suitcase

Abstract

We provide a suitcase that can be used in multiple configurations. [Solution] A suitcase 10 comprising a rear shell 11, a front shell 12 that is attached to the rear shell 11 so as to be openable and closable, an outer pocket 20 attached to the front shell 12 from which small items can be put in and taken out from the outside, a first pocket lid 21 which is part of the outer pocket 20 and is attached to the front shell 12 so as to be detachable, and a second pocket lid 26 which is the same shape as the first pocket lid 21 and is stored between the front shell 12 and the rear shell 11 or in the outer pocket 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a suitcase that can be used in multiple forms.

[0002] [Explanation of Terms] · Suitcase: A box body composed of a rear shell and a front shell · Material of the suitcase: Resin, light metal, cloth · Front shell: A half body of the suitcase that is attached to the rear shell in an openable and closable manner and serves as a lid · Inner pocket: A pocket provided inside the suitcase · Outer pocket: A pocket attached to the front shell through which small items such as a personal computer can be put in and taken out from the outside. It consists of a storage part for storing small items and an openable and closable lid.

[0003] · Pocket lid: A lid attached to the outer pocket · Single - type fastener: A common fastener composed of a first cloth tape and a second cloth tape with tooth rows on the long sides. The first cloth tape has a butterfly bar, and the second cloth tape has a box bar into which the butterfly bar can be inserted. For convenience, it is called a single - type fastener. · Double - type fastener: A fastener composed of a first cloth tape and a second cloth tape with tooth rows on the long sides. The first cloth tape has a butterfly bar and a box bar, and the second cloth tape also has a butterfly bar and a box bar. For convenience, it is called a double - type fastener. · Surface fastener: A surface fastener that can be joined / separated by hooks and piles

Background Art

[0004] With the increase in overseas and domestic travel, the demand for suitcases is increasing. A suitcase is basically a box body, and various ones with elaborate details have been proposed. Among them, there is a suitcase with an outer pocket called a front - open type carry case, and various structures of such front - open type carry cases have also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 (Figure 3)).

[0005] Patent Document 1 will be explained based on the following figure. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a conventional front-opening carry-on suitcase. As shown in Figure 9, the front-opening carry case 100 is a box-shaped structure whose basic elements are a rear shell 101, a front shell 102 that is attached to the rear shell 101 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed, and an outer pocket 103 attached to the front shell 102.

[0006] The outer pocket 103 consists of a pocket flap 104 whose lower edge is secured to the front shell 102 and which opens forward and backward, a pull tab 105 that limits the opening angle of the pocket flap 104, and a zipper 106 that mechanically connects the left and right edges and the upper edge of the pocket flap 104 to the front shell 102.

[0007] The device is used by opening the pocket flap 104, inserting the so-called computer 107, and then closing the pocket flap 104. This offers the convenience of being able to insert and remove the computer 107 from the rear shell 101 without having to open the front shell 102.

[0008] Incidentally, in recent years, the ways in which suitcases are used have diversified, and one of these uses is as a display case. In this case, it is possible to turn the suitcase into a display case by making part of it transparent or by making the pocket lid 104 transparent. Place the exhibits in the suitcase or external pocket 103. The exhibits include, for example, miscellaneous goods.

[0009] Showcase-like suitcases are placed in the exhibition hall (including the exhibition plaza). This allows passersby and spectators to view the exhibits through the transparent cases. The suitcase or external pocket 103 serves two purposes: as a carrier for the exhibits and as a showcase, thus increasing its convenience.

[0010] In this case, exhibitors are reluctant to show their exhibits to third parties while traveling from their homes to the exhibition venue, as this would diminish the confidentiality of the exhibits. Therefore, many exhibitors take measures such as covering the transparent objects with cloth. Then, they remove the cloth at the exhibition venue. Covering the suitcase with cloth is inconvenient because it's troublesome to put on and take off, and it also detracts from the suitcase's appearance while traveling from home to the exhibition venue.

[0011] Another approach is to prepare separate suitcases: one with a transparent cover and one with a transparent cover. The exhibits are transported to the exhibition venue in the regular suitcase, and then transferred to the transparent suitcase at the venue. In this case, it would be necessary to prepare both a regular suitcase and a suitcase with a transparent casing, which would increase purchase costs and double the storage space required. As a result, this solution is unlikely to be adopted.

[0012] In that respect, a suitcase that can switch between being a regular suitcase and a suitcase with a transparent casing would solve problems such as storage space. Therefore, a suitcase that can be used in multiple ways is desirable.

[0013] Furthermore, if your suitcase and someone else's suitcase are similar in color and size, it can be difficult to distinguish them immediately. A common solution is to tie a piece of colored cloth to the handle. However, when loading or unloading suitcases onto an airplane, the cloth can be torn by the suitcase next to it. Replacing the cloth each time is troublesome.

[0014] In that respect, it would be even better if the suitcase allows you to distinguish your own from others', and if the markings are not damaged by the suitcase next to it. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration Gazette No. 3183727 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide a suitcase that can be used in a plurality of forms. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0017] The present invention includes a rear shell, a front shell that is openably and closably attached to the rear shell, an outer pocket attached to the front shell through which small items can be taken in and out, a first pocket lid that is a part of the outer pocket and is detachably attached to the front shell, and a second pocket lid that has the same shape as the first pocket lid and is stored between the front shell and the rear shell or in the outer pocket. It's a suitcase, The aforementioned rear shell is characterized by having a closed inner pocket, the opening of which is sealed by the second pocket lid. A suitcase is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The suitcase of the present invention can exchange the first pocket lid and the second pocket lid. For example, by making the first pocket lid and the second pocket lid different colors from each other, the appearance of the suitcase can be easily changed. Also, for example, if the first pocket lid is made of a transparent material and the second pocket lid is made of an opaque material, the user attaches the second pocket lid to the outer pocket from home to the exhibition hall. At the exhibition hall, the first pocket lid is replaced in the outer pocket, and the display items are stored and displayed in the outer pocket. That is, an ordinary suitcase can be repainted to look like a showcase. Therefore, according to the present invention, a suitcase that can be used in a plurality of forms is provided.

[0019] Furthermore, if you were to store the removed first or second pocket lid in a closet or similar place, you would likely forget where you stored it over time. In contrast, according to the present invention, the removed first pocket lid or second pocket lid is always stored inside the suitcase, so its storage location will never be forgotten even after many years have passed. Furthermore, there is no need to worry about losing the removed first pocket lid or second pocket lid. In addition, the closed-type inner pocket serves as a so-called hidden pocket. The removed second pocket flap (or first pocket flap) can be effectively used as a lid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a side view of the suitcase according to the present invention. [Figure 2] (a) is an enlarged view of the area indicated by arrow 2a in Figure 1, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of the operation. [Figure 3] (a) is a diagram showing the main parts of another suitcase, and (b) and (c) are diagrams illustrating their operation. [Figure 4] (a) is a front view of the first pocket cover, (b) is a cross-sectional view of (a) along line bb, and (c) is a front view of the second pocket cover. [Figure 5] (a) is a side view of the suitcase in the modified example, (b) is a view from arrow b of (a), (c) is a side view of the suitcase in the modified example, and (d) is a view from arrow d of (c). [Figure 6] This is a side view of the suitcase showing further modifications. [Figure 7] This is a side view of the suitcase showing further modifications. [Figure 8] (a) is a side view of the suitcase with further modifications, (b) is a front view of the main part of the suitcase, and (c) is a separate drawing of the first lid. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of a conventional front-opening carry-on suitcase. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. [Examples]

[0022] [Suitcase] As shown in Figure 1, the suitcase 10 consists of a rear shell 11, a front shell 12 that is attached to the rear shell 11 so as to be openable and closable, an outer pocket 20 attached to the front shell 12 from which small items can be taken in and out from the outside, a first pocket lid 21 which is part of the outer pocket 20 and is attached to the front shell 12 so as to be detachable, and a second pocket lid (Figure 5(a), reference numeral 26) which is the same shape as the first pocket lid 21 and is stored in the inner pocket of the rear shell 11 (Figure 5(a), reference numeral 48) or the outer pocket 20.

[0023] Furthermore, in order to detachably attach the first pocket lid 21 to the front shell 12, it is recommended to use, for example, a double-type zipper 30 (the structure of which is explained in Figures 2(a) and (b)). Furthermore, the inner pocket (Figure 5(a), reference numeral 48) may be attached directly to the rear shell 11, or it may be attached to the lining fabric that covers the rear shell 11. Also, if the opening of the rear shell 11 is closed with a partition, the inner pocket (Figure 5(a), reference numeral 48) may be attached to the front or back of the partition.

[0024] Furthermore, an inner pocket (Figure 5(a), reference numeral 48) may be provided on the front shell 12. The inner pocket (Figure 5(a), reference numeral 48) may be attached directly to the front shell 12, or it may be attached to the lining fabric that covers the front shell 12. Therefore, the second pocket lid (Figure 5(a), reference numeral 26) can be stored anywhere between the front shell 12 and the rear shell 11.

[0025] Preferably, the suitcase 10 is provided with casters 13 called swivel wheels on the bottom, and a retractable handle 14 and a handle 15 on the rear shell 11. However, both or one of the casters 13 and the retractable handle 14 may be omitted.

[0026] [Double-type zipper] Figure 2(a) is a view from arrow 2a in Figure 1 (partially enlarged view), and Figure 2(b) is an explanatory diagram of the operation. As shown in Figure 2(b), the double-type zipper 30 consists of a first fabric tape 31 sewn to the front shell 12, a first tooth 32 provided along the long side of the first fabric tape 31, a first box bar 33 provided at one end of the first fabric tape 31, a first butterfly bar 34 provided at the other end of the first fabric tape 31, a first slider 35 movably provided on the first fabric tape 31, a second fabric tape 36 sewn to the first pocket flap 21, a second tooth 37 provided along the long side of the second fabric tape 36, a second box bar 38 provided at one end of the second fabric tape 36, a second butterfly bar 39 provided at the other end of the second fabric tape 36, and a second slider 41 movably provided on the second fabric tape 36.

[0027] Although omitted for the sake of the diagram, the first cloth tape 31 is a single tape extending from the first box rod 33 to the first hinge rod 34, and the second cloth tape 36 is a single tape extending from the second box rod 38 to the second hinge rod 39.

[0028] In Figure 2(b), the first hinge bar 34 is inserted into the second slider 41 and the second box bar 38 as indicated by arrow (1), and the second hinge bar 39 is inserted into the first slider 35 and the first box bar 33 as indicated by arrow (2). Next, pull the first slider 35 and the second slider 41 so that they are separated from each other. The result of this pulling is shown in Figure 2(a).

[0029] In Figure 2(a), the double-type zipper 30 is closed, while in Figure 2(b), the double-type zipper 30 is completely separated. The double-type zipper 30 has two box bars, consisting of a first box bar 33 and a second box bar 38, which gives it the advantage of higher closing performance compared to a single-type zipper with only one box bar.

[0030] However, with the double-type zipper 30, as shown in Figure 2(b), when inserting the second butterfly pin 39 into the first box pin 33 with the first butterfly pin 34 inserted into the second box pin 38, care must be taken to ensure that the first butterfly pin 34 does not come off the second box pin 38, which requires a bit of skill.

[0031] An example of a structure that does not require such techniques is explained in Figures 3(a) to (c). As shown in Figure 3(a), the front shell 12 is provided with a horizontally elongated tube 43 and a catcher 44. The first pocket lid 21 is provided with a horizontally elongated pin 45 and a tongue 46. Preferably, a hook-and-loop fastener 47 for preventing lateral movement is provided between the front shell 12 and the first pocket lid 21.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3(b), the hinge is completed by inserting the elongated pin 45 into the cylinder 43. After the hinge is completed, the first pocket lid 21 can be opened and closed as shown in Figure 3(a), and the tongue 46 can be attached to the catcher 44 to maintain the closed state of the first pocket lid 21. The presence of the hook-and-loop fastener 47 prevents the pin 45 from shifting sideways during the opening and closing operation.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(c), by pulling out the horizontally elongated pin 45 relative to the cylinder 43, the first pocket cover 21 can be completely removed from the front shell 12 as shown in Figure 3(a). Therefore, the component for detachably attaching the first pocket lid 21 to the front shell 12 may be a single-type zipper, a structure consisting of a tube 43 and a pin 45, or an equivalent product, in addition to the double-type zipper 30, and is not limited to the double-type zipper 30. However, the following explanation will use the double-type zipper 30.

[0034] [First pocket lid and second pocket lid] Figure 4(a) is a front view of the first pocket cover, Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4(a) along line bb, and Figure 4(c) is a front view of the second pocket cover. As shown in Figure 4(a), the first pocket cover 21 is composed of a transparent resin body 22. The resin is appropriately selected from transparent resins such as polycarbonate, PET, and acrylic, taking into consideration strength, durability, etc.

[0035] [Transparent body] The transparent material is preferably colorless, but it may also be a colored translucent material. Essentially, the transparent material, including the translucent material, only needs to have enough transparency to allow the object behind it to be visible.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4(b), the first pocket cover 21 consists of a large front portion 23, a narrow wall portion 24 extending at an angle of approximately 90° from the edge of the front portion 23, and a second cloth tape 36 attached to the wall portion 24, and overall has a roughly U-shaped cross-section.

[0037] In addition, the first pocket cover 21 shown in Figures 4(a) and (b) is entirely made of transparent material 22, but for example, the front portion 23 may be made of transparent material 22 and the wall portion 24 may be made of opaque material. In other words, the first pocket cover 21 can be a cover that is made entirely or partially of transparent material 22.

[0038] The second pocket cover 26 shown in Figure 4(c) differs from the first pocket cover 21 shown in Figures 4(a) and (b) in that it is composed of an opaque body 27, but otherwise its length and width dimensions are the same. In other words, the second pocket cover 26 is identical in shape to the first pocket cover 21.

[0039] The function of suitcase 10 described above will be explained based on Figures 5(a) to (d). Figure 5(a) is a side view of the suitcase, and Figure 5(b) is a view taken along arrow b in Figure 5(a). As shown in Figure 5(a), an inner pocket 48 is provided in the rear shell 11 of the suitcase 10, and the second pocket lid 26 is stored in this inner pocket 48. Additionally, the outer pocket 20 can be used to store, for example, exhibits. As a result, as shown in Figure 5(b), the exhibit 49 becomes visible through the transparent body 22.

[0040] The user of the suitcase 10 (for example, an exhibitor) removes the first pocket lid 21 from the front shell 12 and takes out the second pocket lid 26 from the inner pocket 48 as needed. Then, they attach the second pocket lid 26 to the front shell 12 and store the first pocket lid 21 in the inner pocket 48. As a result, the suitcase takes the form shown in Figure 5(c).

[0041] Figure 5(c) is a side view of the suitcase, and Figure 5(d) is a view taken along arrow d in Figure 5(c). As shown in Figure 5(c), the first pocket lid 21 is stored in the inner pocket 48, and the second pocket lid 26 is attached to the front shell 12. As shown in Figure 5(d), the second pocket cover 26 is entirely composed of an opaque body 27.

[0042] [Color of the lid of the second pocket] The second pocket lid 26 can be made of an opaque material 27, and the color of the opaque material 27 is arbitrary. That is, it can be the same color as the front shell 12, or it can be a different color from the front shell 12. If it is a different color, it can add identifiability to the suitcase 10.

[0043] If the user of suitcase 10 is an exhibitor, the suitcase should be in the configuration shown in Figures 5(c) and (d) while the exhibitor is traveling from their home to the exhibition venue. At the exhibition venue, it should be in the configuration shown in Figures 5(a) and (b). When returning from the exhibition venue to their home, it should be returned to the configuration shown in Figures 5(c) and (d).

[0044] As described above, the present invention provides a suitcase 10 that combines the functions of a regular suitcase and a suitcase with a transparent body. Furthermore, in Figure 5(c), if the second pocket lid 26 is a different color from the front shell 12, this second pocket lid 26 serves as a marker. There is no need to tie colored cloth to the handle 15, and the colored cloth will not be torn by the suitcase next to it. Therefore, the present invention provides a suitcase 10 that can be used in multiple forms and that eliminates concerns about the markings being damaged by adjacent suitcases.

[0045] Furthermore, the following effects are added. If the first pocket cover 21 or the second pocket cover 26, which has been removed from the front shell 12, is stored in a closet or similar place, there is a concern that the storage location may be forgotten. According to the present invention, when the first pocket lid 21 is attached to the front shell 12, the second pocket lid 26 is stored in the inner pocket 48. Alternatively, when the second pocket lid 26 is attached to the front shell 12, the first pocket lid 21 is stored in the inner pocket 48. In either case, there is no risk of forgetting where the removed first pocket lid 21 or second pocket lid 26 is stored. Furthermore, there is no risk of losing the removed first pocket lid 21 or second pocket lid 26.

[0046] [Example of changes] An example of a modification of the suitcase 10 according to the present invention will be explained with reference to Figure 6. As suitcase 10 becomes more versatile, a laptop computer (personal computer) 51 is sometimes taken in and out of the outer pocket 20. In that case, as shown in Figure 6, the first pocket cover 21 and the second pocket cover 26 are set so that their horizontal dimension a and vertical dimension b are larger than the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the notebook computer 51. Furthermore, the horizontal dimension a is set to be larger than the vertical dimension b.

[0047] In addition, the outer pocket 20 provided on the front shell 12 has a storage section 28 that can accommodate the first pocket lid 21 in a vertical position (with dimension a oriented vertically). As a result, a notebook computer 51 can be stored in the outer pocket 20 together with the first pocket lid 21. The storage section 28 is preferably a cloth storage bag, but a resin storage box may also be used.

[0048] [Further examples of changes] Further modifications to the suitcase 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, a closed-type inner pocket 52 is provided in the rear shell 11 of the suitcase 10. By the way, the inner pocket 48 shown in Figure 5(a) was an open-type pocket with an open top. In contrast, Figure 7 shows a closed-type inner pocket 52 with a closed top.

[0049] The closed-type inner pocket 52 consists of a second pocket lid 26 (or first pocket lid 21) which is attached to the rear shell 11 via a double-type zipper 30. Preferably, the closed inner pocket 52 is covered with an inner lining 53 permanently installed in the rear shell 11. In this case, the closed inner pocket 52 acts as a hidden pocket, allowing more important items or valuables to be stored in the closed inner pocket 52.

[0050] By the way, the first pocket lid 21 (or second pocket lid 26) described above has a wall portion 24, as shown in Figure 4(b), and is therefore thick. When stored in the inner pocket 48 as shown in Figure 5(a), the inner pocket 48 bulges. When it bulges, the effective internal volume of the suitcase 10 decreases. If it is desirable to minimize the reduction in the effective internal volume of suitcase 10, the following example is recommended.

[0051] [Further examples of changes] Further modifications to the suitcase 10 according to the present invention will be explained based on Figures 8(a) to (c). Figure 8(a) is a side view of the suitcase, Figure 8(b) is a front view of the main part of the suitcase, and Figure 8(c) is a separate view of the first lid. The suitcase 10 shown in Figure 8(a) consists of a rear shell 11, a front shell 12 that is attached to the rear shell 11 so as to be openable and closable, an outer pocket 20 attached to the front shell 12 from which small items can be put in and taken out from the outside, an outer lid 55 which is part of the outer pocket 20 and is attached to the front shell 12 so as to be openable and closable, a first lid 56 that is attached to the outer lid 55 so as to be closable and has a flat shape, and a second lid 57 which is the same shape as the first lid 56 and is stored in an inner pocket 48 provided in the rear shell 11 or in the outer pocket 20.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8(b), the outer lid 55 is a standard front-opening lid, for example, with its bottom edge secured to the front shell 12 by a fabric hinge 58, and its top and left and right edges secured to the front shell 12 by single-type zippers 59. In other words, the outer lid 55 can be the same as the conventional pocket lid 104 shown in Figure 9.

[0053] However, the outer cover 55 is equipped with a detachable first lid 56 on the front. The first lid 56 is attached to the outer cover 55 via a double-type fastener 30.

[0054] The first lid 56 is composed entirely or partially of the transparent body 22, as shown in Figure 8(c). The first lid 56 has a flat shape, as shown in Figure 8(a). The second lid 57 is similar. Because it is flat, the inner pocket 48 hardly bulges, as shown in Figure 8(a). As a result, the reduction in the effective internal volume of the suitcase 10 can be kept to a minimum.

[0055] The second lid 57 may be the same shape as the first lid 56, and is preferably an opaque material of the same or different color as the front shell 12. If it's a different color, it's more likely to be distinguishable from other people's suitcases, which is desirable.

[0056] The present invention described above can be summarized as follows. As shown in Figure 5(a), a suitcase 10 is provided, comprising a rear shell 11, a front shell 12 that is attached to the rear shell 11 so as to be openable and closable, an outer pocket 20 attached to the front shell 12 for inserting and removing small items from the outside, a first pocket lid 21 which is part of the outer pocket 20 and is detachably attached to the front shell 12, and a second pocket lid 26 which is the same shape as the first pocket lid 21 and is stored between the front shell 12 and the rear shell 11 or in the outer pocket 20.

[0057] Preferably, as shown in Figure 5(b), the first pocket cover 21 is made up of a transparent material 22 in whole or in part, and as shown in Figure 5(d), the second pocket cover 26 is made up of an opaque material 27 in whole.

[0058] In the configuration shown in Figure 5(b), the first pocket lid 21 functions as a display case. In the configuration shown in Figure 5(d), it is a regular suitcase.

[0059] Furthermore, the entire first pocket cover 21 may be made of an opaque material 27, and the entire second pocket cover 26 may be made of an opaque material 27 of a different color than that of the first pocket cover 21.

[0060] Even if your suitcase 10 and someone else's suitcase are almost the same size and color, you can distinguish them by the color of the second pocket lid 26 shown in Figure 5(c).

[0061] Preferably, the second pocket lid 26 is a lid of a different color from the front shell 12.

[0062] Because the second pocket lid 26 is a different color from the front shell 12, the following effect occurs. If the second pocket cover 26 is a different color from the front shell 12, it is possible to have the first pocket cover 21 be the same color as the front shell 12, or the first pocket cover 21 be a different color from the front shell 12.

[0063] If the first pocket lid 21 is the same color as the front shell 12, a suitcase 10 with a calm and subdued appearance can be obtained. If the first pocket lid 21 is a different color from the front shell 12, then by selecting the second pocket lid 26, a variety of suitcases 10 in terms of color can be obtained.

[0064] Preferably, as shown in Figure 6, the first pocket cover 21 and the second pocket cover 26 are rectangular covers that are horizontally elongated when attached to the outer pocket 20. The outer pocket 20 includes a storage compartment 28 that is large enough to accommodate the first pocket lid 21 or the second pocket lid 26 in a vertically elongated state.

[0065] The removed first pocket cover 21 or second pocket cover 26 can be stored in the outer pocket 20 at all times. The inner pocket 48 shown in Figures 5(a) and (b) can be omitted. Alternatively, the inner pocket 48 can be used for another purpose.

[0066] Preferably, as shown in Figure 7, the rear shell 11 is provided with a closed inner pocket 52, and the opening of this closed inner pocket 52 is closed by the second pocket lid 26.

[0067] The closed-type inner pocket 52 serves as a so-called hidden pocket. The removed second pocket flap 26 (or first pocket flap 21) is effectively used as a lid.

[0068] Preferably, as shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), the rear shell 11 is provided with an inner pocket 48 for storing the second pocket lid 26.

[0069] The removed second pocket lid 26 (or first pocket lid 21) can be stored in the inner pocket 48.

[0070] As shown in Figure 8(a), a suitcase 10 is provided, comprising a rear shell 11, a front shell 12 that is openably attached to the rear shell 11, an outer pocket 20 attached to the front shell 12 that allows small items to be taken in and out from the outside, an outer lid 55 which is part of the outer pocket 20 and is openably attached to the front shell 12, a first lid 56 that is detachably attached to the outer lid 55 and has a flat shape, and a second lid 57 which is the same shape as the first lid 56 and is stored between the front shell 12 and the rear shell 11 or in the outer pocket 20.

[0071] The suitcase 10 of the present invention allows for the exchange of the first lid 56 and the second lid 57. For example, if the first lid 56 is made of a transparent material and the second lid 57 is made of an opaque material, the user can attach the second lid 57 to the outer pocket 20 from their home to the exhibition venue. At the exhibition venue, they can swap the first lid 56 back to the outer pocket 20, store the exhibits in the outer pocket 20, and display them. In other words, an ordinary suitcase can be transformed into a showcase-like structure. Therefore, according to the present invention, a suitcase that can be used in multiple forms is provided.

[0072] Furthermore, if the removed first lid 56 or second lid 57 is stored in a closet or similar place, it is easy to forget where it was stored as time passes. In contrast, according to the present invention, the removed first lid 56 or second lid 57 is always stored between the front shell 12 and the rear shell 11 or in the outer pocket 20, so the storage location will never be forgotten even after many years. Furthermore, there is no need to worry about losing the removed first lid 56 or second lid 57.

[0073] Furthermore, the second lid 57 (or first lid 56), which is stored between the front shell 12 and the rear shell 11 or in the outer pocket 20, is a thin, flat plate. When stored in the inner pocket 48, the inner pocket 48 hardly bulges. When stored in the outer pocket 20, the internal volume of the outer pocket 20 is not reduced significantly. With this invention, even when the removed second lid 57 (or first lid 56) is stored inside the suitcase 10, the reduction in the effective internal volume of the suitcase 10 can be kept to a minimum.

[0074] Preferably, as shown in Figure 8(c), the first lid 56 is made up of a transparent material 22 in whole or in part, and the second lid 57 shown in Figure 8(a) is made up of an opaque material 27 in whole.

[0075] By attaching the first lid 56 to the outer pocket 20, a showcase-style suitcase 10 is obtained. Alternatively, by attaching the second lid 57 to the outer pocket 20, it can be transformed into a regular suitcase.

[0076] Incidentally, some users may use suitcase 10 on a weekly basis. Also, some users may have a designated storage location for suitcase 10. In either case, there is no risk of losing the removed second pocket lid 26 (or first pocket lid 21). In this case, the invention described below is useful.

[0077] As shown in Figure 5(a), in a suitcase 10 having a rear shell 11, a front shell 12 that is attached to the rear shell 11 so as to be openable and closable, an outer pocket 20 attached to the front shell 12 that allows small items to be put in and taken out from the outside, and a first pocket lid 21 which is part of the outer pocket 20 and attached to the front shell 12, The first pocket cover 21 is detachably attached to the front shell 12 and can be replaced with a second pocket cover 26 of the same shape as the first pocket cover 21.

[0078] The suitcase 10 according to this invention allows the first pocket lid 21 and the second pocket lid 26 to be interchangeable. For example, by using different colors for the first pocket lid 21 and the second pocket lid 26, the appearance of the suitcase 10 can be easily changed. Furthermore, for example, if the first pocket lid 21 is made of a transparent material 22 and the second pocket lid 26 is made of an opaque material 27, the user can attach the second pocket lid 26 to the outer pocket 20 when traveling from home to the exhibition venue. At the exhibition venue, the first pocket lid 21 is swapped with the outer pocket 20, and the exhibits 49 are stored in the outer pocket 20 for display. In other words, an ordinary suitcase can be transformed into a showcase-like structure. Therefore, according to the present invention, a suitcase 10 that can be used in multiple forms is provided.

[0079] Furthermore, the suitcases of this invention include carry cases, carry bags, and travel bags.

[0080] In addition, the first pocket cover 21 may be made transparent and the second pocket cover 26 opaque, or it may be in the following configurations. The first pocket lid 21 and the second pocket lid 26 may both be made opaque and the same color. The outer pocket 20 structurally protrudes from the front shell 12. As a result, the first pocket lid 21 is more prone to damage than the front shell 12. When it becomes damaged, it can be replaced with the second pocket lid 26 to maintain the appearance of the suitcase 10. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the examples provided and can be used for a variety of applications.

[0081] Furthermore, the first pocket cover 21 and the second pocket cover 26 may be made of a transparent or opaque material, or a semi-transparent material. [Industrial applicability]

[0082] This invention is suitable for suitcases intended for multiple uses. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 10... Suitcase, 11... Rear shell, 12... Front shell, 20... Outer pocket, 21... First pocket lid, 22... Transparent body, 26... Second pocket lid, 27... Opaque body, 28... Storage compartment, 52... Closed inner pocket, 55... Outer lid, 56... First lid, 57... Second lid.

Claims

1. A suitcase comprising a rear shell, a front shell that is attached to the rear shell so as to be openable and closable, an outer pocket attached to the front shell from which small items can be taken in and out from the outside, a first pocket lid which is part of the outer pocket and is attached to the front shell so as to be detachable, and a second pocket lid which is the same shape as the first pocket lid and is stored between the front shell and the rear shell or in the outer pocket, The aforementioned rear shell is a suitcase characterized by having a closed inner pocket, the opening of which is sealed by the second pocket lid.

2. A suitcase according to claim 1, The first pocket lid is made up of a transparent material, in whole or in part. The aforementioned second pocket lid is characterized by being made entirely of an opaque material.

3. A suitcase according to claim 1, The first pocket lid is made entirely of opaque material. A suitcase characterized in that the second pocket lid is entirely made of an opaque material of a different color from the first pocket lid.

4. A suitcase according to claim 2 or claim 3, A suitcase characterized in that the second pocket lid is a different color from the front shell lid.

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