Equipment transport case with support leg activated case lock

Abstract

A transport case is equipped with at least one or more telescopic legs, which are movable from a collapsed position to an extended position, the transport case comprising a body having a first shell part forming a base, and at least a second shell part forming a cover for the base, and at least one or more dedicated telescopic leg housings respectively for receiving each respective telescopic leg. The telescopic leg housings each comprise a first bore extending within at least the first shell part of the body forming the base, and a second bore extending only within the first shell part of the body forming the base. The second bore intersects, and is oriented at an angle relative to, the first bore. The first bore receives a respective telescopic leg in the collapsed position, and the second bore receives the same respective telescopic leg in the deployed position.

Description

EQUIPMENT TRANSPORT CASE WITH SUPPORT LEG ACTIVATED CASE LOCK

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of equipment transport cases having at least one handle for the handheld transport of equiment, the equipment in question being integrated into, or otherwise loaded into or placed within, such transport cases. More particularly, the invention relates to such transport cases having a set of one or more telescopic support legs, which are configured to be moved from a collapsed telescopic position to a deployed telescopic position in order to support the transport case when opened, and provide stability to the open transport case relative to a surface on which the transport case is set down, such as the ground.

[0002] A variety of transport cases equipped with telescopic legs are known in the art. For example, Chinese utility model application, published as CN103598744A, discloses a cosmetic transport case having a set of four telescopic support legs which are provided with an inner screw thread at one end, and the screw thread engages with four correspondingly threaded stubs projecting at an acute angle from an underside of the transport case when the case is opened and laid horizontally. The inside of the case is equipped with a multifunctional wireless WiFi smart mirror display which includes a touch-screen tablet interface and a RF proximity sensor for detecting whether the user touches the mirror, and an LED lamp, the display and mirror function being touch-activated. When not in use, the telescopic support legs are stored in a trough in the body of the case, which also houses the threaded stubs for screw-threaded mounting of the legs onto the stubs when the legs need to be deployed. When not in use, the telescopic legs are stored horizontally within the trough, and a closable, hinged, cover plate prevents the telescopic legs from falling out of the trough.

[0003] Similarly, granted US patent published as US6036011B discloses a transport case construction for transporting a laptop computer and mouse. The transport case construction is convertible into an elevated work station for the computer and includes a carrying case unit including a carrying case member dimensioned to receive the computer and mouse and having a lower base element provided with four pivoted and telescoping support legs, and a shelf member slidably received within the base element, wherein the shelf member is dimensioned to receive the mouse and is further provided with a high friction surface that functions as a mouse pad. The transport case construction has a base element with a bottom surface, the bottom surface having four elongated recesses which are disposed generally parallel to elongated sides of the base element and an enlarged grooved aperture which intersects a side wall of the base element, the four elongated recesses being generally aligned with four corners of the bottom surface of the baseelement. The four elongated recesses in the bottom surface of the base element are dimensioned to partially receive the case support unit, which comprises four telescoping leg members, each telescoping leg member being pivotally secured to one end of a collapsible linkage element, the other end of the collapsible linkage element is additionally pivotally secured to the bottom surface of the base element.

[0004] Another example of a combination computer case and computer table for a laptop computer having telescopic legs is provided in published US patent application US2002063072A1, in which the telescopic legs are housed within the body of the cany case via a rotating articulation at the end at which the legs connect to the case, so that, during storage when the legs are not required, they can be stowed away within the case, essentially in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the legs are extended when deployed.

[0005] A different transport case is also known from US2016050494A1, in which a portable entertainment system is provided in a carry case that is equipped with fold-out support legs.

[0006] Despite the above examples, there remains a need for cany cases equipped with telescopic legs, for a variety of purposes and content carrying capability. Indeed, one of the problems of the existing solutions described in the art is that invariably, a separate compartment for the telescopic legs needs to be provided in the body of the case, and such a compartment reduces the useful volume of the carry case for the storage of other transportable content.

[0007] Consequently, one aspect of the present invention is a transport case equipped with at least one or more telescopic legs, the one or more telescopic legs being configured to be movable from a collapsed position to an extended position, wherein the transport case comprises : a body having a first shell part forming a base, and at least a second shell part forming a cover for the base, and at least one or more dedicated telescopic leg housings respectively for receiving each respective one of the at least one or more telescopic legs, said at least one or more dedicated telescopic leg housings each comprising a first bore extending within at least the first shell part of the body forming the base, and a second bore extending only within the first shell part of the body forming the base, the second bore being oriented at an angle relative to the first bore and intersecting the first bore ; wherein the first bore receives a respective one of the at least one or more telescopic legs in the collapsed position, andwherein the second bore receives the same respective one of the at least one or more telescopic legs in the deployed position.

[0008] According to another aspect, the first bore extends within both the first shell part of the body forming the base and the second shell part of the body forming the cover, of the transport case, and, when in the collapsed position, the telescopic leg is received in the first bore of both the first shell part of the body forming the base and the second shell part of the body forming the cover, the telescopic leg thereby locking the second shell part of the body forming the cover to the first shell part of the body forming the base. In the collapsed position therefore, the second shell part of the body forming the cover is locked to the first shell part of the body forming the base, preventing any movement and / or opening of the second shell part of the body forming the cover relative to the first shell part of the body forming the base.

[0009] According to yet another aspect, when in the deployed position, the telescopic leg is received in the second bore, and the at least first second shell part of the body forming the cover is unlocked from the first shell part, and can accordingly be moved, for example, to open the case and expose the contents and / or equipment held within the transport case.

[0010] According to another aspect, the first bore extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a dimension of the body of the transport case, for example, perpendicular to a depth or a width of the body of the carry case. Generally, the first bore extends along a height of the body of the transport case, whereby the term “height” as used in this regard refers to a dimension which extends from the base of the transport case towards the cover of the transport case, when the first shell part forming the bases of the transport case is positioned parallel with a ground surface or other substantially flat or horizontal surface.

[0011] According to another aspect, the intersection of the second bore with the first bore forms a common telescopic leg exit opening at a respective end of the first and second bores.Advantageously, the bore of the common telescopic leg exit opening comprises a first curved wall part in axial alignment with the first bore, and a second curved wall part in axial alignment with the second bore, the two wall parts together forming the common telescopic leg exit opening.

[0012] According to another aspect, the second bore is oriented at an acute angle a relative to the first bore, and advantageously, at an angle of between 11.5° to 12.5°, and preferably 12°, relative to the first bore.

[0013] According to another aspect, when in the deployed position, each telescopic leg is positioned at 45° relative to a virtual axis of rotation passing perpendicularly through a centre of thebody of the transport case when the first shell part forming the base is positioned parallel with a ground surface or other substantially flat or horizontal surface.

[0014] According to another aspect, the second shell part forming the cover is connected to the first shell part forming the base via a first articulation.

[0015] According to another aspect, the body of the transport case comprises a third shell part forming a cover, and the second shell part and the third shell part are dimensioned to each respectively form a cover for one half of the first shell forming the base of the body of the transport case. In such a configuration, the third shell part forming a cover is also advantageously connected to the first shell part forming the base via a separate, second articulation, and preferably identical to the first articulation.

[0016] According to another aspect, the second shell part and the third shell part are respectively locked in a covering position over the first shell part, when the telescopic legs are in the collapsed position.

[0017] According to another aspect, the second shell part and the third shell part are independently movable one with respect to the other via their respective articulations, when their corresponding respective telescopic legs are in the deployed position. In other words, each of the second and third shell parts forming covers for the shell part forming the base are provided with an articulation, and these articulations become operable when a corresponding telescopic leg, or pair of telescopic legs, provided respectively for each of the second and third shell parts, is or are in the deployed position. Whilst the telescopic leg, or pair of telescopic legs respectively, is in the collapsed position, the second and third shell parts forming the covers are respectively locked against opening via operation of the respective articulations.

[0018] According to another aspect therefore, the articulation comprises: a pivot arm, having a first end connected to the shell part forming the cover; and a guide rod, positioned within the first shell part, the guide rod being connected to the pivot arm at a second end of the pivot arm; the second end of pivot arm being movable via sliding engagement with the guide rod between a first pivot arm position and a second pivot arm position, wherein the first pivot arm position corresponds to a closed position of the shell part forming the cover, and the second pivot arm position corresponds to an open position of the shell part forming the cover.

[0019] The expression “open position” as used in the present specification, refers to a position in which the first, second, and third shell parts forming the base, and respectively, the covers of the transport case each have an upwards facing peripheral outer surface, i.e. a shell contour, each of which lies on a same plane, and in which said upwards facing peripheral outer surfaces lie flush, one with each other. The expression “closed position”, as used in the present specification, refers to a position in which the second, and respectively, third, shell parts completely cover the corresponding first shell part, preventing access to any of the contents held within the storage volumes of each shell part.

[0020] According to another aspect, the articulation further comprises: a toothed rack, located within the shell part forming the cover; a pinion wheel, attached to the first shell part forming the base; wherein during movement of the pivot arm from the first pivot arm position to the second pivot arm position, the toothed rack engages with the pinion wheel to support the shell part forming the cover during movement from the closed position to the open position.

[0021] It should be understood from the preceding paragraphs that the movement of the pivot arm, and therefore corresponding respective movement of the shell part forming the cover, is reciprocal, i.e. is reversible, in order to move the shell part forming the cover from the open position to the closed position. In such a case, the pivot arm is moved from the second position to the first position.

[0022] According to another advantageous aspect, the second end of pivot arm is movable from a first pivot arm position via sliding engagement with the first guide member, through a maximum point of pivot arm second end travel located along a length of the guide member, and back to the first position, wherein said maximum point of travel located along the length of the guide member is the fulcrum point of the articulation. In such a configuration, the second end of the pivot arm is moved from the first position as the second shell part forming the cover is moved from the closed position towards the open position. As the opening movement proceeds, an initial opening effort causes the second end of the pivot arm to reach the fulcrum point along the length of the guide member. With continued application of the opening effort, the second end of the pivot arm passes the fulcrum point and begins to move back towards the first position again, thereby enabling the second shell part forming the cover to rely on the effect of gravity in order to reach the open position.

[0023] According to another aspect, the first end of the pivot arm comprises a second guide member, and the second guide member slidingly receives an axle on which the pinion wheel is rotatably mounted.

[0024] According to another aspect, there is also provided a portable audio entertainment system, such as a DJ audio mixing system, comprising one or more electronic components, such as: one or more processors, digital-to-analog controllers, analog-to-digital controllers, one or more switches, dials, controls, push buttons, levers, display screens, and the like; one or more hardware and / or software controlled audio playback, mixing and / or sound effect application components; one or more inlet and outlet ports, such as digital and / or analog ports for connecting the entertainment system to external speakers, screens, and / or lighting systems and the like, wherein the portable audio entertainment system is housed within the transport case as described in the present specification.

[0025] Accordingly, a further aspect is a transport case as substantially described herein, wherein the transport case contains an audio entertainment system, said audio entertainment system comprising one or more electronic components, said components being housed and distributed respectively in the first shell part, second shell part and third shell part, respectively, and wherein the electronic components housed within the second and third shell parts forming the covers are electrically connected to the electronic components housed with the first shell part forming the base.

[0026] According to another aspect, each of the second and third shell parts forming the covers of the transport case body contains one or more of an electronic component such as a turntable, a beat or rhythm generator, an optical storage support player, and / or a display screen.

[0027] According to another aspect, each of the first, second and third shell parts forming the covers and base of the body of the transport case are provided with a retractable protection screen, configured to remain within each respective shell part when the transport case is in the closed position, and to extend outwards from the respective shell part when the transport case is in the open position.

[0028] According to another aspect, the electronic components housed within the respective, first, second and third shell parts of the body of the transport case, are mounted on a carriage, each carriage being configured to be moved from a recessed position within the respective shell part when the transport case is in the closed position, to a deployed position when the transport case is in the open position. In this way, the movable carriages protect the electronic components of each shellpart from coming into contact with the electronic components of the other respective shell part when the transport case is in the closed position.

[0029] According to another aspect, the movable carriages are configured to be moved from the recessed position to the deployed position manually. Advantageously, and preferably however, the movable carriages are configured to be moved from the recessed position to the deployed position via a motorised arrangement, which is activated only when the transport case is in the open position.

[0030] According to another aspect, the first shell part forming the base of of the body of the transport case comprises a first electrical supply connector and a second electrical supply connector, said first and second electrical supply connectors engaging respectively with a first electrical supply receiver located in the second shell part, and a second electrical supply receiver located in the third shell part, only when said second and third shell parts are in the open position.

[0031] According to another aspect, there is provided an audio entertainment system, such as a DJ audio mixing system, comprising one or more electronic components, such as: one or more processors, digital-to-analog controllers, analog-to-digital controllers, one or more switches, dials, controls, push buttons, levers, display screens, and the like; one or more hardware and / or software controlled audio playback, mixing and / or sound effect application components; one or more inlet and outlet ports, such as digital and / or analog ports for connecting the entertainment system to external speakers, screens, and / or lighting systems and the like, wherein the portable audio entertainment system is housed within a transport case as described and exemplified within the present specification.

[0032] According to another aspect, the audio entertainment system comprises a port plate grouping together the inlet and / or outlet ports, wherein the port plate is arranged to lie flush with a openfacing surface of the first shell part of the transport case when the transport case is in the open position. Such a configuration has been found to present a number of advantages for the user of such an audio entertainment system, for example, to avoid the user having to fumble around at the rear of the audio entertainment system in conditions of low, or very low lighting, when tiying to plug in one or more connection cables into the inlet and / or outlet ports.

[0033] The various aspects will now be described in more detail having regard to the figures, which are included for illustrative purposes, and in which:

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective representation of a transport case according to the invention, in a closed configuration, ready for transport, and / or deployement;

[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective representation of the transport case of Figure 1, equipped with an audio entertainment system, the transport case being represented in a deployed configuration or position;

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic partially cut away side-view representation of a detail of the transport case of Figures 1 and 2;

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the detail of the transport case of Figure 3;

[0038] Figure 5 is top plan view of the transport case of Figure 2;

[0039] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of the transport case of Figure 1;

[0040] Figure 7 is a schematic side-view representation with partial cross-section of Figure 6;

[0041] Figure 8 is a schematic cut-away representation of another detail of the transport case;

[0042] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a magnified portion of Figure 7.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] A transport case (1) according to the invention is illustrated in Figure 1, in a closed position, for example, ready for transporting, or before opening. The transport case has a case body (2) comprising three main body parts configured and dimensioned for housing equipment or other objects, the three main body parts being a first shell part forming a base (3), a second shell part forming a first cover (4), and a third shell part forming a second cover (5). The second and third shell parts (4, 5) completely cover the first shell part when the transport case is in the closed position, as illustrated in Figure 1. Additionally, each of the second shell part (4) and third shell part (5) respectively covers one half of the shell part forming the base (3). In order to facilitate transport of case (1), a set of one or more wheels (6) can be provided, and which are, for example, attached to, or integrated into, the first shell part forming the base (3). In the closed position, where the second shell part (4) and third shell part (5) meet, one or more safety clasps (7) can be provided, as illustrated, for example with a padlock or a keylock system, in order to secure the transport case against break-in, as is commonly known per se. The transport case can additionally be provided, as illustrated here, with one or more optional straps, for example, compression or tensioning straps (8), also as commonly known per se, which are laid around an outer surface of the transport case (1). The transport case can also have a carry, or pulling handle (9), such as is commonly found on travelcases, and the handle can be of the well-known, telescopically folding, or retracting kind, that can be pushed or retracted into one of the shell parts forming the covers (4, 5), e.g. as illustrated, into the second shell part (4), when not needed or not in use, of for hand cariying of the transport case, and then subsequently withdrawn or extended when required for towing the transport case using the wheels (6) to assist in the towing. Also visible in Figure 1 are a pair of pinion wheels or toothed cogs (10a, 10b), attached to the first shell part (3) and positioned along a common axis (11a, lib) forming part of an articulation (12, cf. Figs. 6 and 7), which interacts with the second shell part (4) with respect to the first shell part (3), and which will be described in more detail hereafter. The first shell part (3) has a corresponding pair of pinion wheels for interaction with the third shell part (5), but these pinion wheels are not visible in the representation of the transport case of Figure 1.

[0044] Figure 2 illustrates the transport case in the open position, with four telescopic legs (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) in a deployed position and extending in a downwards direction towards the ground from the first shell part forming the base (3). As can be seen from Figure 2, the transport case in this instance contains, or houses an audio entertainment system, or a DJ audio mixing system, and comprises a number of electronic components, for example, one or more processors, digital-to- analog controllers, analog-to-digital controllers, and more particularly as shown, one or more switches, dials, controls, push buttons, levers, all indicated on Figure 2 generally as reference number (14). Each of the second and third shell parts forming the covers can also comprise a display screen (15), and a turntable, or beat or rhythm generator, and / or an optical storage support player, all indicated generally as (16). The first shell part forming the base (3) is also provided with one or more inlet and / or outlet ports, such as digital and / or analog ports for connecting the entertainment system to external speakers, screens, and / or lighting systems, and / or power supply cables, all indicated generally as (17), and advantageously grouped together on a port holder plate (17b), which advantageously lies flush with the top-facing, upward-facing, or open-facing surface of the first shell part forming the base (3). In this way, all of the inlet and / or outlet ports (17) are accessible directly to the user of the equipment from the open top of the transport case when the transport case is in the open position. Such a configuration avoids the user being forced to fumble around tiying to plug in or remove the cables in poor light at the rear of the equipment, for example, at a night-time venue. As can also be seen in Figure 2, the audio entertainment system, or DJ mixing system, is provided with a protective screen (18a, 18b, 18c) for each of the shell parts (3, 4, 5), which screen can be retractable, i.e. configured to retract into the respective shell part on closing the transport case for transport, or foldable or swing-openable about an axis of rotation. In the case of retractable screens, they can for example be mounted on spring-loaded, push activated mechanisms,or alternatively have soft touch motorised drive arrangements, similar to those used in optical reader drive trays, to allow the screens to be stowed away before closing the case, or alternatively, to enable them to project outwards from their respective recesses upon opening of the transport case. The protective screens serve to prevent or hinder unauthorized users from physically intervening and / or operating the equipment contained within the transport case, e.g. such as when an audio entertainment or DJ audio mixing system is in use, from the side of the case which is protected when the screens are deployed. Additionally, connection cables, which are plugged into the inlet and / or outlet ports (17), can advantageously be stowed away in a suitably dimensioned and configured recess provided within the inner volume of either the second or third shell parts forming the covers, for example, located in front of the retractable protective screens (18a, 18b, 18c). Each of the electronic component systems housed in each of the second and third shell parts can be mounted in a carriage, and the carriage can be configured to be either manually or automatically movable, moving from a recessed position when the transport case is closed, to a deployed position standing proud of the respective shell parts (3, 4) when the case is opened. These carriages can, for example, be motor driven, and activated automatically on attaining the open position of the case when the telescopic feet have been deployed, via a corresponding switch or sensor system integrated into the shell part forming the base (3). With regard to the telescopic legs (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d), A series of exit orifices (19a, 19b, 19c, 19d) is also shown for a respective series of traversing first bores, cf. Fig. 3, (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) configured to respectively receive a telescopic leg in the collapsed position, each of said traversing first bores (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) extending through the first shell part forming the base (3). The corresponding first bores of the second and third shell parts (4, 5), which have respective corresponding entrance orifices for the legs, and which enable the second and third shell parts (4, 5) to be locked when the telescopic legs (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) are in the collapsed position, and inserted into the bores of the second and third shell parts (4, 5), are not visible in Figure 2. The telescopic legs further comprise one or more sping-loaded studs or projections (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e, etc), which project outwardly from each leg and serve to engage a corresponding opening (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, etc) provided elsewhere along the length of each leg, in a known manner per se for such telescopic legs. The studs or projections can also serve to lock each leg into a respective bore, should that be desirable or appropriate, in which case, the bores are provided with corresponding recesses or openings to receive a respective stud or projection.

[0045] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate respectively in greater detail aspects of the deployment of the telescopic legs, in which at least two (13c, 13d) telescopic legs have been deployed, and the othertwo telescopic legs (13a, 13b) are in the process of being moved into their final angular position. The position and angle of the first bore (20d) is shown, traversing the first shell part forming the base (3), essentially perpendicular to the width and / or depth of the first shell part (3), from a first exit orifice (23d) towards another exit orifice (19d) located at a distance from the first exit orifice (23d), in an upper area of the first shell part, which upper area is enclosed by the second and third shell parts forming the covers (4, 5) when the transport case is in the closed position, but which upper area is exposed when the transport case is in the open position. The second bore (24d) extends at an acute angle a relative to the first bore, and terminates at a bore end (25d) that is located within a bore housing block (26) that surrounds the second bore (24d) and that also defines the diameter of the first bore (20d). The angle a is advantageously an acute angle, relative to the first bore (20d), and advantageously defined as comprising an angle of between 11.5 to 12.5°, relative to the first bore (20d), an angle of 12° having been determined to be particularly advantageous. The second bore (24d) intersects with the first bore at an intersection point (27) common to both the first bore (20d) and the second bore (24d), the first and second bores then extending respectively together through the housing block (26) to the first exit orifice (23d), to form a common telescopic leg exit (28d). The first bore has a central axis (29d) running the length of the first bore (20d) and the second bore also has a central axis (30d) running the length of the second bore (24d), the angle a described above being determined as the angle formed between each of said axes (29d, 30d).

[0046] In order to facilitate rearrangement of the angle of insertion of the telescopic leg after it has been removed from the first bore (20a), and from the collapsed position, the first exit orifice (23d) comprises a first curved wall part (31d) in axial alignment with the first bore (20d), and a second curved wall part (32d) in axial alignment with the second bore (24d), the two wall parts (31d, 32d) together forming the common telescopic leg exit orifice (28d). Insertion of the telescopic leg (13d) into the second bore (24d) at the correct angle is thereby facilitated, due to the telescopic leg (13d) engaging against, and being guided by, the second curved wall part (32d) of the first exit orifice (23d) which is in axial alignment with the second bore (24d). As the second bore (24d) terminates in the closed bore end (25d), which is formed within the bore housing block (26), the telescopic leg (13d) can not extend into the second or third shell parts (4, 5), leaving these shell parts (4, 5) free to be moved from the closed position to the open position, as will be described in more detail hereafter. To summarize the process of deployment of the telescopic legs (13) from the collapsed position to the deployed position, when the telescopic leg is in the collapsed position, it is housed entirely within the first bore (20), which first bore also extends into correspondingly provided firstbores in the second and third shell parts (4, 5) respectively. The corresponding first bores (20a) of the second and third shell parts (4, 5) terminate within those shell parts, said shell parts being formed with an internal, closed end (33) to the first bore (20).To deploy the telescopic legs (13), each leg (13) is withdrawn from the first bore (20), until an innermost end of the leg (13) reaches the intersection (27) between the first (20) and second (24) bores. At this point, the telescopic leg (13) is angled to be aligned with the second bore (24), said angling being facilitated by the second curved wall part (32), which is oriented at an angle that is the same as that of the second bore (24). The leg (13) can now be inserted into the second bore (24), until it reaches the closed bore end (25) of the bore housing block (26), at which point the telescopic leg is considered to be in the deployed position. The telescopic legs can be extended or adjusted in length, when in the deployed position, in a known manner to provide the required height from the surface on which the transport case is to be stood. The length of the telescopic legs (13) and positioning of the spring-loaded projections or studs (21) along the length of said legs, are configured to provide a projection or stud which can engage a corresponding opening (34d) provided in the housing block (26) adjacent to the telescopic leg exit (28d), for example in the curved wall part (32). As the telescopic legs (13) no longer restrict movement of the second and third shell parts (4, 5) to the first shell part (3), i.e. they are now unlocked, these second and third shell parts (4, 5) are now free to be able to be moved into an open position. As can be seen further from Figure 3, in the open position, each of the first, second and third shell parts (3, 4, 5) has an upward facing peripheral outer surface (35a, 35b, 35c), and each upward facing peripheral outer surface lies flush along a common horizontal plane (p), with each of the other upward facing peripheral outer surfaces.

[0047] Figure 5 shows the transport case containing an audio entertainment system or DJ audio mixing system, in the open position, with the telescopic legs (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) deployed. As illustrated, the telescopic legs are arranged at an angle of 45° relative to a virtual axis of rotation (36) passing through the centre of the first shell part (3), whilst being held internally in the second bore (22a), which second bore is preferably oriented at an angle of 12° relative to the first bore (20a).

[0048] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate an articulation mechanism (12) for moving each of the second and third shell parts (4, 5) from the closed position to the open position, and vice-versa, i.e. from the open position back to the closed position. As illustrated in these figures, a common axis of rotation (11) of the second and third shell parts (4, 5) is provided within the first shell part (3), for example via a pinion wheel, or toothed cog (10) and an axle (37), such as a metal rod. The axle (37) extends internally from one side of the first shell part (3) to an opposite side of said first shell part (3). Thepinion wheel (10) is coaxially mounted to the axle (37), and rotates freely around the axle. A toothed rack (38) is provided on each of the second and third shell parts (4, 5) respectively, and is aligned with the pinion wheel (10), so that the second and third shell parts (4, 5) engage with the pinion wheel (10) as they are moved from the closed position to the open position and vice-versa. Each of the second and third shell parts (4, 5) has a respective pivot arm (39) with a first pivot arm end (40) connected respectively to the second, and third, shell parts. The pivot arm (29) also has a second pivot arm end (41) connected to a first guide member (42), such as a rod or a rail, which in turn is connected to the first shell part (3) at an angled location, at a suitable distance from the pinion wheel (10). The connection between the second pivot arm end (41) and the first guide member (42) can be provided in a number of ways, but a sliding engagement between the second pivot arm end (41) and the first guide member (42) is preferred, wherein the first guide member (42) is angled at 45° on, or within, the first shell part relative to a side or bottom of the first shell part. Such a sliding engagement can be achieved by providing a sheath (43), for example, which can be connected to the second end (41) of the pivot arm (39), for example, by a nut (44) and a bolt (45) holding the second pivot arm end (41) to the sheath (43), the sheath (43) being configured and dimensioned to surround the first guide member (42), for example, and the sheath (43) being provided with a bore to accommodate the first guide member (42). Such an arrangement would allow for sliding movement of the sheath (43) along the length of the first guide member (42), from a first pivot arm position, to a second pivot arm position. In such a configuration, the first pivot arm position would correspond to the closed position of the second and third shell parts (4, 5) relative to the first shell part (3), i.e. the transport case would be in the closed position, and the second pivot arm position would correspond to the open position of the second and third shell parts (4, 5) relative to the first shell part (3).

[0049] Figure 8 shows an alternative, and preferred arrangement. In this configuration, each pivot arm (39) is attached at the first pivot arm end (40) respectively to a second and third shell part (4, 5) via a second, elongated guide member (46) configured as a rail having a slot (47), through which slot (47) the pinion wheel (10) is mounted via the axle (37), and the slot (47) extends along a length of the rail (46), and defines the allowed distance of travel for each of the second and third shell parts respectively. Additionally, in this alternative arrangement, the combination of sheath (43) and rodshaped guide member (42) is replaced by an angled guide rail (48) also having a slot (49) which extends over a length of the rail (48), the angle of the rail (48) and corresponding length of the slot (49) defining the limit of sliding travel of the second pivot arm end (41). Such a configuration enables the the second end (41) of the pivot arm (39) to move from a first pivot arm position viasliding engagement with the guide rail (48) in the slot (49), through a maximum point of pivot arm second end travel located along a length of the guide rail (48), and back to the first position, wherein said maximum point of travel located along the length of the guide rail (48) is the fulcrum point of the articulation, and corresponds to the highest point to which the second or third shell parts (4, 5) can be raised as they pivot, relative to the first shell part (3).

[0050] Figure 9 illustrates a magnified view of the pinion wheel (10) and the toothed rack (28). The toothed rack (28) is attached to, or integrated into, for example, via a corresponding recess (50), the second, and respectively, third, shell parts (4, 5). As can be seen from this figure, the toothed rack (28) of the second shell part (4) is dimensioned to engage with, and be guided by, the pinion wheel (10), as the second shell part (4) is moved from the closed position to the open position, and vice- versa. The arrangement of the first and second connection ends (40, 41) of the pivot arm (29) and first guide member (42, 48) is designed so that in order to open the second, and respectively third, shell parts (4, 5), the second and third shell parts (4, 5) are initially moved in an upwards direction from the covering, or closed position, assisted and supported by the interaction between the pinion wheel (10) and the toothed rack (28). At a certain predefined point in this upward movement along the length of the first guide member (42, 48), the second, and respectively third, shell parts (4, 5) reach a tipping or fulcrum point, and the weight of the second, and respectively third, shell parts (4, 5) causes them to fall in an outwards direction, i.e. to open up, under the effect of gravity. The toothed rack (28) and pinion wheel (10), coupled with the second guide member comprising the rail (46) and slot (47) of the pivot arm (39), which is traversed by the axle (37), maintains the second, and respectively third, shell part (4, 5) in a horizontal position, while the angled guide rail (48) and slot (49) in which the second pivot arm end (41) slides, allows the second, respectively, third, shell parts (4, 5) to drop in a controlled manner, and be seated next to the first shell part (3) in the open position. In this open position, the first shell part (3), second shell part (4) and third shell part (5) all have an upward facing outer peripheral surface (35a, 35b, 35c) located at the same height, i.e. respectively flush one with each other. Additionally, both the first shell part (3), and second and third shell parts (4, 5) can additionally be provided with a respective electrical connection to allow electrical power to flow from the first shell part into the second and third shell parts, to supply electrical power to the electronic components contained within the second and third shell parts. The electrical connections are only engaged when the second and third shell parts are in the open position. For example, the first shell part can be provided with a movable male part that extends automatically outwardly from the first shell part into a correspondingly configured female receivingpart provided in the second and third shell parts, wherein the movable male part is inserted into the female receiving parts once the open position has been achieved.

[0051] As a result, the transport case is both easy and convenient to transport and deploy for use, and suitable for cariying a variety of equipment, for example, an audio entertainment system, or a DJ audio mixing system, as described elsewhere herein, integrated into the inner volumes provided by each of the first, second and third shell parts respectively of the transport case.

Claims

Claims1. A transport case equipped with at least one or more telescopic legs, the one or more telescopic legs being configured to be movable from a collapsed position to an extended position, wherein the transport case comprises :• a body having a first shell part forming a base, and at least a second shell part forming a cover for the base, and• at least one or more dedicated telescopic leg housings respectively for receiving each respective one of the at least one or more telescopic legs, said at least one or more dedicated telescopic leg housings each comprising a first bore extending within at least the first shell part of the body forming the base, and a second bore extending only within the first shell part of the body forming the base, the second bore being oriented at an angle relative to the first bore and intersecting the first bore ;• wherein the first bore receives a respective one of the at least one or more telescopic legs in the collapsed position, and• wherein the second bore receives the same respective one of the at least one or more telescopic legs in the deployed position.

2. A transport case according to claim 1, wherein the first bore extends within both the first shell part of the body forming the base and the second shell part of the body forming the cover, of the transport case, and, when in the collapsed position, the telescopic leg is received in the first bore of both the first shell part of the body forming the base and the second shell part of the body forming the cover, the telescopic leg thereby locking the second shell part of the body forming the cover to the first shell part of the body forming the base.

3. A transport case according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when in the deployed position, the telescopic leg is received in the second bore, and the at least first second shell part of the body forming the cover is unlocked from the first shell part, and can accordingly be moved, for example, to open the case and expose the contents and / or equipment held within the transport case.

4. A transport case according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first bore extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a dimension of the body of the transport case, for example, perpendicular to a depth or a width of the body of the carry case.

5. A transport case according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the intersection of the second bore with the first bore forms a common telescopic leg exit opening at a respective end of the first and second bores.

6. A transport case according to claim 5, wherein the common telescopic leg exit opening comprises a first curved wall part in axial alignment with the first bore, and a second curved wall part in axial alignment with the second bore, the two wall parts together forming the common telescopic leg exit opening.

7. A transport case according to claim 1, wherein the second bore is oriented at an acute angle a relative to the first bore, and advantageously, at an angle a of between 11.5° to 12.5°, and preferably 12°, relative to the first bore.

8. A transport case according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when in the deployed position, each telescopic leg is positioned at 45° relative to a virtual axis of rotation passing perpendicularly through a centre of the body of the transport case when the first shell part forming the base is positioned parallel with a ground surface or other substantially flat or horizontal surface.

9. A transport case according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second shell part forming the cover is connected to the first shell part forming the base via a first articulation.

10. A transport case according to claim 1, wherein the body of the transport case comprises a third shell part forming a cover, and the second shell part and the third shell part are dimensioned to each respectively form a cover for one half of the first shell forming the base of the body of the transport case.

11. A transport case according to claim 10, wherein the third shell part forming a cover is also advantageously connected to the first shell part forming the base via a separate, second articulation.

12. A transport case according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the second shell part and the third shell part are respectively locked in a covering position over the first shell part, when the telescopic legs are in the collapsed position.

13. A transport case according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the second shell part and the third shell part are independently movable one with respect to the other via their respective articulations, when their corresponding respective telescopic legs are in the deployed position.

14. A transport case according to claim 9, wherein the articulation comprises:• a pivot arm, having a first end connected to the shell part forming the cover; and• a first guide member, positioned on, or within, the first shell part, the first guide member being connected to the pivot arm at a second end of the pivot arm;• the second end of pivot arm being movable via sliding engagement with the first guide member between a first pivot arm position and a second pivot arm position, wherein the first pivot arm position corresponds to a closed position of the shell part forming the cover, and the second pivot arm position corresponds to an open position of the shell part forming the cover.

15. A transport case according to claim 14, wherein the articulation further comprises:• a toothed rack, located within the shell part forming the cover;• a pinion wheel, attached to the first shell part forming the base;• wherein during movement of the pivot arm from the first pivot arm position to the second pivot arm position, the toothed rack engages with the pinion wheel to support the shell part forming the cover during movement from the closed position to the open position.

16. A transport case according to claim 15, wherein during movement of the pivot arm from the second pivot arm position to the first pivot arm position, the toothed rack engages with the pinion wheel to support the shell part forming the cover during movement from the open position to the closed position.

17. A transport case according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the second end of pivot arm is movable from a first pivot arm position via sliding engagement with the first guide member, through a maximum point of pivot arm second end travel located along a length of the first guide member, and back to the first position, wherein said maximum point of travel located along the length of the first guide member is the fulcrum point of the articulation.

18. A transport case according to claim 17, wherein the second end of the pivot arm is moved from the first position as the second shell part forming the cover is moved from the closed position towards the open position.

19. A transport case according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the first end of the pivot arm comprises a second guide member, and the second guide member slidingly receives an axle on which the pinion wheel is rotatably mounted.

20. A transport case according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport case contains an audio entertainment system, said audio entertainment system comprising one or more electronic components, said components being housed and distributed respectively in the first shell part, second shell part and third shell part, respectively of the body of the transport case, and wherein the electronic components housed within the second and third shell parts forming the covers of the body of the transport case are electrically connected to the electronic components housed with the first shell part forming the base of the body of the transport case.

21. A transport case according to claim 20, wherein each of the second and third shell parts forming the covers of the transport case body contains one or more of an electronic component such as a turntable, a beat or rhythm generator, an optical storage support player, and / or a display screen.

22. A transport case according to claim 20, wherein each of the first, second and third shell parts forming the covers and base of the body of the transport case are provided with a retractable protection screen, configured to remain within each respective shell part when the transport case is in the closed position, and to extend outwards from the respective shell part when the transport case is in the open position.

23. A transport case according to claim 20, wherein the electronic components housed within the respective, first, second and third shell parts of the body of the transport case, are mounted on a carriage, each carriage being configured to be movable from a recessed position within the respective shell part when the transport case is in the closed position, to a deployed position when the transport case is in the open position.

24. A transport case according to claim 23, wherein the movable carriages are configured to be manually movable from the recessed position to the deployed position.

25. A transport case according to claim 23, wherein the movable carriages are configured to be movable from the recessed position to the deployed position via a motorised arrangement, which is activated only when the transport case is in the open position.

26. A transport case according to claim 1 and claim 14, wherein the first shell part forming the base of of the body of the transport case comprises a first electrical supply connector and a second electrical supply connector, said first and second electrical supply connectors engaging respectively with a first electrical supply receiver located in the second shell part, and a second electrical supply receiver located in the third shell part forming a cover, only when said second and third shell parts are in the open position.

27. An audio entertainment system, such as a DJ audio mixing system, comprising one or more electronic components, such as: one or more processors, digital-to-analog controllers, analog-to-digital controllers, one or more switches, dials, controls, push buttons, levers, display screens, and the like; one or more hardware and / or software controlled audio playback, mixing and / or sound effect application components; one or more inlet and outlet ports, such as digital and / or analog ports for connecting the entertainment system to external speakers, screens, and / or lighting systems and the like, wherein the portable audio entertainment system is housed within a transport case according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

28. Audio entertainment system according to claim 27, further comprising a port plate grouping together the inlet and / or outlet ports, wherein the port plate is arranged to lie flush with a open-facing surface of the first shell part of the transport case when the transport case is in the open position.

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