal part, e.g. groove, or plastic, for example with a honeycomb structure. On the lateral face the handle will preferably be fixed on a simple reinforcement of reduced size in the form of overstitched island in the central part.

According to the invention, the pilability is improved in particular by the fact that the upper shell is advantageously cut so that it does not entirely cover the upper face. As a result, the anterior portion of the upper face, which may correspond to nearly 50%, preferably 30 to 40%, of the surface thereof, is more flexible since it consists only of the fabric held by the rods lateral metal.

In addition, the side faces encircled by a steel perimeter (rod) are flexible and can be adapted with more play to receive the side faces of suitcases of smaller dimensions. Indeed, there is no central steel frame supporting these lateral faces and provided between the two large faces, equidistant therefrom.

According to one aspect of the invention, in fact, the suitcases can be stacked upside down. The casters of a smaller suitcase nesting in the flexible part of the face top of the larger case. We thus manage to double the number of smaller suitcases contained in a suitcase of given size. We can thus "stack" up to 6 suitcases whose dimensions vary only in steps of 3 to 6 cm depending on the type of handle (instead of 9 cm to 10 cm with the nearest known systems for vertical suitcases).

The invention will be better understood on examining the drawings submitted in the appendix, only by way of example of preferred embodiments, in which

- Figure 1 shows a diagram of the structure of a suitcase according to the invention, the covering fabric not being shown

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the various main elements, FIGS. 3a to 3c represent in perspective bags according to the invention in vertical position with a retractable handle which can be fully integrated in the bag or not,

FIG. 4 illustrates in perspective the internal stacking of a suitcase in the other, FIG. 5 is a section through a stack according to FIG. 4.

We can see in fig. 1 the perspective structure, partially exploded, of a suitcase of essentially parallelepiped shape arranged horizontally on its rear face 7. A shell lower 2 'and an upper shell 2 are connected by rigid telescopic tubes 3 serving as guides for rods 14, in this example rods of rectangular section, of a handle 4 in retractable U shape. Two lateral frames 1 of flexible metal rods also participate in the rigidity of the assembly. The lower shell is curved under the effect of the curvature, here with flattening, of the end of the tubes 3 to form the rounded edge 12 '. A further distinction is made between the openings 5 ′ in the shell 2 ′ for receiving and fixing the support arches for the axis of the lateral side wheels 5 emerging in the curved part of the lower shell. Lower feet 6 and rear 6 ′ on the face 7 are also provided. The upper shell 2 does not extend over the entire upper face of the bag covered with flexible material, but only over approximately 60%, characteristic of the invention which facilitates stacking upside down. Also distinguished at 18, under the end of the shell 2, a rigid reinforcement cross member in the form of a grooved metal slat whose presence is important to maintain the rigidity of the upper shell.

Fig. 2 is an exploded schematic view further explaining the structure of a suitcase according to the invention. The suitcase is shown vertically. There are two metal rod frames 1, the shells 2 and 2 'form the edges 12 and 12' respectively upper and lower, the 3 rollers 5 and the telescopic tubes 3. There are also shown fixing parts 8 on the shell 2 at the upper end of the telescopic tubes as well as parts 17 cooperating with the parts 8 for fixing the guides 3 in the fixing zones 10, 10 ′ of the shells to these tubes 3, in this example by means of a rectangular reinforcing element 11, possibly riveted. Note, however, that the reinforcing parts 11 and 11 'are not essential. On the other hand, the reinforcement piece 18 in grooved metal extending over the entire width, and located under a conventional handle possibly provided, contributes significantly to the structure of the luggage. Fig. 2 constitutes a variant with respect to FIG. 1 insofar as the tubes each consist of a straight part at least partially telescopic and a curved part made integral at 9 by a means known per se.

Figs. 3a to 3c show in perspective the final appearance of some suitcases according to the invention. We distinguish each time the rear face 7, the feet 6 ′ and the rollers 5. A pull tab 20 for opening the front face 27 of the bag extends to at least said front part 16, allowing a partial opening of the upper side. Fig. 3a illustrates a suitcase for which the handle of rectangular section can retract into a rigid housing and somehow flush with the shell 2. In FIG. 3b, the handle remains slightly protruding. In fig. 3c, the handle and its rods with circular section can be entirely introduced into a pocket 15 inside the suitcase, which can be closed with a flap 15 'and a pull tab. In the latter case, as with the suitcase in fig. 3a, the upper plate is cut for this purpose. The solution of Figure 3c allows the smallest step size for stacking head to tail of the suitcases. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a top-to-tail stack of two suitcases a and b, of slightly different dimensions, the front face 27a of the largest suitcase being folded outwards by opening a zipper 20a . We can see inside the suitcase has the back 7b of the suitcase b, with the three wheels 5b and the retracted handle 4b. The part 16 extending the front face 27 is intended to cover the rollers 5b after closing the suitcase a.

Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a stack according to FIG. 4. The rollers 5a do not prevent the positioning of the suitcase b inside the suitcase a, because the semi-rigid shell 2b does not extend over the whole of the upper face thus leaving a part 16 ′ flexible able to conform to accommodate an inner part of the rollers 5a.

Claims

Claims:

₅ 1. Vertical suitcase without rigid frame, the faces of which are made of flexible material, the stiffening of the suitcase being obtained by two tubes (3) joining a lower surface part (2 ') and an upper surface part (2) of support said flexible material, the _ ₀ tubes consisting of guides for the rods (14) of a retractable handle (4) provided at the upper part (2), the upper and lower parts being in the form of a semi-rigid plate or sheet of curved plastic defining at _5 minus the rounded upper and lower edges (12, 12 ') of the rear face (7) of the suitcase.

2. Suitcase according to claim 1 wherein the plastic is a semi-rigid plastic. 0

3. Suitcase according to claim 1 wherein the upper and lower surface parts constitute separate elements forming upper shell and lower shell.

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4. Suitcase according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the curved shape of the portion or lower shell (2 ') is imposed by the curved extremity of the above mentioned tubes (3), the curved shape ₃₀ of the part or upper shell (2) being imposed by lateral rods (1), preferably metal rods, provided in the form of two lateral frames defining the lateral faces of flexible material.

5. Suitcase according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said parts (2, 2 ') is in the form of polyethylene sheet or plate.

6. Suitcase according to any one of claims 1 and 3 in which the part (2) is made of rigid plastic.

- _j _0 7. Suitcase according to the preceding claims comprising, at the rounded edge (12 ') of the lower part or shell, rollers (5).

8. Suitcase according to the preceding claim wherein _l5 there are three rollers (5) in line.

9. Suitcase according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheet constituting the upper part or shell (2) does not support the

20 minus an anterior part (16) of the upper face of the bag.

10. Suitcase according to the preceding claim, characterized in that an opening by a slide, for example a pull tab (20) provided at the front face of the suitcase, extends to at least said front part (16 ), preferably between 10% and 50%, preferably 15 to 40%, of its surface, allowing partial opening of the upper face.

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11. Suitcase according to claim 3 in which the shell or part (2 ') is fixed, for example by riveting, outside the curved ends of the tubes (3).

12. Suitcase according to the preceding claim characterized in that one end of the tubes 3 is curved with flattening, the riveting to the plate being carried out at said flattenings.

13. Set of suitcases according to claims l to 9 provided with rollers, of different dimensions constituting a set of suitcases, arranged one inside the other upside down.

14. The assembly as claimed in the preceding claim, in which there are more than 5 vertical suitcases stacked one inside the other upside down.