WO2008053233A1

WO2008053233A1 - Luggage case

Info

Publication number: WO2008053233A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/004192
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Jones
Original assignee: Paul Jones
Priority date: 2006-11-03
Filing date: 2007-11-02
Publication date: 2008-05-08
Also published as: GB0621915D0

Abstract

A luggage case (1) comprising a first case part (3) and a second case part (5), wherein the first case part is slidable relative to the second case part between an open position, in which the interior compartment is accessible, and a closed position, in which the interior compartment is not accessible.

Description

LUGGAGE CASE

The following invention relates to a luggage case.

Personal belongings are commonly stored and carried during travel in a luggage case. A luggage case usually comprises an interior storage compartment and a handle to allow the case to be carried. A luggage case may have wheels on the bottom to make it easier for a user to move the case by pulling, or pushing, it along the ground. Typically the case will have two or four wheels. One or more handles on the case may be retractable. Retractable handles are often used on cases with wheels to allow the case to be pushed or pulled without the user having to bend to hold a handle on the case. To access the contents of a conventional luggage case the case is usually laid flat on one of its sides, usually the largest side, and the opposite side is then opened to allow access to the interior, and to the storage compartment. The side of the luggage case may be opened by a zip, or by a releasable clip mechanism.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a luggage case having an interior compartment, wherein the luggage case comprises a first case part and a second case part, wherein the first case part is slidable relative to the second case part between an open position, in which the interior compartment is accessible, and a closed position, in which the interior compartment is not accessible.

Preferably the first case part comprises a drawer which is slidable relative to the second case part. Preferably the drawer is arranged to slide from a closed position, when the drawer is substantially inside the second case part, to an open position, when the drawer is substantially outside the second case part and the interior of the drawer is accessible. The term drawer is used herein to refer a first case part, or any other case part, which is slidable relative to the second case part between an open and a closed position. The term drawer and first case part are used interchangeably herein.

Preferably, when in the closed position, the first case part/drawer defines an interior compartment within the second case part.

Preferably, when the first case part/drawer is in the open position the interior compartment, and therefore any contents in the compartment, are accessible.

Preferably the second case part defines at least a part of the exterior of the luggage case. Preferably the second case part defines the majority of the exterior of the luggage case. Preferably the second case part defines at least five sides of the six sides of a substantially cuboidal luggage case.

The term luggage case is intended to encompass suitcases, bags, brief cases or any other suitable means for storing and carrying personal belongings whilst travelling. Preferably a luggage case according to the invention is a suitcase.

Preferably, the luggage case is arranged such that the first case part/drawer is intended to be moved between an open and a closed position when the luggage case is in an upright position. Preferably, when a case is in an upright position it is taller than it is wide. Preferably the luggage case is intended to be carried or moved in the upright position or at an angle of less than about 45 degrees from upright.

The benefit of the first case part being slidable between an open and a closed position in an upright position is that it allows a user to access the interior of the luggage case, and therefore any contents therein, practically and without having to lay the luggage case on it side.

Preferably the luggage case is arranged such that the first case part/drawer is intended to be moved between an open and a closed position when the case is in substantially the same orientation in which the case is intended to be moved. For example, for a case on wheels, the case is arranged such that the drawer is intended to be opened and closed when the case is in an upright position, which is substantially the same orientation as the case is in when it is pulled or pushed along the ground.

Preferably the luggage case does not have to be laid on its side in order to access the contents of the case.

The total interior volume of the luggage case may be between about 30 litres and about 130 litres, or between about 50 litres and about 80 litres. The total interior volume of the luggage case may be about 70 litres .

The luggage case may comprise one interior compartment. The luggage case may comprise two or more interior compartments. The interior compartments may be separate discrete compartments, or one or more of the compartments may be located within one or more other compartments.

Sliding a first case part, or drawer, to an open position, may allow access to one or more interior compartments of the luggage case. Preferably sliding the first case part, or drawer, to the open position allows access to more than one interior compartment.

A luggage case with two or more interior compartments has the benefit that not all the contents of the luggage case are in the same compartment, which means that individual items may be more easily accessible. For example, an item at the bottom of a compartment may be accessed without the need to unpack the entire luggage case.

A first interior compartment may have a volume of up to about 130 litres; the first interior compartment may have a volume of between about 10 and about 100 litres, or between about 20 and about 70 litres. A second interior compartment may have a volume of between about 0.5 litres to about 100 litres, preferably between about 0.5 litres and 50 litres, preferably between about 1 litre and about 30 litres. Preferably a second interior compartment has a volume of about 20 litres.

A second interior compartment may be located above the first interior compartment when the luggage case is in an upright position. Alternatively, in a luggage case with two or more compartments the second interior compartment may be located within the first interior compartment.

Where there are two or more interior compartments, the interior compartments may be the same or different sizes. A first interior compartment may occupy between about 40% and about 90% of the total interior volume of the luggage case. The first interior compartment may occupy more than about 60% of the total interior volume of the luggage case. The first interior compartment may occupy between about 60% and about 75% of the total interior volume of the luggage case.

The second compartment may occupy between about 5% and about 60% of the interior volume of the luggage case, preferably between about 10% and about 40% of the interior volume of the luggage case. i In addition to the first case part/drawer the luggage case may comprise one or more other case parts which are slidable relative to the second case part. The one or more other case parts may be configured as drawers. The one or more other case parts/drawers are preferably slidable between an open and a closed position.

Each case part/drawer may be independently slidable relative to the second case part. A second drawer, whilst not sliding with the first drawer, may require the first drawer to be in an open position before it can be opened.

Two or more interior compartments may be accessible by a first case part and/or other slidable case parts, wherein the first case part and other case parts are configured as drawers slidable relative to the second case part. About 5% to about 100% of the total interior volume of the luggage case may be accessible by one or more slideable case parts/drawers. At least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 99% of the total interior volume of the case may be accessible by one or more slideable case parts/drawers. About 80% to about 100% of the total volume of the luggage case may be accessible by one or more slideable case parts/drawers. Up to about 95% or up to about 100% of the total volume of the interior of the luggage case may be accessible by one or more slideable case parts/drawers.

The one or more slideable case parts, such as the first case part/drawer, may comprise a drawer mechanism arranged to allow the case part/drawer to slide relative to the second case part. The drawer mechanism may comprise a rail system. The rail system may comprise rails located within the luggage case interior, preferably on the interior of the second case part. In an alternative embodiment the rails may be mounted to the side of the first case part and/or one or more other case parts. The luggage case may comprise at least one pair of parallel, opposing rails. Preferably the slideable case parts, or drawers, are arranged to engage with the rails such that the slideable case parts, or drawers, can move along the rail and thereby slide relative to the second case part.

One pair of rails may engage two slidable case parts, or drawers, to allow them both to slide relative to the second case part. One slidable case part may be positioned above another slidable case part.

Where two or more case parts share the same drawer mechanism, the two or more case parts may be arranged to be capable of being independently slidable relative to the second case part, alternatively the two or more case parts may be arranged to slide together relative to the second case part.

In one embodiment of the invention the first case part engages a pair of rails located on the second case part, wherein the rails are arranged to enable the first case part to slide relative to the second case part. A further case part, which is slidable relative to the second case part, is located above the first case part and engages with the top of the first case part to enable the further case part to slide relative to the second case part.

One case part may only be accessible after another case part has been moved to an open position.

The first case part/drawer and any other case parts/drawers which are slidable relative to the second case part, may have a base and four sides. The first case part and any other case parts may also comprise a lid.

Preferably one side of the first case part/drawer defines a wall or side, or part of a wall or side, of the luggage case. The one or more drawers may comprise a frame made from a suitable lightweight rigid material; this material may be aluminium. The base and/or sides of the one or more drawers may be made of a material selected from the group comprising aluminium, fabric such as cotton, nylon, plastic, any other suitable material, and combinations thereof. The material may be solid, or in the form of a net or mesh. The benefit of using a breathable material, such as nylon mesh, is that it helps to keep the interior compartment well ventilated and helps to keep the overall weight of the luggage case low.

A fabric liner may be inserted into one or more of the drawers .

The first case part, and one or more other case parts, or drawers, may comprise dividers. The dividers may be made of a rigid, or semi-rigid, or flexible material. The dividers may be removable and/or moveable, giving some flexibility to the size of the interior compartments inside the case.

The first case part, and one or more other case parts, or drawers, may have a stand. The stand may be arranged to contact the ground when the first case part, and one or more other case parts, or drawer, are in the open position, that is, are extended from the second. case part. The stand may be foldable and/or extendable. The stand may automatically deploy/extend when the first case part, and one or more other case parts, or drawers, are in the open position.

The stand may provide the benefit of retaining the balance of the luggage case once the first case part and one or more other case parts, or drawers, are opened.

The luggage case may comprise a seat. The seat may be a flat or ergonomically shaped surface. The seat may comprise a surface of the luggage case. Preferably the seat comprises the top surface of the luggage case when the luggage case is in an upright position. The seat may be inclined. The seat may have a chamfered edge.

The advantage of providing a seat is that it provides the user with a personal portable stool that can be used, for example, on a crowded train or bus, or a station or an airport.

Preferably the seat is designed to encourage good posture and allow the user to sit comfortably. If the seat is inclined it may enable the user to keep both feet flat on the ground and maintain a good foot to seat height relationship. The chamfered edge may provide a curve for legs to hang ■ over comfortably.

The luggage case may comprise a rolling mechanism arranged to allow the case to be easily pulled or pushed along the ground. The luggage case rolling mechanism may comprise at least one wheel. The luggage case rolling mechanism may comprise two or more wheels. The rolling mechanism may comprise three or four or more wheels. The wheels may be positioned at one or more corners of the luggage case. Where there are two or more wheels, the respective wheels may be positioned at the same corner of the luggage case and/or at corners on opposing sides of the luggage case.

The diameter of the wheel or wheels may be about 8cm to about 20cm, preferably about 12cm. The thickness of the wheels or wheels may be about lcm to about 5cm wide, preferably about 2cm wide.

The wheels may help to balance the luggage case. Large diameter wheels may be designed to allow the case to mount urban or interior obstacles or difficult terrain such as kerbs, stairs, uneven ground, stones, gravel, dirt tracks, grass, tarmac and stone slabs.

The luggage case may also comprise a rolling mechanism configured to aid the opening and closing of the drawer. More specficially, the drawer may include wheels which contact the ground when the case is in an upright position and aid the smooth opening and closing of the drawer.

The wheel or wheels may be housed within an arch in the exterior of the luggage case. The arch may protect the wheels and help to retain alignment of the wheel during rotation of the wheel. The arch may also protect the user from an up-spray of water, dust and/or dirt.

Each wheel may comprise multiple spokes. Each spoke may have a flat surface. Spokes with flat surfaces have the advantage that they are easy to clean.

The wheel or wheels may be made of lightweight material. The wheels may be made of a thermo set plastic. Thermo set plastic has the benefit that it can be moulded with ridges, it also has scratch resistant properties.

The wheel or wheels may have tyres. The tyres may be made of polyurethane or a material of similar properties.

Where a case has two or more wheels the wheels may be connected via an axle. The wheels may be mounted on the luggage case via the axle which is itself mounted on the luggage case. The axle may be rotational or non- rotational. The axle may be fixed in place using snap fit features.

In one embodiment a luggage case according to the invention may comprises two wheels mounted on the base of the case. Preferably the wheels are mounted at opposite corners on the same side of the base of the case. The one or more drawers in the case are preferably arranged to open in a direction away from the wheels. Preferably the one or more drawers are accessed from the opposite side of the case to the side of the case which carries the wheels. This configuration has the advantage that when the case is tilted slightly to pull or push the case along the ground the drawers are in a position where they are less likely to accidentally open when the luggage case is being moved. Another benefit of having the drawers arranged to open in a direction away from the wheels is that the wheels and any associated mechanism will not obstruct the movement of the drawers .

In an alternative embodiment a luggage case according to the invention comprises three or four wheels mounted on the base of the case. Two of the wheels are located at opposite corners of the same side of the base opposite to the side of the case which opens. Preferably these wheels are intended to allow the case to be easily pulled along the ground. In addition the case also includes a further two wheels located at opposite corners or towards opposite corners of the side of the base which opens to allow access to the case. Preferably the two further wheels are located on the first case part, whereas the first mentioned two wheels are located on the second case part. Preferably the further two wheels are intended to ease opening of the case allowing the first case part to move smoothly between an open and a closed position. Alternatively the further two wheels may be replaced by a single more centrally positioned wheel. The further two wheels, or single wheel, may be arranged to be locked to travel in a straight line only.

One or more wheels on the luggage case may be designed to be easily removed and replaced if necessary. For example, the wheels may simply push and pull in and out of position without the need for any tools. The luggage case may comprise a handle. The handle may be used to carry the case. The case may have a pull handle which is used to push or pull the case along the ground, preferably the case also has wheels on its base. The pull handle may be extendable. The pull handle may extend to more than one position where it can be locked in position, allowing the user to select the degree of extension that is most comfortable for them to use. The pull handle may be attached to one or more extendable arms mounted on the luggage case. The extendable arm may extend to a length of between about 5cm and about 50cm, or about 10cm and about 30cm. The length of extension of the pull handle may be variable and may be determined by the user.

Having an extendable arm may provide the benefit that the pull handle can be extended to a length suitable for the user to pull the luggage case. As well as the conventional way to draw the luggage case along using either left or right arm, the user may also pull the luggage case along the side of their hip or waist allowing the user to have a more comfortable posture and ergonomic stance.

The pull handle and/or extendable arm may be made of a lightweight and substantially rigid material. The pull handle and/or extendable arm may be made of aluminium, plastic or any other suitable material. The pull handle and/or arm may be of hollow construction.

The pull handle and/or extendable arm may contract into the luggage case. The pull handle and/or extendable arm may be retractable into the luggage case such that it they are substantially flush with the surface of the luggage case. Alternatively, the pull handle and/or extendable arm may be removable. When not in use the pull handle may locate into, and be stowed in, a rebate on the luggage case. The rebate may be about 2 cm in depth. The rebate allows the pull handle to be stowed away and to be substantially flush with the exterior of the case when not in use, preventing it from obstructing the seat.

The handle, and more specifically the pull handle, may provide a securing mechanism to prevent one or more drawers in the case from opening under certain conditions. The pull handle may prevent one or more of the drawers from sliding between an open and a closed position. The pull handle may fold between an in use and a stowed position. When in the in use position the pull handle may prevent the drawer from opening. Alternatively, when in the stowed position, the pull handle may prevent the drawer from opening.

The pull handle may prevent access to an interior compartment by folding over an access point to the interior compartment. The pull handle may be arranged to prevent one or more drawers in the case from being opened by folding the handle over the access point to one or more of the drawers.

The pull handle may have an ergonomic grip. The pull handle may have a textured surface or a smooth surface. The pull handle may be a straight bar, or a curved bar. The pull handle may be substantially U-shaped or substantially D shaped. The cross section of the pull handle may be substantially round or substantially oval. The handle may be made of polypropylene.

The luggage case may comprise one or more further handles. The further handles may be positioned within further recesses positioned on the exterior of the luggage case. By locating the handles in a recess the handles are out of the way when not in use, and allow the case to retain a neat and compact shape. The further handle or handles may be made of rubber. The benefit of rubber is that it provides a comfortable grip for the user. The further handle or handles may be flexible in order to retain its shape after an impact.

Any further handles may allow improved handling of the luggage case with more flexibility for the user to carry the luggage case.

The luggage case may comprise a further handle integrated/moulded into a side of the case. Preferably such a handle is moulded into the external facia of the first case part which forms a side of the case. Preferably such a handle is located towards the top of the case. The handle is preferably positioned to be ergonomic and to aid use of the case. If provided with such a handle on the first case part it is preferably arranged to be used to open the case and allow access to the interior compartment. The handle may also be used to carry and/or manoeuvre the case if desired. In a preferred embodiment the handle is oval in shape, with a concave interior and may have a depth of up to 3.21cm.

The luggage case may further comprise a rear handle located on the rear side of the luggage case. Wherein the rear side is the side of the case opposite to the side of the case which is opened to access the interior compartment of the case. The rear handle may help the user to handle the case. Preferably the handle is ergonomically designed. Preferably the handle is integrated and/or moulded into the side of the case. In a preferred embodiment the handle is horizontally positioned on the rear side of the case, preferably the handle is oval with a concave interior.

The luggage case may comprise one or more removable and/or replaceable facia panels. The one or more facia panels may form part or all of one or more of the sides of the luggage case. Removable facia panels mean that it is easy to replace a damaged or worn panel without having to replace the entire luggage case. Another benefit is that the luggage case may be updated by changing one or more facia panels.

The facia panels and/or sides of the case may have a rigid insert, such as an aluminium insert, for added structural support and durability. The insert may be introduced during the production process or may be retrofitted.

The facia panel may have an edge, such as a cut step ridge, that allows the panel to interlock with an edge of the luggage case. The facia panel may have one or more tabs for securing the facia panel to the luggage case.

By having an interlocking edge between the facia panel and the luggage case, a seal may be created, which prevent the leakage of liquid or dirt into the interior of the case.

The facia panel may comprise a lightweight tough plastic. The facia panel may be made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) . The facia panel may be injection moulded.

The exterior of the luggage case may be textured and/or grained. The exterior may comprise a scratch resistant finish. The textured surface may provide a grip for a user to hold the luggage case. Preferably, the surface is smooth enough to allow it to be wiped to keep it clean.

The exterior edges of the luggage case may be chamfered. By avoiding sharp edges the case can be easily gripped without injuring the user. The exterior of the luggage case may be contoured. A contoured luggage case may provide the benefit of a distinctive body shape and improved ergonomics.

The exterior of the luggage case may comprise an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) shell. The benefit of an ABS shell is that it allows the luggage case to be compact and lightweight.

The exterior sides of the luggage case may be substantially rigid, this may provide the support needed for the seat and may also serve to protect the contents of the case during transit.

One or more parts of the luggage case may be snap-fit. Preferably snap- fit parts do not require tools to assemble and/or disassemble them from the luggage case. The snap-fit parts may attach to the luggage case via a tongue-and-groove mechanism and/or a click-lock mechanism. The wheels and/or one or more facia panels may be attached by a snap-fit mechanism.

Preferably, removal of a snap-fit part does not damage the snap-fit part and/or the luggage case.

The use of snap-fit parts enables the user to maintain or repair the luggage case easily and/or at low-cost.

The luggage case may be lockable. The case may be locked using a padlock, a key lock, a combination lock or any other suitable lock. Preferably the case includes a combination lock located on the upper face of the case, that is, the face of the case that when in use is intended to be upper facing. Preferably the combination lock is integral with the case and the combination rings are incorporated substantially flush with the case surface but are still easily accessible by a user. Preferably when locked the case cannot be opened.

The luggage case may have a flat base. Alternatively the base may be curved. A curved bases may act to stabilise the luggage case on the floor when it is in an upright position. It may also improve the safety and stability when the seat is used.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures.

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a luggage case in an upright position according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a luggage case in an upright position according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a luggage case according to a third embodiment of the invention with the handle extended;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a luggage case according to a third embodiment of the invention with the handle retracted;

Figure 5 shows a side view of a luggage case according to a third embodiment of the invention with the first case part/drawer partially opened;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the back of a facia panel which forms the front of the first case part of a luggage case according to a third embodiment of the invention; Figures 7A, 7B and 7C show schematic cross-sectional side views of a luggage case according to a third embodiment of the invention with two drawers;

Figure 8 shows a side view of a luggage case according to a third embodiment of the invention with the pull handle extended and in a tilted position ready to be pulled;

Figure 9 shows a rear view of a luggage case according to a further embodiment of the invention with an integral handle on the rear side;

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a luggage case according to Figure 9;

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a luggage case according to a further embodiment of the invention with an integral handle on the forward facing side;

Figure 12 shows a further view of the luggage case according to Figure 11 with the drawer partly open;

Figure 13 shows a further view of the luggage case according to Figure 11;

Figure 14 shows a side view of a luggage case according to a further embodiment of the invention with wheels located at the front and rear of the case; Figure 15 shows a further view of the luggage case according to Figure 14 with the drawer partly open;

Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional side view of the luggage case of Figure 15;

Figure 17 shows an underside view of the luggage case according to Figure 14;

Figure 18 shows a side view of the luggage case according to

Figure 14 with the pull handle extended and in a tilted position ready to be pulled; and

Figure 19 shows a perspective view of the front of a facia panel which forms the front of the first case part of a luggage case according to Figure 14.

Figure 1 shows a cross sectional side view of a luggage case 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The case 1 is shown in an upright position. The luggage case 1 is substantially cuboid in shape with a base 15 and a top 17 and four sides 8, 9 (and two sides not shown in this view) . A first case part or drawer 3 is disposed within a second case part 5. The second case part 5 defines most of the exterior of the luggage case 1, more specifically it defines the top 17, bottom 15 and three sides of the case 8 (and two sides which are not illustrated) . The fourth side 9 of the case also forms the front of the first case part/drawer 3. Another case part or second drawer 7 is positioned inside the second case part 5 above the first case part/drawer 3. The first drawer 3 engages two parallel rails 11 mounted on opposing interior walls of the second case part 5 which allow the drawer 3 to move between an open and a closed position (only the closed position is shown). The second drawer 7 engages with the top of the first drawer 3 and/or the rail system 11, which allows the second drawer to slide between an open and a closed position. Due to the configuration of side 9 the second drawer 7 can only be moved between an open and a closed position when the first drawer 3 is in an open position.

The luggage case 1 has a handle 13 on the top of the case 1 which can be used to carry the case.

Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of a luggage case 201 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The case 201 is shown in a an upright position. The case 201 is substantially cuboid in shape with a substantially trapezium shaped cross-section. In the upright position, the luggage case 201 has a top 203, a base 205, three vertical sides 233 (two vertical sides not shown) and one sloping side 213. The sloping side 213 slopes at an angle of about 20 degrees relative to the floor when the luggage case 201 is in the upright position. However the angle may vary between about 5 degrees and about 45 degrees.

The top 203, base 205, two vertical sides (not shown) and the sloping side 213 of the luggage case 201 define the second case part 214.

The vertical side 233 of the luggage case 201 may comprise a removable and replaceable facia panel. Vertical side 233 also defines the front of the first case part or first drawer 235. The first drawer 235 defines an interior compartment that occupies about 70% of the interior volume of the luggage case 201. The drawer 235 is arranged to slide on a rail system 237 between an open and a closed position. In the open position, the drawer 235 is extended from the second case part 214 allowing access to the interior compartment of the case. In the closed position, the drawer 235 is located within the second case part 214 and does not allow access to the interior compartment of the case 201.

The first case part/drawer 235 is mounted in the second case part on a rail system 237 which comprises two parallel opposed rails, mounted on opposite interior walls of the second case part 214. A second drawer 242 is located above the first case part/drawer 235 and occupies about 30% of the interior volume of the luggage case 201. The second drawer 242 is arranged to slide independently of the first case part/drawer 235, but it can only slide between an open and a closed position when the first case part/drawer 235 is in an open position.

The top 203 of the luggage case 201 forms a seat. The seat is flat, with chamfered edges. The base 205 of the luggage case 201 may have a concave curve (not shown) such that, in the upright position, a middle section of the base 205 does not contact the floor, but the end section 221 of the base does contact the floor. This structure gives the case improved strength and stability.

The luggage case 201 also comprises two wheels 223 (only one of which is illustrated) . The two wheels 223 are positioned at opposing corners on the same side 213 of the base 205 of the luggage case 201. More specifically, the wheels are located at the bottom corners of the sloping side 213, where the sloping side 213 meets the base 205. The wheels 223 are housed within an arch 227 on the luggage case 201. The wheels 223 are preferably 2cm wide and 12cm in diameter. The wheels 223 may comprise multiple spokes (not shown) . Each wheel 223 may have a tyre 231.

The luggage case 201 comprises an extendable and foldable pull handle 251, which is attached to arms 253 (only one of which is visible) mounted on the luggage case 201. The arms 253 are arranged to extend and retract from the top 203 of luggage case by sliding. When in a contracted position, the pull handle 251 is arranged to fit into a pull handle recess in the top surface 203 such that the pull handle 251 is flush with the surface of the luggage case 201. The vertical side 233 may comprise a handle (not shown) located in a facia panel recess (not shown) .

The pull handle may be located on the same side of the case as the wheels or on the opposite side of the case.

Figures 3 to 8 show various views of a luggage case 301 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The case 301 is substantially cuboidal in shape with a trapezoid cross section. In a vertical position the case comprises three vertical sides 315, 314, 317 and a sloping side 707 as well as a base 320 and a top 321. The vertical front side 314 comprises a removable facia panel. The facia panel 314 comprises a pull handle recess 303 arranged to receive the pull handle 307. A further handle 313 is provided in facia panel recess 305 and allows the front side/facia panel 314 to be pulled open to allow access to the case interior. Two vertical side walls 315, 317 of the luggage case 301 each comprise a side handle recess 311 in which a side handle 309 is disposed. The side handle recess 311 is substantially C-shaped. The side handle 309 is a straight bar that extends across the side handle recess 311. The side handle 309 is substantially vertical when the luggage case 301 is in an upright position.

The exterior surface of the luggage case 301 is textured and has a scratch resistant finish. The edges of the luggage case 301 are chamfered.

Referring to Figure 4, when the pull handle 307 is in a stowed position, the top 321 of the luggage case 301 comprises the flat seating area or seat. The stowed pull handle 307 is flush with the facia panel 314 and the top321.

Referring to Figure 5, a luggage case 301 is shown with a first case part or drawer 503 and another case part or second drawer 505 in an open position, that is are extended from the second case part 507. Both the first drawer 503 and the second drawer 505 may have an aluminium frame to help define and maintain their shape and rigidity. The first 503 and second drawers 505 have side panels 509, 511 made of a nylon mesh. The base (not shown) of the drawers 503, 505 are made of aluminium sheet.

Figure 5 illustrates that the facia panel 314 forms the front of the case 301 and the front of the first case part 503. The first case part 503 is opened by using handle 313 located in a recess in the facia panel.

Referring to Figure 6, the removable facia panel 314 comprises side edges 601 , 603, which define part of the side of the luggage case (not shown) , when the first drawer (not shown) is in a closed position. The facia panel 314 has edges 605, 607 that are a cut step ridge that interlock with a cut step ridge at the edge (not shown) of the luggage case (not shown) . The facia panel 314 also comprises a snap-fit mechanism 609 projecting from the facia panel 314 for attaching the facia panel to the luggage case. The snap-fit mechanism 609 is capable of engaging with a corresponding snap-fit mechanism on the first case part of the luggage case (not shown) .

Referring to Figure 7A-C, the luggage case 301 is shown schematically in an upright position. The luggage case 301 comprises a sloping side 703 at an angle of about 20 degrees relative to the floor. With reference to Figure 7A the first drawer 503 is in a closed position, where it is retracted within the second case part 507. The second drawer 505 is also retracted within the second case part 507. Referring to Figure 7B the first drawer 503 is in an open position, where it is extend from the second case part 507. The other drawer 505 is in a closed position wherein it is retracted inside the second case part 507. Referring to Figure 2C, both the first drawer 503 and the other drawer 505 are in an open position where they are extended from the second case part 507.

Referring to Figure 8, the luggage case 301 is shown in a position where it can pulled along the ground by holding and pulling the pull handle 307 which is in an extended position.

Figures 9 and 10 show various views of a luggage case 401 according to a further embodiment of the invention wherein in this embodiment the case 401 includes a handle 413 on the rear facing side 408. The skilled man will appreciate that this feature may be readily applied to any other embodiment/ aspect of the invention.

Figures 11, 12 and 13 show various views of a luggage case 501 according to a yet further embodiment of the invention wherein the case 501 includes a handle 520 in the front fascia 519 of the case. The case also includes a combination lock 525 which can be used to secure the case in a closed position. The skilled man will appreciate that both or either of the front handle and/or the combination lock features may be readily applied to any other embodiment/aspect of the invention.

Figures 14 to 19 show various views of a luggage case 610 according to another embodiment of the invention wherein in the case 610 includes four wheels 623, 624, 625, 626 on the underside 615 of the case 610. Figure 14 shows a side view of a luggage case 610 with two wheels 623, 624 at the rear of the case (only one wheel is visible in this view) and two wheels 625 , 626 at the front of the case (only one wheel is visible view) . Each wheel, rear 623, 624 and forward 625, 626, is located towards or at a corner of the underside 615 of the case 610, as depicted in Figure 17. The rear wheels 623, 624 are intended to be used to pull the case along the ground as depicted in Figure 18 and are substantially larger than the forward wheels 625, 626. The rear wheels may be as described with reference to Figure 2. The forward wheels 625, 626 are caster wheels and are intended to aid the opening and closing of the luggage case as depicted in Figures 15 and 16. As can be seen from Figure 19 the front wheels 625, 626 are located on a removable facia panel 614 which in use forms the front side of the luggage case when the drawer is in the closed position. Aside from the wheels, the front facia panel may be as described with reference to Figure 6. The skilled man will appreciate that any of the features described with reference to Figures 14 to 19 may be readily applied to any other embodiment/aspect of the invention.

It will be appreciated that features shown with respect to only some aspects/embodiments of the invention can be readily applied to other aspects/embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A luggage case comprising a first case part and a second case part, wherein the first case part is slidable relative to the second case part between an open position, in which the interior compartment is accessible, and a closed position, in which the interior compartment is not accessible.

2. A case according to claim 1 wherein when the first case part is in the closed position it is substantially inside the second case part.

3. A case according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein when the first case part is in the open position it is substantially outside the second case part and the interior of the first case part is accessible.

4. A case according to any preceding claim wherein the first case part defines an interior compartment within the second case part.

5. A case according to any preceding claim wherein the second case part defines at least a part of the exterior of the luggage case.

6. A case according to any preceding claim wherein the case is arranged such that the first case part is intended to be moved between an open and a closed position when the case is in an upright position.

7. A case according to any preceding claim wherein the total interior volume of the luggage case is between about 30 litres and about 130 litres .

8. A case according to any preceding claim which comprises more than one interior compartment.

9. A case according to any preceding claim comprising one or more other case parts which are slidable relative to the second case part.

10. A case according to claim 9 wherein the one or more other case parts are slidable between an open and a closed position.

11. A case according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the first case part and the one or more other case parts are independently slidable relative to the second case part.

12. A case according to claim 11 wherein the one or more other case parts need the first case part to be open to allow them to open.

13. A case according to any preceding claim wherein the first case part engages a rail system mounted on the interior of the second case part.

14. A case according to any preceding claim wherein the front of the first case part forms a side, or part of a side, of the case.

15. A case according to any preceding claim wherein the first case part wherein the first case part has a stand.

16. A case according to any preceding claim comprising a seat.

17. A case according to claim 16 wherein the seat forms the upper surface of the case when the case is in an upright condition.

18. A case according to any preceding claim having a rolling mechanism arranged to allow the case to be easily pulled or pushed along the ground.

19. A case according to claim 18 wherein the rolling mechanism comprises at least one wheel.

20. A case according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the case comprises at least one wheel at two corners of the case.

21. A case according to claim 19 or 20 wherein the first case part is arranged to be accessed from the opposite side of the case to the side of the case which carries the wheels.

22. A case according to any preceding claim with a handle.

23. A case according to claim 22 wherein the handle is extendable.

24 A case according to claim 22 or 23 wherein the handle provides a securing mechanism to prevent one or more case parts in the case from opening .

25. A case according to any preceding claim comprising one or more removable and/or replaceable facia panels.

26. A case according to any preceding claim wherein the base is curved.

27. A luggage case substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 8.