Article of luggage

Abstract

A suitcase having a length, a width and a height comprises a carcass having a rigid base, a rigid top, a first side frame and a second side frame. The rigid base and the rigid top each extend in a direction of the length of the suitcase and in a direction of the width of the suitcase. The first side frame and the second side frame each extend between the rigid base and the rigid top in a direction of the width of the suitcase and in a direction of the height of the suitcase. The suitcase also comprises an enclosure portion extending around the carcass and defining an interior volume of the suitcase, the enclosure portion including an enclosure base that extends over the rigid base; an enclosure top that extends over the rigid top; a first side wall supported by the first side frame; a second side wall supported by the second side frame; a front wall; and a back wall. The front wall is hingedly attached to the first side wall to as to act as a lid for providing access to the interior volume. The lid has an open configuration in which the lid is detached from the second side wall, the enclosure top and the enclosure bottom. The lid has a closed configuration in which the lid is attached to the second side wall, the enclosure top and the enclosure bottom. A ratio of the width of the suitcase to the length of the suitcase is at least 0. 65.

Description

[0001] ARTICLE OF LUGGAGE

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure relates to articles of luggage. In particular, the present disclosure relates to suitcases of a soft construction.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Articles of luggage have evolved considerably over many generations. This evolution has impacted on all aspects of articles of luggage, including construction, materials and form factor, among many other attributes.

[0006] One traditional form of luggage is a so-called trunk. A conventional trunk has a hard exterior and generally has no wheels. It is often substantial in size and intended for handling by more than one person. Trunks are generally rectangular parallelepiped in shape, with one long dimension (length) and two shorter dimensions (width and height). The width and height are often similar to each other. A trunk is generally formed of two opposing shells (a base shell and a lid shell) such that an interior volume of the trunk is formed between the two shells. Each shell has one large surface comprising the length and width of the trunk. Each shell extends perpendicularly from the large surface so as to derive a depth of the shell. The base shell is usually although not always deeper than the lid shell. The height of the trunk comprises the depth of the base shell plus the depth of the lid shell. The two shells are generally hinged together on one side. A trunk would generally be set down with the base shell placed downwards on a flat surface with the shell opening facing upwards in order to be opened for packing and unpacking. In this way, when the lid shell is pivoted on its hinges to reveal the interior volume of the trunk, the openings of the two shells both face upwards. The most common orientation for transporting the trunk once packed and closed would also involve the large surface of the base shell being placed downwards on a flat surface. Thus, the orientation of the trunk is generally the same both for packing and for transport. Handles may most likely be provided on the sides of the trunk. With the desire for luggage to become a personal item suitable for handling by only one person, the form factor of the trunk ceased to be popular. Instead, suitcases became more popular. Suitcases are generally smaller than trunks and have a different form factor. Although a suitcase is generally packed and unpacked when in the same orientation as a trunk, a suitcase is generally carried in a different orientation to a trunk. In particular, rather than a suitcase being carried in an orientation where the two shells are one on top of the other, a suitcase is more generally carried with the two shells side by side. In terms of form factor, instead of the width and the height being similar to each other, as in a trunk, the width of a suitcase (in the carrying orientation) is generally significantly smaller than the height. This enables the luggage to be comfortably carried close to the body via a handle on the top. It the suitcase is too wide, this means the user needs to extend their arm outwardly in order to carry the suitcase which is uncomfortable when compared with allowing their aim to extend downwards naturally.

[0007] Subsequently, it became popular for suitcases to include wheels. Initially, four wheels were provided on the underside of the suitcase, inwardly from the outer edges and often in two pairs with each pair sharing a base plate. Subsequently, it became popular to provide only two wheels, one on each of two corners of the suitcase, such that the user lifted the suitcase from a handle diametrically opposed to the location of the wheels and then pulled the handle such that the suitcase rolled on the wheels. These developments did not have a significant impact on the form factor or the dimensions of the suitcase.

[0008] In a further development, it became common for suitcases to have an upright form factor wherein the length of the suitcase is smaller than the height of the suitcase in the carrying orientation, such that the smallest face faces downwards. In this arrangement it became popular to have two wheels, one on each of two corners of the suitcase. In addition, a telescopic handle projecting from a top surface of the suitcase became common.

[0009] In an evolution of the upright form factor suitcase, it became popular to replace the two wheel arrangement with a four wheel arrangement, wherein each of the bottom corners comprises a wheel.

[0010] With the transition from trunks to suitcases, soft construction increasingly became an alternative to hard construction. Hard suitcases (also known as hard-shell, hard-side or hard-construction suitcases) are typically constructed from rigid materials forming the major surfaces of the suitcase. For example, hard-side suitcases may be constructed from moulded plastic shells. The moulded plastic shells may be formed as three-dimensional shapes which, when assembled, define the major surface of the suitcase.

[0011] Soft suitcases (also known as soft-shell, soft-side suitcases or soft-construction suitcases), typically include a fabric cover comprising multiple panels and a shape defining frame that is disposed around the periphery of fabric cover. The fabric cover generally extends around a carcass such that the fabric cover panels substantially form the major surfaces of the suitcase. Soft suitcases usually have a largely planar opening, comprising only a single panel, rather than having a lid in the form of an openable shell.

[0012] It is an object of the disclosure to provide an alternative and improved construction of soft- side suitcases.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0014] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a suitcase having a length, a width and a height, the suitcase comprising: a carcass comprising a rigid base, a rigid top, a first side frame and a second side frame, wherein the rigid base and the rigid top each extend in a direction of the length of the suitcase and in a direction of the width of the suitcase, and wherein the first side frame and the second side frame each extend between the rigid base and the rigid top in a direction of the width of the suitcase and in a direction of the height of the suitcase; an enclosure portion extending around the carcass and defining an interior volume of the suitcase, the enclosure portion including an enclosure base that extends over the rigid base; an enclosure top that extends over the rigid top; a first side wall supported by the first side frame; a second side wall supported by the second side frame; a front wall; and a back wall; wherein the front wall is hingedly attached to the first side wall to as to act as a lid for providing access to the interior volume, the lid having: an open configuration in which the lid is detached from the second side wall, the enclosure top and the enclosure bottom; and a closed configuration in which the lid is attached to the second side wall, the enclosure top and the enclosure bottom; and wherein a ratio of the width of the suitcase to the length of the suitcase is at least 0.65, preferably at least 0.7, more preferably at least 0.74.

[0015] In this way, the form factor of the suitcase means that it is more stable than existing suitcases. Furthermore, since the lid occupies only one face of the suitcase (rather than the lid being formed of a shell with a storage depth) the entire volume of the suitcase is provided within a single volume (undivided between two shells). This enables more straightforward accommodation of bulkier contents than would be the case of the suitcase were formed of two half shells hinged together where the interior volume is divided between the two shells. Moreover, the increased stability and squarer cross-sectional area of the rigid base mean that it is more feasible to open the suitcase with the rigid base facing downwards without risking the suitcase from toppling. This means that it is easier for a user to access contents during travelling (e.g. inside an airport) whilst the suitcase remains in its standard orientation for transporting. This avoids needing to reorientate the suitcase such that its largest surface rests on a flat surface. In addition, this facilitates packing of the suitcase from the bottom up (that is from the rigid base up) rather than, as is conventional with suitcases, packing from the back up (when the back is laid flat on the ground) before closing the suitcase and reorientating it in order that the back then becomes vertical. This results in less movement of contents during transit, due to the suitcase being packable in the same orientation as when in transit.

[0016] In short, the suitcase provides improved stability, improved access whilst travelling, increased single volume space, and facilitates a reduction in the movement of contents during transit.

[0017] The ratio of the width of the suitcase to the length of the suitcase may be 0.74. This provides a balanced, manoeuvrable form factor with a large interior volume.

[0018] A ratio of the height of the suitcase to the width of the suitcase may be less than 2.4, preferably less than 2.3, more preferably less than 2.29. In this way, a centre of gravity is suitably low whilst still providing a large interior volume.

[0019] The ratio of the height of the suitcase to the width of the suitcase may be 2.29. The front wall of the enclosure portion may be hingedly attached to the first side wall adjacent to a front portion of the first side frame, wherein the front portion of the first side frame is a portion of the first side frame closest to the front wall of the enclosure portion.

[0020] In this way, when the front portion is hinged open, access to the interior volume may be provided through an opening that occupies the entire front wall of the suitcase.

[0021] The suitcase may further comprise a telescopic handle assembly connected to the rigid base and the rigid top and occupying a recess in the back wall.

[0022] The telescopic handle assembly may aid in manoeuvrability of the suitcase whilst also providing a degree of structural rigidity to the suitcase.

[0023] The suitcase may further comprise one or more of the following handles: a top handle mounted to the enclosure top; a first side handle mounted to the first side wall; a second side handle mounted to the second side wall; and a front handle mounted to the front wall.

[0024] In this way, manoeuvrability may be increased from all directions.

[0025] The suitcase may further comprise one or more of: a base brace configured to provide reinforcement to the rigid base; and a top brace configured to provide reinforcement to the rigid top.

[0026] In this way, further structural rigidity is provided without sacrificing significant portions of the usable interior storage volume.

[0027] The top and / or the bottom brace comprises metal tubing.

[0028] In this way, the structural benefit to weight ratio may be appropriate.

[0029] The enclosure portion may form a substantially parallelepiped shape. In this way an interior volume may be maximised.

[0030] The suitcase may further comprise four wheel assemblies, one at each corner of the enclosure base.

[0031] In this way, manoeuvrability of the suitcase may be improved.

[0032] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0033] The invention may be put into practice in a number of ways and specific embodiments will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of internal components of a suitcase in accordance with a first embodiment of the disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of the same internal components of the suitcase shown in Figure 1 ; and

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the exterior of the suitcase shown in Figures 1 and 2, with the exterior components present.

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of interior structure of a suitcase 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0039] The structure of the suitcase 100 comprises a carcass 120 comprising a rigid base 160, a rigid top 170, a first side frame 130 and a second side frame 140.

[0040] The rigid base 160 and the rigid top 170 each extend in a direction of the length of the suitcase and in a direction of the width of the suitcase. The first side frame 130 and the second side frame 140 each extend between the rigid base 160 and the rigid top 170 in a direction of the width of the suitcase and in a direction of the height of the suitcase.

[0041] The rigid top 170 may have a substantially planar central element and rounded edges either side of the substantially planar central element. The rigid top 170 may comprise one or more top braces (not shown) configured to provide reinforcement to the rigid top. The one or more top braces may comprise metal tubing. The rigid top 170 may include apertures (not shown) whose purpose may be to reduce weight whist minimising loss of rigidity.

[0042] The rigid top 170 may comprise a moulded rigid top 170.

[0043] Similarly, the rigid base 160 may comprise a rigid base structure 160. The rigid base 160 may have a substantially planar central element and rounded edges either side of the substantially planar central element. The rigid base 160 may include apertures (not shown) whose purpose may be to reduce weight whist minimising loss of rigidity.

[0044] The rigid base 160 may comprise a base insert 162 configured to provide additional structural rigidity. Alternatively, or in addition, the rigid base may comprise one or more base braces (not shown) configured to provide reinforcement to the rigid base. The one or more base braces may comprise metal tubing.

[0045] The rigid base 160 may comprise a moulded rigid base 160.

[0046] The rigid top 170 and the rigid base 160 may be substantially similar to each other in shape. The rigid top 170 and the rigid base 160 may be substantially similar to each other in dimensions. Referring to Figure 1 , a perimeter of the rigid top 170 may be aligned with a perimeter of the rigid base 160.

[0047] A ratio of the width of the base 160 to the length of the base may be at least 0.65. In other words, the length of the suitcase may be not more than approximately 1 .54 times the width. This means that the suitcase 100 has substantially similar stability in the length direction and in the width direction. Thus, the suitcase is not substantially more likely to tip over in the width direction than the in length direction. The ratio of the width of the base 160 to the length of the base may be at least 0.7, more preferably at least 0.74, still more preferably at least 0.8, again more preferably at least 0.9, and still more preferably approximately 1 .

[0048] This is substantially different from existing soft suitcases, where the ratio of width to length is generally a maximum of 0.6. This means that the length of the suitcase is generally at least 1 .67 times the width, and often considerably more, such as twice the width.

[0049] The rigid base 160 may comprise connection portions for wheel assemblies 191 , 192, 193 (plus a fourth wheel assembly, not shown). Each wheel assembly 191 , 192, 193 may comprise a pair of wheels mounted in parallel either side of a stem. Variations of the illustrated embodiment would include those having different numbers of wheel assemblies and different numbers of wheels on each wheel assembly.

[0050] The carcass further comprises a first side frame 130 and a second side frame 140, each extending in a direction of the height of the suitcase 100 between the rigid base 160 and the rigid top 170.

[0051] The first side frame 130 comprises a loop having a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners. The loop may be a wire loop. Referring to Figure 2, the loop may comprise a top portion 132, a base portion 134, a front portion 136 and a rear portion 138.

[0052] A profile of a top section of the loop of the first side frame 130, which may comprise the top portion 132 and adjacent rounded corners, may match a side profile of the rigid top 170. Similarly, a profile of a bottom section of the loop of the first side frame 130, which may comprise the bottom portion 134 and adjacent rounded corners, may match a side profile of the rigid base 160.

[0053] The second side frame 140 comprises a loop having a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners. The loop may be a wire loop. Referring to Figure 2, the loop may comprise a top portion 142, a base portion 144, a front portion 146 and a rear portion 148.

[0054] A profile of a top section of the loop of the second side frame 140, which may comprise the top portion 142 and adjacent rounded corners, may match a side profile of the rigid top 170. Similarly, a profile of a bottom section of the loop of the second side frame 140, which may comprise the bottom portion 144 and adjacent rounded corners, may match a side profile of the rigid base 160.

[0055] The ratio of the height of the suitcase to the width of the suitcase is less than 2.4. Thus, by avoiding a suitcase that is many times taller than it is wide, stability of the suitcase is further increased.

[0056] The ratio of the height of the suitcase to the width of the suitcase may be less than 2.3, or less than 2.29.

[0057] An interior volume of the suitcase 100 is in part bounded by the rigid base 160, first side frame 130, the second side frame 140, and the rigid top 170.

[0058] A telescopic handle assembly 180 may be located at a rear of the suitcase 100 and may project from the top 170 of the suitcase. The telescopic handle assembly 180 may be known as a “trolley handle assembly”. The telescopic handle assembly 180 may include a substantially U-shaped handle portion 181 and first and second support members 182, 183, which are received and located by the base 170. The U-shaped handle portion 181 is telescopically received in the support members 182, 183 and is telescopically extendable from within the support members. Other arrangements of telescopic handles are also known to the skilled person, for example, in other embodiments there may only be a single handle portion with a single telescopic tube which extends from a single support member.

[0059] The rigid top 170 may include a cutaway portion into which a handle receiving chamber insert 184 is placed. The handle receiving chamber insert 184 provides a partial housing for the U-shaped handle portion 180. The handle receiving chamber insert 184 may have a corresponding attachment portion (not shown) provided inside the suitcase 100, which enables the handle receiving chamber insert 184 to be attached securely to the top 160 of the suitcase 100.

[0060] The telescopic handle assembly 180 may provide structure to the suitcase 100 in the height dimension. Referring to Figure 3, an enclosure portion 200 may surround the carcass 120 and the interior volume of the suitcase 100 may be bounded, at least substantially, by the enclosure portion 200. The enclosure portion 200 may be a cover. The cover may be flexible. The cover may be of fabric. The cover may comprise a plurality of panels forming a top cover portion 230, a base cover portion and wall cover portions extending between the top cover portion and the base cover portion. The wall cover portions may comprise four wall cover portions including a first side wall cover portion (not visible in Figure 3), a second side wall cover portion 240, a front wall cover portion 220 and a rear wall cover portion (not visible in Figure 3). In this way, each panel of the plurality of panels may be configured to cover one substantially planar side of the suitcase 100. The plurality of panels may be sewn together at their edges to form a three-dimensional cover having dimensions configured to correspond substantially with dimensions of the carcass. The enclosure portion 200 may have a substantially parallelepiped configuration.

[0061] The front panel 220 may be hingedly attached to the first side wall cover portion so as to form the lid 220 of the suitcase 100, whereby it is configured to cover an opening of the suitcase 100 by which the interior volume of the suitcase is accessible when the lid is open.

[0062] The lid and opening may be mutually fastenable by a zip assembly 210 surrounding the perimeter of the lid and the perimeter of the opening. The zip assembly 210 may facilitate reversable connection of the lid 220 of the suitcase (that is the front wall cover portion 220) to a front edge of the top cover portion 230, a front edge of the second wall cover portion 240, and a front edge of the base cover portion. When the zip assembly 210 is in a fully closed position, the opening of the interior volume may be entirely sealed by the front panel 220.

[0063] The front panel 220 may comprise a lid frame (not shown) which may extend around a perimeter of the front panel 220 to provide some rigidity to the front panel 220.

[0064] The enclosure portion 200 may comprise a top handle 250 mounted to the enclosure top 230, a side handle 260 mounted to the second side wall 240; and a front handle 270 mounted to the front wall 220.

[0065] In addition, the enclosure portion 200 may comprise a secondary side handle (not shown) mounted to the first side wall. Next, a method of constructing the suitcase according to the embodiment described above will be provided.

[0066] In one approach, the first side frame 130 is fastened to the first side wall cover portion. Similarly, the second side frame 140 is fastened to the second side wall cover portion 240.

[0067] Then a length of cover material comprising the top cover portion 230, the rear cover portion, the base cover portion and, potentially, the front cover portion 220 may be fastened at one side to the first side frame 130 and at an opposite side to the second side frame 140. In this way, a three-dimensional enclosure portion 200 is formed. Alternatively, the front cover portion 220 may be separately connected to the remainder of the suitcase 100 at the hinge. In either scenario, the first side frame 130 and the second side frame 140 of the carcass 120 may be integrated with the enclosure portion 200.

[0068] The structure of the suitcase may then be achieved by inserting the rigid base 160 and the rigid top 170 into the opening of the enclosure portion 200 and positioning them appropriately relative to the enclosure portion 200.

[0069] Thus, the remaining elements of the carcass 120 may be brought together with the first side frame 130 and the second side frame 140 of the carcass 120 which are already integrated with the enclosure portion 200.

[0070] Fixing of the rigid base 160 and the rigid top 170 to the enclosure portion 200 may be achieved in part: by fixing the wheel assemblies 191 , 192, 193 to the rigid base 160 and sandwiching the enclosure portion therebetween; by fixing the telescopic handle assembly 180 to the rigid top 170 and sandwiching the enclosure portion therebetween; and by fixing the telescopic handle assembly 180 to the rigid base 160 and sandwiching the enclosure portion therebetween.

[0071] The top handle 250, the side handle 260, and the front handle 270 may be fastened to the enclosure portion 200, before, during or after assembly of the enclosure portion 200 with the rigid top 170 and the rigid base 160. Optionally, the enclosure portion 200 may be provided with an internal lining layer. The internal lining layer may include an opening to allow the internal frame to be assembled between the internal lining layer and the layer defined by the enclosure portion 200. The internal lining layer may be attached to the enclosure portion 200 around the opening in order to line the internal volume of the suitcase. The lining layer may be provided as a fabric material. The internal lining layer may be attached to the enclosure portion 200 by any suitable joining method, for example by stitching or adhesive.

[0072] The scope of the is determined by the claims that follow and is not limited to the one example embodiment described above.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A suitcase having a length, a width and a height, the suitcase comprising: a carcass comprising a rigid base, a rigid top, a first side frame and a second side frame, wherein the rigid base and the rigid top each extend in a direction of the length of the suitcase and in a direction of the width of the suitcase, and wherein the first side frame and the second side frame each extend between the rigid base and the rigid top in a direction of the width of the suitcase and in a direction of the height of the suitcase; an enclosure portion extending around the carcass and defining an interior volume of the suitcase, the enclosure portion including an enclosure base that extends over the rigid base; an enclosure top that extends over the rigid top; a first side wall supported by the first side frame; a second side wall supported by the second side frame; a front wall; and a back wall; wherein the front wall is hingedly attached to the first side wall to as to act as a lid for providing access to the interior volume, the lid having: an open configuration in which the lid is detached from the second side wall, the enclosure top and the enclosure bottom; and a closed configuration in which the lid is attached to the second side wall, the enclosure top and the enclosure bottom; and wherein a ratio of the width of the suitcase to the length of the suitcase is at least 0.65.

2. The suitcase of claim 1 wherein the ratio of the width of the suitcase to the length of the suitcase is at least 0.7, more preferably at least 0.74, still more preferably at least 0.8.

3. The suitcase of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the ratio of the width of the suitcase to the length of the suitcase is at least at least 0.9, and more preferably approximately 1 .

4. The suitcase of claim 1 wherein the ratio of the width of the suitcase to the length of the suitcase is 0.74.

5. The suitcase of claim 1 wherein the ratio of the width of the suitcase to the length of the suitcase is 1 .

6. The suitcase of any preceding claim wherein a ratio of the height of the suitcase to the width of the suitcase is less than 2.4.

7. The suitcase of any preceding claim wherein a ratio of the height of the suitcase to the width of the suitcase is less than 2.3, more preferably less than 2.29.

8. The suitcase of claim 6 wherein the ratio of the height of the suitcase to the width of the suitcase is 2.29.

9. The suitcase of any preceding claim wherein the front wall of the enclosure portion is hingedly attached to the first side wall adjacent to a front portion of the first side frame, wherein the front portion of the first side frame is a portion of the first side frame closest to the front wall of the enclosure portion.

10. The suitcase of any preceding claim further comprising a telescopic handle assembly connected to the rigid base and the rigid top and occupying a recess in the back wall.11 . The suitcase of any preceding claim further comprising one or more of the following handles: a top handle mounted to the enclosure top; a first side handle mounted to the first side wall; a second side handle mounted to the second side wall; and a front handle mounted to the front wall.

12. The suitcase of any preceding claim further comprising one or more of: a base brace configured to provide reinforcement to the rigid base; and a top brace configured to provide reinforcement to the rigid top.

13. The suitcase of claim 12 wherein the top and / or the bottom brace comprises metal tubing.

14. The suitcase of any preceding claim wherein the enclosure portion forms a substantially parallelepiped shape.

15. The suitcase according to any preceding claim further comprising four wheel assemblies, one at each corner of the enclosure base.

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