REMOVABLE BAG FOR A LUGGAGE, FOR EXAMPLE A HAND LUGGAGE, IN PARTICULAR A TROLLEY

Abstract

 A removable bag (1) for a luggage (20), for example a hand luggage, in particular a trolley case (20), is described. The bag (1) comprises a seat (2) delimited between two layers (3, 4) of the bag (1), and support means (5) for supporting the bag (1) so as to adhere to a surface of the luggage (20), passing around the luggage (20).

Description

Field of application

[0001] The present invention relates to a removable bag for a luggage, for example a hand luggage, in particular a trolley case.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a luggage, in particular a trolley case, comprising the aforementioned bag, and to a method for applying the bag to the luggage.

Prior art

[0003] Removable containers for luggage, for example hand luggage, such as a trolley case, intended to be transported during a journey, for example on an airplane, are known.

[0004] Such containers are very popular since they allow the traveller not only to have easy access to small items which may be of use during the journey, such as identity or travel documents, a mobile phone or a magazine, but also because they can be used to store, before check-in at the airport, personal items, such as a watch, a belt or metal objects, without having to open the luggage and without having to make use of the trays which must then be placed on the conveyor belts.

[0005] Patent application DE3211413 is an example of a container which can be applied to a travel case by means of a guide. The container is rigid and the guide is arranged on an outer surface of the case, for engagement with a profiled element on the container.

[0006] Patent application DE202005011893 is another example of a removable container which is made in the form of a rucksack which can be joined together with the luggage; in this case also a specific system is provided for attaching the rucksack onto the luggage. The size of the luggage is smaller than the maximum size permitted by the airline companies for transportation of hand luggage, considering the space occupied by the rucksack, also when it is empty. US20070045370 is another example of such a container for expanding the luggage.

[0007] Also known, for example from the British patent application GB505239, is luggage provided with an outer pocket which is essentially expandable by means of folding out from a surface of the luggage. Even though the volume of this pocket is smaller than that of the rucksack described in DE202005011893, the pocket however forms an integral part of the luggage and is not removable.

[0008] The technical problem forming the basis of the present invention is that of devising a pocket for a hand luggage, in particular a trolley case, which can be easily applied to and removed from the luggage and is adaptable to different luggage, also of different sizes, while avoiding increasing the volume of the luggage and therefore being suitable also for hand luggage having a maximum size permitted by the airline companies, and which is also useful for storing all the items which the traveller wishes to have easy access to, thereby overcoming all the drawbacks associated hitherto with the known containers.

Summary of the invention

[0009] The idea forming the basis of the present invention is to devise a bag for a luggage, for example a hand luggage, in particular a trolley case, which is configured so that it may be supported on the luggage without means for attaching it to the surface of the luggage and so that it remains substantially adhering thereto.

[0010] The Applicant has devised the bag according to the present invention based on the intuition of being able to make the bag in the form of a special garment.

[0011] In fact, the bag may be made like a kind of runner's vest, formed by a layer of fabric or other material (by analogy the surface onto which normally the runner's number is pinned), which is preferably flexible, and even more preferably elastic, being applicable to a surface or front side of the trolley case, and tightened on a rear side of the trolley case and/or also supported on a shoulder of the trolley case, via support means associated with the layer.

[0012] There exist many possible embodiments of the support means. For example, again by way of analogy with a runner's vest, the support means may be straps, each having one end on the layer and an opposite end intended to be fastened to the end of another strap on the rear side of the trolley case.

[0013] The support means may form part of the layer. For example, a fabric layer may comprise a broad portion, intended to be applied onto the front side of the trolley case, and thinner portions which extend from the broad portion, in order to form the straps. Such a configuration of the support means is not limited to a layer made of fabric, but other materials may also be employed, for example, but not exclusively, plastic materials.

[0014] Alternatively or in addition, one or more straps may have both the ends on the layer, i.e. be intended to fit with the layer between the front side and the rear side of the trolley case. Moreover, as will become clear from the description below, the support means may be made as elastic elements or as adjustable or pull-type belts, just to mention a few further examples.

[0015] The layer delimits a seat of the bag by means of another joining layer, which is preferably flexible, but even more preferably elastic, for example sewn thereon or heat-welded thereto.

[0016] If there are no objects inside the seat, the two layers are arranged close together on the front side of the trolley case and substantially reproduce the forms thereof, without altering its dimensions.

[0017] It is also possible for the bag to take the form of a double runner's vest, namely with (preferably two) joining layers on two opposite surfaces of the trolley case, for example, without limiting the invention in any way, being recalled towards each other against the trolley case by means of an elastic recall action.

[0018] This elastic recall action may be realized by means of the material used for the layers and/or by means of the support means which join the layers together, whether they be adjustable or elastic belts, or portions of the layers which are joined on the shoulder of the trolley case, in the manner of the shoulder straps of a vest.

[0019] Although the idea has been that of covering the trolley case in the manner of a garment, several variations of embodiment are envisaged by the present invention, whereby, for example, the layers are not elastically recalled as a result of their material configuration towards the surface of the trolley case, but instead this is achieved by means of the support means which are adjustable lengthwise and are therefore adaptable to the dimensions of the trolley case, in all cases it also being possible to improve the appearance of the trolley case, but also to protect it, in particular preventing it from coming into contact with dust. In this connection the bag is preferably washable.

[0020] On the basis of the idea described above, the technical problem of the present invention is solved by a removable bag for a luggage, for example a hand luggage, in particular a trolley case, characterized in that it comprises a seat delimited between two layers of the bag, and support means for supporting the bag so that it adheres to a surface of the luggage, passing around the luggage.

[0021] The two layers can be superimposed on each other in order to avoid changes in the shape of the luggage, in the absence of contents inside the seat.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the two layers is made of fabric.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one of the two layers is flexible.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one layer intended to remain facing the user, during use of the bag on the luggage, is elastic or can be elastically recalled by the layer intended to remain facing the luggage or by the support means.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, also the rear side of the trolley case is intended to be covered, at least partly, with a layer. The support means extend between one of the layers on the front side and the layer on the rear side of the trolley case. The support means, as mentioned, may form part of the layer. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present invention, supporting of the bag on the trolley case is realized owing to the configuration of the layers which provide or help provide a self-supporting action.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, a further layer is coupled to the layer intended to remain facing the rear side, so as to delimit a second seat of the bag.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the support means are adjustable.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the support means are elastic.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the support means are intended to pass around an axis X of the luggage and/or an axis Y of the luggage perpendicular to the axis.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the support means comprise an adjustable belt attached along a part of a line L₁ delimiting an entrance of the seat and/or along a part of a line L₂ delimiting a bottom of the bag.

[0031] In particular, the part of the line L₁ delimiting the entrance of the seat and the part of the line L₂ delimiting the bottom of the bag are on the layer intended to remain, during use of the bag on the luggage, facing the user.

[0032] Preferably, the support means comprise at least one shoulder strap attached perpendicularly to the line L₁ delimiting the entrance of the seat, the at least one shoulder strap being attached to the layer intended to remain, during use of the bag on the luggage, facing the luggage.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, two belts are attached, respectively, along the part of the line L₁ delimiting the entrance of the seat and the part of the line L₂ delimiting the bottom of the bag, and two shoulder straps are attached perpendicularly to the line L₁ which delimits the entrance of the seat, at a predefined distance, on the layer intended to remain, during use of the bag on the luggage, facing the luggage.

[0034] The technical problem underlying the invention is solved also by a luggage, for example a hand luggage, in particular a trolley case, comprising a bag of the aforementioned type and by a method for applying this bag, characterized by placing one of the layers delimiting the seat in contact with a surface of the luggage and supporting the bag on the luggage by passing the support means around the luggage or part thereof.

[0035] Further characteristic features and advantages of the bag, the luggage and the method for applying the bag to the luggage according to the present invention will become clear from the description provided hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings provided purely by way of a non-limiting example.

Brief description of the attached drawings

[0036] 

Figure 1 is a front view of the bag according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a rear view of the bag according to the present invention, applied to a trolley case.

Figure 3 is a front view of the bag and the trolley case according to Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a side view of the bag and the trolley case according to Figure 2.

Detailed description

[0037] With reference to the attached drawings, a particular embodiment of the bag 1 according to the present invention is described, namely a removable bag 1 for a luggage 21, for example a hand luggage, such as a trolley case 20, intended to be transported during a journey, for example on an airplane.

[0038] The bag may be used by the traveller not only to have easy access to small items which may be of use during the journey, such as identity or travel documents, a mobile phone or a magazine, but also to store, before check-in at the airport, personal items, such as a watch, a belt or metal objects, without having to open the luggage and without having to make use of the trays which must then be placed on the conveyor belts.

[0039] Figure 1 is a front view of the bag 1.

[0040] The bag 1 has a seat 2 delimited between two layers 3, 4 which can be superimposed on each other and for example are made of fabric. By way of example, two layers with a substantially quadrangular shape may be used. The two layers 3, 4 are sewn or heat-welded on three sides, delimiting on the fourth side an entrance 10 of the seat 2. Other methods or other means for joining/fixing together the layers, as well as other geometrical forms of the layer, may be used.

[0041] A layer 3 intended to remain facing the user, during use of the bag on the luggage 20, may be arranged spaced from or close to the other layer 4, respectively, in order to open or close the bag 1 and allow insertion therein or removal therefrom of small objects by the traveller. This separation or closing operation may be assisted, according to various embodiments of the present invention, by different structural forms or the different materials used to make the bag.

[0042] For example, the two layers 3, 4 may have substantially the same form and size in the rest condition, but at least one of them, the layer 3, called also outer layer 3, since it faces the user, may be made of elastic material, preferably elastic fabric, and can therefore be separated from the other layer 4, called inner layer, in order to receive the objects, and retracted against the inner layer 4 when the bag 1 is empty.

[0043] Alternatively, the outer layer 3 may have a greater surface area than the inner layer 4 and be made of a non-elastic material, such as plastic or fabric, and be loosened in order to receive objects or tightened onto the inner layer 4, when the bag 1 has been emptied. It is quite possible for the outer layer 3 to remain in the loosened condition also when the bag 1 is empty since in such a configuration the bag 1 does not constitute an obstacle, i.e. does not increase the size of the bag 20. In this case, the outer layer 3 may remain folded onto itself or onto the inner layer 4.

[0044] The two layers 3, 4, in fact, may be thin, like a fabric or a plastic sheet, with an overall thickness of between 0.2 mm and 2 cm, for example, and therefore not have a structural rigidity which keeps them in a predetermined position.

[0045] For this purpose, means for adjusting the outer layer 3 with respect to the inner layer 4 may be employed. In one embodiment, an adjustable belt 13 is associated with the entrance 10 of the seat 2 in order to loosen or tighten the outer layer 3 with respect to the inner layer 4.

[0046] As regards joining together of the bag 1 and trolley case 20, many forms or support means may be used, some of which are described below. In particular, the bag 1 can be applied to the luggage 20, referred to below as trolley case 20, by means of support means 5.

[0047] In the example according to Figure 1, the support means 5 are two adjustable belts 13, one of which may also be used to loosen or tighten the outer layer 3 with respect to the inner layer 4.

[0048] As can be seen in the side view of Figure 4, the adjustable belts 13 pass around the trolley case 20, i.e. starting from one side of the bag 1, in particular the layer 3 or 4, where each belt 13 is fixed and intended to rest against a surface 8, or front side 8, of the trolley case 20.

[0049] For example, the belt 13 is sewn or heat-welded, and may pass around the whole of the trolley case 20 and back again to the front side 8 of the trolley case 20 where the belt 13 is fastened, for example fixed onto itself, by means of retaining means, such as a Velcro surface or a buckle of the belt 13.

[0050] The example of Figure 1 shows a bag 1 with two adjustable belts 13 situated, respectively, at the entrance 10 of the seat 2 and at the bottom 11 of the bag.

[0051] However, only one belt 13 or more than two adjustable belts 13 may be used.

[0052] Moreover, the support means 5 may be made in the form of adjustable belts 13, for example made of fabric or elastic material or an elastic fabric as mentioned above, but also of another material.

[0053] They may also have a configuration different from that shown in Figures 1-4, for example formed as one piece with one of the layers 3, 4, for example the inner layer 4, by means of stitches, for example elastic strips, intended to be fitted onto the trolley case 20.

[0054] With specific reference to the example shown in the attached figures, the adjustable belts 13 are attached along a part of a line L₁ delimiting an entrance 10 of the seat 2 and/or along a part of a line L₂ delimiting a bottom 11 of the bag 1. For example, the part of the line L₁ delimiting the entrance 10 of the seat 2 and the part of the line L₂ delimiting the bottom 11 of the bag 1 are located on the outer layer 3. Preferably, two belts 13 are attached, respectively, along the part of the line L₁ delimiting the entrance 10 of the seat 2 and the part of the line L₂ delimiting the bottom 11 of the bag 1.

[0055] The support means for joining together the bag 1 and trolley case 20 may include also a layer 6 designed to rest on the rear side 9 of the trolley case 20.

[0056] The layer 6 preferably is associated with another layer 7 which forms a second seat of the bag 1.

[0057] The layer 6 may be associated with the support means 5 and may therefore be tightened on a surface 9 opposite to that of front side 8, i.e. the rear side 9 of the trolley case 20, as can be seen in Figure 4.

[0058] The bag 1 shown in this figure leaves a surface of the trolley case 20 between the rear side 9 and the front side 8 which is not covered by the layers 3, 4.

[0059] However, it is possible to design the bag 1 so that at least a part of the surface of the trolley case 20 between the rear side 9 and the front side 8 is covered or completely covered by the layers 3, 4.

[0060] In one embodiment, not shown in the Figures, the bag 1 is a tube.

[0061] For example, the tube may be made of fabric, preferably elastic fabric, intended to be fitted onto the trolley case 20 like a sleeveless jumper, where the tube forms the inner layer 4 and the second layer 3 (in the form of one or more pockets) is applied to as to delimit one or more seats 2 with the inner layer 4 formed by the tube.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the invention (Fig. 2), the bag 1 is supported by one or more shoulder straps 12 which pass over a surface of the trolley case 20, called shoulder, situated opposite the base where the roller wheels of the trolley case 20 are situated.

[0063] The shoulder straps 12 are attached perpendicularly to the line L₁ delimiting the entrance 10 of the seat 2, for example attached to the inner layer 4, preferably at a predetermined distance, in order to leave free the handle of the trolley case.

[0064] In the example of embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, two shoulder straps 12 are attached, at one of their ends, to the adjustable belt 13 which is located at the entrance 10 of the seat 2 and pass around the shoulder of the trolley case 2, i.e. passing from the front side 8 of the trolley case, where the inner layer 4 is applied, to the rear side 9.

[0065] The shoulder straps 12 may be structured so as to pass around the rear side 9 and terminate again on the layer 3 or 4 on the front side of the trolley case 20 or may terminate on a layer 6 or 7 situated on the rear side 9 of the trolley case 20, for example so as to delimit a second seat.

[0066] Advantageously, the shoulder straps 12 may support independently the bag 1 on the trolley case 20. The bag 1 may therefore not be provided with adjustable belts 13.

[0067] However, if both shoulder straps 12 and belts 13 are used, efficient heightwise and widthwise adjustment of the bag 1 on the trolley case is possible.

[0068] A method for applying the bag 1 to a trolley case 20 is described below.

[0069] Firstly, the bag 1 is manually widened so that it may be fitted over the trolley case 20.

[0070] This widening operation depends on the structural characteristics of the bag 1 and in particular on the support means 5 provided on it.

[0071] With reference to the attached figures, where the support means are adjustable belts 13 and shoulder straps 12, loosening of the shoulder straps 12 and the belts 13 is envisaged so that the inner layer 4 and the outer layer 6, which are intended to rest on the front side 8 and the rear side 9 respectively, are spaced by an amount at least corresponding to a width of the trolley case 20 or more.

[0072] The shoulder straps 12 are loosened so that the inner layer 4 and where necessary the inner layer 6 are substantially centred on the front side 8 and the rear side 9 of the trolley case 20, thus preventing interference with the roller wheels or with the handle of the trolley case 20, which may remain free between the shoulder straps 12.

[0073] After these initial adjustment operations, the bag 1 is fitted onto the trolley case, positioning the inner layers 3 and 6 opposite the front side and the rear side, and then moving the inner layers closer together, by means of adjustment of the belts 13, so that they adhere to the front side and rear side, substantially in a centred position on the trolley case 20.

[0074] Then the shoulder straps 12 are closed, for example by joining together the Velcro surfaces situated on a top and bottom surface portion of the shoulder straps 12.

[0075] The operations may be reversed, i.e. first performing adjustment of the shoulder straps and then adjustment of the belts.

[0076] In order to insert objects, the outer layer 4 must be moved so as to separate it from the inner layer 3. This operation also depends on the structural characteristics and the material used to form the layers. In the case where the outer layer 3 is elastic, opening of the bag 1 in order to access the seat 2 consists in manually separating the layer 3, and closing consists in releasing the layer 3 which returns elastically against the inner layer 4, which in turn is adjusted or recalled so as to adhere to the trolley case 20.

[0077] If the outer layer 3 is not elastic, for example made of fabric, and the bag 1 is associated with means for opening and closing the seat 2, for example a belt situated at the entrance 10 of the seat 2, these means must be operated, loosening or tightening them.

[0078] Depending on the bag, the luggage and the method for applying the bag to the luggage according to the present invention many advantages are achieved.

[0079] The bag 1 may be folded after use, occupying a negligible amount of space. During use, the bag 1 protects the trolley case, for example from dirt, and provides it with a different appearance, and may also bear a promotional message or a graphical design intended for the traveller.

[0080] In particular, the bag 1 allows objects to be placed therein so as to free the hands or the pockets of the traveller, for example a palm top, a portable computer, a lightweight jacket, documents, newspapers, drinks, etc., allowing among other things the security operations to be carried out more quickly when checking in and boarding.

Claims

1. Removable bag (1) for a luggage (20), for instance a hand luggage, in particular a trolley case (20), characterized by comprising a seat (2) delimited between two layers (3, 4) of the bag (1), and support means (5) for supporting the bag (1) so as to adhere to a surface (8) of the luggage (2), passing around the luggage (20).

2. Bag (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said two layers (3, 4) are superimposable on each other so as to avoid shape changes of the luggage (20) in the absence of contents inside the seat (2).

3. Bag (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said layers (3, 4) are made of fabric and/or are flexible.

4. Bag (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one layer (3) of said flexible layers (3, 4), intended to remain facing the user, during use of the bag (1) on the luggage (20), is elastic or elastically recalled by the layer (4) intended to remain facing the luggage (20) or by the support means (5).

5. Bag (1) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising at least one layer (6) intended to remain facing a surface (9) situated opposite the surface (8) of the luggage (20), said support means (5) extending between one of said layers (3, 4) and at least said layer (6) intended to remain facing the opposite surface (9).

6. Bag (1) according to claim 5, characterized by further comprising a layer (7) coupled to the layer (6) intended to remain facing the opposite surface (9), so as to delimit a second seat (2) of the bag (1).

7. Bag (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said support means (5) are adjustable and/or elastic.

8. Bag (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that said support means (5) comprise an adjustable belt (13) attached along part of a line (L₁) delimiting an entrance (10) of the seat (2) and/or along part of a line (L₂) delimiting a bottom of the bag (1).

9. Bag (1) according to claim 8, characterized by comprising two belts (13) attached, respectively, along said part of the line (Li) delimiting the entrance (10) of the seat (2) and said part of the line (L₂) delimiting the bottom (11) of the bag (1), and two shoulder straps (12) attached perpendicularly to the line (Li) delimiting the entrance (10) of the seat (2), at a predetermined distance, on the layer (4) intended to remain, during use of the bag (1) on the luggage (20), facing the luggage (20).

10. Luggage, for instance a hand luggage, in particular a trolley case (20), comprising a bag (1) according to one of claims 1-9.

Drawing