SUITCASE FOR VERTICAL USE

Abstract

The invention relates to a travel suitcase (1), designed in particular for travel by plane or train, comprising: an upper face (2) equipped with gripping means (30, 80), a lower face (3), a rear face (4), a front face (5), a side face (6) provided with closing means (50), a side face (7) provided with a hinge (70) opposite the closing means (50); ground rolling means (8) arranged at the lower face (3); a front box (20) and a rear box (40) joined by the hinge (70) in pivot connection around a first axis (A1), and by the closing means (50), selectively lockable to open or close the suitcase (1) on the side face (6); characterized in that the suitcase (1) comprises a cover (10) arranged on the upper face (2) and pivotally mounted on the suitcase (1) via a hinge (90), in pivot connection around a second axis (A2) orthogonal to the first axis (A1);the cover (10) being movable between a closed position preventing access to the interior of the suitcase (1) via the upper face (2) and an open position giving access to the interior of the suitcase (1) via the upper face (2). Abstract figure: figure 4;

Description

Title of the invention: SUITCASE FOR VERTICAL USE [0001 ] A. TECHNICAL FIELD & TECHNICAL PROBLEM TARGET

[0002] 1. Field of the invention

[0003] The invention lies in the field of luggage used during air travel or train travel.

[0004] The objective is to make the use of luggage practical both for transporting one's belongings, and also during security checks at the airport, when using luggage in places such as waiting rooms, cafes, offices, and also when using luggage at the hotel.

[0005] At the same time, the invention also aims to simplify the opening, closing and locking of the luggage, by incorporating these functions on the handle of the suitcase.

[0006] 2. Need / Problem

[0007] The opening / closing of a suitcase is carried out when the suitcase is flat, horizontal. It is in this position that the interior of a suitcase is easily accessible.

[0008] This access to the contents of the suitcase is restrictive in several situations: • Use at destination (typically in a hotel): to access its contents, the suitcase must be placed flat on the floor, or on a high support. This leads to an ergonomic problem (contents close to the floor, or handling the suitcase to place it high up) • Also at the destination, the footprint of the suitcase is maximum (1 to 2 times the surface area of ​​the largest side of the suitcase), which poses a space problem. • During a security check, typically at an airport, the suitcase must be laid flat and is opened completely to remove items to be scanned separately, such as toiletry bags, computers, cameras, batteries, etc. This creates ergonomic and confidentiality problems (complete interior of the suitcase visible to other passengers nearby) • When separate compartments are created, especially for storing a computer, these compartments are close to the external faces of the suitcases and with separate closures. This increases security risks: breakage or theft are more likely to occur. • Outside of these compartments, access to the contents of the suitcase during travel (when the belongings are in the suitcase and it is on its wheels) is not easy. Either the belongings are put in the external pockets (see previous point), or the suitcase must be laid flat and opened. There is then an ergonomic problem (movements, close to the ground in the absence of supports which, on the other hand, require lift the suitcase, all the contents of the suitcase are then visible).

[0009] The objective of the invention is to facilitate access to the contents of the suitcase outside the destination, while effectively protecting all the contents of the suitcase (shocks, theft, prying eyes).

[0010] The second objective of this invention is to facilitate the use of the luggage at the destination: adapted ergonomics with a reduced footprint, facilitating movement around the luggage.

[0011] In the context of this invention allowing vertical use of the suitcase, the attachment of the upper handle must be positioned very close to the telescopic rod, or be fixed on an opening element, the closure of which must then be reinforced because it must support the entire weight of the suitcase.

[0012] The third objective of this invention is then to provide a solution for having a handle on the top of the suitcase which can be positioned centrally to have a good balance of masses (and therefore greater comfort when carrying the suitcase by this handle). This handle is also equipped with a system allowing the upper, movable part of the suitcase to be kept in the closed position. Finally, a suitcase locking system can be incorporated into this handle.

[0013] B. STATE OF THE ART

[0014] Patent publications in the field of the invention

[0015] US 7,607,535 B2, US 2006 / 0000681 Al, US 2014 / 0216875 Al and US 2020 / 0163427 Al present ways of transforming a suitcase into a wardrobe & travel storage, once arrived at the destination.

[0016] 2. Solutions already known

[0017] A solution for use at the destination existed before the size and weight constraints imposed on luggage. These were the travel trunks developed in the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, which made it possible to keep travelers' belongings organized, and also to use the trunk as a piece of furniture (with, depending on the model, wardrobes, drawers, custom-made storage for different objects (such as bottles, hats). These solutions, even adapted to the format of current suitcases, are incomplete because they do not allow use during travel.

[0018] To access the contents before arriving at the destination, some suitcases now have shallow compartments, generally accessible from the front (sometimes from the back). The most common case is a zipped pocket. Only the items stored in this space are then accessible. This storage, close to an external face, is the most exposed to shocks and theft. Also, these storage spaces do not provide a solution at the destination (where opening the suitcases to access the main compartment makes the external compartments less accessible).

[0019] Expandable storage compartments allow the suitcase to be used as a small wardrobe, but this can only be done if the suitcase is placed horizontally (space problem not resolved).

[0020] Two solutions present a transformation of the suitcase into a wardrobe, with the suitcase kept vertical: Solgaard (see US patent 2020 / 0163427 A1), as well as the large-format suitcase visible on the website www.strongtion.com. These two solutions, quite similar in their methods, present an expandable wardrobe. These two solutions have common problems: it is not possible to visualize the space taken up by all the things put in the wardrobes (it is only by closing the luggage that it is possible to see whether it fits in the suitcase or not). Also, it is not possible to have access to only part of the things, everything is visible directly. Finally, these solutions cannot be used even partially when the suitcase is closed.

[0021] C. THE INVENTION

[0022] 1. Presentation

[0023] The invention aims to remedy the above problems.

[0024] For this purpose, the invention relates to a travel suitcase, designed in particular for travel by plane or train, comprising: an upper face equipped with gripping means, a lower face, a rear face, a front face, a side face provided with closing means, a side face provided with a hinge opposite the closing means; ground rolling means arranged at the lower face; a front box and a rear box joined by the hinge in pivot connection around a first axis, and by the closing means, selectively lockable to open or close the suitcase on the side face; characterized in that the suitcase comprises a cover arranged on the upper face and pivotally mounted on the suitcase via a hinge, in pivot connection around a second axis orthogonal to the first axis;the cover being movable between a closed position preventing access to the interior of the suitcase via the upper face and an open position giving access to the interior of the suitcase via the upper face.;

[0025] Thus, the invention makes it possible to propose a practical suitcase to be used in a vertical position, while ensuring security and confidentiality functions.

[0026] According to other advantageous characteristics of the invention, optional, taken in isolation or in combination: - The hood in the open position reveals an opening area of ​​at least 50% of the surface area of ​​the upper face. According to other embodiments, the hood may reveal an opening area of ​​at least 60% of the surface area of ​​the upper face, or at least 70% of the surface area of ​​the surface of the upper face. - The front box is as deep as the rear box. - The front box is deeper than the rear box. - The front box is at least twice as deep as the rear box. - The front box is up to four times deeper than the rear box. - The front box includes two separate internal compartments. - The suitcase comprises a handle movable between: a lowered position, where the handle prevents opening of the cover, a raised position, where the handle is accessible to a user to lift the suitcase and prevents opening of the cover; and a spread position, where the handle makes it possible to open and / or close the cover on the upper face of the suitcase. - The handle comprises two sleeves pivotally mounted on the side faces of the case and a sliding part mounted in both sleeves. - The case includes a lug on each side edge of the cover, configured to cooperate with a stop surface provided on the handle. - The suitcase includes means for selectively locking the handle in the raised position. - The suitcase includes a telescopic rod separate from the handle. - The telescopic rod acts as a support for the hood when in the open position. - The cabin luggage type suitcase has dimensions less than or equal to 56 cm in height x 45 cm in width x 25 cm in depth, handles and wheels included. - The cabin luggage type suitcase has a sum of the three dimensions, namely height, width and depth, less than or equal to 115 cm, handles and wheels included. - The cabin luggage type suitcase has a weight of less than 15 kg. - The hold luggage type suitcase has a sum of the three dimensions, namely height, width and depth, less than or equal to 157 cm, handles and wheels included. - The hold luggage type suitcase has a weight of less than 32 kg. - The suitcase is suitable for transport on a regular airliner. The suitcase has characteristics compatible with the requirements imposed by airlines.

[0027] 2. Description of the figures

[0028] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0029] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of the suitcase according to the invention, with a cane telescopic handle raised and handle lowered on the upper face.

[0030] [Fig.2] is a perspective view similar to [Fig.l], with telescopic rod lowered and handle raised on the upper face.

[0031] [Fig.3] is a perspective view similar to [Fig.l], with the handle lowered towards the front, telescopic rod and raised hoods on the upper face.

[0032] [Fig.4] is a perspective view similar to [Fig.3], with the two boxes open.

[0033] [Fig.5] is a perspective view similar to [Fig.4], showing the compartments of the front box.

[0034] [Fig.6] is a series of three side views of the suitcase of [Fig.l], showing opening the hood.

[0035] [Fig.7] is a top view of the suitcase of [Fig.l].

[0036] [Fig.8] is a front view of the suitcase of [Fig.l].

[0037] [Fig.9] is a side view of a suitcase according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0038] [Fig. 10] is a series of three perspective views of the suitcase of [Fig.9], showing the hood closed (10A), the hood open at 180° (10B) and the hood open resting against the telescopic rod (10C).

[0039] [Fig. 11] is a series of three perspective views of the suitcase of [Fig.9], with the two open boxes, from the front with the closed compartments (11A), from the front with the open compartments (1 IB), and from the rear (1 IC).

[0040] 32. Complete and detailed description of the invention

[0041] The proposed solution is a suitcase 1 ([Fig.l]) used vertically ([Fig.2] to 4). Suitcase 1 is a piece of luggage compatible with air transport, generally parallelepiped in shape, comprising six rigid sides 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. The sum of its three dimensions, namely height, width and depth, including handles and wheels, is less than or equal to 157 cm, to be able to be in the hold, or less than or equal to 115 cm, to be able to be in the cabin.

[0042] More precisely, the suitcase 1 comprises an upper face 2, a lower face 3, a rear face 4, a front face 5, two side faces 6 and 7. The upper face 2 is equipped with gripping means 30 and 80, which will be detailed below. The lateral face 6 is provided with closing means 50. The lateral face 7 is provided with a hinge 70 opposite the closing means 50. The lower face 3 is provided with rollers 8, forming rolling means on the ground.

[0043] Once opened, the suitcase 1 ([Fig.3] and 4) has two sides: a rear side with a box 40 allowing use as a wardrobe, the other front side with a box 20 allowing storage of items in compartments 60 and 61.

[0044] The two boxes 20 and 40 of the suitcase 1 are connected by a hinge 70 allowing the opening and closing of the suitcase 1. The boxes 20 and 40 are mounted in pivot connection via the hinge 70 on the lateral face 7, around a vertical axis AL. The closing means 50 are selectively lockable to open or close the suitcase 1 on the lateral face 6.

[0045] Compartments 60 and 61 are stored in a vertical position when suitcase 1 is closed ([Fig.3]), and are then placed in a horizontal position for easy access to their contents ([Fig.4]).

[0046] On the top of the suitcase 1 there is a cover 10 whose first function is to lock the suitcase 1. This cover 10 is attached to the rear box 40, that is to say to the “wardrobe” side of the suitcase 1, by a hinge 90 all along the top of the latter, that is to say over the entire width of the suitcase 1. When the cover 10 is in the closed position, it holds the two boxes 20 and 40 of the suitcase 1 in position, which cannot be opened. The cover 10 is rigid, preferably made of plastic or metal material. The cover 10 is mounted in pivot connection via the hinge 90 on the upper face 2 of the box 40, around a horizontal axis A2.

[0047] The suitcase 1 also has a handle 80 combining a closing system holding together the cover 10 and the body 20+40 of the suitcase 1, while allowing vertical mobility of the handle 80 to allow it to be stored (low position [Fig.l], 6) or to have a space to pass the hand through and thus be able to carry the suitcase 1 when it is closed (high position [Fig.2], 6).

[0048] The handle 80 consists of two lateral sleeves 81 and a sliding part 82. The sleeves 81 are connected to the body of the suitcase 1, more precisely to the front box 20, by two lateral pivots (see operating diagram [Fig. 6]). Each sleeve 81 is mounted in pivot connection on the lateral faces 6 and 7 of the box 20, around a horizontal axis A3.

[0049] In these two sheaths 81 slide two extensions of the sliding part 82, which allow the handle 80 to be pressed against the suitcase 1 ([Fig.l], 6) or to be moved away from the suitcase 1 to be able to carry it ([Fig.2]) or to be able to open the cover 10 by pivoting it forwards ([Fig.3], 4, 5, 6).

[0050] These two extensions have a limited travel, of a few centimeters, between the two positions (high and low).

[0051] When the sheaths 81 of the handle 80 pivot into a vertical position, they engage a lug 120 (attached to the cover 10) in a notch. This allows the suitcase 1 to be kept closed, the cover 10 then being unable to open ([Fig.6]).

[0052] To open the cover 10 ([Fig.3], 4, 5, 6), the handle 80 must be lowered to release the lug 120, which then makes it possible to open the suitcase 1 by pivoting the cover 10 which is then free to pivot around the hinge 90.

[0053] An element 110 makes it possible to connect the handle 80 to the lock 100 ([Fig.6]), which makes it possible to lock the suitcase in the closed position.

[0054] When compartments 60 and 61 are in a horizontal position ([Fig.4]), they are used as drawers accessible from above.

[0055] Furthermore, when they are in a horizontal position, the front face 60a and 61a of these com Compartments 60 and 61 can be unlocked and tilted forward. This allows the use to be transformed from a drawer to a shelf (items are visible and accessible over the entire height of the storage).

[0056] The two compartments 60 and 61 are removable. This makes it possible to prepare and empty the suitcase 1 easily, without having to handle or move the suitcase 1, and without being bothered by the size of the suitcase 1, since it is sufficient to fill or empty the two compartments 60 and 61.

[0057] The cover 10 allows rapid access to the contents of the suitcase 1: when the cover 10 is open, there is first of all immediate access to the few centimeters which separate the cover 10 from the front face 60a of the upper compartment 60 (drawer stored in a vertical position when the suitcase is closed). This space is either left empty by the user (the edges of the suitcase creating a small tray with edges), or arranged with storage fixed on the cover 10.

[0058] In addition to this space, the front face 60a of the upper compartment 60 can be unlocked (see unlocking and movement of the front face of the compartment described above). This allows access to the entire contents of the upper compartment 60. This functionality is useful during security checks (access to an airport, to a building). This makes it possible to store a toiletry bag, a camera, etc. and to take these objects out during security checks, without having to completely open the suitcase 1, which can also be kept in a vertical position with only the cover 10 open.

[0059] Also, this configuration (cover 10 open, front face 60a of the upper compartment 60 unlocked) allows access to the entire compartment 60, and therefore allows complete and practical access to almost half of the volume of the suitcase 1, without needing to open it and keeping the rest of the suitcase 1 closed, which thus remains out of sight.

[0060] The cover 10 can pivot 180° around the hinge 90. This provides both access to the interior of the suitcase 1, and it makes it possible to create two flat surfaces over the height of the suitcase 1, both the size of the cover 10. These flat surfaces are large enough to be able to place a computer on them.

[0061] To provide additional functionality, the upper horizontal wall of the box 40, on the upper face 2, can be made shorter than the lower horizontal wall of the box 40, on the lower face 3. Thus, the cover 10 completely covers the box 20 and partially covers the box 40. The cover 10 being longer than the box 20 of the suitcase 1, its opening also allows access to the box 40, where a laptop can be stored, which is then better protected both from shocks (in the middle of the suitcase 1, wedged between the wardrobe space and the compartments 60 and 61, which protect the computer) and from theft (the cover 10 must be opened to gain access to it). And this access is also done by keeping suitcase 1 in a vertical position.

[0062] 4. Implementation:

[0063] The cover 10 is connected to the body of the suitcase 1, more precisely to the rear box 40, via a hinge 90. This hinge 90 can be either of the piano type or made with a flexible part (rubber or fabric).

[0064] A covering of the top of the boxes 20 and 40, on the upper face 2 of the suitcase 1, by the cover 10, makes it possible to lock the suitcase 1 in the closed position. This edge can be either simple to ensure support, or wider to reinforce the rigidity and security of the suitcase 1.

[0065] The compartments 60 and 61 are connected to the body of the suitcase 1, more precisely to the front box 20, by slides. The compartments 60 and 61 are removed from the suitcase 1 to move from one position to another ([Fig.3] to [Fig.4], and vice versa).

[0066] A variant consists of making the compartments 60, 61 and the box 20 integral by pivots, with an unlocking (specific angle, or mechanical lock) which makes it possible to separate the compartments 60 and 61.

[0067] The front faces 60a and 61a of the compartments 60 and 61 are unlockable and can be opened in different ways: with a zip, or with a hook connecting the body of the compartment to the front face, or with a latch controlled by a push button in the middle of the front face (more precisely two latches, one for each side).

[0068] The boxes 20 and 40 of the suitcase 1 are kept in the closed position in a conventional manner (standard suitcase closure). The boxes 20 and 40 joined by the hinge 70 form part of a standard piece of luggage.

[0069] The handle 80 is connected to the body of the suitcase 1, more precisely to the front box 20, by a pivot connection. The handle 80 itself consists of two parts: the sleeves 81 which pivot, and a sliding part 82 whose two ends slide in the sleeves 81, to allow the handle 80 to be grasped in order to be able to carry the suitcase 1 or to tilt the handle 80 forward.

[0070] A variant consists of installing a flexible handle 80 attached to the sides of the suitcase 1, with or without a pivot (in the latter case, the opening is done by deforming the handle 80).

[0071] Another variant consists of installing a traditional handle on the top of the suitcase 1. Either attached to the hanging part 40 of the suitcase 1, between the telescopic rod 30 and the hinge 90, or by fixing the handle on the cover 10. In these two options, the closing and locking of the cover 10 can be done using the usual luggage closing systems (locks, latches, lever closures, etc.).

[0072] A final alternative is not to put a handle 80 on the top, and to use the telescopic rod 30 to carry the suitcase 1. The closing of the cover 10 is then done also using the usual luggage closing systems (locks, latches, lever closures, etc.)

[0073] 5. Use

[0074] This suitcase 1 is useful during a plane trip for example, where access to the upper compartment 60 allows time to be saved during security checks, by simplifying operations. Linked to this time saving, there is better ergonomics, with less handling / carrying of the suitcase 1. This is particularly useful for people who have difficulty lifting their suitcase 1, or when space is limited.

[0075] Another advantage of this innovation is the use in the hotel, where the suitcase 1 is transformed into a wardrobe, remaining in a vertical position for a contained footprint, and can still be moved easily.

[0076] The use of compartments 60 and 61, with two-way access to the upper compartment 60, also provides an effective solution for short business trips, where work items are stored in the upper part 60, and personal items in the lower part 61. Thus, personal items remain stored and hidden, discreet, even when the suitcase 1 is opened.

[0077] 6. Possibilities for detecting counterfeiting of the invention:

[0078] - Presentation of a suitcase 1 used vertically.

[0079] - Presence of a cover 10 on a spinner-type suitcase 1 (four wheels 8), allowing access to the inside of the suitcase 1.

[0080] - Presence of a wide handle 80 on the top of the suitcase 1, which can be tilted on one side of the suitcase 1.

[0081] 7. Variants

[0082] Figures 9 to 11 show a second embodiment of a suitcase 1 according to the invention. Certain constituent elements of the suitcase 1 are comparable to those of the first embodiment described above and, for the sake of simplification, bear the same numerical references.

[0083] As shown in Figure 10B, one possible use of the suitcase 1 is to be able to use it as an extra desk, during a trip. The suitcase 1 is in a vertical, closed position. By lowering the telescopic rod 30 and opening the cover 180°, two flat surfaces are created: the underside of the cover 10 and the upper face of the box 20. And these two flat surfaces are at a height close to a desk, and wide enough to be able to place a laptop on them for example.

[0084] The suitcase 1 may be shaped differently from figures 1 to 11 without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims. Furthermore, the technical characteristics of the different embodiments and variants mentioned above may be, in whole or in some cases, combined with each other. Thus, the suitcase 1 may be adapted in terms of cost, functionality and performance. 10

Claims

Claims

1. Travel suitcase (1), designed in particular for travel by plane or train, comprising: - an upper face (2) equipped with gripping means (30, 80), - a lower face (3), - a rear face (4), - a front face (5), - a side face (6) provided with closing means (50), - a side face (7) provided with a hinge (70) opposite the closing means (50); - ground rolling means (8) arranged at the lower face (3); - a front box (20) and a rear box (40) joined by the hinge (70) in pivot connection around a first axis (A1), and by the closing means (50), selectively lockable to open or close the suitcase (1) on the side face (6); characterized in that the suitcase (1) comprises a cover (10) arranged on the upper face (2) and pivotally mounted on the suitcase (1) via a hinge (90), in pivot connection around a second axis (A2) orthogonal to the first axis (Al);the cover (10) being movable between - a closed position preventing access to the interior of the suitcase (1) via the upper face (2) and - an open position giving access to the interior of the suitcase (1) via the upper face (2).;

2. Suitcase (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover (10) in the open position reveals an opening surface of at least 50% of the surface of the upper face (2).

3. Suitcase (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the front box (20) is at least twice as deep as the rear box (40).

4. Suitcase (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the front box (20) comprises two separate internal compartments (60, 61).

5. Suitcase (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a handle (80) movable between: - a lowered position (fig 1), where the handle (80) prevents a opening of the hood (10), - a raised position (fig 2), where the handle (80) is accessible to a user to lift the suitcase (1) and prevents opening of the hood (10), and - a spread position (Fig 3), where the handle (80) makes it possible to open and / or close the hood (10) on the upper face (2) of the suitcase (1).

6. Suitcase (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the handle (80) comprises two sleeves (81) pivotally mounted on the side faces (6, 7) of the suitcase (1) and a sliding part (82) mounted in the two sleeves (81).

7. Suitcase (1) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that it comprises a lug (120) on each lateral edge of the cover (10), configured to cooperate with a stop surface provided on the handle (80).

8. Suitcase (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that it comprises means for selectively locking the handle (80) in the raised position (fig 2).

9. Suitcase (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a telescopic rod (30) separate from the handle (80).

10. Suitcase (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the telescopic rod (30) acts as a support for the cover (10) arranged in the open position (figs 4 and 5).

Images