Leather products for luggage

Abstract

The present invention relates to a piece of luggage (1), which has: two at least partially rigid half-shells (9, 10), a connecting strap (11) arranged on the first side of the luggage for permanently connecting the two half-shells, a zipper (12) arranged on both sides of the connecting strap and extending along the periphery of the luggage and configured to connect the two half-shells in the closed configuration of the luggage. The zipper extends completely linearly in a first horizontal plane on the second and third sides of the luggage to respective corner regions (13), where the zipper is curved until it reaches the first side, and the first side extends completely linearly in a second horizontal plane different from the first horizontal plane to the connecting strap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to leather articles of luggage, which have: at least two semi - shells that are at least partially rigid, and at least one zipper that connects the two semi - shells in a closed configuration of the luggage. For example, the leather article of luggage is a suitcase, or a travel trunk, or any other article of the same kind. Background Art

[0002] Known luggage has two semi - shells that are at least partially rigid, and a zipper that connects the two semi - shells in a closed configuration of the luggage. The zipper is often arranged on the perimeter of the luggage, at the junction therebetween when the two semi - shells are in the closed configuration. The luggage has a connecting strap that permanently connects the two semi - shells, and the zipper extends along the perimeter of the luggage on both sides of the connecting strap. To move the luggage from its closed configuration to an open configuration in which the two semi - shells can be separated from each other to open the interior of the luggage, at least one zipper pull is pulled in the direction of the connecting strap. It is necessary to move the pull to the connecting strap to manually fully open the entire zipper and fully open the luggage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a leather article of luggage with an improved opening mechanism that is particularly simple and convenient to use.

[0004] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a leather article of luggage, which has: two semi - shells that are at least partially rigid; a connecting strap arranged on a first side of the luggage and permanently connecting the two semi - shells; and a zipper that extends along the perimeter of the luggage on both sides of the connecting strap and is configured to connect the two semi - shells in a closed configuration of the luggage. The perimeter of the luggage is formed by a first side, a second side extending from the first side, a third side extending from the first side opposite the second side, and a fourth side connecting the second side and the third side opposite the first side. The second side and the third side are separated from the first side by respective first angular regions that are substantially circular; and is characterized in that the zipper extends completely linearly in a first horizontal plane on each of the second side and the third side to the respective first angular regions, where the zipper is curved until the first side, and the zipper extends completely linearly in a second horizontal plane different from the first horizontal plane on the first side until the connecting strap.

[0005] The zip device is arranged on the second and third sides in a first plane offset with respect to a first side where the connecting band is located. Thus, the hinge can hinge two half - shells, which facilitates the case to move from a closed configuration where the two half - shells of the case are connected to each other by the zip to an open configuration where the two half - shells are separated from each other; this is the case even if the user who wishes to open the case does not pull the zip to the connecting band. In fact, when the user separates the half - shells from each other, the curvature of the zip at the first corner region helps the zip to continue to translate on the first side towards the connecting band forming the hinge without the need to force the translation to the connecting band. Additionally, the stiffness of the two half - shells facilitates the transition from the closed configuration to the open configuration, and the user does not have to particularly force the opening movement.

[0006] The following describes the best features of the leather article of the present invention, which are particularly simple, convenient, and economical.

[0007] The two half - shells can be arranged to respectively define approximately one - third of the volume of the article and approximately two - thirds of the volume of the article.

[0008] The first horizontal plane can be substantially defined at two - thirds of the thickness of the second and third sides.

[0009] The second horizontal plane can be substantially defined at the middle or one - third of the thickness of the second and third sides, and the connecting band is substantially arranged at the middle or one - third of the thickness of the first side.

[0010] The distance between the first horizontal plane and the second horizontal plane can be from about 10 mm to about 50 mm.

[0011] For example, for a compartment - sized case, the distance can be between about 20 mm and about 30 mm; for a single - compartment - sized case, the distance is between about 30 mm and about 50 mm; or for a case smaller than a compartment - type case, the distance is less than 20 mm.

[0012] The second and third sides are separated from the fourth side by corresponding second corner regions that are substantially circular. The zip can extend completely linearly in the first horizontal plane on each of the second and third sides to the corresponding second corner region, where the zip extends to the fourth side in the same first horizontal plane, and on the fourth side, the zip also extends in this first horizontal plane.

[0013] The article can have a handle fixed to the fourth side of the article, substantially at the middle of the thickness of the fourth side. The handle can be arranged in the middle or slightly offset from the middle of the thickness of the case. Generally speaking, the handle can be arranged according to the center of gravity of the case to facilitate easy opening and good grasping of the case in the 180° open configuration.

[0014] The zip can have two zip segments respectively fixed to the two half - shells, and at least one pull - button cooperating with the two zip segments.

[0015] The zipper may have two pull tabs, each for moving in the direction of the connecting strap through the second and third sides respectively.

[0016] The article may be a suitcase or a travel case.

[0017] The two half - shells may be covered with a decorative skin, such as leather. Description of the Drawings

[0018] Now, the present invention will be described by the following description of exemplary non - limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are as follows:

[0019] Figure 1 Schematically shown is a leather article of luggage type, in particular a suitcase in a closed configuration, which is a front view, showing the fourth side of the suitcase.

[0020] Figure 2 Similar to Figure 1 , is a rear view, showing the first side of the suitcase.

[0021] Figure 3 Similar to Figure 1 And 2 , is a side view, showing the third side of the suitcase.

[0022] Figure 4 Similar to Figures 1 to 3 , is a three - quarter view, showing the first and third sides of the suitcase.

[0023] Figure 5 Similar to Figure 4 , except that the suitcase is in an open configuration. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0024] Figure 1 Shown is a leather article of luggage type, here in particular a suitcase 1 with wheels 2, shown in a closed configuration according to different perspectives.

[0025] The suitcase 1 is completely in the shape of a parallelepiped and has six sides. Among them, the front wall 3 is also called the fourth side, the rear wall 4 is also called the first side, the side walls 5 and 6 are also called the second side and the third side respectively, the bottom wall 7 is also called the fifth side, and the upper wall 8 is also called the sixth side.

[0026] The side walls 5 and 6 are opposed to each other, each extending from the rear wall 4 at one end and from the front wall 3 relative to the rear wall 4 at the opposite end. The bottom wall and the upper wall 7 and 8 are opposed to each other and are each connected to the front wall 3, the rear wall 4, and the side walls 5 and 6.

[0027] The suitcase 1 is formed by a substantially rigid outer shell having two half - shells, called the lower half - shell 9 and the upper half - shell 10.

[0028] In the closed configuration of the suitcase 1, the lower half-shell 9 and the upper half-shell 10 define an internal space.

[0029] The lower half-shell 9 and the upper half-shell 10 can be covered with a decorative skin, such as leather.

[0030] The rollers 2 of the suitcase 1 project from its side walls 6.

[0031] The suitcase 1 has a reinforcing mechanism 15 at the corners of the lower half-shell 9 and the upper half-shell 10.

[0032] The suitcase 1 has a handle 16 which is fixed to the front wall 3 and is substantially located at the middle of the thickness of the suitcase 1 shown by the axis M. Figure 1 Here, when referring to the thickness, it is because generally the height of the suitcase 1 is substantially defined by the spacing between the side walls 5 and 6; the width is substantially defined by the spacing between the front wall and the rear wall 3 and 4; and the thickness is substantially defined by the spacing between the bottom wall and the upper wall 7 and 8.

[0033] The suitcase 1 has a connecting strap 11 which is arranged on the rear wall 4.

[0034] The connecting strap 11 forms a permanent joint between the lower half-shell 9 and the upper half-shell 10.

[0035] Moreover, the connecting strap 11 has a hinge for enabling the suitcase 1 to move from its closed configuration to an open configuration, in which the lower half-shell 9 and the upper half-shell 10 are separated from each other (

[0036] ) Figure 5 )

[0037] The suitcase 1 has a zipper 12 which extends along the perimeter of the suitcase on both sides of the connecting strap 11.

[0038] The perimeter of the suitcase 1 is formed by the front wall 3 or the fourth side, the rear wall 4 or the first side, and the side walls 5 and 6 or the second side and the third side.

[0039] The rear wall 4 is separated from the side walls 5 and 6 by a corresponding first corner region 13 which is substantially circular; and the front wall 3 is separated from the side walls 5 and 6 by a corresponding second corner region 14 which is also substantially circular.

[0040] The zipper 12 is configured to connect the lower half-shell 9 and the upper half-shell 10 in the closed configuration of the suitcase 1.

[0041] The zipper 12 has two zipper segments 17 and 18 which are respectively fixed to the lower half-shell 9 and the upper half-shell 10.

[0042] Here, the zipper has two pull tabs 19 which cooperate with the two zipper segments 17 and 18.

[0043] Each pull knob 19 is arranged to move through the front wall 3, then through the respective side walls 5 and 6, in the direction of the connecting strap 11.

[0044] In particular, the zip fastener 12 extends completely linearly on the front wall 3 and on each of the side walls 5 and 6, in a first horizontal plane P1, until the respective first corner region 13.

[0045] At the entrance of the respective corner region 13, the zip fastener 12 bends until the rear wall 4.

[0046] Thus, at the exit of the respective first corner region 13, at the rear wall 4, the zip fastener 12 extends completely linearly in a second horizontal plane P2 different from the first horizontal plane P1 to the connecting strap 12.

[0047] Here, the zip fastener 12 bends downwards, i.e. in the direction of the bottom wall 7 of the suitcase 1.

[0048] Therefore, the first horizontal plane P1 and the second horizontal plane P2 are offset, and the second horizontal plane P2 is closer to the bottom wall 7 than the first horizontal plane P1.

[0049] The first horizontal plane P1 is substantially defined at about two-thirds of the thickness of the suitcase 1, in particular of the side walls 4 and 5 and the front wall 3; while the second horizontal plane P2 is substantially defined at the middle of the thickness of the suitcase 1, in particular of the rear wall 4.

[0050] The connecting strap 11 is arranged on the rear wall 4 in the continuation of the zip fastener 12 and is thus located at the thickness of the suitcase 1.

[0051] In other words, Figure 1 The axis M through which the shown handle 16 passes is located in the second horizontal plane P2.

[0052] Therefore, the lower half shell 9 and the upper half shell 10 are arranged to delimit respectively approximately one-third and two-thirds of the volume of the suitcase 1.

[0053] Here, the distance between the first horizontal plane P1 and the second horizontal plane P2 is about 20 mm.

[0054] More generally, the distance between the first horizontal plane and the second horizontal plane can be between about 10 mm and about 50 mm.

[0055] In particular, for compartmentalized-sized luggage, the distance can be between about 20 mm and about 30 mm; for single-compartment-sized luggage, the distance is between about 30 mm and about 50 mm; or for luggage smaller than compartmentalized luggage, the distance is less than 20 mm.

[0056] For example, as a variant, the second horizontal plane may be substantially defined at one third of the thickness of the suitcase, rather than in the middle, so that the connecting strap may be substantially arranged at one third of the thickness of the rear wall.

[0057] The offset arrangement of the zip fastener 12 on the front wall 3, the side walls 5 and 6 (in the first plane P1) and on the rear wall 4 where the connecting strap 11 is located (in the second plane P2), and thus the hinge that can hinge the lower half shell 9 and the upper half shell 10, allows the suitcase to be easily moved from its closed configuration in which the lower half shell 9 and the upper half shell 10 are connected to each other by the zip fastener 12, to its open configuration in which the lower half shell 9 and the upper half shell 10 are separated from each other; this is the case even if the user who wishes to open the suitcase 1 does not pull the pull tab 19 of the zip fastener 12 all the way, that is, to the connecting strap 11.

[0058] In fact, as Figure 5 shown, when the user separates the lower half shell 9 and the upper half shell 10 from each other, the curvature of the zip fastener 12 in the first corner region 13 helps the zip fastener 12 to continuously translate on the rear wall 4 towards the connecting strap 11 that forms the hinge.

[0059] In addition, the stiffness of the lower half shell 9 and the upper half shell 10 also facilitates the transition from the closed configuration to the open configuration, in that the user does not need to apply special force for the opening movement.

[0060] As a variant, the leather article is not a suitcase, but a travel case, or any other similar article.

[0061] More generally, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown.

Claims

1. Leather articles for luggage, having: two at least partially rigid half-shells (9, 10); a connecting strap (11) arranged on a first side (4) of the luggage and permanently connecting the two half-shells; and a zipper (12) which extends along the perimeter of the luggage on both sides of the connecting strap and is configured to connect the two half-shells in a closed configuration of the luggage, the perimeter of the luggage being formed by a first side (4), a second side (5) extending from the first side (4), a third side (6) extending from the first side (4) opposite the second side (5), and a fourth side (3) connecting the second side (5) and the third side (6) opposite the first side (4), the second side (5) and the third side (6) being separated from the first side (4) by respective first angular regions (13) which are rounded; characterized in that, The zipper (12) extends linearly in the first horizontal plane (P1) on each of the second side (5) and the third side (6) to the respective first corner region (13). In the first corner region (13), the zipper (12) is curved until the first side (4), and the zipper (12) extends linearly in the first side (4) in a second horizontal plane (P2) different from the first horizontal plane (P1) until the connecting band (11).

2. The leather product for luggage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two half - shells (10, 9) are arranged to respectively define one - third of the volume of the leather luggage article (1) and two - thirds of the volume of the leather luggage article.

3. The leather product for luggage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first horizontal plane (P1) is defined at two - thirds of the thickness of the second side (5) and the third side (6).

4. The leather product for luggage according to claim 1, wherein, The second horizontal plane (P2) is defined at the middle or one - third of the thickness of the second side (5) and the third side (6), and the connecting band (11) is arranged at the middle or one - third of the thickness of the first side (4).

5. The leather product for luggage according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between the first horizontal plane (P1) and the second horizontal plane (P2) is between 10 mm and 50 mm.

6. The leather product for luggage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second side (5) and the third side (6) are separated from the fourth side (3) by respective second corner regions (14) that are circular. The zipper (12) extends generally linearly in the first horizontal plane (P1) on each of the second side (5) and the third side (6) until the respective second corner region (14). In the second corner region (14), the zipper (12) extends in the same first horizontal plane (P1) until the fourth side (3). On the fourth side (3), the zipper (12) also extends in the first horizontal plane (P1).

7. The leather product for luggage according to claim 6, wherein The leather luggage article has a handle (16) fixed to the fourth side (3) of the leather luggage article, at the middle of the thickness of the fourth side (3).

8. The leather product for luggage according to claim 1, wherein The zipper (12) has two zipper segments (17, 18) respectively fixed to the two half - shells (9, 10), and at least one pull - button (19) cooperating with the two zipper segments.

9. The leather product for luggage according to claim 8, wherein, The zipper (12) has two pull - buttons (19), and each pull - button (19) is used to move respectively through the second side (5) and the third side (6) in the direction of the connecting band (11).

10. The leather product for luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The leather luggage article is a suitcase or a travel trunk.

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