[0001] This invention relates to an article of luggage.
[0002] Articles (or pieces) of luggage are used to transport objects between locations.
The objects are safely stowed and protected from damage in an internal packing volume
provided by a compartment or sub-compartment of the article of luggage. The objects
to be stowed can be, for example, personal possessions, clothing, electronic equipment,
tools, cosmetics, foodstuffs, medicines, liquid containers, solids.
[0003] Pieces of luggage are designed to be portable (in that they can be carried by a capable
person) and/or rolled (so that they can be rolled along a floor surface by a capable
person).
[0004] The size of the luggage depends on what it is intended to carry and may range from
a small handbag, a vanity case, a lunchbox, a laptop case, a satchel, a briefcase,
a cabin bag, a backpack, a rucksack, a child's wheelie case, a pilot case, a hold
bag, a small suitcase, a large suitcase, a trunk and a cargo container.
[0005] WO 2008/009905 A1 discloses an article of luggage comprising a shape defining framework.
[0006] Usually, luggage pieces have a framework or skeleton structure which maintains, if
necessary, the shape of the luggage piece. A shell of the luggage piece fits around,
or may be integrally formed with, the framework. The shell may define the luggage
compartment or sub-compartment and/or there may be further skins which define a compartment
or sub-compartment. The framework may comprise reinforced portions of the shell or
may be a skeleton which is separate and distinct from the shell.
[0007] Luggage may have a hard shell, a soft shell or a hybrid shell composed of hard and
soft shells.
[0008] The external shape of luggage pieces is generally a rectangular cuboid with rounded
or smoothed edges and vertices.
[0009] The luggage may include one or more handles for carrying the luggage piece. The handles
may be extendable handles.
[0010] Luggage pieces may be provided with wheels or rollers to roll the luggage piece along
a surface.
[0011] It is advantageous for luggage pieces to have a solid construction, to lessen the
risk of the luggage piece being damaged during transit, while also being as light
as possible. The task of lifting and/or carrying a piece of luggage is simpler if
the piece of luggage has a light weight. Therefore, there is a trade-off between the
weight of a piece of luggage, and how structurally solid the luggage is.
[0012] According to an aspect of the invention, we provide an article of luggage comprising:
a frame having a first end and a second end, a first pair of rods and a second pair
of rods, each end being generally rectangular, and each corner of the first end being
connected by a respective rod to a corresponding corner of the second end so that
the rod defines an edge of the frame,
a handle that extends out of and collapses into a portion of the frame, and
a shell formed around at least a portion of the frame so as to form a packing compartment,
the first pair of rods being connected to respective diagonally opposite corners of
the first end and the second pair of rods being connected to the other diagonally
opposite corners of the first end, and the first pair of rods have a higher flexural
strength than the second pair of rods,
wherein the first pair of rods are hollow along at least a portion of their respective
lengths and the handle comprises a pair of arms, each arm being extensible from and
collapsible into a respective one of the first pair of rods of the frame.
[0013] Further features of this aspect of the invention are set out in the claims appended
to the description.
[0014] In order that the present invention can be more readily understood, embodiments of
the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a piece of luggage according to embodiments of the
invention;
FIGURE 2 is a top-down plan view of a piece of luggage according to embodiments of
the invention;
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the piece of luggage of Figure 1, having two lids
each shown in an 'open' configuration;
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a frame of an article of luggage according to embodiments
of the invention;
FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the frame of FIGURE 4;
and FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a piece of luggage according to embodiments
of the invention, shown with a lid in an 'open' configuration.
[0015] With reference to the Figures, an article of luggage 10 is described. In broad terms
the article of luggage 10 has a body 12 and a handle 13, the body 12 providing a packing
compartment 34 for storing items (such as clothes, for example). In embodiments of
the invention, the body 12 is generally cuboid, and has a first end 20 and a second
end, each being generally rectangular. Although a cuboid shape is standard, it is
possible that the body may have a different shape and that the first and second ends
may be a shape other than rectangular. However, this configuration does not fall within
the scope of the present invention.
[0016] Rollers 24, which are typically castors or wheels, are provided at a base of the
body (and, potentially, further rollers may be provided elsewhere) to enable to the
luggage to be moved easily by a user. In embodiments, and as shown, a roller 24 is
provided at or adjacent each corner of the base of the luggage (i.e. at the second
end).
[0017] The body 12 of the luggage comprises a frame 15 that defines the volume of the packing
compartment 34 within the body 12, and to some extent defines the shape of the body
12. A shell 16 is formed around at least a portion of the frame 15, defining a surface
of the body 12 around the frame 15, within which the packing compartment is provided.
In embodiments the shell 16 is formed of a flexible and durable material, such as
nylons (including 'ballistic nylon' and Cordura), Polyester, canvas, leather, PVC,
or polypropelene-based materials including Tegris. In other embodiments, the shell
16 may be formed of a lightweight but relatively harder material such as aluminium,
polycarbonate, or ABS.
[0018] The article of luggage 10 comprises a frame 15 having a first end 17 and a second
end 19, each end being generally rectangular. In embodiments, and as shown in the
Figures, the shell 16 is formed around frame 15 so as to form a packing compartment
34 within the frame 15. The shell provides a wall structure defining a compartment
into which items can be placed. In embodiments, the shell extends around the first
and second ends of the frame 15, and the shell 16 provides wall structures 18 defining
the sides of the article of luggage 10. One or more of the wall structures may provide
a closure mechanism (i.e. a lid), as described in greater detail below.
[0019] The handle 13, as shown in Figure 2, extends out of and collapses into a portion
of the frame 15. The handle 13 provides a portion 14 that extends diagonally across
the first end 20 of the luggage, between a pair of arms 48 located at opposite corners
of the first end 20. The handle 13 provides a portion 26 graspable by a user so that
the user can pull, push, lift and steer the article of luggage. In embodiments the
handle 13 provides a locking and release mechanism 28 operable by a user to lock the
handle in a retracted or an extended configuration relative to the body 12 of the
luggage. The mechanism 28 may provide a manually triggered member (such as a push
button) to allow a user to release the handle from retracted or an extended configuration,
so that the handle may be moved to another configuration.
[0020] In embodiments, the body 12 provides a reinforced portion 22 surrounding the point
at which the arms 48 meet the body 12, to prevent damage to the shell 16 of the body
12 as the handle moves between its stowed and deployed positions.
[0021] It is envisaged that the article of luggage 10 may include one or more further handles
or straps positioned on and secured to the outside of body 12. Those handles may provide
grippable portions to allow a user to lift and manoeuvre the article of luggage 10.
[0022] The shell 16 of the body provides at least a first access opening 31 with a first
closure mechanism 30 (referred to as a lid) at a first side of shell 16. In embodiments,
the first lid 30 is a cover or flap that moves between a closed configuration in which
the closure mechanism 30 obstructs access via the first access opening 31 to the packing
compartment 34 within the shell, and an open configuration in which the packing compartment
34 is accessible via the first opening 31.
[0023] At least one of the first lid 30 and the other parts of the shell 16 surrounding
the first access opening 31 may provide a fastener (such as a zip, fastening poppers,
and/or a buckle mechanism, for example) to fasten the first lid 30 in its closed configuration.
When unfastened, the first lid 30 is moveable to its open configuration, thus providing
access to the packing compartment 34.
[0024] In embodiments, and as shown in Figure 3, the shell 16 provides a second access opening
33 with a second closure mechanism 32 (a second lid) at a second side of the shell.
In embodiments, the second side of the shell 16 is opposite the first side.
[0025] In the embodiments illustrated, the first and second sides of the shell 16 form the
front and back of the shell 16, and therefore form the front and back of the article
of luggage 10.
[0026] In embodiments, the or each closure mechanism provides a zip track formation 58 that
corresponds with a zip track formation 60 formed on a portion of the shell disposed
along an edge of its respective access opening. In embodiments, the access openings
31, 33 and lids 30, 32 are substantially rectangular. The or each lid 30, 32 is secured
to the remainder of the shell substantially along a first edge of the rectangle, and
corresponding zip track formations are provided along the remaining three edges of
the or each lid 30, 32 and around the remaining three edges of the rectangle (i.e.
other than the first).
[0027] In embodiments, pockets 70 are provided on an inner-facing surface of the or each
lid 30, 32. The pockets 70 may be formed of a fabric layer that is stitched or otherwise
attached to the inside surface of the or each lid 30, 32, providing openings 72 into
which objects may be placed for storage.
[0028] In embodiments, compartments may be provided on the outside of the shell 16 of the
luggage 10. Such compartments may, for example, be zipped pockets for storing items
in a manner that makes them easily accessible when the lid(s) of the packing compartment
34 is fastened closed.
[0029] In embodiments, and with reference to Figure 6, the interior of the body 12 may be
provided with one or more dividing walls. For example, a dividing wall 66 may be secured
between opposing walls of the shell 16, to divide the packing compartment into two
separated compartments.
[0030] Figure 6 shows a wall 66 secured between diagonally opposite edges of the body 12,
dividing the internal volume into two compartments each having a triangular top-down
cross-section. In other embodiments, a wall 66 may divide the internal volume into
two compartments each having a top-down rectangular cross-section. Where more than
one compartment is provided, each compartment may be accessible via a different one
of the access openings 31, 33.
[0031] Describing the frame 15 now in more detail, and with reference to Figure 4 in particular,
the frame 15 includes a first pair of rods 36 and a second pair of rods 38. Each corner
37, 39 of the first end 17 is connected by a respective rod to a corresponding corner
41, 43 of the second end 19, so that each rod 36, 38 defines an edge of the frame
15. The rods 36, 38 extend generally parallel to one another along the length of the
frame 15. The length of the frame in this sense is intended to mean the axial direction
in which the first end and second end of the frame are spaced from one another, and
is not intended to reflect any relationship between the dimensions of the frame.
[0032] The first pair of rods 36 are each connected to respective diagonally opposite corners
37 of the first end 17 of the frame. The second pair of rods 38 are connected to the
other diagonally opposite corners 39 of the first end 17 of the frame. In a similar
manner, the first pair of rods 36 are each connected to respective diagonally opposite
corners 41 of the second end 19 of the frame, and the second pair of rods 38 are connected
between the other respective pairs of corners 39, 43.
[0033] In other words, the frame 15 is formed by four rods 36, 38 extending between its
two rectangular ends 15, 17, to form a cuboid shape around which the shell 16 extends.
The first pair of rods 36 are located at corners diagonally opposite one another,
on either side of the frame 15.
[0034] The first pair of rods 36 has a higher flexural strength than the second pair of
rods 38. Flexural strength is the stress in a material just before it yields in a
flexure test, and indicates the strength of the rod in bending and therefore its resistance
to fracture. The first pair of rods 36 are therefore stronger, in the sense that they
provide a more rigid edge to the frame than the rods 38 of the second pair.
[0035] Rods forming the frame may be made of materials such as metal (preferably lightweight
metals such as aluminium), plastic, reinforced plastics (such as fibreglass), or any
other suitable material as is known in the art. A frame having a maximum strength
can be formed by ensuring that all of the rods are made equally strong and resistant
to bending and breaking. However, in order to limit the weight of the frame 15, and
thereby limit the weight of the article of luggage 10, a compromise is required.
[0036] In embodiments, to achieve a higher flexural strength, the first rods 36 are made
of a material that is different and flexurally stronger than that of the second rods
38.
[0037] In embodiments, the first rods 36 may have a larger cross-sectional perimeter than
the second set of rods 38 (i.e. the rods are wider). The first rods 36 may have an
increased diameter relative to the second rods 38. The rods 36 may be formed with
a different cross-sectional profile (i.e. in a different shape) than the second rods
38 - for example, one rod may have a square cross-sectional profile, and one rod may
have a round cross-sectional profile.
[0038] In embodiments, the first rods 36 may be hollow and/or formed of a thicker material
than the second rods 38.
[0039] In embodiments, the first rods 36 may embody combinations of the above enhancements
to flexural strength.
[0040] In embodiments as shown, the first pair of rods 36 are hollow along at least a portion
of their respective lengths. The handle 13 comprises a pair of arms 48, and each arm
48 extends out of and collapses into a respective one of the first pair of rods 36
of the frame 15. In this way, the handle 13 slides telescopically from within the
frame 15 of the article of luggage 10, so that it can be moved to a stowed position
in which the arms are substantially within the frame 15. In its stowed position, the
portion 14 of the handle extending between the two arms 48 lies adjacent the first
end 20 of the body 12 of the luggage 10. The handle 13 is moveable from the stowed
position to a deployed position in which the portion 14 extending between the two
arms 48 is spaced from the body 12 to facilitate a user pulling the luggage via the
handle 13.
[0041] In embodiments, and as shown in the Figures, the graspable portion 26, 14 of the
handle (i.e. the portion disposed between the pair of arms 48), is disposed diagonally
across the first end 17 of the frame 15 (and the first end 20 of the body 12).
[0042] The configuration of the article of luggage 10 described herein provides significant
advantages in lowering the weight of the frame 15 while maintaining rigidity in the
frame structure. By providing relatively flexurally strong rods 36 on diagonally opposite
sides of the frame, the frame is provided with a relatively strong support along two
diagonally opposite edges.
[0043] Providing a handle 13 that extends within the rods 36 of the frame 15 of the luggage
reduces the weight of the luggage, compared to cases in which the handle is provided
with a separate compartment in which to retract. Providing a handle 13 that extends
diagonally across the frame 15 of the luggage allows the two rods receiving the handle
to be located diagonally opposite one another. Since the rods 36 receiving the arms
48 of the handle must provide sufficient internal space to receiving the arms 48 as
the handle is stowed, those hollow rods provide a relatively rigid (and flexurally
strong) structure.
[0044] Viewing the frame in terms that the rods extend lengthwise, this means that a relatively
strong rod is provided on either side of the width of the frame, and on either side
of the depth of the frame. This results in a frame that maintains its rigid structure
(to a greater extent that a frame in which two stronger rods are located on the same
side of the case as one another). The remaining edges are provided with rods that
are less flexurally strong, but of relatively lighter weight (which are also typically
less expensive to manufacture). The resulting frame has a lighter weight than a corresponding
frame constructed of four rods having the higher flexural strength.
[0045] In embodiments, the frame 15 includes a first end plate 42 disposed at the first
end 17 of the frame 15 and a second end plate 40 disposed at the second end 19 of
the frame 15, each end plate 40, 42 being connected to each of the first and second
pairs of rods 36, 38. Each end plate 40, 42 provides a rigid structure delimiting
an end of the packing compartment 34 at a respective end of the frame 15. In this
way, the body 12 is protected against the force of impacts and collisions, and thereby
the content of the packing compartment 34 is protected.
[0046] Each of the first and second end plates 40, 42 provides four sockets 50, 52, each
socket 50, 52 being configured to receive an end of a rod 36, 38. In this way, the
frame 15 is provided with a secure structure, having upper and lower plates (i.e.
the first and second plates) with which the four rods are connected, forming a volume
around which the shell 16 is deployed.
[0047] In embodiments, each end plate 40, 42 includes a front panel 44, 46 providing a first
socket 50 for receiving a first one of the first pair of rods 36 and a second socket
52 for receiving a first one of the second pair of rods 38. Each end plate 40, 42
further includes a corresponding rear panel 45, 47 providing a first socket 51 for
receiving the second one of the first pair of rods 36 and a second socket 53 for receiving
a second one of the second pair of rods 38. An end panel is secured (by fixing screws
or any other suitable securing mechanism) to the respective front 44, 46 and rear
45, 47 panels of each end plate 40,42 to provide a rigid structure for delimiting
the end of the packing compartment at the respective ends of the frame 15.
[0048] A portion of the second end plate 40 is illustrated in Figure 5. In embodiments,
and as shown in Figure 5, the front panel 44, 46 and rear panel 45, 47 of each of
the first and second end plates 40, 42 defines one or more apertures or recesses 54
spaced along the plate. Providing recesses and/or apertures 54 reduces the weight
of material used in producing the end plates 40, 42, thereby reducing the weight of
the article of luggage 10.
[0049] In embodiments, the end panels of the first and second end plates 40, 42 provide
a lip 56 that extends towards the other respective end of the frame 15. The front
panels 44, 46 and rear panels 45, 47 may also provide respective lips that extend
towards the other end of the frame 15. The lips 56 act to support the shell 16 in
the region of the end plates 40, 42, so as to maintain the shape of the shell 16,
and reduce the risk of dents or damage occurring to the body 12. The lips 56 may be
curved, to provide a curved contour to the edges of the body 12.
[0050] It is intended that, unless otherwise specified, features of the embodiments described
may be readily combined with those of other embodiments.
[0051] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising"
and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included.
The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps
or components.
[0052] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or
the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means
for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed
result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be
utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.
1. An article of luggage (10) comprising:
a frame (15) having a first end (17) and a second end (19), a first pair of rods (36)
and a second pair of rods (38), each end being generally rectangular, and each corner
(37, 39) of the first end being connected by a respective rod to a corresponding corner
(41, 43) of the second end so that the rod defines an edge of the frame,
a handle (13) that extends out of and collapses into a portion of the frame, and
a shell (16) formed around at least a portion of the frame so as to form a packing
compartment (34),
the first pair of rods being connected to respective diagonally opposite corners of
the first end and the second pair of rods being connected to the other diagonally
opposite corners of the first end, and the first pair of rods have a higher flexural
strength than the second pair of rods,
wherein the first pair of rods are hollow along at least a portion of their respective
lengths and the handle comprises a pair of arms (48), each arm being extensible from
and collapsible into a respective one of the first pair of rods of the frame.
2. An article of luggage according to claim 1, wherein the handle includes a graspable
portion (26) disposed between the pair of arms, disposed diagonally across the first
end of the frame.
3. An article of luggage according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of
the first pair of rods has a greater diameter than the second pair of rods.
4. An article of luggage according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein both the
first and second pairs of rods are hollow along at least a portion of their respective
lengths, and wherein the first pair of rods are constructed of thicker material than
the second pair of rods.
5. An article of luggage according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first
pair of rods is constructed of a material having a higher flexural strength than that
of the second pair of rods.
6. An article of luggage according to any one of the preceding claims, further including
a first end plate (42) disposed at the first end of the frame and a second end plate
(40) disposed at the second end of the frame, each end plate being connected to each
of the first and second pairs of rods.
7. An article of luggage according to claim 6, wherein the first and second end plates
each provide a rigid structure delimiting an end of the packing compartment at a respective
end of the frame.
8. An article of luggage according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein each of the first and
second end plates provides four sockets (50, 52) each configured to receive an end
of one of the rods.
9. An article of luggage according to claim 8 when dependent on claim 7, wherein each
end plate includes:
a front panel (44, 46) providing a first socket for receiving a first one of the first
pair of rods and a second socket for receiving a first one of the second pair of rods,
a rear panel (45, 47) providing a first socket for receiving the second one of the
first pair of rods and a second socket for receiving a second one of the second pair
of rods,
an end panel secured to the respective front and rear panels, the end panel providing
the rigid structure delimiting the end of the packing compartment at the respective
end of the frame.
10. An article of luggage according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shell
is formed around frame so as to form a packing compartment within the frame.
11. An article of luggage according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shell
provides a first access opening (31) with a first closure mechanism on a first side
of shell, and a second access opening (33) with a second closure mechanism on a second
side of the shell.
12. An article of luggage according to claim 11, wherein the first and second sides of
the shell are disposed on opposite sides of the article of luggage.
13. An article of luggage according to any one of the preceding claims, further including
at least one roller (24).
1. Gepäckartikel (10), das Folgendes umfasst:
einen Rahmen (15) mit einem ersten Ende (17) und einem zweiten Ende (19), einem ersten
Paar Stäbe (36) und einem zweiten Paar Stäbe (38), wobei jedes Ende allgemein rechteckig
ist und jede Ecke (37, 39) des ersten Endes durch einen jeweiligen Stab mit einer
entsprechenden Ecke (41, 43) des zweiten Endes verbunden ist, so dass der Stab einen
Rand des Rahmens definiert,
einen Griff (13), der sich aus dem Rahmen heraus erstreckt und in einen Abschnitt
des Rahmens einfährt, und
eine Hülle (16), die um wenigstens einen Abschnitt des Rahmens herum so ausgebildet
ist, dass sie ein Packfach (34) bildet,
wobei das erste Paar Stäbe mit jeweiligen diagonal gegenüberliegenden Ecken des ersten
Endes verbunden ist und das zweite Paar Stäbe mit den anderen diagonal gegenüberliegenden
Ecken des ersten Endes verbunden ist, und das erste Paar Stäbe eine höhere Biegefestigkeit
als das zweite Paar Stäbe hat,
wobei das erste Paar Stäbe entlang wenigstens eines Abschnitts seiner jeweiligen Länge
hohl ist und der Griff ein Paar Arme (48) umfasst, wobei jeder Arm von einem jeweiligen
des ersten Paares von Stäben des Rahmens ausziehbar und darin einfahrbar ist.
2. Gepäckartikel nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Griff einen greifbaren Abschnitt (26) beinhaltet,
der zwischen dem Paar Armen und diagonal über das erste Ende des Rahmens angeordnet
ist.
3. Gepäckartikel nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei jedes aus dem ersten Paar
Stäbe einen größeren Durchmesser hat als das zweite Paar Stäbe.
4. Gepäckartikel nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei sowohl das erste als auch
das zweite Paar Stäbe entlang wenigstens eines Abschnitts ihrer jeweiligen Länge hohl
sind und wobei das erste Paar Stäbe aus einem dickeren Material als das zweite Paar
Stäbe hergestellt ist.
5. Gepäckartikel nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei das erste Paar Stäbe aus
einem Material mit einer höheren Biegefestigkeit hergestellt ist als das zweite Paar
Stäbe.
6. Gepäckartikel nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, das ferner eine erste Endplatte
(42) beinhaltet, die am ersten Ende des Rahmens angeordnet ist, und eine zweite Endplatte
(40) beinhaltet, die am zweiten Ende des Rahmens angeordnet ist, wobei jede Endplatte
jeweils mit dem ersten und dem zweiten Paar Stäbe verbunden ist.
7. Gepäckartikel nach Anspruch 6, wobei die erste und die zweite Endplatte jeweils eine
starre Struktur haben, die ein Ende des Packfachs an einem jeweiligen Ende des Rahmens
begrenzt.
8. Gepäckartikel nach Anspruch 6 oder Anspruch 7, wobei die erste und die zweite Endplatte
jeweils vier Muffen (50, 52) aufweisen, die jeweils zum Aufnehmen eines Endes von
einem der Stäbe konfiguriert sind.
9. Gepäckartikel nach Anspruch 8 in Abhängigkeit von Anspruch 7, wobei jede Endplatte
Folgendes beinhaltet:
ein Frontpaneel (44, 46), das eine erste Muffe zum Aufnehmen eines ersten des ersten
Paares von Stäben und eine zweite Muffe zum Aufnehmen eines ersten des zweiten Paares
von Stäben aufweist,
ein Rückpaneel (45, 47), das eine erste Muffe zum Aufnehmen des zweiten des ersten
Paares von Stäben und eine zweite Muffe zum Aufnehmen eines zweiten des zweiten Paares
von Stäben aufweist,
ein Endpaneel, das an dem jeweiligen Front- und Rückpaneel befestigt ist, wobei das
Endpaneel die starre Struktur bildet, die das Ende des Packfachs am jeweiligen Ende
des Rahmens begrenzt.
10. Gepäckartikel nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die Hülle so um den Rahmen
herum ausgebildet ist, dass sie innerhalb des Rahmens ein Packfach bildet.
11. Gepäckartikel nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die Hülle eine erste Zugangsöffnung
(31) mit einem ersten Schließmechanismus auf einer ersten Seite der Hülle und eine
zweite Zugangsöffnung (33) mit einem zweiten Schließmechanismus auf einer zweiten
Seite der Hülle aufweist.
12. Gepäckartikel nach Anspruch 11, wobei die erste und zweite Seite der Hülle auf gegenüberliegenden
Seiten des Gepäckartikels angeordnet sind.
13. Gepäckartikel nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, das ferner wenigstens eine Laufrolle
(24) beinhaltet.
1. Article de bagage (10), comprenant :
un cadre (15) ayant une première extrémité (17) et une seconde extrémité (19), une
première paire de tiges (36) et une seconde paire de tiges (38), chaque extrémité
étant généralement rectangulaire et chaque coin (37, 39) de la première extrémité
étant connecté par une tige respective à un coin correspondant (41, 43) de la seconde
extrémité de sorte que la tige définisse un bord du cadre,
une poignée (13) qui s'étend hors d'une partie du cadre et s'y rétracte, et
une coque (16) formée autour d'au moins une partie du cadre de manière à former un
compartiment d'empaquetage (34),
la première paire de tiges étant connectée à des coins opposés respectifs en diagonale
de la première extrémité et la seconde paire de tiges étant connectée aux autres coins
opposés en diagonale de la première extrémité, et la première paire de tiges ayant
une résistance à la flexion supérieure à celle de la seconde paire de tiges,
la première paire de tiges étant creuse le long d'au moins une partie de leur longueur
respective et la poignée comprenant une paire de bras (48), chaque bras étant extensible
depuis une tige respective de la première paire de tiges du cadre et rétractable dans
ladite tige respective de la première paire de tiges du cadre.
2. Article de bagage selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la poignée comprend une partie
saisissable (26) disposée entre la paire de bras, disposée en diagonale à travers
la première extrémité du cadre.
3. Article de bagage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
chaque tige de la première paire de tiges à un diamètre supérieur à celui de la seconde
paire de tiges.
4. Article de bagage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
les première et seconde paires de tiges sont creuses le long d'au moins une partie
de leur longueur respective, et dans lequel la première paire de tige est fabriquée
dans un matériau plus épais que celui de la seconde paire de tiges.
5. Article de bagage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
la première paire de tiges est fabriquée dans un matériau ayant une résistance à la
flexion supérieure à celle de la seconde paire de tiges.
6. Article de bagage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant
en outre une première plaque d'extrémité (42) disposée au niveau de la première extrémité
du cadre et une seconde plaque d'extrémité (40) disposée au niveau de la seconde extrémité
du cadre, chaque plaque d'extrémité étant connectée à chacune des première et seconde
paires de tiges.
7. Article de bagage selon la revendication 6, dans lequel les première et seconde plaques
d'extrémité produisent chacune une structure rigide délimitant une extrémité du compartiment
d'empaquetage au niveau d'une extrémité respective du compartiment.
8. Article de bagage selon la revendication 6 ou 7, dans lequel les première et seconde
plaques d'extrémité produisent chacune quatre réceptacles (50, 52) configurés chacun
pour recevoir une extrémité d'une des tiges.
9. Article de bagage selon la revendication 8 quand elle dépend de la revendication 7,
dans lequel chaque plaque d'extrémité comporte :
un panneau avant (44, 46) procurant un premier réceptacle pour recevoir une première
tige de la première paire de tiges et un second réceptacle pour recevoir une première
tige de la seconde paire de tiges,
un panneau arrière (45, 47) procurant un premier réceptacle pour recevoir la seconde
tige de la première paire de tiges et un second réceptacle pour recevoir une seconde
tige de la seconde paire de tiges,
un panneau d'extrémité fixé aux panneaux avant et arrière respectifs, le panneau d'extrémité
produisant la structure rigide délimitant l'extrémité du compartiment d'empaquetage
au niveau de l'extrémité respective du cadre.
10. Article de bagage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
la coque est formée autour du cadre de manière à former un compartiment d'empaquetage
dans les limites du cadre.
11. Article de bagage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
la coque est munie d'une première ouverture d'accès (31) avec un premier mécanisme
de fermeture sur un premier côté de la coque et d'une seconde ouverture d'accès (33)
avec un second mécanisme de fermeture sur un second côté de la coque.
12. Article de bagage selon la revendication 11, dans lequel les premier et second côtés
de la coque sont disposés sur des côtés opposés de l'article de bagage.
13. Article de bagage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comportant
en outre au moins une roulette (24).