Travel case with a swivel shelf

Abstract

Travel case (2) with a shell (4) having a rear wall (6), a lower end face, an upper end face (8) and two upstanding longitudinal sides (10, 12), wherein a lid (14) is pivotably arranged on one of the longitudinal sides (12), wherein a pivotably movable shelf (16) is provided which is movably arranged between a folded-in and an unfolded position, characterized in that a telescopic handle (30) is retractably arranged in a handle receptacle (32) on the upper end face (8), wherein the shelf (16) is connected to the shell (4), in particular to the rear wall (6) and / or the upper end face (8),wherein in the unfolded position, the shelf (16) is substantially aligned with the surface (18) of the upper end face (8) of the suitcase (2), and the shelf (16) in the unfolded position, together with the surface of the upper end face (8), forms a work surface or storage surface for a laptop or notebook.

Description

The invention relates to a luggage case having the features of the preamble of claim 1.In the prior art, travel cases in the form of hard shell cases are known. A hardshell case is designed to optimally protect the contents from external influences such as shocks, pressure and humidity. The outer shell is generally made of robust materials such as polycarbonate, ABS plastic, polypropylene or also aluminum. Polycarbonate is particularly popular because it is light, flexible, yet highly resistant to breakage and scratches. ABS plastic is also stable, but somewhat less flexible and more favorable for this. Polypropylene is distinguished by a particularly high impact strength, while aluminum luggage cases are very long-lived and stable, but are also heavier and more expensive. Modern variants use materials made of continuous polypropylene fibers and offer a high load-bearing capacity with a low weight.Hardshell luggages usually have a textile lining, various compartments, partitions or packing straps on the inside, which ensure that the luggage can be stored securely and cleanly. Often there are additional, padded compartments for delicate objects such as laptops. Cross-tensioning straps, shelves or individually packable compartments facilitate organization and prevent contents from slipping during transport.For safety, hard-shell cases are often equipped with zippers or integrated snap-fit fasteners. Many models also have a TSA lock that can be opened by security authorities as needed without damaging the case.For transport, most hardshell cases are equipped with four rollers which allow easy pushing and pulling. An extendable telescopic handle, which can be locked in several steps, as well as additional carrying handles on the upper and longitudinal sides ensure flexible and comfortable handling.By this construction, hard shell cases provide protection against external influences and are resistant to deformations and damage. Although they are usually somewhat heavier than soft shell cases, they are much more robust and durable. The smooth surface is moreover usually scratch-resistant and can be easily cleaned.In conventional luggage cases, in particular those with an integrated folding or opening mechanism, the upper surface of the case shell is generally interrupted or uneven due to the design. This is frequently due to the fact that the case has covers or openings which are divided in the middle and which, although facilitating access to the interior space, greatly restrict the usability of the upper side of the case as a continuous storage surface. In many cases, due to handles, roller seats, parting lines or structural depressions, the surface is not flat enough to use as a stable working surface.Particularly when working in a mobile manner, for example at airports, station stations or in waiting areas, it has been shown that existing luggage cases do not provide a sufficiently large and ergonomically usable surface for safely placing a laptop thereon and for working it comfortably thereon. The available contact surface is either too small, too unstable or is limited by protruding components, so that a comfortable workplace cannot be set up. One problem is that the user's legs do not find a space below the shelf and the laptop thereby remains at too great a distance.These limitations are counter to the need of modern travelers, in particular business travelers or digital nomades, for a functional, mobile workstation directly on the case.There are travel cases with specially designed trays.U.S. Pat. No. 8,485,327 B1 discloses a luggage case with a cover on its upper end face, wherein the cover can be folded upwards against an extendable carrying handle and thereby releases an overhead area. The lid protrudes vertically upward from the top of the luggage. The dinner panel has a cup holder. The cover is held in its raised position by lateral struts. The lid is not removable and protrudes from the top of the luggage so that the footprint is only smaller than the area of the lid. The footprint is too small to place a laptop thereon.U.S. Pat. No. 7,987,955 B2 discloses a luggage case having an extendable working surface which is pulled out of an upper side of the case and serves as a storage for a portable laptop, food or beverage. The working surface is pivotably connected on the one hand to a telescopic rail of a carrying handle and on the other hand supported on two supports. The supports are configured to be telescopic on horizontally displaceable cantilevers. The luggage item has two chambers, wherein the arms can be pushed into the chambers and pulled out of the chambers. The working surface is smaller than the top side of the case and is thus relatively small.US 6,604,472 describes a panel in the form of a computer table which can be attached to a luggage case which is in an upright position. It is a flat plate, also referred to as a tray or tray, which is designed to be easily mounted on the extensible handle of a trolley, such as a hand luggage case. This panel provides a stable surface on which a laptop can be safely placed and used conveniently. The storage device itself has a planar surface on which the laptop is located. A small, circumferential edge prevents the laptop from accidentally sliding down. At the front of the tray is a specially shaped part which is designed to be inserted between the two parallel telescopic rods of the suitcase handle. In this front area, a small folding part is also integrated, which can be folded upwards after the insertion of the tray. When this flap is set up, it blocks the suitcase handle and ensures that the handle can be pressed against the shelf. This pressure fixes the entire construction, whereby the shelf rests stably on the case and serves as a practical, improved table surface. The shelf is not part of the case, but forms a separate attachment part which additionally has to be carried along.U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,073 describes a workstation for a luggage case. The work station consists of a work surface which is fastened to a telescopic handle of a luggage case. It offers sufficient space to place two DIN-A4 pages next to one another or to place a laptop. At the same time, it is designed such that it is stable and can be combined universally with different pieces of luggage. The working surface is composed of two parts which are connected to one another by a hinge. In the closed state, these parts lie flat on one another. When the working surface is opened, a continuous, flat surface results which can be used as a table. The work station is fastened by means of a clamping device which can be fixed to the handle of the case. Additional stability is provided by a fold-out, height-adjustable leg, which is also referred to as a support. This support may either extend to the floor or alternatively support the structure of the luggage. The height adjustment allows use both in sitting and standing. The leg can be positioned to extend between the legs of the seated person, thereby conveniently locating beneath the work surface-similar to a regular table.U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,019, which forms the generic type, describes a luggage case with an integrated, fold-out table which forms a pivotable shelf. The table is accommodated in a compartment on the rear side of the luggage case and does not remove any storage space in the interior. It can be pulled out and folded up if necessary, so that a stable, horizontal surface is produced on which a laptop, documents or essen, for example, can be placed. The table is thereby folded onto the top side of the luggage case and thereby covers the upper front side of the luggage case. The table consists of a solid plastic plate with a non-slip coating so that nothing slips down. On its underside there are small feet which rest on the top side of the case and thus ensure stability. The table is attached to an extendable member which can be slid up and down along the rear of the case. When the table is fully extended and placed in the working position, it automatically locks by a locking system so that it does not slide. For stowage, the table is simply folded down again, pushed back into the compartment and closed off the latter with a zipper. Thus, it is well protected and immediately ready for use again. The case itself also has castors, an extensible handle and an extra compartment for a laptop. The luggage case of the type in question has a complicated, heavy overall construction.The invention is based on the object of improving the luggage case.This object on which the invention is based is now achieved by a luggage case having the features of claim 1, namely by a luggage case having a shell which has a rear wall, a lower end face, an upper end face and two projecting longitudinal sides, wherein a cover is arranged pivotably on one of the longitudinal sides, wherein a pivotably movable storage compartment is present which is arranged movably between a folded-in position and a folded-out position, wherein, according to the invention, a telescopic telescopic handle is arranged retractable in a handle receptacle at the upper end face, wherein the storage compartment is connected to the shell, in particular to the rear wall and / or the upper end face, wherein, in the deployed position, the tray is aligned substantially with the surface of the upper face of the luggage case and, in the deployed position, the tray forms together with the surface of the upper face a work surface or storage surface for a laptop or notebook.The invention described relates to a luggage case having a particular functionality which extends beyond conventional luggage transport. The case has a shell with a rear wall, a lower and upper end face and two protruding longitudinal sides.A pivotable cover is attached to one of the longitudinal sides. However, particular emphasis is given to an integrated, pivotable storage device which is arranged movably between a folded-in position and a folded-out position. This shelf is connected to the tray, in particular to the rear wall and / or the upper end face. In the deployed position, it is aligned substantially with the surface of the upper end face of the case. Together with this, it forms a stable and immediately usable working or storage surface which is particularly well suited for the use of a laptop or notebook. In addition, a telescopic handle is arranged in a retractable manner in the upper end face in a handle receptacle, which enables a space-saving construction. The essential advantage of this invention is thus the combination of mobility and functionality: the case not only serves for transporting luggage, but can be converted into a mobile workplace if required-a practical solution for travelers who wish to operate efficiently on the way without having to carry additional equipment.The upper end face of the shell is formed sufficiently flat by the retractable telescopic handle and forms a storage surface for a laptop or notebook which can be used as a working surface. The telescopic handle is preferably arranged close to the rear wall. The travel case can also serve as a writing or work station on the way without additional accessories-in particular for multi-travelers, occupation dispensers, technicians or freelancer.The shelf arranged in the rear wall provides an additional, fold-out working surface which, when not in use, can be arranged in a space-saving manner on the outer side of the rear wall.The alignment of the shelf in alignment with the upper end face allows an ergonomically continuous working surface, in particular for the use of a laptop or tablet. A preferred embodiment provides that the tray protrudes horizontally, so that the user can place his legs underneath and pull the laptop closer to him. In a preferred embodiment, the tray is pivotably connected to the rear wall. However, it is also conceivable for the shelf to be connected to the upper end side in a pivotable manner alternatively.In a preferred embodiment, it is specified that a pivotable carrying handle is arranged in a retractable manner in a carrying handle receptacle on the upper end face. The additional carrying handle allows the case to be lifted more easily than with the telescopic handle. The carrying handle can be arranged substantially centrally on the upper end face. Since the carrying handle does not protrude in the retracted state, the entire surface remains usable as a work surface, which supports the function as a mobile workplace. A laptop can cover the handle receptacle with the carrying handle located therein during use.The flat cover allows easy and large-area access to the interior of the case. As a result, the upper end face does not have to be divided, as a result of which this surface can be designed as large as possible-which in turn promotes the formation of additional compartments on the upper end face.In a preferred embodiment, it is specified that at the upper end face there is at least one compartment which is accessible from the outside, preferably two compartments which are accessible from the outside and / or which can be closed by at least one pivotable hinged element or at least one displaceable cover element. The compartments can be formed laterally of the handle receptacle. The compartments can be formed centrally between the cover and the rear wall. Smaller utensiles such as mouse, charger or writing utensiles can be stored separately in these compartments without requiring access to the main contents of the case. A particular advantage of these additional compartments is that liquids for air travel can be deposited therein. It is thus possible, in the case of safety checks at the airport, to provide the liquids for checking purposes without having to open the cover of the case. This saves time, increases comfort and maintains privacy of the remaining bag content.In a preferred embodiment, it is specified that the folding element or the folding elements or the cover element or the cover elements are arranged in the closed state flush or slightly lowered with the surface of the upper end side. This achieves a particularly planar surface which is ideally suitable for the storage of the laptop. There are no protruding elements on the upper end face, which is advantageous in particular when stowage in vehicles or when transporting flight. This provides an optically pleasing smooth surface and prevents sticking to edges.In a preferred embodiment, it is specified that the storage bin in the folded-in position is completely accommodated in an outwardly open recess of the rear wall, whereby the storage bin in the folded-in position visually forms a unit with the remaining rear wall and thus visually "disappears". As a result, the storage compartment is protected in an optimum manner during transport and no protruding elements are located on the rear side of the luggage case, which is advantageous in particular during stowage in vehicles or during flight transport.In a preferred embodiment, it is specified that the surface of the storage compartment, in the folded-in position, runs flush or lowered with the rear wall surface. This provides a visually pleasing, smooth back wall and prevents sticking to edges.In a preferred embodiment, it is specified that the storage bin is lockable by means of a securing latch in the folded-in position. The securing latch prevents unintentional folding open, for example due to vibrations during transport.In a preferred embodiment, it is specified that the shelf comprises a supporting structure made preferably of aluminum or steel and a working surface made of plastic, wood or aluminum fastened thereon. The combination of robust materials offers both a high stability and a low weight and can be individually adapted depending on the intended use. Preferably, the support structure and / or further components of the case consist of recycled materials, preferably of recycled aluminum.In a preferred embodiment, it is specified that the shelf is connected to the rear wall via a hinge or a multi-joint connection. This embodiment ensures a long-lived, mechanically loadable connection which is ideal for frequent folding-in and folding-out in daily use.In a preferred embodiment, it is specified that the storage bin in the unfolded state is stabilized by a mechanical or alternatively a magnetic locking mechanism. This ensures reliable use of the storage area even on uneven substrates and prevents undesired folding in during use. The detent may block the hinge or multi-hinge connection.In a preferred embodiment, it is specified that at least one pair of rollers is arranged on the lower end side, in particular in the vicinity of the rear wall. The rollers allow comfortable transport even at high weight; the position near the rear wall facilitates the tilting and pulling of the luggage case. The luggage case may include exactly one pair of rollers. It is conceivable that the luggage case further comprises one foot or several feet on the lower end side in order to ensure a secure standing. The luggage case can be designed as a rolling luggage case. The luggage case can be designed in a hand luggage size or larger than a hand luggage size.In a preferred embodiment, it is specified that a carrying handle is arranged on one of the lateral longitudinal sides of the shell, preferably in a recessed and pivotable manner, in a recess in the longitudinal side. A lateral, integrated, pivotable carrying handle increases the flexibility during carrying without protruding as an interfering element, this is particularly advantageous when stowage in a narrow space.There are now a large number of possible ways of embodying and developing the invention. In this regard, reference may first be made to the claims subordinate to claim 1. A preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings and the associated description. The drawing shows: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a luggage case with a shell and a cover and a telescopic, extended carrying handle obliquely from above looking at the cover, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the luggage case obliquely from above looking at a rear side of the tray with the carrying handle extended and a folded-in storage compartment, FIG. 3 shows a perspective detailed illustration of the upper end face with a retracted carrying handle and the folded-in storage compartment, FIG. 4 shows a perspective detailed illustration of the upper end face with an extended carrying handle and the folded-in storage area, FIG. 5 shows a perspective illustration of the luggage case with the storage bin in the folded-out position with a laptop standing on the working surface formed by the upper end face and the storage bin, FIGS. 6 and 7 show a perspective detailed illustration obliquely from the top right and left of the upper end face and the unfolded storage area with the laptop, FIG. 8 shows a perspective detailed illustration of the upper end face and the unfolded storage area with the laptop, wherein an additional compartment is opened by folding open a folding element, and FIG. 9 shows a perspective illustration of the interior of the luggage case with the cover opened.In FIGS. 1 to 9, a luggage case 2 is shown with a shell 4 which has a rear wall 6, a lower end face, an upper end face 8 and two projecting longitudinal sides 10, 12. On one of the longitudinal sides 10, a cover 14 is arranged pivotably. The cover 14 is connected or connectable to the shell 4, namely to the longitudinal side 12, by at least one preferably two locks 50. The cover 14 is pivotably connected to the longitudinal side 10 via hinges, which are not designated in more detail. Furthermore, a telescopic telescopic handle 30 is shown in the extended position and in a retracted position, which is arranged such that it can be retracted in a handle receptacle 32 on the upper side close to the rear wall 6 when it is in the retracted position. On the upper end face 8, a pivotable carrying handle 52 is preferably arranged such that it can be lowered in a carrying handle receptacle 54 In addition, a further carrying handle 44 is shown on one of the longitudinal sides 10, 12, which is preferably arranged such that it is lowered and pivotable in a carrying handle receptacle 46 in the longitudinal side 12. At the lower end face of the luggage case 2, at least one pair of rollers 42 is arranged, in particular in the vicinity of the rear wall 6.FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 now show the luggage case 2 looking at the rear side of the shell 4. The shelf 16 is arranged pivotably on the tray 4, namely preferably on the rear wall 6 or alternatively on the upper end face 8. The shelf 16 is connected to the rear wall 6 via a hinge 28 or a multi-joint connection.In the deployed position, the tray 16 is substantially aligned with the surface 18 of the upper face 8 to form a continuous work surface upon which a laptop 100 is placed. The storage compartment 16 is stabilized in this unfolded position by a mechanical or magnetic locking mechanism.In the folded-in position, the storage area 16 is completely accommodated in an outwardly open recess 20 of the rear wall 6. The surface 22 of the tray 16 in this position is flush or slightly lowered with the rear wall surface 24 When the tray 16 is in the folded position, the tray 16 may be locked by a locking latch 26.The tray 16 comprises a support structure made of recycled material, aluminum or steel and a work surface made of plastic, wood or aluminum attached thereto.FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 likewise show the upper end face 8 with the storage compartment 16 folded out and the laptop 100. In addition, two compartments 34, 36 are shown which are accessible from the outside and can be opened and closed by folding a folding element 38, 40. The folding elements 38, 40 are arranged in the closed state flush or slightly lowered with the surface 18 of the upper end face 8.FIG. 9 shows a perspective illustration of the interior of the luggage case 2 with the lid 14 open, so that the interior of the shell 4 is visible. On the inside of the lid, a plurality of pockets 48 are arranged in different sizes. The pockets 48 can be arranged on the inside of the cover 14 or on the bottom of the shell 4, i.e. the inside of the rear wall 6, by means of hook-and-loop connections.List of reference characters2 Luggage case 4 Shell 6 Rear wall 8 Upper end face 10 Longitudinal side with pivotable lid 12 Longitudinal side 14 Lid 16 Shelf 18 Surface of the upper end face 20 Outwardly open recess of the rear wall 22 Surface of the shelf 24 Rear wall surface 26 Securing latch 28 Hinge / multi-joint connection 30 Telescopic handle 32 Handle receptacle 34 Compartment 36 Further compartment 38 Folding element 40 Further folding element 42 Rollers 44 Further carrying handle on longitudinal side 46 Recess in longitudinal side 48 Pockets in different sizes 50 Lock 52 Carrying handle on upper end face 54 Recess in longitudinal side 100 LaptopReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedU.S. Pat. No. 8,485,327 B1

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 7,987,955 B2

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,472

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,073

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,019

[0015]

Claims

Luggage case (2) having a shell (4) which has a rear wall (6), a lower end face, an upper end face (8) and two projecting longitudinal sides (10, 12), wherein a cover (14) is arranged pivotably movable on one of the longitudinal sides (12), wherein a pivotably movable storage area (16) is present which is arranged movably between a folded-in position and a folded-out position, characterized in that a telescopic telescopic handle (30) is arranged retractable in a handle receptacle (32) on the upper end face (8), wherein the storage area (16) is connected to the shell (4), in particular to the rear wall (6) and / or the upper end face (8), wherein, in the deployed position, the storage device (16) is aligned substantially with the surface (18) of the upper end face (8) of the luggage case (2), and wherein, in the deployed position, the storage device (16) forms, together with the surface of the upper end face (8), a working surface or storage surface for a laptop or notebook.Luggage case according to claim 1, wherein on the upper end side (8) a pivotable carrying handle (52) is arranged retractable in a carrying handle receptacle (54).Luggage case according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface (22) of the storage compartment (16), in the folded-in position, runs flush or lowered with the rear wall surface (24).Luggage case according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage compartment (16) can be locked in the folded-in position by means of a securing latch (26).Luggage case according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage compartment (16) is connected to the rear wall via a hinge (28) or a multi-joint connection.The luggage case according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shelf (16) comprises a support structure made of a recycled material, aluminium or steel and a working surface made of plastic, wood or aluminium fixed thereon.Luggage case according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage compartment (16) is stabilized in the deployed state by mechanical or magnetic locking.Luggage case according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage compartment (16), in the folded-in position, is completely accommodated in an outwardly open recess (20) of the rear wall (6).Luggage case according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one compartment (34, 36) accessible from the outside, preferably two compartments (34, 36) accessible from the outside, is / are present on the upper end side (8), which compartment / compartments can be closed by at least one pivotable folding element (38, 40) or at least one displaceable cover element.Luggage case according to claim 9, wherein the folding elements (38, 40) or cover elements are arranged in the closed state flush or slightly lowered with the surface (18) of the upper end side (8).Luggage case according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one pair of rollers (42) is arranged on the lower end side, in particular in the vicinity of the rear wall (6).Luggage case according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on one of the longitudinal sides (10, 12) a further carrying handle (44) is preferably countersunk and pivotably arranged in a recess (46) in the longitudinal side.

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