Luggage system

Abstract

A luggage system for transporting and storing items, comprising a pack, and a shell connected to a side of the pack. The shell provides structural rigidity to the luggage system and is formed with a lattice to provide a lightweight and durable system.

Description

LUGGAGE SYSTEMFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a luggage system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Luggage systems, such as suitcases, trolley cases, briefcases, duffel bags, backpacks and the like are generally known for being used to store and transport items or belongings. More specifically, hard-shelled luggage systems and soft sided luggage systems are known and each have benefits over the other.

[0003] Hard-shelled luggage systems are characterized by a rigid exterior construction and is utilised its robustness and durability for protecting items against physical damage. Such a design is used to protect fragile and valuable items during travel, offering protection against impacts, abrasions and other types of damage. The hard shell also provides a support system for the luggage system such that it is able to retain its shape throughout transit. An issue with these systems is a lack of flexibility of the shell which limits the stowing and storage capability of a hard-shelled luggage system. Further, the use of a hard, durable material in the construction of a shell adds to the weight of the luggage system. This not only has an impact on the ease of handling, but where weight restrictions apply, such as air travel, the rigid construction may become a factor.

[0004] In comparison, soft sided luggage systems are typically lighter than hard shell luggage and are characterized by a flexible exterior. These systems are typically constructed using textiles or other flexible material. The use of such materials enables a luggage system that is lightweight, making it easier to handle and to transport. Further, the flexibility of a soft sided luggage system allows it to conform to smaller and irregular spaces, enabling for easier stowing and storage when not in use. However, soft sided luggage systems lack durability and robustness, compromising on protective capabilities particularly for rough handling of luggage. Therefore, a user's items or belongings may be more likely to become damaged during transit when using a soft sided luggage system in comparison to a hard-shelled luggage system.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a luggage system that overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages, and / or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.SUMMARY

[0006] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a luggage system comprising: a pack for stowing luggage, and a rigid or semi-rigid shell comprising: a rear wall comprising a base edge and a top edge, wherein the rear wall extends between the base edge and the top edge, an integral lattice structure formed on the rear wall, and a peripheral side wall extending from the rear wall between the base edge and the top edge, wherein the shell is connected to an exterior surface of the pack with the rear wall and the side wall in contact with the exterior of the pack.

[0007] According to another aspect, the integral lattice structure comprises a plurality of beams forming openings.

[0008] According to another aspect, each beam intersects another beam, such that the beams are integrally formed with one another.

[0009] According to another aspect, the shell is formed as a tub structure.

[0010] According to another aspect, the integral lattice structure is a substantially triangular lattice.

[0011] According to another aspect, a cross-section of each of the beams is substantially curved.

[0012] According to another aspect, a cross-section of each of the beams is substantially V- shaped.

[0013] According to another aspect, each beam has a depth of 50% to 100% of its width.

[0014] According to another aspect, the at least one shell is a substantially consistent thickness.

[0015] According to another aspect, an exterior surface of the pack not in contact with the shell is accessible.

[0016] According to another aspect, the at least one shell is moulded using a rigid or semirigid material.

[0017] According to another aspect, the at least one peripheral side wall and the top have a width less than 75% of the width of the luggage system.

[0018] According to another aspect, the at least one peripheral side wall and the top have a width less than 50% of the width of the luggage system.

[0019] According to another aspect, the at least one peripheral side wall and the top have a width less than 25% of the width of the luggage system.

[0020] According to another aspect, a width of a base of the shell is greater than the width of the at least one peripheral side wall.

[0021] According to another aspect, the shell comprises an extendible handle, wherein the extendible handle comprises a rod which is guided by a guide device, wherein the rear wall comprises a recess which surrounds a guide device on at least one side.

[0022] According to another aspect, a lower portion of the shell comprises a wheel housing recess, wherein at least one wheel is rotatably attached.

[0023] According to another aspect, the at least one shell is fixedly attached to the luggage system.

[0024] According to another aspect, the luggage system comprises a further shell, wherein the further shell is positioned on a front of the pack.

[0025] According to another aspect, the shell and the further shell are nested together.

[0026] According to another aspect, the at least one wheel is swivelable about an axis parallel to a plane defined by the rear wall.

[0027] In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a luggage system comprising: a pack, and a shell, wherein the shell is formed as a tub structure and comprises: a rear wall extending between a base edge and a top edge, and at least one peripheral side wall extending between the base edge and the top edge, and connected to the rear wall, wherein the rear wall is provided with an integral lattice structure, wherein the lattice structure includes a plurality of beams which form a periphery of openings, and wherein the shell is connected to an exterior surface of the pack wherein the rear wall and the at least one peripheral side wall are in contact with the exterior of the pack for providing structural support to the luggage system.

[0028] In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a luggage system comprising: a pack for stowing luggage, and a shell comprising: a rear wall extending between a base edge and a top edge, and at least one a peripheral side wall extending between the base edge and the top edge, and connected to the rear wall, wherein the rear wall comprises an integral lattice structure having plurality of beams forming openings, and wherein the shell is connected to an exterior surface of the pack and the rear wall and the at least one peripheral side wall are in contact with the exterior of the pack for providing structural support to the luggage system.

[0029] Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] As used herein the term 'and / or' means 'and' or 'or', or both.

[0031] As used herein '(s)' following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun.

[0032] The term 'comprising' as used in this specification and claims means 'consisting at least in part of'. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as 'comprise' and 'comprised' are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0033] In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents or such sources of information is not to be construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which:

[0035] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the luggage system;

[0036] Figure 2 shows a rear view of the luggage system;

[0037] Figure 3 shows a detailed perspective view of the rear view of Figure 2;

[0038] Figure 4 shows a perspective rear view of the luggage system;

[0039] Figure 5 shows a side view of the shell;

[0040] Figure 6 shows a bottom view of the shell.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] According to various aspects of the present invention as illustrated in figures 1 -7, there is provided a luggage system 100 which will now be described.

[0042] As shown in figure 1, there is provided a luggage system 100 for carrying items, such as when travelling or for storing items. The luggage system 100 is a closable container comprising a pack 1, and a shell 3. The shell 3 may be a tub structure. The pack 1 is a bag portion of the luggage system 100 that holds items or luggage stowed in the luggage system 100. The pack 1 may have zipped parts, or other closable mechanisms such as Velcro or clips, to access the interior, or any other storage means, including various pockets or openings. The pack 1 may also include several sectioned areas to allow access to different portions of the pack 1 through various openings. The pack 1 may also include latches or other connection means to secure the pack 1 when closed to ensure that items contained within the interior are retained. In addition to these features, the pack 1 may also include one or more handles or straps on a top, side, front or back surface to allow the luggage system 100 to be carried when the luggage system 100 is being used in a location not suitable for wheels or a telescopic handle.

[0043] The luggage system 100 shown in figures 1 to 7 is a carry-on luggage system 100. However, in other embodiments, the luggage system 100 may be used for other applications requiring smaller or larger packs 1 and shells 3. The luggage system 100 may also refer to other types of bags, such as rucksacks, carry bags, etc. Whilst the luggage system 100 is generally cuboid to maximise space, the luggage system 100 may have various shapes, such as narrower portions and / or stepped sides.

[0044] The pack 1 may be part of the external structure as shown in figures 1 and 4. The pack 1 may comprise of any durable and / or lightweight material, including textiles, sheets, or membranes comprising cotton, wool, silk, linen, polyester, nylon, or any combination thereof. In the case of a textile, the textile may be a woven, knitted or non-woven textile. The pack 1material is generally flexible allowing deformation of the pack portion. However, it may be strengthened or provided with structure, such as with strengthening portions, ribs, partitions, etc.

[0045] The terms 'rear' and 'front' are generally used herein to refer to the orientations of the luggage system 100. For instance, the rear is generally considered to be the part of the luggage system 100 that is placed on the ground when the luggage system 100 is required to be opened, such that the rear has no access to an interior of the pack 3. Whilst the front is the opposite portion generally being at the top when the luggage system 100 is placed on the ground to be fully opened. Likewise, a 'base' is considered to be the side that is closest to the ground when the luggage system 100 is in an upright position and the top being the side that is furthest from the ground in this orientation. However, these terms are not limiting and may be altered as required.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the shell 3 is positioned on a rear side of the pack 1. Alternatively, the shell 3 may be positioned on any side of the pack 1. The shell 3 is a solid structure which provides rigidity to, or at least part of, the pack 1. This enables the remainder of the pack 1 to be deformable and collapsible while the shell 3 maintains a degree of structural integrity. This can assist with storage, but also can be utilised to reduce the volume of the luggage system 100 when travelling.

[0047] As shown in figure 2, the shell 3 comprises a rear wall 5 extending between a base edge 7 and a top edge 9, and at least one peripheral side wall 11 extending between the base edge 7 and the top edge 9. The peripheral side wall is integral with the rear wall 5. The connection may be along a side edge of the rear wall 5.

[0048] The shell 3 further comprises a base 33, wherein the base 33 extends from the rear wall 5 at the base edge 7. The base edge 7, top edge 9, and side edges are rounded for fitting to the contours of a pack 1. The rounded edges of the shell provide additional structural rigidity to the shell, and removes sharp corners or edges which can be easily damaged in use and cause damage to other objects. Further, the rounded edges allow for an easier moulding process and may be more visually appealing to a user. However, in some configurations, sharp edges may be used as required for a more angular appearance.

[0049] As shown in figure 5, the base 33 generally has a larger width than the peripheral side walls 11 and top 10. These relative dimensions provide additional rigidity to a bottom of theluggage system 100. This also allows additional space to mount the wheels (described below). A larger base 33 relative to the side walls 11 also provides a lower centre of gravity that makes the luggage system 100 easier to manoeuvre particularly in wheeled configuration.

[0050] As shown in figure 6, The base 33 may have a ribbed structure 39. The ribs 41 provide additional strength to the base 33 and also provides a visually appealing appearance.

[0051] The width of the base 33 is greater than the width of the at least one peripheral side wall 11. The at least one peripheral side wall 11 and a top of the shell 3 generally has a width less than approximately 100% of the width of the luggage system 100, less than approximately 50% of the width of the luggage system 100, or less than approximately 25% of the width of the luggage system. In some configurations, such as the one shown, where the shell 3 forms part of the width of the luggage system 100 requires the pack 1 to form the remainder of the width (in a fully expanded form). Having a shell less than the width of the luggage system further reduces the material used to mould the shell, reducing the overall weight of the luggage system. Additionally, having a width of the base 33 which is less than the total width of the luggage system 100 allows the pack 1 to be deformable and collapsible such that the side profile of the luggage system 100 can be reduced. This provides additional capability of storing the luggage system 100 in smaller and tighter locations, such as in overhead locker in an aeroplane when the pack 1 is not fully filled. Further, this reduces the storage area necessary when the luggage system 100 is empty and stored away.

[0052] The shell 3 comprises a tapered section at a bottom portion 14. The base 33 tapers towards the width of the peripheral side wall 11 from the base 33, such that the width of the base 33 decreases to the width of the at least one peripheral side wall 11. The tapered section 12 of the peripheral side wall 11 provides additional surface area for wheel housing recesses 29. The larger area enables a larger wheel housing recess which further allows for larger wheels 31 to be provided on the luggage system to increase mobility. The width of the base 33 may be any width equal to or less than the width of the luggage system 100.

[0053] As shown in Figure 2 and in more detail in Figure 3, the rear wall 5 is provided with an integral lattice structure 37. The lattice structure is an open structure where openings 17 are formed in the rear wall 5. The openings 17 are formed inside beams 15. The integral lattice structure is therefore formed by beams 15 and openings 17 in the rear wall 5.

[0054] The integral lattice structure 37 comprises side portions 19, a central portion 13, a top portion 18 and a bottom portion 14. The side portions 19 extend from wheel housing recesses 29 to the top edge 9. The central portion 13 extends from a centre of the bottom portion 14 towards a centre of the top portion 18. The side portions 19 and centre portion 13 provide structural support to the integral lattice structure 37.

[0055] Alternatively, there may be more than one central portion 13 that extends from the bottom portion 14 to the top portion 18 of the rear wall 5. The central portion 13 provides a vertical support structure along a centre of the rear wall 5 which provides an anchor point for each of the beams 15. The top portion 18 has a generally trapezoidal shape, such that the longer edge is the top edge 9 and the narrower edge of the top portion of the rear wall 5 is adjacent the central portion 13. The sides of the trapezoidal shape of the bottom portion taper towards the central portion 13. The bottom portion has a generally trapezoidal shape, such that the longer edge is the base edge 7 and the narrower edge of the bottom portion is adjacent the central portion 13. The sides of the trapezoidal shape of the bottom portion taper towards the central portion 13. In an alternative configuration, the top portion and the bottom portion may have any other shape, including, but not limited to, rectangular or triangular.

[0056] The angled sides of the shapes forming the top and bottom portions provide strength to the rear wall 5 whilst allowing a reduction in the material required to form the rear wall 5.

[0057] The integral lattice structure 37 includes the plurality of beams 15 which form the periphery of openings 17. The integral lattice structure 37 is a substantially triangular lattice, such that the openings 17 provided between the beams 15 are substantially triangular. In an alternative embodiment, the integral lattice structure 37 may have openings 17 that are any other shape, including, but not limited to, circular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc. The openings reduce the quantity of material used in the moulding of the shell 3 which reduces the overall weight of the luggage system. However, the shape of the openings 17 between the beams 15 ensure structure rigidity by allowing forces to be transferred between them in a space frame type structure. A force externed on the luggage system 100 is translated via the beams 15 to the generally vertically extending central portion 13 and / or side portions 19. Therefore, the beams 15 allow a transfer of forces exerted on the luggage system 100 whilst maintaining weight reductions by utilizing openings 17. In some configurations, the beams 15 may extend across a space between the side portion 19 and thecentral portion 13. Therefore, a force is always distributed between at least two portions 13, 19 and then onto further portions 13, 19 through the beams 15 at the next opening.

[0058] In some configurations, the openings 17 may be any size based on the intended use of the luggage system 100. For example, a luggage system that has a lower weight requirement may include larger openings 17 and / or or smaller beams 15, such that the shell 3 has less material. Additionally, the openings 17 may be scaled to the size of the luggage system 100. For example, larger or smaller luggage systems may have openings 17 that are proportional to the size of the luggage system to reduce weight and maintain durability. Alternatively, larger or smaller luggage systems may have any other sized and / or shaped openings. This provides a lightweight luggage system without the need to remove other features of the luggage system to reduce weight.

[0059] The openings 17 adjacent the top portion of the rear wall 5 are generally shaped to a portion of an edge of the handle recess 27, the side portion of the rear wall 5, the top portion of the rear wall 5 and the central portion 13 of the rear wall. The openings 17 adjacent the bottom portion of the rear wall 5 are generally shaped to a portion of an edge of either wheel recesses 29, the bottom portion of the rear wall 5, the side portion 19 of the rear wall 5 and the central portion of the rear wall 5. The openings 17 central to each side of the rear wall 5, are substantially diamond shaped. The openings are not limited to the shapes described above, and may also be any shape formed by the plurality of beams 15, side 19, central 13, top and bottom portions of the rear wall. However, as described, the beams 15 generally extend at a non-parallel or perpendicular angle from the central or side portions 13, 19 to allow the translation of forces therebetween.

[0060] As best shown in figure 3, the beams 15 have chamfered edges 16 that correspond to the respective shape of the openings 17. The chamfered edges 16 remove sharp edges from the shell, which can be prone to damage or can cause damage. In alternative configurations, the beams 15 may have bevelled edges, rounded edges, or with square edges.

[0061] Each of the beams 15 extend from a side portion 19 of the rear wall 5 to a central portion 13 of the rear wall 5. In an alternative embodiment, each of the beams 15 may extend from a top portion of the rear wall 5 or a bottom portion of the rear wall 5 towards either the side portion 19 of the rear wall 5 or the central portion 13 of the rear wall 5.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the each of the beams 15 intersect another beam 15, such that the beams 15 are integral with one another. Therefore, in some configurations, the beams form an X-shape at the intersection points. In an alternative configuration, the beams 15 do not intersect.

[0063] The beams 15 are provided with chamfers 16 along the rear-facing surfaces of the beam 15. The chamfers are the same as those described above. The chamfers are formed such that each beam 15 narrows toward the rear surface 20. The use of chamfers removes sharp edges from the shell which can be prone to damage or can cause damage.

[0064] The chamfered edges of the beams 15 also allow some twisting of the shell 3 which may be useful to provide some torsional flexibility. However, the inner side of the beams 15, that form the inner part of the luggage system 100 and are in contact with the pack 1, are generally larger to provide a larger surface area to which the pack 1 connects and gives less flexibility on the side that is to be holding the stowed luggage.

[0065] Each beam 15 has a depth of between 0% to 20% of its width, between 20% to 40% of its width, between 40% to 60% of its width, between 60% to 80% of its width, or between 80% to 100% of its width. The beams 15 provide protection for the pack 1 that sits in the openings 17. Therefore, the beams 15 sit outwardly of the pack 1 in the rearward direction. As shown in figure 7, the cross-section of each beam is substantially curved. In an alternative embodiment, the cross-section of each of the beams 15 may be substantially V-shaped. The shape of the cross-section of each beam 15 provides strengthened archways which reinforce against any torsional forces that are applied to the shell 3. This minimises the quantity of material used to mould the shell 3, therefore contributing towards a durable and lightweight luggage system 100.

[0066] Alternatively, the beams 15 may have a cross-section that is any shape, including, but not limited to, circular or triangular. Such a configuration is beneficial in providing additional rigidity when the reduction of weight is not essential. The beams 15 are designed to reinforce against any torsional forces that are applied to the shell 3 which adds to the durability of the luggage system 100.

[0067] In a preferred configuration, the walls of the pack 1 cover the openings 17 when the shell 3 is positioned on the pack 1 such that there is no spacing between the shell 3 and pack 1. No spacing is provided between the shell 3 and pack 1 to maximise the internal volume ofthe luggage system 100. This also provides a solid rear wall 5 of the luggage system 100. In some configurations, the openings 17 are closed with a material that is external to the pack 1. In such a configuration, the material is less thick than the beams 15. For instance, the openings may be closed by a material that is more durable than the pack 1. The openings 17 may also be closed by a material that is the same as the beams 15, for instance, a rubberised or plastic material. This material may be integral with the beams 15. In such a configuration, the openings 17 are formed as recesses 17.

[0068] In some configurations, the pack 1 that attaches to a front side of the rear wall 5 is a different material to the rest of the pack 1, such that it may be of a more or less durable material given that it is positioned or connected to the wall 5.

[0069] The shell 3 is fixedly attached to the pack 1 by any fastening means, including, but not limited to, bolts, screws, rivets, adhesives, etc. The shell 3 is connected to an exterior surface of the pack 1 wherein the rear wall 5 and the at least one peripheral side wall 11 are in contact with the exterior of the pack 1. The pack 1 of the luggage system 100 is accessible from an exterior surface of the pack that is not in contact with the shell 3. This enables the shell 3 to be fixedly attached to the pack 1.

[0070] In an alternative configuration, at least partial spacing may be provided between the shell 3 and the pack 1 to enable access to a rear surface of the pack 1. In such a configuration, the openings 17 may be optionally filled. In other configurations, access to an interior of the pack 1 is possible through the rear, such as through an opening 17, or around the rear wall 5.

[0071] In some configurations, the shell 3 is moulded to have a substantially consistent thickness. That is, that with the exception of the openings 17, the shell 3 has a consistent thickness. In other embodiments, the side walls 11 and / or top and / or base 33 may have a different thickness to the rear wall 5. In other configurations, the rear wall 5 may have a greater thickness in the side portions 19 and central portions 13 to other parts to provide structural rigidity. In an alternative embodiment, the thickness of the shell 3 is minimised to provide a lightweight luggage system while maintaining structural integrity.

[0072] The shell 3 is moulded using a rigid and / or lightweight material, such as polycarbonate (PC), Acrylic (PMMA), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyurethane (PU) - in rigid foam form, anyother rigid material, or combination thereof. Alternatively, the shell 3 may be moulded using a flexible or semi-rigid and / or lightweight material, such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and any other flexible material, or combination thereof.

[0073] As shown in Figure 3, the shell 3 comprises a handle recess 27 which houses an extendible handle 21. The extendible handle 21 has a stowed position and an in-use position. In a stowed position, the handle 21 is contained within the handle recess 27 and is contained within a profile of the shell 3 such that the handle 21 does not extend outwardly from the luggage system 100. In an in-use position, the handle 21 is extended generally vertically from the top 10 of the shell 3, and locks into position.

[0074] In an alternative configuration, the handle 21 may extend from any portion of the rear wall 5. The handle recess 27 is positioned at the centre of the central portion 13 of the rear wall 5, and partially in the top of the rear wall 5. The extendible handle 21 comprises a rod 23 which is guided by a guide device 25, the handle recess 27 which surrounds a guide device 25 on at least one side. The guide device 25 is fixedly attached to the shell 3 by any fastening means, including, but not limited to, bolts, screws, rivets, adhesives, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the extendible handle is a single mono handle.

[0075] The handle rod 23 when positioned in the central portion 13 may provide torsional rigidity to the rear wall 5. Alternatively, or additionally, the handle rad 23 may have a strengthened sheath in the handle recess 27 that provides additional strength. These provide strength for the luggage system 100 such as when subjected to crushing forces in transit situations, such as on aeroplanes or buses.

[0076] In some configurations, such as where multiple central portions 13 are provided, the handle 21 may comprise multiple handle rods 23 and form a U-shaped handle 21. Therefore, the rods 23 extends down each central portion 13 or down each side portion 19. This may also provide additional strength to each portion 13, 19 as appropriate.

[0077] Alternatively, the extendible handle 21 is a dual style handle or any other type of handle. The rod 23 may consist of several sections which are configured to be housed within each other in a stowed configuration, such that the handle 21 is a telescopic handle 21.

[0078] As shown in Figure 4, a lower portion of the shell 3 comprises two wheel housing recesses 29, wherein a wheel 31 is rotatably attached to the shell 3 within the each of thewheel housing recesses 29. Each wheel housing recess 29 is positioned at a bottom corner defined generally by where the base 33, the rear wall 5 and the peripheral side wall 11 intersect. The wheel housing recess 29 comprises a projection 35 parallel to the at least one peripheral side wall 11 and positioned on an outer side of the wheel 31. The wheel 31 is rotatably attached to an inner surface of the projection 35 and the wheel housing recess 29. The two points of contact with each wheel provide the wheel with stability and ensures that the wheels roll in a straight line for a controlled mobility of the luggage system 100.

[0079] In some configurations, the wheels 31 may be positioned on castors, such that they may be rollable in multiple directions. In alternative configurations, additional wheels 31 are provided, such as in a four wheeled configuration. In such an embodiment, the shell 3 may extend to a front of the luggage system 100 to provide an additional or an extended housing recess 29 for additional wheels 31.

[0080] In an alternative configuration, the luggage system 100 may comprise two shells 3, wherein the first shell 3 as hereinbefore described is positioned on a rear of the luggage system 100 and the further or second shell is positioned on a front of the luggage system 100. The first shell 3 and the second shell may be nested together. In such a configuration, the pack 3 may be formed as the shells, or a pack 3 may be formed inwardly of the shells. The second shell may comprise a lattice structure 37 as described above.

[0081] In this two shell configuration, the four wheel configuration or the castor wheels where the wheels are swivelable about an axis parallel to a plane defined by the rear wall, such that the wheels are capable of rolling in any direction, may be provided.

[0082] In an alternative configuration, the shell 3 is detachably attached to the pack 1. Such a configuration enables a user to optionally attach the shell 3 only when additional rigidity is necessary in use. Alternatively or additionally, in a configuration a second shell 3 may be optionally attached to the pack 1 on a side opposite the first shell 3.

[0083] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0084] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, andany or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A luggage system comprising: a pack for stowing luggage, and a rigid or semi-rigid shell comprising: a rear wall comprising a base edge and a top edge, wherein the rear wall extends between the base edge and the top edge, an integral lattice structure formed on the rear wall, and a peripheral side wall extending from the rear wall between the base edge and the top edge, wherein the shell is connected to an exterior surface of the pack with the rear wall and the peripheral side wall in contact with the exterior of the pack.

2. The luggage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the integral lattice structure comprises a plurality of beams forming openings.

3. The luggage system as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one or each beam intersects another beam, such that the beams are integral.

4. The luggage system as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein a cross-section of each of the beams is substantially curved.

5. The luggage system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a crosssection of each of the beams is substantially V-shaped.

6. The luggage system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein each beam has a depth of 50% to 100% of its width.

7. The luggage system as claimed any one of the preceding claims, wherein the integral lattice structure is a substantially triangular lattice.

8. The luggage system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one shell is a substantially consistent thickness.

9. The luggage system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an exterior surface of the pack not in contact with the shell is accessible.

10. The luggage system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one shell is moulded using a rigid or semi rigid material.

11. The luggage system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one peripheral side wall has a width less than 75% of the width of the luggage system.

12. The luggage system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one peripheral side wall has a width less than 50% of the width of the luggage system.

13. The luggage system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one peripheral side wall has a width less than 25% of the width of the luggage system.

14. The luggage system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a width of a base of the shell is greater than the width of the at least one peripheral side wall.

15. The luggage system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shell comprises an extendible handle, wherein the extendible handle comprises a rod which is guided by a guide device, wherein the rear wall comprises a recess which surrounds a guide device on at least one side.

16. The luggage system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a lower portion of the shell comprises a wheel housing recess, wherein the wheels are rotatably attached.

17. The luggage system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one shell is fixedly attached to the luggage system.

18. The luggage system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the luggage system comprises a further shell, wherein the further shell is positioned on a front of the pack.

19. The luggage system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the shell and the further shell are nested together.

20. The luggage system as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the at least one wheel is swivelable about an axis parallel to a plane defined by the rear wall.

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